Author: Ed

  • 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.

  • Cod Squad Truck Makes Our Day!

    For the past two weeks, we've had lunch at Captain Marden's Cod Squad Truck at their Thursday spot on Belvidere Street near the Christian Science Center fountain. Last week, the full complement of three trucks was on hand offering some great choices. 

    DSC_3032 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino
    Biryani Park, the Cod Squad, and the Pasta Pot are together for Thursday Lunch.

    A conversation with The Cod Squad crew on twitter ensured where and what we would be ordering last Thursday. After they read our post last week, they made an offer we were not about to refuse! 

    Capt marden converstaion

    Any time a chef is willing to make something especially for us, we are honored. And, it has been a long time since we enjoyed some great RI style chowder and clam cakes so that's what we asked them to make. Penny even sent the recipes for Rocky Point Clam Chowder and clam cakes. 

    DSC_3045 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When we arrived, there it was on the special's board. And, the woman in front of us in line ordered it too!

    IMG_6238 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We both ordered our special and have to say that Chef Brian Sway did a masterful job of recreating the chowder of our youth. It had nice big pieces of clams, perfect spoonable size potatoes, and perfect seasoning. Turns out, he had some special memories of Rocky Point of his own. 

    DSC_3125 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_6242 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    In the case of the clam cakes, chef outdid himself and certainly improved on what we used to call "sinkers" when Rocky Point made them.

    Chef Sway's were light and airy with plenty of clam bits, a touch of scallion, and a perfect fry job. These floated as we dipped them in our chowder (the traditional Rhode Island way to eat clam cakes) and in the spicy remoulade he served with them for those new to this treat. 

    DSC_3119 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Penny chatted with the chef when she went to thank him for making this for us. Now that he has satisfied our cravings with a very tradtional rendition, he has plans to change it up a bit and make it his own. We look forward to trying it.

    DSC_3101 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, we don't think he should change a thing about his clam cakes. This could be a new Boston Food Truck sensation, like The Dining Car's Crispy Cauliflower. These could become a trademark treat you seek out the truck to enjoy. 

    By the way, food trucks like The Cod Squad Truck are another great reason for downloading & using the LevelUp App. We just had to hold out a phone to put the $20 meal on our card and we gained credits that will one day buy another meal from this small business.

    If you join LevelUp through this special link you will get a $5 credit to spend on your first purchase and we'll be rewarded with a credit, too!

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Cod Squad Truck Makes Our Day!

    For the past two weeks, we've had lunch at Captain Marden's Cod Squad Truck at their Thursday spot on Belvidere Street near the Christian Science Center fountain. Last week, the full complement of three trucks was on hand offering some great choices. 

    DSC_3032 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino
    Biryani Park, the Cod Squad, and the Pasta Pot are together for Thursday Lunch.

    A conversation with The Cod Squad crew on twitter ensured where and what we would be ordering last Thursday. After they read our post last week, they made an offer we were not about to refuse! 

    Capt marden converstaion

    Any time a chef is willing to make something especially for us, we are honored. And, it has been a long time since we enjoyed some great RI style chowder and clam cakes so that's what we asked them to make. Penny even sent the recipes for Rocky Point Clam Chowder and clam cakes. 

    DSC_3045 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When we arrived, there it was on the special's board. And, the woman in front of us in line ordered it too!

    IMG_6238 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We both ordered our special and have to say that Chef Brian Sway did a masterful job of recreating the chowder of our youth. It had nice big pieces of clams, perfect spoonable size potatoes, and perfect seasoning. Turns out, he had some special memories of Rocky Point of his own. 

    DSC_3125 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_6242 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    In the case of the clam cakes, chef outdid himself and certainly improved on what we used to call "sinkers" when Rocky Point made them.

    Chef Sway's were light and airy with plenty of clam bits, a touch of scallion, and a perfect fry job. These floated as we dipped them in our chowder (the traditional Rhode Island way to eat clam cakes) and in the spicy remoulade he served with them for those new to this treat. 

    DSC_3119 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Penny chatted with the chef when she went to thank him for making this for us. Now that he has satisfied our cravings with a very tradtional rendition, he has plans to change it up a bit and make it his own. We look forward to trying it.

    DSC_3101 - Version 22013-04-11-Cod-Squad-truck- Captain-Marden's- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, we don't think he should change a thing about his clam cakes. This could be a new Boston Food Truck sensation, like The Dining Car's Crispy Cauliflower. These could become a trademark treat you seek out the truck to enjoy. 

    By the way, food trucks like The Cod Squad Truck are another great reason for downloading & using the LevelUp App. We just had to hold out a phone to put the $20 meal on our card and we gained credits that will one day buy another meal from this small business.

    If you join LevelUp through this special link you will get a $5 credit to spend on your first purchase and we'll be rewarded with a credit, too!

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Mother’s Day Dining 2013, Reserve Now for May 12th!

    UPDATE: Mother's Day Dining 2014, Reserve Now for May 11th!

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, May 12, 2013.

    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2013 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

    6a00e54fc42bb888340133ecf14453970b-800wi

    If your budget is tight, take Mom out for breakfast or treat her to breakfast in bed!

    For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 12, 2013.

    Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

    OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members. 

    As more great Boston Food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions!

    Update 05.07.13: from the North Shore Dish Team here are places to take Mom North of Boston.

    Update 05.10.13: From Grub Street Boston: Grub Guide: Where to Hang Out With Mom If You're Not Into Brunch Buffets

    Update 05.10.13: From Lisa DeCanio : Treat Mom to One of These 12 Mother's Day Brunches

    Our picks

    For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

    Sometimes, family meals can use a bit of entertainment mixed in. The Top of the Hub is perfect for this. They'll have prix fixe, 4-course brunch and dinner menus on Mother's Day with live jazz in the lounge for both meals. You'll also receive complementary passes to the Skywalk Observatory above the restaurant on the 50th floor. That will give part of your day a 360 degree view of Boston and the surrounding area. 

    If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled. 

    And, for the best gift, let her choose something from her wish list. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: istockphoto.com

    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.

  • Mother’s Day Dining 2013, Reserve Now for May 12th!

    UPDATE: Mother's Day Dining 2014, Reserve Now for May 11th!

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, May 12, 2013.

    Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Simmons College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Emerson College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2013 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

    6a00e54fc42bb888340133ecf14453970b-800wi

    If your budget is tight, take Mom out for breakfast or treat her to breakfast in bed!

    For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 12, 2013.

    Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

    OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members. 

    As more great Boston Food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions!

    Update 05.07.13: from the North Shore Dish Team here are places to take Mom North of Boston.

    Update 05.10.13: From Grub Street Boston: Grub Guide: Where to Hang Out With Mom If You're Not Into Brunch Buffets

    Update 05.10.13: From Lisa DeCanio : Treat Mom to One of These 12 Mother's Day Brunches

    Our picks

    For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

    Sometimes, family meals can use a bit of entertainment mixed in. The Top of the Hub is perfect for this. They'll have prix fixe, 4-course brunch and dinner menus on Mother's Day with live jazz in the lounge for both meals. You'll also receive complementary passes to the Skywalk Observatory above the restaurant on the 50th floor. That will give part of your day a 360 degree view of Boston and the surrounding area. 

    If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled. 

    And, for the best gift, let her choose something from her wish list. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: istockphoto.com

    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.

  • Thinking of Our City and Our Visitors

    CHE_5254 - Version 22013-04-15marathon flags© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yesterday, we were out taking photos of a beautiful event on a beautiful day. The marathon flags were flying from the Old South Church. A few hours later, we were grateful that we were back home downloading photos when the explosions happened.

    We're thinking about our neighbors, local businesses, and all of Boston's visitors. In a moment everything changed for them. We'll all carry a piece of this day in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

    We also saw the city come together to help the runners, their families, and one another. Bostonians are good people. And, we are so proud of our emergency responders and the BAA volunteers who stood their ground and did a difficult job.

    We believe that getting back to normal is an important part of healing, and of not giving in to those who would have us live in fear. Tomorrow, we'll resume our scheduled posts about getting on with life in Boston.

    Penny & Ed Cherubino

  • Thinking of Our City and Our Visitors

    CHE_5254 - Version 22013-04-15marathon flags© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yesterday, we were out taking photos of a beautiful event on a beautiful day. The marathon flags were flying from the Old South Church. A few hours later, we were grateful that we were back home downloading photos when the explosions happened.

    We're thinking about our neighbors, local businesses, and all of Boston's visitors. In a moment everything changed for them. We'll all carry a piece of this day in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

    We also saw the city come together to help the runners, their families, and one another. Bostonians are good people. And, we are so proud of our emergency responders and the BAA volunteers who stood their ground and did a difficult job.

    We believe that getting back to normal is an important part of healing, and of not giving in to those who would have us live in fear. Tomorrow, we'll resume our scheduled posts about getting on with life in Boston.

    Penny & Ed Cherubino

  • Here’s Looking at You, Spring!

    DSC_2439 - Version 22013-03-04-doorway-spring-weaths-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The spring wreaths on this Back Bay doorway seem to be keeping an eye on the neighborhood. 

    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 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.

  • Here’s Looking at You, Spring!

    DSC_2439 - Version 22013-03-04-doorway-spring-weaths-Boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The spring wreaths on this Back Bay doorway seem to be keeping an eye on the neighborhood. 

    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 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.

  • Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a Silky Terrier Who Likes to Be In-Charge!

    DSC_3022 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Say hello to Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a 5 year old rescue from Boston whose person says, “He’s really manly and thinks he’s in charge!” But it wasn’t always that way.

    When he first came home, Dooley “was really, really timid, scared of people, jumpy, skinny … I’ve had him for 4 1/2 years now, and he has really let all of that go!”

    This extremely cute Silky Terrier is true to his breed: happy, energetic, and very friendly!

    CHE_4466 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley couldn’t wait to say hello to our Poppy

    Dooley’s favorite toy is Grizzly Bear, a treat-stuffed finger puppet that he enjoys emptying of its tasty prizes.

    What this little guy doesn’t like is any form of transportation … except “walking.”

    CHE_4469 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While Dooley will tolerate a car or subway ride, the problem is that he’s not moving them himself. With walks, he feels more in control. (Makes sense to me.)

    CHE_4486 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We learned that Dooley is not a fan of electronics of any kind. If his person is on the phone or the computer, he barks, gets really upset, and lays across the computer as if to say, No! This isn’t happening! What he does like is “attention 24-7,” and he gets plenty of it!

    CHE_4468 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley “spends most of his walks finding organic matter on the ground. He’ll find anything!”
    Now, that’s a true terrier and a true Sunday Dog!

    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: 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.