Author: Ed

At The Market: Crab Apples
Recently, while selecting apples from the Foppema’s Farm display, I saw “Sweet & Crunchy” on the sign for Chestnut crab apples. I gamely added a few to my bag and was pleasantly surprised by their lovely nutty flavor.

A Useful Fruit

Most people who grow crab apples as a crop use them to make jelly, but originally they may have been planted when home cooks made their own pectin. Crab apples are high in pectin and can be boiled down, strained, and canned to make a supply of pectin for the next year’s jams and jellies of all types.

Cider and Scrumpy

Your favorite artisanal cider may have a dose of crab apple to achieve the right sweet/tart balance. In the British Isles, they have a cider made completely from crab apples and it’s called scrumpy.

My friend, Mick, who has enjoyed this drink at local pubs over there, says the best of it is made by “a guy down the road” and warned it may be very high in alcohol content. So far, I have not seen artisanal scrumpy in this country. If you know of one, please pass on the details.

Wikipedia has an origin for the word scrumpy. “The name is believed to derive from the obsolete West Country dialect term "scrimp," meaning a small or withered apple, which also gave rise to the verb "scrump," meaning to steal fruit.”

I also bought some of the more traditional, tart crab apples – a varietal called Siberian. These had a nice bit of crisp, green apple taste but were not sour or terribly tannic. I will even buy those again. And, I can because the farmers’ markets that bring these crops my way are still open and will be for some time.
What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2013 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 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 and links out of comments.
October 3, 2013
What’s Open on Columbus Day 2013 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 14, 2013. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to the Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's open?

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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open as are international markets.

Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

"Monday October 14, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a 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."

Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 13th in the North End.
- BAA Half Marathon – Sunday, October 13th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- DCR Memorial Drive Road Closure Western Ave to Mt Auburn Street – Sunday October 7th.
- Tufts 10 K – Monday October 14th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2013 (updated 10/03/13)

The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. The service schedules varied from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.
- Green and Silver lines will run on a weekday schedule.
- Red, Orange and Blue lines are on a Saturday schedule with some buses replacing service on the Red line.
- Buses will run on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes not operating.
- Commuter Rail and Boats will run on a weekday schedule.
- The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule
Remember the links for details will only work through the holiday then that page reverts to a generic form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Art from The Fenway Cultural District

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 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 and links out of comments.
October 2, 2013
What’s Open on Columbus Day 2013 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 14, 2013. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to the Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's open?

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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open as are international markets.

Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

"Monday October 14, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a 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."

Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 13th in the North End.
- BAA Half Marathon – Sunday, October 13th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- DCR Memorial Drive Road Closure Western Ave to Mt Auburn Street – Sunday October 7th.
- Tufts 10 K – Monday October 14th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2013 (updated 10/03/13)

The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. The service schedules varied from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.
- Green and Silver lines will run on a weekday schedule.
- Red, Orange and Blue lines are on a Saturday schedule with some buses replacing service on the Red line.
- Buses will run on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes not operating.
- Commuter Rail and Boats will run on a weekday schedule.
- The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule
Remember the links for details will only work through the holiday then that page reverts to a generic form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Art from The Fenway Cultural District

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 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 and links out of comments.
October 2, 2013
On Vacation with Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant

While on a late summer vacation in Provincetown, we were introduced to an amazing bottle of wine – Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant. Ptown is a perfect place to search out a special sparkler, especially one that further enhances the feeling of being in such a beautiful place (no small task).

On one of our walks through town, we stopped into a wine shop hoping to uncover a gem. We picked up what looked like an interesting bottle and heard, "It's my favorite wine in the store, right now!" It was Jerry, official wine geek at Glass Half Full on Commercial Street in Provincetown, and we soon learned that he has very good taste!

Realizing we'd found a sparkling wine with a singular taste (90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Manseng), we had to share a taste with our vacationing neighbors. They were so impressed that everyone planned on buying some the next day. The best comment was from the woman who put down her just emptied glass and simply said, "Lovely."

The winemaker says, “A genuine rosé wine … with lively fine bubbles … smooth fruity aromas … ideal apéritif, delightful with desserts … very fresh thanks to its low alcohol content.” (11 % by Vol.)

Ellis Wharton Wines calls this rosé, "A pretty, sparkling, and uplifting pink … less intense fruit from young vines."

Even if you’re not on vacation, when you taste this amazing sparkler, you’ll feel as though you are. And, we can’t think of a better way to ring in a new month. Cheers!

Our Monthly Tradition began with a Sparkling Resolution!

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed 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 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 and links out of comments.

October 1, 2013
On Vacation with Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant

While on a late summer vacation in Provincetown, we were introduced to an amazing bottle of wine – Mas de Daumas Gassac Rosé Frizant. Ptown is a perfect place to search out a special sparkler, especially one that further enhances the feeling of being in such a beautiful place (no small task).

On one of our walks through town, we stopped into a wine shop hoping to uncover a gem. We picked up what looked like an interesting bottle and heard, "It's my favorite wine in the store, right now!" It was Jerry, official wine geek at Glass Half Full on Commercial Street in Provincetown, and we soon learned that he has very good taste!

Realizing we'd found a sparkling wine with a singular taste (90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Manseng), we had to share a taste with our vacationing neighbors. They were so impressed that everyone planned on buying some the next day. The best comment was from the woman who put down her just emptied glass and simply said, "Lovely."

The winemaker says, “A genuine rosé wine … with lively fine bubbles … smooth fruity aromas … ideal apéritif, delightful with desserts … very fresh thanks to its low alcohol content.” (11 % by Vol.)

Ellis Wharton Wines calls this rosé, "A pretty, sparkling, and uplifting pink … less intense fruit from young vines."

Even if you’re not on vacation, when you taste this amazing sparkler, you’ll feel as though you are. And, we can’t think of a better way to ring in a new month. Cheers!

Our Monthly Tradition began with a Sparkling Resolution!

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed 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 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 and links out of comments.

October 1, 2013
What’s Happening during October 2013 in the Boston Area
Here's an edited version of a subject that Penny posted over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum. Many visitors don't understand why hotel prices are sometimes higher one week than the next and why restaurant reservations may be hard to obtain.

Foliage on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

As other locals and destination experts added to the list, we discovered the conversation was useful to us, too. So, we're sharing the highlights for us with our BostonZest readers.

Foliage can be beautiful right here in Boston

Fall Foliage is a big tourist draw throughout the month and is fun for all of us, too.

Screenshot courtesy of the Fenway Cultural District

October 14th, Opening Our Doors 2013 with lot's of free admission and special happenings in the Fenway Cultural District.

Racers at the Head of the Charles Regatta

October 19th-20th – The Head of the Charles Regatta will jam hotels throughout the region and is a wonderful spectator event. An estimated 9,000 participants and 300,000 spectators are expected to attend.
- From a couple of years ago, here's a post we did on the event: 3 Things I Didn’t Know About the Head of the Charles – Our Friday Link
Lots of things that are of interest to other Bostonians and visitors will be added to the trip advisor conversation so be sure to click over there for more ideas.

Add what you love to do in October to the comments section! Save this page and we'll update it as the month goes on.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed 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 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 and links out of comments.
September 30, 2013
What’s Happening during October 2013 in the Boston Area
Here's an edited version of a subject that Penny posted over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum. Many visitors don't understand why hotel prices are sometimes higher one week than the next and why restaurant reservations may be hard to obtain.

Foliage on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

As other locals and destination experts added to the list, we discovered the conversation was useful to us, too. So, we're sharing the highlights for us with our BostonZest readers.

Foliage can be beautiful right here in Boston

Fall Foliage is a big tourist draw throughout the month and is fun for all of us, too.

Screenshot courtesy of the Fenway Cultural District

October 14th, Opening Our Doors 2013 with lot's of free admission and special happenings in the Fenway Cultural District.

Racers at the Head of the Charles Regatta

October 19th-20th – The Head of the Charles Regatta will jam hotels throughout the region and is a wonderful spectator event. An estimated 9,000 participants and 300,000 spectators are expected to attend.
- From a couple of years ago, here's a post we did on the event: 3 Things I Didn’t Know About the Head of the Charles – Our Friday Link
Lots of things that are of interest to other Bostonians and visitors will be added to the trip advisor conversation so be sure to click over there for more ideas.

Add what you love to do in October to the comments section! Save this page and we'll update it as the month goes on.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Fall Shopping List. Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed 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 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 and links out of comments.
September 30, 2013
Poppy Says, “Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure in the City”

If our little Poppy looks a bit pensive in this photo, it's because she was thinking about what she needs to explain to all the new dogs she's meeting as we walk around Boston. She is especially worried about the ones who were country dogs, like her, before they came to live in the city.

We told her we'd be happy to pass along a few tips to help dog families with less urban experience.

City drivers may cut corners and run traffic lights. Stand well back from the curb and be sure all traffic has stopped before stepping onto the street.

And, speaking of cars, when maneuvering around cars, keep your pup clear of tailpipes. They may be hot – even on parked cars.

People on skateboards, bicycles, and inline skates can move dangerously fast. Try to position yourself between them and your pal.

On congested sidewalks, pups need observant and protective friends. When you can, put your pup between two people. Be careful rounding corners and avoid smokers swinging cigarettes and flicking hot ashes at doggie eye level.

City litter can be dangerous to paws. Guide your little one around broken glass, gum, and smoldering cigarette butts.

Horns and sirens can startle and frighten the most self-confident dog. Shorten your lead and provide lots of pats and reassurance.

And, feel free to ask the families you meet for referrals to the people and supplies you need for your dog. When you keep hearing good things about a shop, vet, groomer, or service, you can try it out.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Ed 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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

September 29, 2013
Poppy Says, “Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure in the City”

If our little Poppy looks a bit pensive in this photo, it's because she was thinking about what she needs to explain to all the new dogs she's meeting as we walk around Boston. She is especially worried about the ones who were country dogs, like her, before they came to live in the city.

We told her we'd be happy to pass along a few tips to help dog families with less urban experience.

City drivers may cut corners and run traffic lights. Stand well back from the curb and be sure all traffic has stopped before stepping onto the street.

And, speaking of cars, when maneuvering around cars, keep your pup clear of tailpipes. They may be hot – even on parked cars.

People on skateboards, bicycles, and inline skates can move dangerously fast. Try to position yourself between them and your pal.

On congested sidewalks, pups need observant and protective friends. When you can, put your pup between two people. Be careful rounding corners and avoid smokers swinging cigarettes and flicking hot ashes at doggie eye level.

City litter can be dangerous to paws. Guide your little one around broken glass, gum, and smoldering cigarette butts.

Horns and sirens can startle and frighten the most self-confident dog. Shorten your lead and provide lots of pats and reassurance.

And, feel free to ask the families you meet for referrals to the people and supplies you need for your dog. When you keep hearing good things about a shop, vet, groomer, or service, you can try it out.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Ed 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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

September 29, 2013
Boston Resident Parking Permits for Rental Cars Available Online

Once upon a time (just a short time ago), you had to go to city hall to obtain a resident parking permit for a rental car. We learned that you can now apply and get a permit online so we tried it for our recent Provincetown trip. If you don't own a car, like us, and plan a few fall weekends away, this new service may come in handy.

We rented this Passat with New Jersey plates. Once we had the car, we went online to the city's page for "Resident Parking Permits for Rental Cars," read the instructions, filled out the form, faxed a copy of our rental contract, proof of residencey (our cable bill), and the confirmation of our application to the city. They emailed a copy of our permit which we printed and put in the car's rear window.

Better, But Can Be Improved

This is much easier but still way behind the times. You should be able to carry out the entire process by email. You can grab a pdf of a cable, utility, or tax bill. The rental company probably sent you a copy of the rental via text or email. And, the city should be able to accept those forms via email.

What's more, they should be able to handle a simple transaction like this 24/7. We applied on a Saturday morning and had to wait until Monday to get our permit. That left us vunerable to parking tickets and ticked off neighbords over the weekend. Our solution was to leave a rear window note – explaining that the car was a rental belonging to a resident – along with a copy of our confirmation of applying for the permit.

If the mayor's hot line can operate 24/7 so can many more city services.

The city says,

"At this time, the new system is not available weekends and residents who pick up their vehicles after 3 PM will not be able to go online for a temporary permit.

These residents are eligible to have "Resident Parking Only" tickets cancelled by forwarding a proof of residency at their Boston address and a copy of the vehicle rental agreement to the Office of the Parking Clerk."

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Fall Shopping List? Click here for Fall Season Savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 BostonZest

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 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 and links out of comments.

September 27, 2013