Author: Ed

Joël Falmet, Sipping A Grower Champagne for October!

We're toasting the "Happy New Month" of October with Joël Falmet Champagne. (Consider sharing Our Sparkling Resolution to greet each month by popping a bottle of bubbly.)

This wine is another recommendation from Perry's Wine & Liquors in Provincetown. This west end shop has a expertly curated selection of wines, spirits, cheese, chocolate, and other lovely items.

Joël Falmet Champagne comes from Côte des Bar, a part of the Champagne region of France that has long supplied most of the grapes it grows to the great Champagne houses that have used them to improve the body and richness of their wines.

In a 2009 review of affordable Champagnes, NY Times wine critic, Eric Asimov wrote that this was the favorite. "We found it full of lively energy, with complex flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and herbs, and with more finesse than you generally find in Champagnes dominated by the pinot noir grape."

The Côte des Bar district is far from the heart of Champane and as the fact sheet on the wine tells us, the terroir of the region is unlike the typical soil and growing conditions in the best known areas of the region. "The Côtes des Bar generally produces richer, fuller-bodied wines than the Marne, partially because it is further south and therefore slightly warmer. In addition, the Kimmeridgian soil of the Côtes des Bar tends to produce richer wines than the light, fine chalk soil, found around Epernay."

This is a grower Champagne, meaning that Joël Falmet has been taking his family's grapes from soil to bottle since 1990. He produces a very pinot forward, full-bodied style that will appeal to those (like us) who love a lot of lush in their sparking wine. This blend is 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay.

Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

The New Wine Lover's Companion

The Wine Bible

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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.

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October 1, 2012
Sunday Dog, Ollie’s Favorite 4-Letter Word …
When you’re a 5-month-old puppy like Ollie and still trying to make sense of your world, the simplest 4-letter words can mean the most – like “PLAY!”

And, while coaxing a human to get down on all fours can be fun, there’s nothing quite like mixing it up with someone who’s already at your level and even the same age. Well, as it happens, we know someone who fits that exact description.
Click on any thumbnail above to open that photo in this window.

Our Poppy met Ollie in Provincetown this past week and the two became instant play pals. As you can see by clicking through the images above, they had a lot of fun and always seemed to play fair.

This handsome French Bulldog is a Vermont boy who’s growing fast and loving life. He also seems to love the camera – this guy’s a natural.

Thanks for all the play time, Ollie! Oh, and Poppy wants to know when you’ll be in Ptown again.

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. It doesn't cost you any more but Amazon puts a few coins in our tip jar and we appreciate your support.

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.

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Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

Sunset Cruise Harbor Views
September 30, 2012
Sunday Dog, Ollie’s Favorite 4-Letter Word …
When you’re a 5-month-old puppy like Ollie and still trying to make sense of your world, the simplest 4-letter words can mean the most – like “PLAY!”

And, while coaxing a human to get down on all fours can be fun, there’s nothing quite like mixing it up with someone who’s already at your level and even the same age. Well, as it happens, we know someone who fits that exact description.
Click on any thumbnail above to open that photo in this window.

Our Poppy met Ollie in Provincetown this past week and the two became instant play pals. As you can see by clicking through the images above, they had a lot of fun and always seemed to play fair.

This handsome French Bulldog is a Vermont boy who’s growing fast and loving life. He also seems to love the camera – this guy’s a natural.

Thanks for all the play time, Ollie! Oh, and Poppy wants to know when you’ll be in Ptown again.

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. It doesn't cost you any more but Amazon puts a few coins in our tip jar and we appreciate your support.

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.

Related articles

Slowing Down in P-town – Provincetown, MA

Lighthouses, Lighthouses, Lighthouses – Provincetown, MA

Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

Sunset Cruise Harbor Views
September 30, 2012
Sunset Cruise Harbor Views

We've been trying to fit as many experiences as possible into our new puppy's early life in Boston. Last week, we tested her sea legs with a Sunset Cruise around Boston Harbor. Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome (more on that later). Meanwhile, here are a couple of photos Ed took that evening.

The schedule over at Boston Harbor Cruises is reduced this time of year but there are a few opportunites to get out and enjoy our beautiful city from the water. Their Historic, USS Constitution, and Weekend Brunch cruises are still running.

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. And here's the newest camera on our wish list, The Nikon D600!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

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September 29, 2012
Sunset Cruise Harbor Views

We've been trying to fit as many experiences as possible into our new puppy's early life in Boston. Last week, we tested her sea legs with a Sunset Cruise around Boston Harbor. Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome (more on that later). Meanwhile, here are a couple of photos Ed took that evening.

The schedule over at Boston Harbor Cruises is reduced this time of year but there are a few opportunites to get out and enjoy our beautiful city from the water. Their Historic, USS Constitution, and Weekend Brunch cruises are still running.

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. And here's the newest camera on our wish list, The Nikon D600!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

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September 29, 2012
Massachusetts’ Own: Upton Tea Is Our Friday link

Ice tea in summer, hot tea in winter, but the best possible tea all the time is what I want from a tea vendor and that is what you can have from Upton Tea in Holliston, MA.

I tried them when I was looking for a new source for Moroccan Mint tea. They came through with a fresh, lively version of my favorite tea. The catalog that arrived in my mailbox recently also provided me with lots of interesting, high quality tea related products. What's more, the catalog and site offer expert information about tea, products, history of tea, and tips for making the most of high quality tea and herbal infusions.

They say, "Upton Tea Imports was founded in 1989 with the objective of providing the North American tea drinker with the finest teas available. We purchase teas from reputable brokers and estates worldwide, dealing only with sources who are capable of providing top quality teas. We sell directly to the consumer, thus ensuring the freshest product and fairest pricing."

We say, it's great when you can support a local business and get the best quality while you do it.

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
Screengrab: from Upton Tea

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.

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September 28, 2012
Massachusetts’ Own: Upton Tea Is Our Friday link

Ice tea in summer, hot tea in winter, but the best possible tea all the time is what I want from a tea vendor and that is what you can have from Upton Tea in Holliston, MA.

I tried them when I was looking for a new source for Moroccan Mint tea. They came through with a fresh, lively version of my favorite tea. The catalog that arrived in my mailbox recently also provided me with lots of interesting, high quality tea related products. What's more, the catalog and site offer expert information about tea, products, history of tea, and tips for making the most of high quality tea and herbal infusions.

They say, "Upton Tea Imports was founded in 1989 with the objective of providing the North American tea drinker with the finest teas available. We purchase teas from reputable brokers and estates worldwide, dealing only with sources who are capable of providing top quality teas. We sell directly to the consumer, thus ensuring the freshest product and fairest pricing."

We say, it's great when you can support a local business and get the best quality while you do it.

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
Screengrab: from Upton Tea

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.

Related articles

Lapsang Souchong Tea

Tea Time Treats, Part II: Tea-Infused Beauty Products

Where to Find Old Friends Farm Local Ginger

Farmers' Markets Are Brimming with Goodness

BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts

September 28, 2012
An Italian Take on Pumpkin and Squash

One of the best things about fall is the arrival of winter squash and pumpkins at farmers' markets. I often just roast these with a selection of root vegetables. Here's a post on that preparation.

I pulled a few of my cookbooks down from the shelves to see how different food cultures use pumpkin and squash. As long-keeping vegetables in times before refrigeration and freezing, they were popular with cooks from many nationalites. Today, we'll think Italian but watch for upcoming posts on other cultures.

Two traditional Italian uses that we're seeing more of on restaurant menus is a filling for squash ravioli and the main flavor element in a pumpkin risotto.

Not all pumpkins are orange. These are blue pumpkins.

But, in an Italian home, Nonna might also slow roast a whole pumpkin filled with cheese, bread, onions, mushrooms, or other savory items from the larder. It's a great way to use up leftovers!

This type of preparation can be served as a filling and flavorful main course when you are cooking for a vegetarian. And the variations used to stuff it can be adapted to other dietary restrictions.

Zucca is squash in Italian and Zucca alla Veneta is made by frying pumpkin slices and then dressing them with a seasoned vinegar. Zucca Dorata is breaded and fried pumpkin served as an appetizer. Sometimes mozzarella cheese is added for a melting finish. (Think eggplant parmesan!)

Mostarda di Zucca is a pumpkin preserve that can be served with cured meats. I’ll bet it would also be great on a cheese tray.

Of course, some cultures have their own member of the squash family that they call pumpkin. So be sure to check if our pumpkin is the best substitute and if the pumpkin you are buying is grown for eating or just for show.

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2010 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.

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September 27, 2012
An Italian Take on Pumpkin and Squash

One of the best things about fall is the arrival of winter squash and pumpkins at farmers' markets. I often just roast these with a selection of root vegetables. Here's a post on that preparation.

I pulled a few of my cookbooks down from the shelves to see how different food cultures use pumpkin and squash. As long-keeping vegetables in times before refrigeration and freezing, they were popular with cooks from many nationalites. Today, we'll think Italian but watch for upcoming posts on other cultures.

Two traditional Italian uses that we're seeing more of on restaurant menus is a filling for squash ravioli and the main flavor element in a pumpkin risotto.

Not all pumpkins are orange. These are blue pumpkins.

But, in an Italian home, Nonna might also slow roast a whole pumpkin filled with cheese, bread, onions, mushrooms, or other savory items from the larder. It's a great way to use up leftovers!

This type of preparation can be served as a filling and flavorful main course when you are cooking for a vegetarian. And the variations used to stuff it can be adapted to other dietary restrictions.

Zucca is squash in Italian and Zucca alla Veneta is made by frying pumpkin slices and then dressing them with a seasoned vinegar. Zucca Dorata is breaded and fried pumpkin served as an appetizer. Sometimes mozzarella cheese is added for a melting finish. (Think eggplant parmesan!)

Mostarda di Zucca is a pumpkin preserve that can be served with cured meats. I’ll bet it would also be great on a cheese tray.

Of course, some cultures have their own member of the squash family that they call pumpkin. So be sure to check if our pumpkin is the best substitute and if the pumpkin you are buying is grown for eating or just for show.

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2010 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.

Related articles

Drought doesn't hurt WNY pumpkin crop

Farmers' Markets Are Brimming with Goodness

Where to Find Old Friends Farm Local Ginger

Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad

September 27, 2012
Does this Mushroom Want to Chat or Attack?

Each fall, a bracket fungus or tree mushroom appears on a certain tree along our usual dog walk, and we have the fun of watching it take shape and grow.

This year, its shape takes on a different perspective depending on how you approach it. It could be a fancy sock puppet chatting away.

Or, it could be waiting to make a sneak attack!

Any mycologists out there who can tell us more about this type of mushroom? The underside is white with a textured surface. Is it an artist's conk? All we could come up with is that it's probably a bracket fungus with scales.

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: © 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.

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September 26, 2012