Author: Ed

At The Market: Brookline & Belmont Markets Open Today

Brookline Summer Farmers' Market

Long before every neighborhood was setting up a farmers' market for locals, the Town of Brookline was supporting fresh and local food every Thursday afternoon in summer at the Brookline Summer Farmers' Market. It will run each Thursday from now until October 31st. Hours are from 1 pm to dusk.

Last year, a winter market was set up in the Arcade building, making this town the year-round envy of many of its neighbors.

We've told you about the joys of this market before both here and on Serious Eats. Plan a Thursday afternoon in Coolidge Corner, and you'll discover many food related joys!

Belmont Farmers' Market

Also, today from 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy meeting a great group of vendors on opening day of the Belmont Farmers' Market. We're going to put a trip to Belmont on our market shopping list because we really enjoyed this market the last time we were there.

Market Tip of the Week

Chef Seta Dakessian from Seta’s Mediterranean Foods (shown above) with Jason Tucker from Red's Best seafood at the Copley Sq. Market, suggests bringing a cooler to your farmers’ market, especially if you're buying fresh fish!

Farm & Market Tidbits…

Genevieve Stillman from Stillman Farm reports, "We are harvesting lettuce, chard, beets, arugula, mesclun, turnips, onions, strawberries, snap peas, and more. Of course, we'll have plants at the markets for the coming month too! I've been enjoying freshly snipped herbs in all my salads, as well as edible flowers."

Ben Sommer, Copley Square Farmers' Market Manager, said, "I've always liked a good dilly bean. Now I can get them at the market from our new vendor Maine Homestead! There are so few commercial picklers in New England that sell at farmers markets. I think we're really lucky to have them here with us on Tuesdays."

Peter Ward, Central Square Farmers' Market Manager said, "Great to see Chef Steve Johnson of Rendezvous – a regular at the market – back shopping this season."

In Season, Right Now!

Mushrooms, green garlic, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok Choi, chard, snap peas, chive flowers (love those- break them up in your salads,) herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. Plus, you'll find annuals, herbs, and vegetable plants.

Get Some Before It's Gone!

Green garlic, garlic scrapes, pea tendrils.

Coming Soon!

Strawberries are about to star at all our markets.

Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets 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.

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June 13, 2013
Yemen Mocca Sanani from Beanstock Coffee

Yemen Mocca Sanani recently caught my attention when I was about to place our usual order from Beanstock Coffee Roasters.

Beanstock's description made it sound as if both Ed and I would love it as a change from our usual choices.

They said:

"If you infused a coffee bean with red wine, bittersweet chocolate and red grapes, you'd come pretty close to the flavor mother nature provided to this exceptional coffee. It has a thick, syrupy body that lingers on the tongue."

We used the words:

Smooth… round… rich, thick crema… perfect second cup of the day…

We learned:

a bit about this classic coffee from Yemen. Yemen Mocca (or Mocha) Sanani is an old and still treasured part of coffee culture.

The beans are a bit smaller than those from many other parts of the world. Here are three Yemen Mocca Sanani beans on the left with three from Beanstock's Black Fish Creek blend on the right.

The added crema was a nice surprise. We asked Jon from Beanstock about it and he said, "We haven't played with it as an espresso, but it wouldn't surprise me at all." But thanks to the crema question, we discovered this in-depth article on crema over on CoffeeGeek.com.

Do you try coffees from different parts of the world? Do you have a favorite? Have you tried Yemen Mocca Sanani? If you have an opportunity to taste this ancient and still outstanding coffee, give it a try. We think you'll enjoy the layers of flavor it offers.

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.

June 12, 2013
Yemen Mocca Sanani from Beanstock Coffee

Yemen Mocca Sanani recently caught my attention when I was about to place our usual order from Beanstock Coffee Roasters.

Beanstock's description made it sound as if both Ed and I would love it as a change from our usual choices.

They said:

"If you infused a coffee bean with red wine, bittersweet chocolate and red grapes, you'd come pretty close to the flavor mother nature provided to this exceptional coffee. It has a thick, syrupy body that lingers on the tongue."

We used the words:

Smooth… round… rich, thick crema… perfect second cup of the day…

We learned:

a bit about this classic coffee from Yemen. Yemen Mocca (or Mocha) Sanani is an old and still treasured part of coffee culture.

The beans are a bit smaller than those from many other parts of the world. Here are three Yemen Mocca Sanani beans on the left with three from Beanstock's Black Fish Creek blend on the right.

The added crema was a nice surprise. We asked Jon from Beanstock about it and he said, "We haven't played with it as an espresso, but it wouldn't surprise me at all." But thanks to the crema question, we discovered this in-depth article on crema over on CoffeeGeek.com.

Do you try coffees from different parts of the world? Do you have a favorite? Have you tried Yemen Mocca Sanani? If you have an opportunity to taste this ancient and still outstanding coffee, give it a try. We think you'll enjoy the layers of flavor it offers.

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.

June 12, 2013
Woody’s Grill & Tap Rediscovered Thanks to Friends

Woody's Grill & Tap has made it back into our regular rotation after our friends Liz & Mick suggested it a few weeks ago. The four of us had a great meal!

We have always enjoyed the wood oven pizzas from this kitchen.

This BBQ Chicken pizza was what we were in the mood for on a recent visit. It's one of their regular selections, but do check the blackboard specials. We had a great fig pizza with gorgonzola for dessert on one visit.

Appetizers, like this grilled asparagus with polenta and a terrific greek salad, have drawn us back for quick meals at the bar.

It helps that they have a good selection of beers on tap to match your meal.

Ed went for a Guinness with the BBQ pizza. Penny had a crisp Pinot Grigio.

It can be easy to take a great neighborhood spot for granted after more than 15 years in business. We're glad we rediscovered Woody's and are going to enjoy some meals there this summer while the students are out of town and nearby restaurants can use a bit of local support!

We recently added them to our list of place to eat near Symphony Hall.

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

Related articles

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June 11, 2013
Woody’s Grill & Tap Rediscovered Thanks to Friends

Woody's Grill & Tap has made it back into our regular rotation after our friends Liz & Mick suggested it a few weeks ago. The four of us had a great meal!

We have always enjoyed the wood oven pizzas from this kitchen.

This BBQ Chicken pizza was what we were in the mood for on a recent visit. It's one of their regular selections, but do check the blackboard specials. We had a great fig pizza with gorgonzola for dessert on one visit.

Appetizers, like this grilled asparagus with polenta and a terrific greek salad, have drawn us back for quick meals at the bar.

It helps that they have a good selection of beers on tap to match your meal.

Ed went for a Guinness with the BBQ pizza. Penny had a crisp Pinot Grigio.

It can be easy to take a great neighborhood spot for granted after more than 15 years in business. We're glad we rediscovered Woody's and are going to enjoy some meals there this summer while the students are out of town and nearby restaurants can use a bit of local support!

We recently added them to our list of place to eat near Symphony Hall.

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

Related articles

But, Officer, I'm Only Parked One Way!

Grilled Asparagus

It's Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

June 11, 2013
The Sixth Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival

Today, we turn over the BostonZest keyboard to Allison Dagger from Mass Farmers Markets so she can tell you about this year's Strawberry Dessert Festival. Take it away Allison!

Mass Farmers Markets is pleased to announce the 6th Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival – beginning Friday, June 7, 2013 through Sunday, July 7, 2013 at eateries throughout Massachusetts. Chefs and bakers at each establishment will use fresh strawberries to create strawberry dessert masterpieces not to be missed! Each eatery will donate a percentage of their sales for the dessert to Mass Farmers Markets’ (MFM) mission to promote healthy communities, healthy individuals, and healthy economies; demonstrating their commitment to local farmers markets.

Now in its sixth year, The Mass Farmers Markets Strawberry Dessert Festival was created in 2008 to highlight the local strawberry season while raising much-needed funds for Mass Farmers Markets’ mission as the only state-wide non-profit organization working to sustain and strengthen our farmers market system.

“Our Strawberry Dessert Festival is a great opportunity to support local farmers and farmers markets while enjoying the incredible taste of New England strawberries,” said Jeff Cole, Executive Director of Mass Farmers Markets (MFM). “I think this is a great way to support your local farmer beyond the farmers market!”

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

Details:

Words: Allison Dagger
Photos: ©2011 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

Farmers' Markets Opening Dates Spring 2013

At the Market: New Location for City Hall Market

It's Strawberry Season!

June 10, 2013
The Sixth Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival

Today, we turn over the BostonZest keyboard to Allison Dagger from Mass Farmers Markets so she can tell you about this year's Strawberry Dessert Festival. Take it away Allison!

Mass Farmers Markets is pleased to announce the 6th Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival – beginning Friday, June 7, 2013 through Sunday, July 7, 2013 at eateries throughout Massachusetts. Chefs and bakers at each establishment will use fresh strawberries to create strawberry dessert masterpieces not to be missed! Each eatery will donate a percentage of their sales for the dessert to Mass Farmers Markets’ (MFM) mission to promote healthy communities, healthy individuals, and healthy economies; demonstrating their commitment to local farmers markets.

Now in its sixth year, The Mass Farmers Markets Strawberry Dessert Festival was created in 2008 to highlight the local strawberry season while raising much-needed funds for Mass Farmers Markets’ mission as the only state-wide non-profit organization working to sustain and strengthen our farmers market system.

“Our Strawberry Dessert Festival is a great opportunity to support local farmers and farmers markets while enjoying the incredible taste of New England strawberries,” said Jeff Cole, Executive Director of Mass Farmers Markets (MFM). “I think this is a great way to support your local farmer beyond the farmers market!”

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

Details:

Words: Allison Dagger
Photos: ©2011 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

Farmers' Markets Opening Dates Spring 2013

At the Market: New Location for City Hall Market

It's Strawberry Season!

June 10, 2013
Say Hello to Sunday Dog, Felix!

If you’ve never met a Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, you are in for a treat. Say hello to Felix – the cutest 15-month-old we know!

A bunch of us were taking a bench break in the park the other day, when Felix happened by to see what was going on. He immediately became the center of attention. Everyone, including passing strangers, had to stop for a get-to-know-you sniff.

Felix has this way about him that seems to attract a crowd. He’s curious, friendly, and not afraid to express his feelings. And, being true to his Dachshund roots, this guy definitely has the hunting instinct. Felix is mad about squirrels!

However, there is one other thing that makes him crazy with delight. Felix is fascinated by shadows, his own too! When he’s being fed in the kitchen, the room lights create shadows which he loves to chase all over the floor. And, if you ever want Felix to move, just take out a flashlight, shine it on the floor, “and he goes crazy!”

Puppies have a lot of energy, but it’s not limitless. We can take a hint, Felix.

Thanks for the playtime. We were honored. See you around town!

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

Photos of Felix and many of our other Sunday Dogs can be found in our Smug Mug Gallery.

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.

June 9, 2013
Say Hello to Sunday Dog, Felix!

If you’ve never met a Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, you are in for a treat. Say hello to Felix – the cutest 15-month-old we know!

A bunch of us were taking a bench break in the park the other day, when Felix happened by to see what was going on. He immediately became the center of attention. Everyone, including passing strangers, had to stop for a get-to-know-you sniff.

Felix has this way about him that seems to attract a crowd. He’s curious, friendly, and not afraid to express his feelings. And, being true to his Dachshund roots, this guy definitely has the hunting instinct. Felix is mad about squirrels!

However, there is one other thing that makes him crazy with delight. Felix is fascinated by shadows, his own too! When he’s being fed in the kitchen, the room lights create shadows which he loves to chase all over the floor. And, if you ever want Felix to move, just take out a flashlight, shine it on the floor, “and he goes crazy!”

Puppies have a lot of energy, but it’s not limitless. We can take a hint, Felix.

Thanks for the playtime. We were honored. See you around town!

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

Photos of Felix and many of our other Sunday Dogs can be found in our Smug Mug Gallery.

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.

June 9, 2013
Colorful Arches: Photo of the Week
We were out on a walk with our dog, when Penny captured this view of a line of columns framed by an arched opening. It is on the First Church in Boston at 66 Marlborough Street. The caption with this photo reads:

Colorful Arches

"Color in certain places has the great value of making the outlines and structural planes seem more energetic." (Antoni Gaudí, Spanish architect 1852-1926)

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.

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June 8, 2013