Author: Ed

  • At The Market: First up in Spring

    Today, we're introducing a new series of "At The Market" reports. As new crops arrive in the Greater Boston markets, we'll bring you photos of what is fresh, local, and delicious. We hope it will remind you to buy, cook, savor, and celebrate what is in season and at its best. 

    Our friends in the farming community will share details of what's available now, how long it will be around, and when to expect it as your next seasonal treat.

    And, we hope you'll share what you find with the rest of the BostonZest community.

    In Season This Week:

    2011052011-05-26-153847-(market-scene-boston-copley-prudential)-(herbs-gilson)

    These plants are from the Herb Lyceum but we are see pots of fresh herbs all over, even at Trader Joe's.

    2011052011-05-27-153847-(market-scene-boston-copley-prudential)-(spring-brook-farm-eggs)

    Local, super fresh eggs have been at the winter farmers' markets all year round. Farmers with livestock have products to sell in every season! 

    Stillman's Farm is taking orders for their heirloom and specialty tomato plants.

    Boston Organics is putting "spring-dug parsnips" in their Dogma Boxes.

    Coming Soon:

    20100518_5595 - Version 6-thumb-500xauto-90936 20100518DSC_5617 - Version 22011052011-05-27-153847-(market-scene-boston-copley-prudential)-(spring-brook-farm-fiddlehead-ferns) 2011052011-05-27-153847-(market-scene-boston-copley-prudential)-(siena-farms-green-garlic)

    Remember growing radishes as a kid? They were always the first fruit of our garden labor. Farmers will also be bringing rhubarb, fiddlehead ferns, and green garlic to some of the first summer markets.

    And, Nettles – Here's an NPR piece: Nettles Bring Spring to the Kitchen.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a80c02ae970b-500wi

    The Chatter Round Town:

    Over on Chowhound's Boston Board the comminity is discussing the sustainability of ramps.

    They're hunting for the best lobster rolls. And, we can never resist thinking about Neptune Oyster's hot butter lobster roll in the photo above. It gets our vote!

    Your Turn:

    Let us know when you spot something we should be out photographing!

    Leave a comment on a post.

    Send a tweet to @BostonZest

    Send us an email

    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: © 2012 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.

  • Free Fun: Skinner Musical Instrument Auction, Jazz & Classical Concerts

    This weekend, Skinner Auctioneers has a Musical Instrument Auction scheduled. We seldom miss one of these because Ed loves to see some of the classic guitars they have on offer. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340133f502dca8970b-800wi

    He's always in the market for a great Martin guitar at a good price and auctions are one of the best places to find one. The preview days give him the opportunity to test play them and check their condition. 

    Penny loves to hear the tidbits of music as extremely talented musicians audition the instrument of their choice. Violins sing in the hands of a virtuoso who walks the floor with her own bow. Bows are tested on a master's instrument. Jazz riffs emerge from the booth that holds speakers to test electric guitars. 

    Skinner screengrab

    The auction itself begins on Sunday at high Noon at the Skinner Gallery located at 63 Park Plaza, Boston. (map) The previews are scheduled for Friday Noon to 7:00 pm, Saturday 10:30 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. 

    Skinner concerts

    In addition, Skinner is hosting a Classical and a Jazz concert at the gallery. Since the links in our screenshot won't work, here is a working set.

    Register for Jazz Friday

    Register for Classical Saturday

    Auction Information

    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  

  • Free Fun: Skinner Musical Instrument Auction, Jazz & Classical Concerts

    This weekend, Skinner Auctioneers has a Musical Instrument Auction scheduled. We seldom miss one of these because Ed loves to see some of the classic guitars they have on offer. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340133f502dca8970b-800wi

    He's always in the market for a great Martin guitar at a good price and auctions are one of the best places to find one. The preview days give him the opportunity to test play them and check their condition. 

    Penny loves to hear the tidbits of music as extremely talented musicians audition the instrument of their choice. Violins sing in the hands of a virtuoso who walks the floor with her own bow. Bows are tested on a master's instrument. Jazz riffs emerge from the booth that holds speakers to test electric guitars. 

    Skinner screengrab

    The auction itself begins on Sunday at high Noon at the Skinner Gallery located at 63 Park Plaza, Boston. (map) The previews are scheduled for Friday Noon to 7:00 pm, Saturday 10:30 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. 

    Skinner concerts

    In addition, Skinner is hosting a Classical and a Jazz concert at the gallery. Since the links in our screenshot won't work, here is a working set.

    Register for Jazz Friday

    Register for Classical Saturday

    Auction Information

    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  

  • Truly Boston’s Finest: Police, Fire & EMS Dispatchers Too!

    CHE_6069 - Version 22013-04-21-Boston-police-impact-zone-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Two Boston Police officers stopped to hold a conversation in front of one of the barricades near Copley Square on Sunday. Penny noticed the sign someone had posted that was visible between them, "Truly Boston's Finest."

    After years of working in the media, we often follow the operations of Boston's first responders on radio scanners. We listened a lot last week.

    We'd like to add the calm, collected, resourceful police, fire, and EMS dispatchers to the city's list of heroes. Their work was impressive during this crisis. We heard thanks and praise for outstanding work, over the radio, from commanding officers. However, this group has not yet been given the public credit they deserve.

    Spread the word. We have great dispatchers here in Boston and they are a vital part of the team. Truly Boston's Finest!

    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 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.

  • Truly Boston’s Finest: Police, Fire & EMS Dispatchers Too!

    CHE_6069 - Version 22013-04-21-Boston-police-impact-zone-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Two Boston Police officers stopped to hold a conversation in front of one of the barricades near Copley Square on Sunday. Penny noticed the sign someone had posted that was visible between them, "Truly Boston's Finest."

    After years of working in the media, we often follow the operations of Boston's first responders on radio scanners. We listened a lot last week.

    We'd like to add the calm, collected, resourceful police, fire, and EMS dispatchers to the city's list of heroes. Their work was impressive during this crisis. We heard thanks and praise for outstanding work, over the radio, from commanding officers. However, this group has not yet been given the public credit they deserve.

    Spread the word. We have great dispatchers here in Boston and they are a vital part of the team. Truly Boston's Finest!

    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 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.

  • Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

    DSC_3448 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was just thinking … it was one year ago today, months before I’d ever heard the name Poppy, that I was very busy entering this world as a Westy. While I’m not exactly sure how all that happened, I do remember being really tiny, playing a lot, and having to share stuff with a pack of puppies.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb4e17970c-800wi

    As the weeks passed, we had a lot of visitors that would come and go until two people came by, picked me up, and drove me far away to Boston. Even though I was a little scared, there was something about these guys that made me feel like everything would be okay.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb52ab970c-800wi

    Of course, I had to start out in a playpen which wasn’t so bad. I always had plenty to eat and so many toys that I had to take turns playing with them.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017744c4db65970d-800wi

    Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten used to that black, boxy thing that clicks and sometimes flashes (they call it a c-a-m-e-r-a). It happens a lot, especially when we travel. The good thing about that is I get to see new places and people and sometimes other dogs!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3f7cd841970c-800wi

    My first winter has been the most exciting part so far! I don’t mind the shirt & boots, as long as there’s room to romp. I’ve learned to speed over all that cold, fluffy stuff until I wear-out my humans.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c376d34a4970b-800wi

    After a long, hard play, nothing beats climbing to the top of a huge pile of snow and turning it yellow! It’s something I can now do outside and inside (on my pads), but I’m not perfect. Sometimes …

    DSC_3451 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … when I get very, very excited, I’ve developed what’s called the “Hello Pee” – not very popular if it should happen inside and “off-pad,” if you know what I mean.

    DSC_3457 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Now that’s it’s spring, and I’m old enough to remember it this time around, I can’t wait to make a whole bunch of new memories with my family. And, I’m sure the way Penny & Ed go through memory cards, you’ll be able to follow all of my adventures. Look out, here come the terrible 2’s!    

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

    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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2012-2013 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.

  • Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

    DSC_3448 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was just thinking … it was one year ago today, months before I’d ever heard the name Poppy, that I was very busy entering this world as a Westy. While I’m not exactly sure how all that happened, I do remember being really tiny, playing a lot, and having to share stuff with a pack of puppies.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb4e17970c-800wi

    As the weeks passed, we had a lot of visitors that would come and go until two people came by, picked me up, and drove me far away to Boston. Even though I was a little scared, there was something about these guys that made me feel like everything would be okay.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb52ab970c-800wi

    Of course, I had to start out in a playpen which wasn’t so bad. I always had plenty to eat and so many toys that I had to take turns playing with them.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017744c4db65970d-800wi

    Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten used to that black, boxy thing that clicks and sometimes flashes (they call it a c-a-m-e-r-a). It happens a lot, especially when we travel. The good thing about that is I get to see new places and people and sometimes other dogs!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3f7cd841970c-800wi

    My first winter has been the most exciting part so far! I don’t mind the shirt & boots, as long as there’s room to romp. I’ve learned to speed over all that cold, fluffy stuff until I wear-out my humans.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c376d34a4970b-800wi

    After a long, hard play, nothing beats climbing to the top of a huge pile of snow and turning it yellow! It’s something I can now do outside and inside (on my pads), but I’m not perfect. Sometimes …

    DSC_3451 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … when I get very, very excited, I’ve developed what’s called the “Hello Pee” – not very popular if it should happen inside and “off-pad,” if you know what I mean.

    DSC_3457 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Now that’s it’s spring, and I’m old enough to remember it this time around, I can’t wait to make a whole bunch of new memories with my family. And, I’m sure the way Penny & Ed go through memory cards, you’ll be able to follow all of my adventures. Look out, here come the terrible 2’s!    

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

    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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2012-2013 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.

  • Magnolias for Respite: Boston at Its Most Beautiful

    CHE_5817 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This week, the Back Bay magnolias were in perfect bloom. We hope these photos will help you take a moment of respite to think about the beauty of our city as we begin to heal.

    CHE_5753 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Pink or white they are all beautiful.

    DSC_3389 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Single blooms or rows of trees, they do lift your spirits.

    CHE_5801 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The white bloom first, then pink, and finally mauve.

    CHE_5656 - Version 22013-04-15-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, today is our puppy Poppy’s first birthday so these flowers are a bouquet for our little love. 

    These and many more of our photographs are available as prints or to put on merchandise at our BostonZest Photo Gallery. Here’s the link to the Magnolia collection.

     

    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  

  • Magnolias for Respite: Boston at Its Most Beautiful

    CHE_5817 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This week, the Back Bay magnolias were in perfect bloom. We hope these photos will help you take a moment of respite to think about the beauty of our city as we begin to heal.

    CHE_5753 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Pink or white they are all beautiful.

    DSC_3389 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Single blooms or rows of trees, they do lift your spirits.

    CHE_5801 - Version 22013-04-17-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The white bloom first, then pink, and finally mauve.

    CHE_5656 - Version 22013-04-15-boston-backbay-magnolias-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, today is our puppy Poppy’s first birthday so these flowers are a bouquet for our little love. 

    These and many more of our photographs are available as prints or to put on merchandise at our BostonZest Photo Gallery. Here’s the link to the Magnolia collection.

     

    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  

  • Back Bay Sun Our Friday Link

    Backbay Sun cover 04.16.13

    Friends and neighbors have had a hard time finding copies of the Back Bay Sun that came out on Tuesday. Many of the places where you can usually pick up a copy were inside the restricted area. 

    You can read some of the stories at the newspaper's website www.backbaysun.com and download a copy of the paper by clicking on the "Full Print Edition" icon in the left hand column. The new issue is usually on the website by Wednesday of each week. Since that icon only lasts until the next paper is pubished, we have uploaded a copy to this link so that you can find it anytime.

    (Remember, this weekly paper was completed before the Marathon Bombing. But, it might be good to remember how the week started out and read about normal happenings in the neighborhood.)

    Here's a list of the places where you can pick up a copy of The Back Bay Sun once all the streets are open. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you'll also find copies of the Beacon Hill Times and the North End Regional Review. 

    Screen shot 2013-04-18 at 8.49.57 AM
    Here's a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. 

    Disclosure: Yes, that is one of Penny's photos on the cover. The Independent Newspaper Group, owner of all three of these papers, is one of our freelance clients and you'll see our photographs, columns, and articles in their newpapers. 

    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 Cherubino (Location list courtesy of the Back Bay Sun.)

    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.