Koullshi

Koullshi was the first place I went to, outside of the surgeon's office, after one of my more recent knee surgeries;Yes, I've had multiple knee surgeries. Almost makes you feel bad enough to buy me cocktails, huh? Unlike my first post knee surgery outing at the Fat Cat the staff at Koullshi were above and beyond friendly and willing to make special accommodations for me.

I came gimping in with one of my closets friends who came to Boston to help me after my surgery. I've been working my charms in hopes of her moving here, but thus far she is pretty soured on the Bostonians. I thought a night out of fun might sway her opinion. The host immediately offered the elevator for our use. We had to wait a couple of minutes while he got the key, but the staff we encountered were more than happy to save me the trip down the stairs. Perhaps they were trying to save themselves from a potential lawsuit, but I'll take it.

Seeing as I couldn't bend one of my knees and was on crutches I requested a corner area so that I'd have more room to stretch out. I was prepared for a bit of a battle/explanation for extra space, but there wasn't an issue. The waitress came over right away to help us. The place was rather dead though for 8pm and I felt that was the reason for the friendliness. We ordered a couple of drinks and the waitress helped me choose a cigar. I'm horribly asthmatic and allergic so a cigar is a once a year treat that I so look forward to.

I'm lounging with cigar in hand with one of my besties that I rarely see. Life is good. Too bad I didn't have a real drink. It turns out that Koullshi only has a cordial license and is therefore unable to sell hard liquor. Having never encountered a "cordial license" outside of Boston I was rather annoyed that I had to skip the bourbon portion of my evening. Such is life. On a positive note the Morroccan-Sicilian Eggplant Tagine was delicious. The food is out of my regular dining out price range, but given how delicious this dish was it's worth coming back for the occasional dinner.

9:30 rolls around and suddenly there are signs of life. The music was turned up and it instantly felt like the type of place I wanted to be. People were trickling in and the belly dancer,  the oh so flirty belly dancer, was shaking her hips. I suspect she might have played for my team. Perhaps she was just flirting for extra tips. Either way a sexy woman dancing and flirting with me equals a happy Jen.

End of the night rolls around and it was time to bounce, er gimp, to a bar with real alcohol. The manager promptly came back, despite how busy the place was, and unlocked the elevator for me. All-in-all it was a good night. If they lounge is able to get a full liquor license then I'll definitely go back when my lungs, eyes, and sinuses need to be taught a lesson by Mistress Tobacco.

I may not ever get my friend to move here, but she actually left Koullshi thinking that not everyone in the Bean was the epitome of a Masshole.

FUN.  We came down here after eating at Tangierino and it was cool, fun, casual.  The only downside was the really bright flat screen TV playing a hockey game on the corner ...  something about ice-white skating rink glow over the soft smoky embers from a line of hookahs is a bit of a mood-suck.  Other than that though, it was fun, and we had a good time.  I think if you're a shisha purist you could argue the $30 price is stupid, but the hostesses were fast and attentive, and we stayed there for a pretty long time on our $30 tab.  Places like this catapult Charlestown, MA into the realm of "hipster."

I came here last night for a drink, possibly to eat. When we walked in the bouncer was acting just to cool, didnt speak to us, checked our ids, looked like he didnt want to give me my id back..(its me, im 22, sorry man). He seemed overall like reluctant to even open the door for us. Ohwell. We get downstairs and its pretty empty...a few people sitting by the Hookah's...

The host was so uninviting. She gave us this blank stare and was just like Hookah? We werent sure....I really just wanted to eat..at first we said yeah..then I said nevermind can we just sit at the bar...she gave us this dirty look like we offended her. EXCUSE ME. I've never been here before! I don't know what I want! ( I was a host for years, this type of behavior is a no-no, especially in a place that charges this much for food/hookah/drink.).

We sat at the bar, the Bartender was GREAT. I think her name was like..Ralista? something Russian maybe? She was really sweet and made up for the whole rude host/weird doorman thing. I got a margarita ($13, short glass, ouchhh) and my boyfriend got a vodka soda ($11, small glass...) The marg was good...but it was not amazing...the only place I want to pay that much for a marg is Lolita because they are perfect.

The menu was sort of small....but very pricey...we were surprised even. Steaks around 30-40...apps around 13-20....I was stuck between the calamari and the short rib...the Bartender recommended the ribs..but then added they had eggplant..ahh Im allergic to eggplant! She was super nice about it and asked if I had any other allergies and told me to just go with the calamari to be safe. She even wrote a note to the kitchen about the eggplant anyway.

The calamari was seriously some of the best I have had....it had some balsamic sauce and parm. cheese ...and this orange dipping sauce...it was very good. The portion was big. I was glad because it was 14 dollars. It filled me up and my boyfriend picked at it too.  We enjoyed the atmosphere and we really liked the bartender. We will probably be back to the bar, I dont think i will be dishing out that much money for the Hookah though. Def worth a shot!