Author: Ed

Rumanian Pastrami from Sam LaGrassa’s

Walking back from City Hall on Friday afternoon, I was considering my options for a lunch to take home. Sam LaGrassa's came to mind. So often when I'm craving a great sandwich from this legendary downtown lunch spot, they're close. So, the first lesson in getting your hands on a great pastrami sandwich is to go at the right time.

Sam LaGrassa's is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. Etch that fact into your mind so you will take the opportunity to indulge whenever you're in their area during those golden hours.

I'm usually a corned beef lover, but the crew over at Boston Chowhound has consistantly named the pastrami at this place among the best in town. And, I remembered seeing it made on a food show. So this time I grabbed one corned beef and one pastrami to take home and share with Ed.

Moving in for a close up!

After posing for a quick photo shoot, the pastrami sandwich was ready for my first bite. It was instant regret. Why didn't I buy two pastramis? I mean, I like their corned beef but with this pastrami, it was love at first bite.

It is soft, melting, spicy, and full-bodied all at the same time. It's a Cote du Rhone of the sandwich world.

P.S. The pickles are so good, that I don't get to have Ed's share. He likes these!

Related Posts:

Here is the report I did on Sam LaGrassa's Corned Beef for Serious Eats.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Sam La Grassa's

44 Province St. Boston MA 02108 (map & reviews)

617-357-6861
www.samlagrassas.com

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

February 8, 2012
Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert
We're going to help you become a smarter jewelry buyer right in time for Valentines Day or any other time of the year.

Today, we'll turn the BostonZest keyboard over to the experts at the North Bennet Street School, who offer the following tips to buy better, stretch your dollars, and make someone very happy.

We want to suggest that you try out your new expertise at the Gallery & Store at the school in the North End of Boston. You will be supporting local craftsmanship and a wonderful local resource.

Introducing the Expert

Rosemary Trainor, the lead instructor at North Bennet Street School’s jewelry-making and repair program in Boston, advises consumers to do their homework before hitting the stores. “Jewelry is too often an impulse purchase,” says Trainor. “A little research will help you avoid a decision that you may regret later.”

Trainor offers these additional tips to help smooth the way to a successful jewelry-buying experience:
- Buying from a big brand name will cost you more. You may be comforted by well-known brands like Cartier and Tiffany, but it will cost you anywhere from 30 to 80 percent more for a piece that you may find at a local jewelry store for a lot less.
- Pay attention to the craftsmanship. Make sure the piece is well made by examining the setting, the clasp(s), the overall finish, and other details. Stone-holding prongs should be identical in size and securely tightened, with the stone held firmly in place. Avoid bracelets or necklaces with clasps that are hard to operate, or seem flimsy. Think about whether the piece will be only for special occasions or worn every day, and choose something that will stand up to that use.
- Silver is the new gold. With gold prices at historically high levels, silver continues to be an affordable – and fashionable – alternative, and certainly worth considering. Sterling silver is the highest grade used in jewelry making; a piece marked with the word “sterling” or the numbers “925” is 92.5 percent pure. “Nickel” or “German” silver has no silver content at all.
- When shopping for diamonds, know the four C’s. Diamonds are valued according to their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Materials such as cubic zirconia resemble diamonds closely but are much less expensive. Certain laboratory-created gemstones also resemble diamonds. Take the time to learn the differences and comparison-shop before making a decision.
- Gemstones can take your jewelry-buying budget farther. Precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires can be an affordable option, provided you know your stuff. Natural gemstones are mined from the ground; synthetic stones are identical to naturals, but are grown in a lab. Imitation stones are assembled from less valuable materials – glass, plastic, or lower quality stones. If you go this route, ask for a written appraisal of the stone’s quality along with your sales receipt.
- Buy from a reputable source. Finding a trustworthy jeweler is perhaps the biggest key to having a good jewelry-buying experience. Ask family and friends for sources they trust. Ask similar questions of the salespeople you talk to during your comparison shopping. And be sure to inquire about the store’s workmanship guarantees, repair services, and store return policies.
- Consider a custom designed and made piece. Custom jewelry isn’t necessarily more expensive. Find a creative jeweler to design a piece that has special features unique to you and your loved one, and will be treasured for years to come.
Related Posts:

We're gathering all our Valentine posts at the bottom of this one:

Valentine's Day 2012 – Romantic Dining in Boston

If you clicked over to the North Bennet Street School, it may have made you think that you'd like to learn a new skill or give someone you love the chance to explore the life-changing opportunities inside those walls.

Here are some books to inspire you to do just that, at any age!

It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now: HOW TO CREATE YOUR SECOND LIFE AT ANY AGE

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One

The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
Details:

North Bennet Street School

39 N Bennet St.

Boston, MA 02113-1914 (map & Reviews)

(617) 227-0155

nbss.edu‎

Words: Rosemary Trainor with intro by Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the North Bennet Street School

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.
February 7, 2012
What’s Open On Presidents’ Day in Boston 2012 and MBTA Schedules
Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedules plus information on Boston parking for – February 20, 2012. We'll update this post as more information becomes available. And, if we didn't answer your specific question, leave a comment or tweet us @BostonZest. We may just add it to the list.

Note: This is an out of date post!

This is an old post. Here's the 2015 information on this topic.

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open.

Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon. You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Presidents' Day. Other parking rules apply.

Boston Recycling and Trash Collection:

Recycling and trash information from the City of Boston:
- "Monday, February 20, 7am – Saturday, February 25, 2012, 5pm
- Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.
- *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
MBTA Schedule Changes (Announced 2.17.12)

"The MBTA has announced its service schedule for the Presidents' Day holiday.

•    Blue, Orange, Green, and Red line trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
•    Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
•    Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule. Note: Express bus service on the following routes will operate on a modified schedule: 325, 326, 352, 354, 355, 501, 502, 504.
•    Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
•    Hingham, Quincy, and Hull commuter boat service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
•    Quincy ferries will operate on a normal weekday schedule
•    THE RIDE Service will operate on a Saturday schedule. Customers should contact their contractors for service information.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)," or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.
February 6, 2012
In Memory of Our Sweet Maggie Mae

Maggie Mae (August 20, 1996 to January 29, 2012)

She was our Sunday Dog, our Monday dog, our summer dog, our winter dog.

Oh, how she loved the snow!

And, walking on the beach.

And, sitting on a bench in the park or on a deck overlooking the sea.

She loved other dogs and people and spent her life making humans smile just by trotting down a Boston sidewalk with her little tail wagging away.

She was that kind of dog.

Her unconditional love for us was a most precious gift and each day she brought laughter and joy into our lives.

Last Sunday, we held her close as we gave her our final gift, a peaceful end.

Maggie introduced us to so many wonderful people and dogs over the years. She captured the hearts of people near and far. We know we are not going to be the only ones missing our little elf.

Because some of you have asked, donations may be sent in her name to your choice of the following places or to your own special animal charity if you have a favorite. And, please give your own companions an extra hug or some special time together in her memory.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

Thanks to everyone who has offered comfort and support in our time of grief.

From a happier time:

Here's a link to the piece we did on Maggie in honor of her 15th birthday.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

February 5, 2012
Black Willow Frame

All texture and tones, an Esplanade black willow frames walkers on the pedestrian path along the water.

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

February 4, 2012
Just Add Cheese, a Delicious Friday Link

This week, we're sending you to a fun food site with a great philosophy: Just Add Cheese!

What Meesh & Jacki from "Just Add Cheese" say:

"Because we simply eat too much food to not talk about it, and it would be selfish if we didn’t share what we know with our fellow food enthusiasts, we’ve decided to track our adventures (and misadventures) in a blog."

"…who doesn’t love cheese? It’s like the never fail, idiot proof way to make a bad dish miraculously better. No individual can deny the power of melted mozzarella, creamy brie or some shredded Monterrey jack…on anything!"

What We Say:

Here are two food-lovers who really get around town and share their experiences with you.

You have to love any blog that has posts like:

Friday Food Porn | Cheese Me Please

Lamb Bam Thank You Ma'am

Chihuly & Cheeseburgers at the MFA

You can even follow them out-of-town to places like:

Mile End Deli | Brooklyn, NY

Duckfat | French Fry Nirvana | Portland, ME (one of our favorites)

East Side Pockets | Must-Eat Falafel in Providence

Enough said, click over and explore Just Add Cheese. We think you'll become another regular visitor!

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

February 3, 2012
Skating in Shirt Sleeves, Show This to That Groundhog!

Before we listen to the opinion of some silly rodent from Pennsylvania, I think we should slip Phil a copy of this photo of a guy skating in shirt sleeves on Boston Common on February 1, 2012!

There were also other strange phenomena in Boston yesterday. Everyone wanted to be outside to enjoy the weather. We have proof. We walked into Neptune Oyster at 12:19 pm and were greeted by one of our favorite Neptune bartenders like this!

(Needless to say, these seats soon filled in.)

So Mr Phil, no matter what you say, we're going to enjoy each sunny day until it gets too hot to indulge in long hours outside. And, if it snows some more, we'll hold you personally responsible!

We told you this was not going to be an easy call for the rodent!

Groundhog Stressed Over 2012 Prediction!

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

February 2, 2012
Celebrating February with an Impressive Budget Sparkler– Dibon Cava

We’re toasting the arrival of February with a budget sparkler that has high-end taste!

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve ($9.99) is so impressive, you’ll want to share this find with every wine-lover you know.

If “balance” is a fault, then it’s this wine’s only fault! It will please a wide range of tastes– not too dry or too fruity. A light nose that reminded us of citrus? lemon curd? No, dried apricot.

It's light, refreshing, and inviting. Very food-friendly (spicy chicken wings, potatoes, roasted root vegetables worked for us). This cava also shines all on it’s own! And, it was still very good as it warmed.

Dibon Cava would be a perfect opener for a party, at a restaurant with friends, to begin a meal or an evening. And, a special way to celebrate the start of a new month. Salud!

We found Dibon Cava at Bauer Wine & Spirits

It's all part of Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

February 1, 2012
Voter Registration Deadlines & Election Dates 2012
Here are the deadlines you need to meet to vote in elections scheduled for 2012 in Massachusetts.

From the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's Office and the City of Boston's Election Department.
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the Presidential Primary.
- Tuesday, March 6, 2012: Presidential Primary Election
- Friday, August 17, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the State Primary.
- Thursday, September 6, 2012: Voting day for the State Primary
- Wednesday, October 17, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the Presidential Election.
- Tuesday, November 6, 2012: Voting day for the Presidential Election.
How to Register to Vote

If you're reluctant to register to vote because you think it will make you more likely to be called for jury duty, we've already researched that idea and learned that it is a myth. Click here for our full report.
- You can download a voter registration form here.
- If there is time, you can mail it to:
```
City of Boston Election Department   
City Hall, Room 241   
Boston, MA 02201
```
- The safest way to do it is to stop by the Election Department at City Hall and complete the form.
- The Boston Elections Department is located in room 241 at Boston City Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on city holidays.
- Complete information, including the identification documents you need, and other ways to register to vote can be found at The Secretary of State's Office
- Absentee Ballot applications are available here
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site and keep resource pages like this one coming your way!
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2009 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.
January 31, 2012
Three Tips for Your New Camera

Here are a few tips for anyone with a new camera. We just added the Nikon D7000 to our photo fleet and here are some of the things we're doing in our first weeks of using it.

First: Take a photo of the camera with your phone. And, take a close-up photo of the identification plate you’ll find on the bottom of most DSLRs, point-and-shoot, and camcorders. That will help you identify your camera and prove ownership if it's lost or stolen.

Second: Go to the manufacturer’s site and download a copy of your owner’s manual. Pop that into your Dropbox folder, and you'll be able to refer to it anywhere from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Often, cameras get the most use when you are away from home and it’s great to have that reference on hand wherever you are.

Don’t have a Dropbox account? Why not? It’s reliable and if you click here your first 250MB of storage is free. They'll also add 250MB to our account and we’ll say thank you. Then, you can add storage up to 8GB by referring your friends.

Third: If you have new Memory Cards, take a photo of your business card or write your contact information, including a cell phone number, on a piece of paper and photograph it. Then, lock the photo so it can’t be erased. Should you drop a memory card or leave your camera on a park bench, a good samaritan will have a way to reach you. If you format your cards rather than erase the photos, you will have to do this every time you format.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Dropbox

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 30, 2012