Author: Ed

  • Photo of the Week: Enjoying Bridges

    Enjoying bridges

    This week, Ed’s photo of these bridges along the Esplanade won the spot on the front page of The Back Bay Sun. We took a long walk along the river and had quite a few photos of bridges. Since this parkland was divided from the surrounding neighborhoods when a parkway was turned into a highway, bridges are what we use to climb over that ugly wall of cars.

    The copy on the page is a quote:

    Enjoying Bridges

    “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton

    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 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.

  • Odis & Family Have a New Foster Dog, Ray the Beagle

    CHE_7317 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We ran into our old pal Odis on a walk this week. He couldn't stop bouncing up and down with the exciting news he had to share. His family has been fostering a new pal – a beagle named Ray!

    CHE_7326 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-family-ray-beagle© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the foster family portrait, Sam, Doug, Ray, and Odis with big smiles all around.

    They reminded us to take this opportunity to thank everyone who opens their homes and hearts to animals who need a temporary home while they wait for that perfect adoption.

    Details About Ray

    Sam sent along information about Ray. She said, "…he is a 2- 3 year old Beagle mix. He got hit by a car and had to have his tail cut off. He is a sweet boy who loves to be outside and is a true beagle. 

    He will need to be on prescription food for the rest of his life, but it is no more expensive than the good food most people buy their pets anyway! He loves his foster brother and is learning to walk on a leash and be a gentleman when meeting other dogs.  He loves, loves, loves to be outside and I think he would prefer a backyard to run and play in!"

     969776_529513117106882_2133990605_n

    Ray is available through the Last Hope K9 Dog Rescue. Here's their Facebook page where we found this adorable photo of Ray.

    CHE_7321 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-family-ray-beagle© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In a more serious moment Odis said he's doing his best to be a good host. He thinks fostering is the perfect way to decide if you really want a second or third dog in your family.

    Odis also reminded us that when you see an old friend with a new dog, ask before you rush up to meet them. Some fosters and newly adopted dogs still needs a bit of space with other dogs or even people.

    Nice to see you again Odis!  Ray, we hope you find the perfect "furever" home.

    Related posts:

    Sunday Dog, Odis “Loves Everyone!”

    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 Graduation or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino with Ray's portrait courtesy of Last Hope K9 Dog Rescue.  

    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.

  • Odis & Family Have a New Foster Dog, Ray the Beagle

    CHE_7317 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We ran into our old pal Odis on a walk this week. He couldn't stop bouncing up and down with the exciting news he had to share. His family has been fostering a new pal – a beagle named Ray!

    CHE_7326 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-family-ray-beagle© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's the foster family portrait, Sam, Doug, Ray, and Odis with big smiles all around.

    They reminded us to take this opportunity to thank everyone who opens their homes and hearts to animals who need a temporary home while they wait for that perfect adoption.

    Details About Ray

    Sam sent along information about Ray. She said, "…he is a 2- 3 year old Beagle mix. He got hit by a car and had to have his tail cut off. He is a sweet boy who loves to be outside and is a true beagle. 

    He will need to be on prescription food for the rest of his life, but it is no more expensive than the good food most people buy their pets anyway! He loves his foster brother and is learning to walk on a leash and be a gentleman when meeting other dogs.  He loves, loves, loves to be outside and I think he would prefer a backyard to run and play in!"

     969776_529513117106882_2133990605_n

    Ray is available through the Last Hope K9 Dog Rescue. Here's their Facebook page where we found this adorable photo of Ray.

    CHE_7321 - Version 22013-05-26-odis-sunday-dog-family-ray-beagle© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In a more serious moment Odis said he's doing his best to be a good host. He thinks fostering is the perfect way to decide if you really want a second or third dog in your family.

    Odis also reminded us that when you see an old friend with a new dog, ask before you rush up to meet them. Some fosters and newly adopted dogs still needs a bit of space with other dogs or even people.

    Nice to see you again Odis!  Ray, we hope you find the perfect "furever" home.

    Related posts:

    Sunday Dog, Odis “Loves Everyone!”

    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 Graduation or Wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino with Ray's portrait courtesy of Last Hope K9 Dog Rescue.  

    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.

  • Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

    CHE_7607 - Version 32013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

    CHE_7457 - Version 32013-05-27-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

    This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

    CHE_7566 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

    Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

    CHE_7564 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge

    Happy New Month!

    Here’s More About:

    Our 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.

  • Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

    CHE_7607 - Version 32013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

    CHE_7457 - Version 32013-05-27-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

    This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

    CHE_7566 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

    Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

    CHE_7564 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge

    Happy New Month!

    Here’s More About:

    Our 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.

  • Greenway Open Market 2013

    Greenway open market

    The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

    Hours & Directions:

    • May and June: 11am-5pm
    • July and August: 11am-6pm
    • September and October: 11am-5pm
    • Directions

    They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

    We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

    Related Posts:

    Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

    North End Reflections

    Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

     

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft 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.

  • Greenway Open Market 2013

    Greenway open market

    The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

    Hours & Directions:

    • May and June: 11am-5pm
    • July and August: 11am-6pm
    • September and October: 11am-5pm
    • Directions

    They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

    We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

    Related Posts:

    Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

    North End Reflections

    Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

     

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft 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.

  • Summer 2013 Courtyard Concerts at the Boston Public Library

    Bpl-couryard-statue-

    We love the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (BPL) any time of the year. But when this beautiful space is filled with music, it is magical. Once again this year, there will be a full summer of free, lunchtime concerts. And, it all begins next week, so mark your calendars!

    The great sounds start at 12:30 pm on Friday afternoons from June 7th to August 30th. If the weather turns bad, performances will be moved inside to Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the lower level of the Johnson Building.

    As longtime fans of Brazilian Jazz, we are especially looking forward to the Fernando Holz Band on August 2nd. With music ranging "from jazz to classical and from folk to funk," you're sure to find a lot to like on Friday afternoons.

    Here's a link to the Full Schedule.

    So, go visit a food truck or pick up a bite at the farmers' market and enjoy BPL Courtyard Concerts along with your lunch on Fridays this summer. 

    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.

  • Summer 2013 Courtyard Concerts at the Boston Public Library

    Bpl-couryard-statue-

    We love the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (BPL) any time of the year. But when this beautiful space is filled with music, it is magical. Once again this year, there will be a full summer of free, lunchtime concerts. And, it all begins next week, so mark your calendars!

    The great sounds start at 12:30 pm on Friday afternoons from June 7th to August 30th. If the weather turns bad, performances will be moved inside to Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the lower level of the Johnson Building.

    As longtime fans of Brazilian Jazz, we are especially looking forward to the Fernando Holz Band on August 2nd. With music ranging "from jazz to classical and from folk to funk," you're sure to find a lot to like on Friday afternoons.

    Here's a link to the Full Schedule.

    So, go visit a food truck or pick up a bite at the farmers' market and enjoy BPL Courtyard Concerts along with your lunch on Fridays this summer. 

    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.

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

    IMG_6306 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. 

    IMG_6308 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-swiss bakers© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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.

     IMG_6311 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-stir-it-up-pepper-jelly-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. 

    IMG_6310 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-stir-it-up-pepper-jelly-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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!

     IMG_6316 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-when-pigs-fly-bread-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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

    IMG_6313 - Version 22013-05-23-prudential-farmers-market-when-pigs-fly-bread-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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!

    DSC_4631 - Version 22013-05-24-copley-farmers-market-purchases-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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.