Boston | The Feng Shui Foodie

In feng shui folklore, one of the most beautiful icons of romance is the Mandarin Duck. Known as the “Love Birds” in China and Japan, a pair of these feathered creatures together is a historic symbol of love and devotion because they mate for life. In certain schools of feng shui, these are commonly used to attract a desirable mate and promote marriage. I think ducks are cute. Unless a client has a general fondness of ducks or birds, it wouldn’t be my first suggestion to use Mandarin Ducks in an environment as decor. However, do I want some for my home? Yes!! I’ve been keeping on eye on this beautiful fabric on Etsy.com with Mandarin ducks on a red background.

Provided by the Etsy store Simply Fabric Oakland, this colorful print would be ideal for a set of throw pillows. More information can be found by contacting the seller here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/112921502/97-width-chinese-double-happiness?ref=shop_home_active_1

In August, I was in Boston for the wedding of my friends Diane and Josh. Thanks to my friend Amy, a bridesmaid, I was able to attend the rehearsal dinner as her date. Due to their romantic symbolism, I found it brilliantly coincidental that the happy couple would pick a location highly influenced by ducks – and I don’t mean on the menu. The Old Mill, located in Westminster, Massachusetts, is housed inside a historic mill with water all around.

The ducks here are very happy creatures. The restaurant provides bread that guests may feed to them. (The duck pictured above practically ate out of my hand.) Now, while these aren’t specifically Mandarin ducks, the romantic symbolism can still be applied.

Originally a sawmill in the late eighteenth century, the mill was a thriving part of the community for five generations, before falling into neglect about a hundred years later. In 1921, it was revived into a summer tea house, operating until 1942 when war rationing of staples forced it to shut down. In 1946, the Foster family took it over, making it a year-round restaurant and bakery. They have continued to run it ever since.

One of things I love about the architecture of the site is the blending of old and new. Throughout the environment, homage is paid to the historical aspects of the structure, yet making it very livable and modern. In the photo to the left, one can see the new addition to the wing, and how it melds into the vintage timber of the building.

Flowing water, thriving trees, sunshine, smooth rocks, all of these are prime examples of how the elements can come together in completely harmony.

Another scenic view of the pond from the restaurant’s terrace.

The inside environment was nostalgic and quaint. Tables seating four to six were neatly arranged in the dining areas. Earth was the main element present in each room; brown being the dominant color and altered wood the primary material. Because the wood used here is dead (no longer a living plant), it’s now an earth element.

This amusing sign made me laugh because I was wearing a hat at the time. All sorts of vintage memorabilia adorn the walls, conjuring feelings of warmth and comfort.

Due to the special nature of the event, our dinner was served buffet style. Some of my favorite items were:

Corn Fritters with a Maple Syrup Glaze – Scrumptious. I think I had seven…
Baked Haddock Casserole with Seafood Stuffing – Rich and filling. A seafood lovers dream.
Roast Prime Rib – Tender pieces of beef. Tantalizing and tasty.
Caesar Salad – A classic done right. It accompanied the prime rib perfectly.

Our Server, whose name I sadly cannot recall, was incredible. In addition to making sure everyone’s needs were met, she was also our bartender. She made me, without a doubt in my mind, the best chocolate martini I’ve ever had. Just the right amount of sweetness, and the glass lined with chocolate syrup. Flawless and sublime. I was a happy man.

Each guest was given their own strawberry shortcake parfait, completely with whip cream on top. Refreshing and ideal for the summer weather.

A majestic brick fireplace demanded attention in the center of the room. The candles atop were arranged by the groom’s mother and grandmother. The candles add beneficial fire energy to the celebration.

After the rich and decadent meal, many of the guests made their way outside to feed the ducks.

In addition to the main restaurant, The Old Mill also offers The Cracker Barrel Lounge, complete with a full bar and its own menu (although the restaurant menu can be ordered here as well). The beneficial energy of the Old Mill, due to the very happy ducks, the natural surroundings, and the historical beauty of the structure, provide an auspicious area for dining, be it for the whole family or a romantic occasion. I will definitely be returning here on my next visit to Massachusetts, for the food, the drinks, and to feed the adorable ducks.

The 1761 Old Mill

69 State Road East, Westminster, MA 04173

978-874-0914

Hours: Tuesday– Thursday 11:30 am – 9:15 pm, Friday – Saturday 11:30 am – 9:45 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Lounge Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Friday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Note: Closed Mondays

http://www.1761oldmill.com/index.html

At the end of summer, I ventured to a beautiful place I hadn’t been to in a very long time – Massachusetts. My friend Diane, whom I’ve known since college, was getting married. A group of us made the voyage across the states for the event. After a smooth flight, my fellow travelers and I were ravenous, so our lovely hosts and friends, Jen and Keith, took us to an impressive restaurant in Cambridge called Abigail’s.

Situated on the first floor of a stylish apartment building in Kendall Square, Abigail’s stands out due to the dynamic orange umbrellas that adorn the dining patio.

The restaurant boasts a full bar with a choice beer and wine selection, gourmet food offerings including many BBQ specialties, and a raw bar. Their brunch menu also looks tantalizing.

As the night was beautiful and tranquil, we chose to sit outside. This was the view across the street from where I was sitting. Notice the healthy, thriving trees – a prime example of the wood element.

The vision in fuchsia above is the lovely Diane, whose wedding I attended later on in the week.

Dark and Stormy – This is one of my favorite beverages. Dark rum and ginger beer served over ice, with a lime wedge as garnish. A simple classic, but Abigail’s does it very well; I ordered two. The Moscow Mule is similar, except that it uses vodka instead of dark rum. Sweet and refreshing.

Seaweed Salad – A selection off of their Raw Bar menu, I had to try it. Unlike most seaweed salads, this rendition had pieces of edamame mixed throughout. Light and invigorating.

Fresh Ground Burger and Gouda Fries – American cheese melted onto a ground beef burger, with grilled onions, pickles, and iceberg lettuce on a delicious potato bun. Their special sauce is served alongside, similar to a savory aoili. Satisfying and filling. For $3.00 more, one can swap standard fries for Gouda Fries. Small pieces of bacon swim throughout a river of chicken gravy that cover thick-cut fries. Decadent and addictive.

Another item on the menu that caught my eye was a side dish called Summer Chi. In feng shui, we refer to positive energy as chi. Summer chi = summer energy. It turns out the chi dish is a medley of seasonal summer vegetables, which I found intriguing. (No one at the table ordered it, hence there is no photograph of said chi.)

Inside, a long bar extends nearly the whole length of the establishment. Cool bucket lights hang over the bar, while very industrial sconces take residence in front of the windows. I really like the metal energy the window fixtures encompass. Somewhat like a cage housing a rare light source. I’ve love to have two or three of these lining the balcony of my home in Los Angeles.

I was fascinated by this enigmatic art piece, which hangs near the main entrance. I love how the grays, blacks and yellows all mix together in a beneficial way. Earth, metal, and water elements harmonize here in thought-provoking fashion – an ideal example of good feng shui art in a highly modern style.

Shades of yellow and gray, with a little black here and there, are the main colors used throughout.

In feng shui, the color orange is a dynamic, cheerful shade symbolic of the west. There is debate as to whether it is representative of the fire element or the earth element. I would actually say it works for both. The hue is representative of creativity, fertility, organization, and social interactions. The color orange can be used in a variety of positive ways:

Add some orange pillows or an orange throw to a living room sofa. This will foster a more social, creative energy in the space.
Use as a paint color for kitchens, dining rooms, and children’s play areas. The color used in these rooms creates a warm, social atmosphere with good conversation.
If one is trying to have a baby, add more orange to the bedroom. The walls can be a painted orange, but it should be an earthy or muted orange, or change some of the curtains or bedding to an orange shade.
When used in small doses, orange is excellent for offices as it increases productivity and helps to establish an organized environment.
To stimulate creativity, wear the color orange in any shade you desire. It should be an item you like that is comfortable and stylish. (I have a rust color cardigan that suits me perfectly.)
Eat oranges! They stimulate one’s immune system with vitamin C and other healthy nutrients.

Personally, I consume a lot of oranges in the form of orange juice. (I can’t seem to get enough of it.) My next trip to the Boston area will hopefully be sometime next spring or summer. But one thing is definitely certain – I will be visiting Abigail’s again where I plan on eating some oysters underneath one of those vibrant orange umbrellas.

Abigail’s Restaurant

291 3rd Street, Cambridge, MA 02140

617-945-9086

Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 1:00 am, Saturday 5:00 pm – 1:00 am, Sunday 11:00 am – 1:00 am

Note: Closed for lunch on Saturdays.

http://abigailsrestaurant.net/

The Feng Shui Foodie

The Feng Shui of Food and Libation

Category Archives: Boston

The Ducks at the Old Mill

The Fertile Color of Orange

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