Category: Events

Enjoy a Zeppole This Weekend! March 19th Is Zeppole Day

We have been zeppole fans for years and love to keep trying all the different versions made by local bakeries.

This particular zeppole smiled up at Penny from the display case at Antoine's Pastry Shop in Newton.

Antoine's makes a lovely example of the pastry with a light, crisp shell, abundant filling …

… and a nice dollop of cherries on the top.

A big thank you to our friend Vinnie for introducing us to this shop!

Here are our "Zeppole Posts" from other year's pastry celebrations.

This post from 2015 tells you a bit about the history of zeppole and a different style that we enjoyed during our years in Rhode Island.

Zeppole from Modern Pastry

It's Zeppole Season!

March for Zeppole di San Giuseppe! features Maria's Pastry Shop in the North End.

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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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March 16, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
Boston Needs a Year-End Holiday, “Un-decorating Day”

With Valentine's Day coming, it's time to take down those wilting, drooping, browning decorations that went up in November and December. Boston should have an official year-end holiday "Un-decorating Day" or weekend where everyone takes a look at their winter accessories and decides if they still look good and can stay or if some adjustment or removal is needed.

Walking around, we found different takes on decorating the front of buildings. These folks decided to go with the next holiday and added a splash of Valentine Glam to their doorway.

In some cases, the decorating theme was "Winter" rather than "Christmas" and this planter was maintained so it still looks good and is still a very welcome sight on our daily strolls.

On the other hand, this garland has stayed too long at the party. This photo was taken in late January and suggests that perhaps the date for "Un-decorating Day" should be the first weekend in February.

Traditionally, The Beacon Hill Civic Association has held their "Undecorating Weekend – Pancake Breakfast" in January. That's great for some fading decorations. But, many of the wreaths, planters, and window boxes with less traditional themes are in great shape and continue to add a splash of bright to the dull streetscape. Those should stay around a bit longer.

This year we've had Roses in December and snowdrops and green shoots popping up in January. This weekend would be our normal time to start looking for those first signs of spring. So in our minds this is also a weekend to take a look at your winter decor and decide if it is still a happy addition to your home or if it's time to take it away and think about the next season. In case you're wondering, the Spring Equinox is March 20, 2016.

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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

February 11, 2016
Boston Needs a Year-End Holiday, “Un-decorating Day”

With Valentine's Day coming, it's time to take down those wilting, drooping, browning decorations that went up in November and December. Boston should have an official year-end holiday "Un-decorating Day" or weekend where everyone takes a look at their winter accessories and decides if they still look good and can stay or if some adjustment or removal is needed.

Walking around, we found different takes on decorating the front of buildings. These folks decided to go with the next holiday and added a splash of Valentine Glam to their doorway.

In some cases, the decorating theme was "Winter" rather than "Christmas" and this planter was maintained so it still looks good and is still a very welcome sight on our daily strolls.

On the other hand, this garland has stayed too long at the party. This photo was taken in late January and suggests that perhaps the date for "Un-decorating Day" should be the first weekend in February.

Traditionally, The Beacon Hill Civic Association has held their "Undecorating Weekend – Pancake Breakfast" in January. That's great for some fading decorations. But, many of the wreaths, planters, and window boxes with less traditional themes are in great shape and continue to add a splash of bright to the dull streetscape. Those should stay around a bit longer.

This year we've had Roses in December and snowdrops and green shoots popping up in January. This weekend would be our normal time to start looking for those first signs of spring. So in our minds this is also a weekend to take a look at your winter decor and decide if it is still a happy addition to your home or if it's time to take it away and think about the next season. In case you're wondering, the Spring Equinox is March 20, 2016.

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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

February 11, 2016
Ways to Report Pedestrian Dangers & WalkBoston “Ped 101” Advocacy Training
The BostonZest team are walkers. We don't own a car. We use mass transit, if we must, but most of the time we get where we need to be as pedestrians. Naturally, we really notice the failures to ensure pedestrian safety on the part of our city and state authorities. We try to be advocates for pedestrians and now we have a few tips for you on how you can join us.

Report Transportation Dangers

The City of Boston has set up a mapping system where you can report safety issues in the transportation system. We have already used this to mark intersections where traffic gridlocks, where walk lights don't last long enough, and where walk lights are missing.

You can also consult this map to find places where you might want to exercise a bit more caution as you travel. (You might also take a look at this map that shows where accidents have already been reported by police.) Both are part of the city's Vision Zero program.

If your concern needs a more immediate correction, use the 311 system by calling 311 on your phone, reporting the problem on the 311 phone app, sending a tweet to @BOS311, or reporting through the website.

WalkBoston Pedestrian Advocacy Training Programs

To learn more about how you can become a better defender of pedestrians, consider attending one of the Ped101 training sessions.

WalkBoston says:

"This session is helpful if you're interested in learning about:
- walkability, urbanism & the associated lingo (what's a "tight turning radius"?),
- making neighborhoods safer for people walking & running,
- how you can advocate for change in your own community."
Take advantage of this opportunity to stand up for those who walk around the city.

Additional Reading: Make Walking THE Priority where you will find a link to a thoughtful piece on the mistaken priority system used by our transportation planners and a much better priority approach.

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
Artwork: courtesy of the City of Boston and WalkBoston

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January 29, 2016
Where to Dine Valentine’s Day 2016 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston
Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember.

This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday.

Just as you could last year, you have the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is an option. You can follow that with a quiet dinner at home for two or a gathering of friends who are close to your heart.

Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.

This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.

If brunch is on your list, we recommend Coppa Enoteca. They say, "Join us for Valentine’s Day at Coppa. We will be offering our regular menu and specials with additional by the glass and by the bottle wine features."

Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above.

When a Valentine's Day Brunch or Dinner Is on the Menu …
- Open Table has a list of restaurants and note if they have a special menu or if their regular menu is available. Fortunately, it looks like more places are going with their regular menu with some additions.
- Boston Chefs has a list with some information at this link.
Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:

Related BostonZest Posts:

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination

Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of Champagne after that hand-holding exercise.

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photo: top photo from iStockphoto.com,

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January 22, 2016
What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )
- Restaurants, Bars: Open
- Convenience Stores: Open
- Supermarkets: Open
- Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
- Liquor Stores: Open
- 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 States closed. International markets are open.
- Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
- The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
- Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
- Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
- The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
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 go to www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

Related articles

A Few of Our Favorite Kitchen Gifts
January 8, 2016
What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )
- Restaurants, Bars: Open
- Convenience Stores: Open
- Supermarkets: Open
- Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
- Liquor Stores: Open
- 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 States closed. International markets are open.
- Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
- The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
- Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
- Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
- The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
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 go to www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

Related articles

A Few of Our Favorite Kitchen Gifts
January 8, 2016
Happy Holidays from the BostonZest Team

Happy Holidays to all our readers. And, a big thank you to everyone who has added elegant, tasteful decoration to our daily walks around the city.

This time of year, we enjoy seeing the bows and garland on wrought iron fences and railings.

Beautiful doorways wearing wreaths as seasonal accessories.

In honor of the firefighters.

Both private homes and public buildings, like the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, celebrate the season with artistic flair. We hope you'll find the time to take a walk in your neighborhood to enjoy the scene while it's fresh and beautiful.

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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

December 24, 2015