The Weekender: February 10 to 13

This weekend, the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Burton, a College of Fine Arts master lecturer in music and Boston Symphony Orchestra choral director, performs at the Tsai Performance Center. The BU Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Chorus playing (above) at Boston Symphony Hall in 2019. Photo by Natasha Moustache

Eat, shop, go

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you were worrying that your holiday weekend was going to entail huddling with a pillow and watching rom-coms, don’t fear. We have compiled a list of must-visit shops and events to attend with a partner—or solo. And don’t forget to snatch up the heavily discounted candy after all the lovey-dovey hubbub dies down.

La Famiglia Giorgio’s Ristorante

For a homey and family-style Italian experience, this North End spot offers an extensive menu of homemade sauces and pastas (some gluten-free), pizza, and classic Italian entrées like veal Milanese and eggplant parm. They even host food challenges for one person to complete, such as finishing a six-pound plate of lasagna. With generous portion sizes, prepare to pack leftovers after enjoying the night in a warmly lit dining area surrounded by murals of Italy. 

La Famiglia Giorgio’s Ristorante, 112 Salem St., Boston, is open Monday to Friday from 4 to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Flour Bakery + Café

Created by Joanne Chang, management consultant turned pastry chef, Flour began in the South End, and now has nine locations in Boston and Cambridge. The menu includes sticky buns—which Bobby Flay raved about on the Food Network—a breakfast egg sandwich, and lattes. The airy café has a special Valentine’s Day menu, with items like chocolate strawberry cake truffles and cinnamon rolls with strawberry cream cheese frosting. Order by 4 pm on Thursday for pick-up Saturday through Monday.

Flour Bakery + Cafe, 30 Dalton St., Boston, is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Olives & Grace

Hoping to give “a curtsy to the makers,” founder Sofi Madison started Olives & Grace as a platform for blossoming chefs and crafters. Bostonians are drawn to these quality (mostly) handmade and sustainably sourced gifts. The decade-old shop sells curated gift boxes, blankets, candles, and snacks. Olives & Grace also offers shipping in addition to the brick-and-mortar shop.

Olives & Grace, 623 Tremont St., Boston, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Boston University Symphony Orchestra

The Boston University Symphony Orchestra will perform Sieben frühe Lieder (Seven Early Songs), composed by Alban Berg, and Symphony No. 4, by Robert Schumann, on Friday evening. The two pieces will be conducted by James Burton, a College of Fine Arts master lecturer in music and the Boston Symphony Orchestra choral director.

The Boston University Symphony Orchestra performance is Friday, February 11, at 8 pm at the Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. This event is free and open to the public. Well-fitted masks, proof of vaccination, and ID are required for entry. BU students, faculty, and staff may be admitted with only their BU ID.

Dheem Dance Showcase

BU Dheem, the student Indian classical arts association, is putting on its annual dance showcase this Saturday. The organization aims to preserve and appreciate Indian classical arts while using art to comment on important issues in society. Milaap, the name of this year’s show, means “meeting, union, reconciliation,” representing the return of the team’s live showcase after two virtual ones. One featured piece spotlights migration and separation from family. Dheem will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), which offers essential services to immigrants and refugees, especially vulnerable individuals at risk of deportation. 

The Dheem Dance Showcase is Saturday, February 12, from 6 to 8 pm at the Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Tickets are $5 for BU students, $8 for BU staff and faculty, and $10 for non-BU guests. Well-fitted masks, proof of vaccination, and ID are required for entry.

Bri Joi: Café Concert Series

R&B artist Bri Joi, a 19-year-old student at Berklee College of Music, is gaining popularity in the Boston area and will be performing at the Boston Public Library’s Newsfeed Café on Saturday. Joi debuted at Berklee’s 75th anniversary show with a self-directed music video of her first single “Let Me See You.” Her inspirations include Sza, Ariana Grande, and Victoria Monet. Joi is dedicated to promoting diversity and encouraging self-love in her musical career; take a look at her original acoustic performances on her TikTok.

The Bri Joi concert is Saturday, February 12, at 2 pm at the Newsfeed Café in the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston. Guests will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis, with a capacity of 60 people. The event is free and open to the public. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and wearing a mask when not actively eating or drinking is required. Participants are not allowed to bring outside food or beverage into the café.