Weekdays in February

 You'll be seeing more and more special promotions as restaurants and bars compete with your other concerns (rent, taxes, insurance) in these recessionary times. We're of the mind here that you can't take pleasure out of the mix. You can allocate it, but take back doing what you love and life becomes and endless parade of "Law and Orders" and Ramen noodles. So, if a spot comes up with a bit of a gimmick, well, think about it: Does this fit who you are or might want to be for a night? Consider Union Bar and Grille, which will be devoting the entire month of February to celebrating the decade that gave us James Dean, Saddle Shoes, "I Love Lucy" and Doo Wop. (Not to mention the cold war, suburban sprawl, and rampant conformity.) Union will be offering complimentary 1950’s inspired hors d’oeuvres at the bar Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 7:00. Some of the nostalgic noshes include: the Original Chex Party Mix, Stuffed Dates with Blue Cheese and Pecans, Grilled Pineapple Wrapped in Bacon and Pigs in a Blanket. (Wow! 50s nostagic kitsch collides with contemporary health concerns!) Union will also offer a special cocktail list filled with old classics such as the ’57 Chevy and Rusty Nail, available all month long for only $5.95!  And just to keep the mood flowing, Union will be showing Season 1 of AMC’s "Mad Men" in the bar from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. nightly.

1357 Washington St., 617-423-0555 www.unionrestaurant.com