Category: Events

Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
- 12.27.12: Eater Boston has added its Map of What to do on New Year's Eve.
- 12.28.12: Grub Street Boston put up their, "Grub Guide: Where to Get Dreamy Takeout on New Year's Eve," some good choices there.
There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list.
- Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves.
- La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

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: 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
December 17, 2013
Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
- 12.27.12: Eater Boston has added its Map of What to do on New Year's Eve.
- 12.28.12: Grub Street Boston put up their, "Grub Guide: Where to Get Dreamy Takeout on New Year's Eve," some good choices there.
There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list.
- Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves.
- La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

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: 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
December 17, 2013
Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
- 12.27.12: Eater Boston has added its Map of What to do on New Year's Eve.
- 12.28.12: Grub Street Boston put up their, "Grub Guide: Where to Get Dreamy Takeout on New Year's Eve," some good choices there.
There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list.
- Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves.
- La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

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: 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
December 17, 2013
Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014
Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014.

This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.

More Information here.

General information you need to know about any snow emergency.
- "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
- Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
- Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
- Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
- Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"
Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

Before The Storm

If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

"DO

    * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
    * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
    * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates.
    * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
    * Follow winter weather driving tips.

DON'T

    * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
    * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
    * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
    * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
    * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

If your Car is Missing
- You can check to see if your car has been towed on this page from the city's site.
- If your car is towed, here is a map with the location of the tow lot.
- The tow lot phone number is (617) 635-3900
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.

Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

Digging Out

Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

Main number: 617-635-3050

24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

French Toast Alert System

If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

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:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

"Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8

Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8

Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.

Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.

City Employees: Essential Personnel only

Parking Meters: Normal rules apply

Tow Lot: Normal Hours

Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule

City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11

City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11

MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.

Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.

Other/Special Events*: N/A

*The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

Related articles

The ugly truth behind Boston's tradition of space savers
December 13, 2013
Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014
Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014.

This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.

More Information here.

General information you need to know about any snow emergency.
- "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
- Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
- Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
- Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
- Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"
Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

Before The Storm

If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

"DO

    * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
    * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
    * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates.
    * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
    * Follow winter weather driving tips.

DON'T

    * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
    * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
    * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
    * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
    * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

If your Car is Missing
- You can check to see if your car has been towed on this page from the city's site.
- If your car is towed, here is a map with the location of the tow lot.
- The tow lot phone number is (617) 635-3900
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.

Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

Digging Out

Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

Main number: 617-635-3050

24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

French Toast Alert System

If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

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:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

"Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8

Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8

Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.

Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.

City Employees: Essential Personnel only

Parking Meters: Normal rules apply

Tow Lot: Normal Hours

Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule

City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11

City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11

MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.

Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.

Other/Special Events*: N/A

*The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

Related articles

The ugly truth behind Boston's tradition of space savers
December 13, 2013
Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014
Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014.

This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.

More Information here.

General information you need to know about any snow emergency.
- "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
- Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
- Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
- Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
- Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
- Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms. Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"
Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

Before The Storm

If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

"DO

    * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
    * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
    * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be subject to standard parking rates.
    * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
    * Follow winter weather driving tips.

DON'T

    * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
    * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
    * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
    * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
    * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

If your Car is Missing
- You can check to see if your car has been towed on this page from the city's site.
- If your car is towed, here is a map with the location of the tow lot.
- The tow lot phone number is (617) 635-3900
There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm.

Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

Digging Out

Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

Main number: 617-635-3050

24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

French Toast Alert System

If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

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Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

"Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8

Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8

Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.

Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10.

City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.

City Employees: Essential Personnel only

Parking Meters: Normal rules apply

Tow Lot: Normal Hours

Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule

City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11

City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11

MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.

Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.

Other/Special Events*: N/A

*The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

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What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2013, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

UPDATE …This is an old post here's the latest!

What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2014

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2013 in Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

"Christmas Day Collection
Wednesday, December 25 – Saturday, December 28, 2013

Trash and Recycling collection will be cancelled in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25).

Regular collection schedule Back Bay, Bay Village, Fenway, South End, Mission Hill, Leather District, and Roxbury for the rest of the week;

North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown – regular collection schedule Monday, Friday (Wednesday cancelled);

Charlestown, delayed a day;

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston *Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash and recycling is collected 2 times per week, no delay."

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.

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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.

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December 12, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2013, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

UPDATE …This is an old post here's the latest!

What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2014

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2013 in Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

"Christmas Day Collection
Wednesday, December 25 – Saturday, December 28, 2013

Trash and Recycling collection will be cancelled in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25).

Regular collection schedule Back Bay, Bay Village, Fenway, South End, Mission Hill, Leather District, and Roxbury for the rest of the week;

North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown – regular collection schedule Monday, Friday (Wednesday cancelled);

Charlestown, delayed a day;

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston *Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash and recycling is collected 2 times per week, no delay."

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.

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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.

Related articles

Massachusetts commuter rail customers can now use smartphones instead of tickets to ride

MBTA finally gets new commuter-rail coaches, but watches its bond rating drop

Retail Trucks Will Be Open on City Hall Plaza For Holiday Shopping

2012 Boston Area Holiday Markets & Other Places for Unique Gifts

December 12, 2013
What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2013, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

UPDATE …This is an old post here's the latest!

What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day & MBTA Schedules 2014

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2013 in Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

"Christmas Day Collection
Wednesday, December 25 – Saturday, December 28, 2013

Trash and Recycling collection will be cancelled in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25).

Regular collection schedule Back Bay, Bay Village, Fenway, South End, Mission Hill, Leather District, and Roxbury for the rest of the week;

North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown – regular collection schedule Monday, Friday (Wednesday cancelled);

Charlestown, delayed a day;

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston *Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash and recycling is collected 2 times per week, no delay."

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.

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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.

Related articles

Massachusetts commuter rail customers can now use smartphones instead of tickets to ride

MBTA finally gets new commuter-rail coaches, but watches its bond rating drop

Retail Trucks Will Be Open on City Hall Plaza For Holiday Shopping

2012 Boston Area Holiday Markets & Other Places for Unique Gifts

December 12, 2013
Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2013 in Boston
UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
- The Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun holiday dining option.
- Grotto has their Feast listed on Boston Chefs. This tiny Beacon Hill gem was one of the first to present this holiday tradition.
- Kitchen and Marliave, Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, are joining in the festive fish feast.
What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
- The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel where you'll have a choice of a buffet or four course prix fixe menu.
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Taj Boston Cafe at the Taj Hotel
Other places open on holidays would include chains like Legal Seafoods and many restaurants in Chinatown. We once asked a long time Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year.

Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

Eater Boston's Christmas Map (Updated 12/16/2013)

What Chinese Restaurants are Open On Christmas Day– (2012)

Christmas Day Brunch (2012)

Open on Cape Cod on Christmas Day (just in case you're going there) (2012)

Xmas Lunch in Boston (2012)

Restaurant open Christmas Day in Newton or nearby (2012)

Other resources:

The reservation site, Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of Where to Eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening.

Eastern Standard: They will be open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.

Market by John-Georges: They will have a la carte items from their regular menu in addition to a special holiday menu on Christmas Day.

Subscribe to the comment feed of this post or follow us on Twitter, and we'll notify you of updates to this post.

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:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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