Author: Ed

At the Market: a Visit to the Prudential Center Farmers’ Market

One of our walks this week took us to the Prudential Center where we picked up a few items for our supper from the specialty food vendors. The Prudential Center Farmers' Market is open on the Bolyston Street side of the complex from 11 am to 6 pm each Thursday.

We'd been missing the pretzels, and pretzel rolls from swissbäkers. We know they have a new shop on Western Avenue in Allston, but we haven't made it there yet! We'll add it to one of our Watertown runs. For now, it's great to have them back in the city at the Prudential and Dewey Square markets.

We enjoyed our pretzels with cheese and zingy pepper jelly from Stir It Up. We took our cue from the sample they were offering and their famous savory cheesecake torte baked with a glaze of their pepper jelly (below). Think about picking up one of these the next time you need party food.

In addition to chilled goat cheese with a dollop of "sweet heat" (as they call it), we also warmed some brie and spread the lime pepper jelly on that. It was a big hit!

This market will be another source for fresh-from-the-boat fish this summer with Cape Cod Fish Share on hand.

While we do occasionally visit the Coolidge Corner shop for a When Pigs Fly bread fix, it's good to have them back in the neighborhood on Thursdays!

We also stopped by the Copley Square Farmers' Market on Friday and picked a great dinner from the vendors there including a fine fillet from Red's Best seafood. Looks like it will be a summer of healthy eating!

A special thank you to Dave Gilson from The Herb Lyceum for bringing some chervil clippings to town to share with cooks like Penny. She sprinked rouchly chopped chervil leaves on that moist flakey fish before serving it. Perfect!

In Season Right Now!

We also saw: mushrooms, swiss chard, spinach, green garlic, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, lots of annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants, hot house tomatoes, scallions, and cucumbers.

Enjoy now before it's gone!

Asparagus and early hoop house strawberries.

Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Market and At The Market reports:

We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

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

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.

May 29, 2013
Fenway Victory Gardens Spring Scenes

Many a walk takes us through this main path of the Fenway Victory Gardens that runs parallel to Boylston Street. But, once in a while, we like to spend time exploring the rest of this historic complex of gardens and gardening support areas.

Update: We read on thier Facebook Page that they are having: "OPEN GARDENS is Saturday June 1st (11am to 3pm)" What's more they have posted their 2013 Calendar of events.

They have a great history page on their site explaining that, "The Fenway Victory Gardens are the nation’s only remaining, continuously operating WWII Victory Gardens." This garden was founded in 1942.

(Click on any image for a larger view.)

This is a community and we've always found the "resident gardeners" friendly and open to answering questions for visitors. If you visit their Facebook group, you'll find the same sharing attitude among the members.

The gardens can feel like a world apart. You can easily forget that they are so close to the heart of Boston.

With a well-established group like this one, you see evidence of shared equipment and resources, including well-organized composting locations.

They even have their own bee hives, a teaching garden, and an accessible garden designed to be enjoyed by persons with disabilities.

Each garden plot has its own personality and it's the details that make this a great location for a photowalk.

Each week the scene changes, new plants come into bloom, and the path you walked a week ago is renewed. It's a place to visit often, walk through slowly, and enjoy with your favorite people. We also highly recommend that any gardener visiting Boston add this place to their trip agenda.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Graduation or Wedding 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.

May 28, 2013
Fenway Victory Gardens Spring Scenes

Many a walk takes us through this main path of the Fenway Victory Gardens that runs parallel to Boylston Street. But, once in a while, we like to spend time exploring the rest of this historic complex of gardens and gardening support areas.

Update: We read on thier Facebook Page that they are having: "OPEN GARDENS is Saturday June 1st (11am to 3pm)" What's more they have posted their 2013 Calendar of events.

They have a great history page on their site explaining that, "The Fenway Victory Gardens are the nation’s only remaining, continuously operating WWII Victory Gardens." This garden was founded in 1942.

(Click on any image for a larger view.)

This is a community and we've always found the "resident gardeners" friendly and open to answering questions for visitors. If you visit their Facebook group, you'll find the same sharing attitude among the members.

The gardens can feel like a world apart. You can easily forget that they are so close to the heart of Boston.

With a well-established group like this one, you see evidence of shared equipment and resources, including well-organized composting locations.

They even have their own bee hives, a teaching garden, and an accessible garden designed to be enjoyed by persons with disabilities.

Each garden plot has its own personality and it's the details that make this a great location for a photowalk.

Each week the scene changes, new plants come into bloom, and the path you walked a week ago is renewed. It's a place to visit often, walk through slowly, and enjoy with your favorite people. We also highly recommend that any gardener visiting Boston add this place to their trip agenda.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Graduation or Wedding 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.

May 28, 2013
Memorial Day: Time for the Seasonal Shift!

If you’re like us, you view Memorial Day as the official start of summer. Even the runners on the Esplanade seem to shift to summer speeds. Sometimes, if you sit along one side of a lagoon or canoeway, the people on the opposite side seem to be moving in slo-mo!

It’s time for long walks around the city, visits to area beaches, clam shacks, and farm stands. Daytrips and weekends away are on the calendars.

What are your favorite things to do in and around Boston in the summertime? Do you have tips for free or inexpensive things to do in the city?

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Graduation or Wedding 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.

May 27, 2013
Memorial Day: Time for the Seasonal Shift!

If you’re like us, you view Memorial Day as the official start of summer. Even the runners on the Esplanade seem to shift to summer speeds. Sometimes, if you sit along one side of a lagoon or canoeway, the people on the opposite side seem to be moving in slo-mo!

It’s time for long walks around the city, visits to area beaches, clam shacks, and farm stands. Daytrips and weekends away are on the calendars.

What are your favorite things to do in and around Boston in the summertime? Do you have tips for free or inexpensive things to do in the city?

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Graduation or Wedding 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.

May 27, 2013
Sunday Dog, Artoo – Our Favorite Little Droid!

Artoo, (short for R2-D2), looks nothing like the famous Star Wars droid, but he is a little character in his own right! And, this Chihuahua/Cairn descendant does have special powers.

A rescue from L-A, Artoo found a new home while at the Northeast Animal Shelter, after his person says she couldn’t stop looking at him! He kept staring at her, and she knew he was for her.

Artoo is very friendly and already making new buds in Boston. He came right up to our Poppy and whispered something in her ear (hmmm).

When he approached Greyhound Greer, he couldn’t reach that high and seemed slightly confused.

In the words of C-3PO, “R2 … this way looks potentially dangerous!”

This adorable one-year-old is very sweet and just comes right up and cuddles – behavior that lovingly describes a “velcro dog,” he’s found the person he wants and is sticking with her.

Artoo arrived knowing how to play fetch and is already a good walker – boy did you land in the right city!

We can’t wait to see this little guy again. Welcome to Boston, Artoo! And, thanks for being this week’s 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.

Related articles

Greer Lesson: Always Make Time for a Nap!

He's Testing Groundwater Levels

Cod Squad Truck Makes Our Day!

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

May 26, 2013
Sunday Dog, Artoo – Our Favorite Little Droid!

Artoo, (short for R2-D2), looks nothing like the famous Star Wars droid, but he is a little character in his own right! And, this Chihuahua/Cairn descendant does have special powers.

A rescue from L-A, Artoo found a new home while at the Northeast Animal Shelter, after his person says she couldn’t stop looking at him! He kept staring at her, and she knew he was for her.

Artoo is very friendly and already making new buds in Boston. He came right up to our Poppy and whispered something in her ear (hmmm).

When he approached Greyhound Greer, he couldn’t reach that high and seemed slightly confused.

In the words of C-3PO, “R2 … this way looks potentially dangerous!”

This adorable one-year-old is very sweet and just comes right up and cuddles – behavior that lovingly describes a “velcro dog,” he’s found the person he wants and is sticking with her.

Artoo arrived knowing how to play fetch and is already a good walker – boy did you land in the right city!

We can’t wait to see this little guy again. Welcome to Boston, Artoo! And, thanks for being this week’s 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.

Related articles

Greer Lesson: Always Make Time for a Nap!

He's Testing Groundwater Levels

Cod Squad Truck Makes Our Day!

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

May 26, 2013
Public Garden Moment: Photo of the Week
This week, it was one of Ed's photos that made its way onto the cover of the Back Bay Sun. He was walking our Westie Poppy in the Public Garden when he stopped to enjoy the scene and take a few pictures.

The copy reads:

Public Garden Moment

“No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden.” (Hugh Johnson)

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 published, we have uploaded a copy to this link, so that you can find it anytime.

In this earlier post is a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you'll also find copies of the The Beacon Hill Times and the The North End Regional Review. Here's a link to download a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper.

We are hearing from friends and neighbors and BostonZest readers who have left the area, that they like us connecting to copies of The Back Bay Sun. We plan to make this a regular feature to remind you of this great collection of local papers from the Independent Newspaper group.

Disclosure: 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. Here are links to all their local papers.
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.
May 25, 2013
Public Garden Moment: Photo of the Week
This week, it was one of Ed's photos that made its way onto the cover of the Back Bay Sun. He was walking our Westie Poppy in the Public Garden when he stopped to enjoy the scene and take a few pictures.

The copy reads:

Public Garden Moment

“No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden.” (Hugh Johnson)

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 published, we have uploaded a copy to this link, so that you can find it anytime.

In this earlier post is a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you'll also find copies of the The Beacon Hill Times and the The North End Regional Review. Here's a link to download a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper.

We are hearing from friends and neighbors and BostonZest readers who have left the area, that they like us connecting to copies of The Back Bay Sun. We plan to make this a regular feature to remind you of this great collection of local papers from the Independent Newspaper group.

Disclosure: 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. Here are links to all their local papers.
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.
May 25, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Memorial Day 2013
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2013. We have the information you need on parking, street cleaning, trash, and other happenings this weekend.

Include a visit to the swans at the Boston Public Garden over the weekend!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 State closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot is CLOSED Saturday 5/25 1PM – Tuesday 5/28 7AM.

Street Sweeping: The city site says: "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Update from the Boston Transportation Department 05.24.13 : There are two traffic advisories in effect for this weekend
- The Boston Strong One Run will take place on Saturday, May 25th.
- The Run to Remember Road Race will take place on Sunday, May 26th.
- Click here for details on the street closings and routes for these events.
More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday May 27, 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."

MBTA Schedule Changes

While it is live, here's a link to the MBTA's Memorial Day Schedule. And, you can download the same information here: Download MBTA Memorial Day
- Subways will operate on a Sunday schedule
- Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some exceptions shown on the link or download above
- Hingham & Qunicy Ferries will operate on a weekday schedule
- Charlestown Ferry will run on a weekend schedule
- Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule with no service for Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Needham lines
- Those who use THE RIDE should call the service directly about Memorial Day.
* For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200 (TTY: 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

Bonus: Free Memorial Day Community Weekend at the Museum of Fine Arts

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2013 Ed Cherubino

MFA screenshot from their site.
May 24, 2013