Birds of a Feather and Informal Dine-Arounds

The ‘Dine-Around’ dinners are a chance for you to dine with other conference attendees at Boston venues, led by a local host. The ‘Birds of a Feather’ dinners are a chance to discuss given topics, led by either locals or out-of-towners who wanted to host the dinner and the chosen subject. Both will be held on Thursday evening, after the State House reception. You can sign up for any of the dinners at the Info Desk in the Plaza Ballroom.

Asmara Restaurant, 739 Massachusetts Ave
Hosted by Ben Sheldon of the Transmission Project
For 22 years, this restaurant, featuring food from the northeast area of Africa, has charmed both tourists and locals alike. Following the Eritrean custom of eating with your fingers, this gem is filled with legitimate Eritrean artifacts and is truly one to see.

Beehive, 541 Tremont St
Hosted by Joe Douillette of the Institute of Contemporary Art
Situated in the Boston Center for the Arts complex, this restaurant offers simple and satisfying comfort food with American, Eastern European and Middle Eastern influences, served in what can only be called an art gallery. Winner of multiple local and national awards, the Beehive offers a fantastic dining experience.

Lala Rokh, 97 Mount Vernon St
Hosted by Susi Walsh of the Center for Independent Documentary
The only Eastern Mediterranean restaurant in Boston proper, this home-style Persian restaurant offers not only delicious food from many different Middle Eastern regions, but also serves a soul-satisfying experience.

Legal Sea Foods, 26 Park Plaza
Hosted by Cynthia Close of Documentary Educational Resources
Known for serving only the highest quality, freshest fish, this Boston seafood staple, loved by both tourists and locals alike, is sure not to disappoint.

Legal Test Kitchen, 225 Northern Ave
Hosted by Cheryl Eagan-Donovan of Women in Film and Video/New England
Located in the Seaport District, this restaurant is a hubbub of activity, with the latest dining hours in the area. Global influences and fresh flavors will satisfy any diner, as will the funky decor.

Rattlesnake Bar & Grill, 384 Boylston St
Hosted by Nathaniel James of One Web Day to discuss their national initiatives
Originally only a small second floor and a rooftop patio, this bar & grill was so popular it doubled its capacity and has not looked back since. Offering a Latin American fare, this vivacious Boston destination is smash hit.

Tapeo Restaurant & Tapas Bar, 268 Newbury St
Hosted by Eric D’Alessandro of the Massachusetts Cultural Council
A Newbury Street staple, this tapas bar is sure to wow. Authentic and cozy Spanish decor only highlights the restaurant’s classic menu, with all-Spanish wine, sherry and spirits. Outdoor seating only adds to the dining experience.

Casa Romero, 30 Gloucester Street
Hosted by Belinda Rawlins of the Transmission Project
This Mexican restaurant deep in the Back Bay has a feeling so authentic, you’ll swear you’re in Mexico itself. The romantic, cozy feeling of the restaurant, which has a enclosed outdoor dining patio, combined with the vibrant colors and delicious menu make it a unforgettable dining experience. This dinner will also be a birthday celebration for NAMAC friend jesikah maria ross.

Press Pass TV, 565 Boylston St
Hosted by Press Pass at their Boston office, $10 per person
This local Boston organization is a youth adult partnership non-profit whose mission is to produce socially responsible video journalism, which promotes a more diverse media, empowers communities, and increases civic engagement.

28 Degrees, One Appleton Street
Hosted by Wesley Richardson of Project Think Different
28 degrees is the blend of great food, colorful cocktails, inspiring music and sleek design in the ultimate lounge setting. The menu is fun and whimsical, prepared with quality products and delivered to the table in a staggered flow by professional servers. Iced shellfish, classic dishes and brick oven pizzas round out the menu. Birds of a Feather dinner is for those interested in discussing how the entertainment genre can be used for social change.