Category: Boston:101

Brunch on Hamersley’s Patio: A Sunday Sojourn

Yes, we had a sojourn, a delightful break in a busy week, a feeling of being away in a special place. We had brunch last Sunday at Hamersley's Bistro.

Merriam-Webster defines sojourn as, "a temporary residing as another's guest." They give this example of its use, "spent a relaxing sojourn in her friend's summer home."

While new restaurants can be fun to try, you don't always know what to expect, even if they have rave reviews. There may be annoying music, indifferent service, or food that is more about the chef's ego than your appetite.

At a long time Boston gem like Hamersley's the wonderful food, a calm atmosphere, and excellent service is a given. We've been eating here for more than 20 years and our memory banks are full of enjoyable Hamersley's stories. We smile when we say the word, "Hamersley's."

When we want to be certain of a special meal, we depend on this kitchen, this staff, and the steady hands on the tiller that have made this the choice of Bostonians like us, legends like Julia Child, and visiting VIPs.

Cold Lobster Salad with Summer Vegetable Confetti and Tarragon Vinaigrette

You know you will have a great meal. You know the wine list will have a few new entries to tempt you and an old favorite like Rollin Soles' Argyle Brut to toast a new week ahead.

After raising our glasses of Argyle, we ordered the lobster salad, and the poached eggs.

Poached Eggs with Morbier Cheese and Shaved Country Ham on a Toasted English Muffin with Herb Sauce

Dessert was an easy choice, Peach Cobbler with Crème Fraîche. No, you won't see a photo because by this time we were so relaxed that we forgot about our faithful readers and just enjoyed our dessert.

At one point, one of us said that this was more like being on an island than within walking distance of our home. It was delightful. It was a sojourn. You should make a reservation for Sunday, right now.

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.

August 14, 2013
Brunch on Hamersley’s Patio: A Sunday Sojourn

Yes, we had a sojourn, a delightful break in a busy week, a feeling of being away in a special place. We had brunch last Sunday at Hamersley's Bistro.

Merriam-Webster defines sojourn as, "a temporary residing as another's guest." They give this example of its use, "spent a relaxing sojourn in her friend's summer home."

While new restaurants can be fun to try, you don't always know what to expect, even if they have rave reviews. There may be annoying music, indifferent service, or food that is more about the chef's ego than your appetite.

At a long time Boston gem like Hamersley's the wonderful food, a calm atmosphere, and excellent service is a given. We've been eating here for more than 20 years and our memory banks are full of enjoyable Hamersley's stories. We smile when we say the word, "Hamersley's."

When we want to be certain of a special meal, we depend on this kitchen, this staff, and the steady hands on the tiller that have made this the choice of Bostonians like us, legends like Julia Child, and visiting VIPs.

Cold Lobster Salad with Summer Vegetable Confetti and Tarragon Vinaigrette

You know you will have a great meal. You know the wine list will have a few new entries to tempt you and an old favorite like Rollin Soles' Argyle Brut to toast a new week ahead.

After raising our glasses of Argyle, we ordered the lobster salad, and the poached eggs.

Poached Eggs with Morbier Cheese and Shaved Country Ham on a Toasted English Muffin with Herb Sauce

Dessert was an easy choice, Peach Cobbler with Crème Fraîche. No, you won't see a photo because by this time we were so relaxed that we forgot about our faithful readers and just enjoyed our dessert.

At one point, one of us said that this was more like being on an island than within walking distance of our home. It was delightful. It was a sojourn. You should make a reservation for Sunday, right now.

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.

August 14, 2013
What’s Open in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules Labor Day 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 2, 2013.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about fishing along the Esplanade?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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:In general, 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. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update 09.01.13: Via @NotifyBoston "8:02am [HOLIDAY] Tow Lot Open Sunday 9/1 8:30AM-5:30PM and Monday 9/2 9:30AM-4:30PM."

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2013- There are some temporary restrictions from 8/30 to 9/5 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

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

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Monday September 2, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule, September 2, 2013

Update: 08/20/13 – The MBTA Labor Day Schedule will be on this page through the holiday and disappear afterward.

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the link above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

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.

August 13, 2013
What’s Open in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules Labor Day 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 2, 2013.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about fishing along the Esplanade?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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:In general, 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. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update 09.01.13: Via @NotifyBoston "8:02am [HOLIDAY] Tow Lot Open Sunday 9/1 8:30AM-5:30PM and Monday 9/2 9:30AM-4:30PM."

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2013- There are some temporary restrictions from 8/30 to 9/5 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

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

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Monday September 2, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule, September 2, 2013

Update: 08/20/13 – The MBTA Labor Day Schedule will be on this page through the holiday and disappear afterward.

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the link above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

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.

August 13, 2013
What’s Open in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules Labor Day 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 2, 2013.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about fishing along the Esplanade?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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:In general, 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. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update 09.01.13: Via @NotifyBoston "8:02am [HOLIDAY] Tow Lot Open Sunday 9/1 8:30AM-5:30PM and Monday 9/2 9:30AM-4:30PM."

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2013- There are some temporary restrictions from 8/30 to 9/5 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

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

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Monday September 2, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule, September 2, 2013

Update: 08/20/13 – The MBTA Labor Day Schedule will be on this page through the holiday and disappear afterward.

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the link above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

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.

August 13, 2013
The Latest Fashion in Back Bay Street Lighting

It's called the cone light. It joins the gaslights, acorn lights, and cobra lights on the streets of the Back Bay.

I happen to know that chartreuse is not one of the historic colors approved for use in the residential district, so this light may not be on display for very long.

On the plus side – no power needed. It's bright enough already!

What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

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.

August 7, 2013
The Latest Fashion in Back Bay Street Lighting

It's called the cone light. It joins the gaslights, acorn lights, and cobra lights on the streets of the Back Bay.

I happen to know that chartreuse is not one of the historic colors approved for use in the residential district, so this light may not be on display for very long.

On the plus side – no power needed. It's bright enough already!

What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

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.

August 7, 2013
The Latest Fashion in Back Bay Street Lighting

It's called the cone light. It joins the gaslights, acorn lights, and cobra lights on the streets of the Back Bay.

I happen to know that chartreuse is not one of the historic colors approved for use in the residential district, so this light may not be on display for very long.

On the plus side – no power needed. It's bright enough already!

What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

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.

August 7, 2013
Dig Safe Says, “Be Carefu” or Is It, “Be Careful?”

Spotted near the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets, this message from Dig Safe. Yes, they should be careful about how they write messages on the sidewalk. But, better marked than not.

Did you know that, "… State Law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs." I didn't. But, when you think about it, it makes sense.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny 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.

July 30, 2013
Dig Safe Says, “Be Carefu” or Is It, “Be Careful?”

Spotted near the corner of Newbury and Exeter Streets, this message from Dig Safe. Yes, they should be careful about how they write messages on the sidewalk. But, better marked than not.

Did you know that, "… State Law requires you to notify Dig Safe for even small projects, like installing a mailbox or planting shrubs." I didn't. But, when you think about it, it makes sense.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny 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.

July 30, 2013