bostonzest

Category: Boston:101

  • Island Creek Oysters Has a Newbury Street Pop Up Shop for the Holidays

    Attention Back Bay neighbors! We have a temporary source of shellfish at 142 Newbury Street (map.) Ed's favorite Island Creek Oysters are available to take home or ship to a lucky gift recipient through January 2nd.

    IMG_8966 - Version 22015-11-27-island-creek-pop-up-Newbury-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Just a few steps East of Dartmouth Street, you'll find this cheerful store front. 

    IMG_8961 - Version 22015-11-27-island-creek-pop-up-Newbury-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Down the stairs is an icy display of fresh shellfish. On my visit, there were razor clams, oysters, and more. 

    IMG_8956 - Version 22015-11-27clams-island-creek-pop-up-Newbury-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    I was on the hunt for littleneck clams to make Clams Al Forno and they had them. There is a recipe at that link, but I use the one in the cookbook from Al Forno restaurant in Providence: Cucina Simpatica: Robust Trattoria Cooking From Al Forno.

    IMG_8960 - Version 22015-11-27-island-creek-pop-up-Newbury-street-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In addition to giving live seafood, you might also find a gift for your oyster lover from their display of shellfish and Island Creek related products.

    Here's hoping these good folks have a successful season and pave the way for more food shops in the neighborhood. 

     

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

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  • Edible Boston’s Winter 2016 Issue Is Available

    This edition of Edible Boston is a love letter to the Boston Public Market. Yes, it covers other things, but the big heart of this issue is a lovely photo album of the people you'll meet on your visits to Boston's latest fresh & local source.

    Edible boston winter 2016

    In her Letter from the Editor, Ilene Bezahler wrote, "While we are celebrating the holidays, I would also like to give a huge thank you to all participants who have worked over the past 19 years to bringing the Boston Public Market to fruition. It was a monumental task over a long period of time but now it is open!"

    Photographer Michael Piazza has captured the personality and personalities of the market in his sixteen page homage to the people and the place.

    Big Recipe Issue

    This issue inspires me with great recipes. In fact, the technique covered for "The Best Roasted Potatoes" on page 43 alone will make finding a copy worth your time. You'll also find a collection of other potato recipes plus a primer on savory pies.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot: Courtesy of Edible Boston

    Related articles
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
    Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market
    Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

  • Edible Boston’s Winter 2016 Issue Is Available

    This edition of Edible Boston is a love letter to the Boston Public Market. Yes, it covers other things, but the big heart of this issue is a lovely photo album of the people you'll meet on your visits to Boston's latest fresh & local source.

    Edible boston winter 2016

    In her Letter from the Editor, Ilene Bezahler wrote, "While we are celebrating the holidays, I would also like to give a huge thank you to all participants who have worked over the past 19 years to bringing the Boston Public Market to fruition. It was a monumental task over a long period of time but now it is open!"

    Photographer Michael Piazza has captured the personality and personalities of the market in his sixteen page homage to the people and the place.

    Big Recipe Issue

    This issue inspires me with great recipes. In fact, the technique covered for "The Best Roasted Potatoes" on page 43 alone will make finding a copy worth your time. You'll also find a collection of other potato recipes plus a primer on savory pies.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot: Courtesy of Edible Boston

    Related articles
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
    Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market
    Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around 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! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    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.

    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. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    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:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime 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 Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    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 What's Open in Boston 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 normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice 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:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around 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! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    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.

    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. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    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:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime 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 Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    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 What's Open in Boston 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 normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice 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:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • 2015-2016 Winter Farmers Market Schedule Around Boston

    The open air farmers market season is over and it's time for us to start our list of the 2015-2016 Winter Farmers Markets in the Boston area. We'll add to this list as we discover more markets opening.

    IMG_8892 - Version 22015-11-20-stillman's-copley-market-public-market-winter-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Stillman's Farm and  Stillman Quality Meats will both be at the Boston Public Market.

    Boston Public Market

    This will be the first year-round season for the new Boston Public Market. Here, you’ll find farmers, craft brewers, cheesemakers, local meat and seafood vendors, bakeries and artisan food producers.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3d90d8a3970c-500wi
    Brookline Winter Farmers' Market     

    Winter Indoor Farmers Markets Around Boston 

    Updated 01/08/15

    Check the links to confirm details on these markets before you set out on your shopping trip.

    Boston Public Market , 100 Hanover Street at Haymarket Station, Wednesday–Sunday 8:00am–8:00pm (year round)

    Boston/Egleston Winter Farmers Market, Urbano Project, 29 Germania St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, (Mid-November thru February)

    Brookline Winter Farmers Market at The Arcade Building, 318 Harvard Street, (map) Sundays
    11:00 am to 3:00 pm (November thru April)

    Newton Winter Farmers Market, 250 Albemarle Rd, Newton, MA 02461(map) Saturdays, 10:00 am – Noon (November and December) 

    Somerville Winter Farmers Market, 191 Highland Avenue, (map) Saturdays, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (December thru March)

    Cambridge Winter Farmers Market, 5 Callender Street, (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (January 9th – April 30th)

    Dorchester/Carney Hospital Year Round and Winter Farmers Market, 2100 Dorchester Ave. Seton Building Entrance (map) Wednesdays  8:00am – 12:00pm (year-round)

    Dorchester/Codman Square Winter Farmers Market, 6 Norfolk Street, Dorchester, in the Great Hall (map) Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm (January 9th to March 19th)

    Chelmsford Agway Winter Farmers Market, 24 Maple Road, Chelmsford, MA (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (November 7th – February 27th) Thanks to the reader who sent this one our way. 

    Roslindale Winter Farmers Market, 30 Birch Street, Roslindale, MA (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (January thru March). 

    20110123-134038-market-scene-Somerville-MA-Greens-greenhouse 

    20110123-134038-market-scene-Somerville-MA-purple-top-turnips

    Destination Markets Worth the Trip

    Wayland/Russell's Garden Center Winter Farmers Market – 2016, 397 Boston Post Road, Rte 20 (map) Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (January 9th – March 12th)

    Newburyport Winter Farmers Market, Tannery Marketplace, 50 Water Street (map)
    Sundays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Dec. 6 & 13 – 2015, Jan. 17 & 31, Feb. 7 & 21, March 6 & 20, April 3 & 17, 2016

    Do you have a favorite place to shop for local foods in winter? Let us know!

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

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

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

    Parking & Street Sweeping

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

    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."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    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: iStockphoto

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

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

    Parking & Street Sweeping

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

    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."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    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: iStockphoto

  • Bottom’s Up on the Esplanade

    We were walking the Esplanade photographing fall foliage when we noticed Canada Geese feeding in the canoeway. 

    CHE_9391 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-feeding-bottoms-up-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    At times, most of the flock were bottoms up with just a lone guard keeping watch.

    CHE_9397 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-foliage-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    This goose seemed to be conducting a master class in full body, underwater extension.

    CHE_9389 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-foliage-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sadly, Canada Geese are still a major problem on the Esplanade. Here's hoping more effort is put into programs like GeesePeace to counter this man-made problem and to educate the public about the dangers of feeding waterfowl.

    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 Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Follow the Fall Foliage into the City of Boston
    Confused Plants and More November Foliage

  • Bottom’s Up on the Esplanade

    We were walking the Esplanade photographing fall foliage when we noticed Canada Geese feeding in the canoeway. 

    CHE_9391 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-feeding-bottoms-up-© 2014 Penny Cherubino (1)

    At times, most of the flock were bottoms up with just a lone guard keeping watch.

    CHE_9397 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-foliage-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    This goose seemed to be conducting a master class in full body, underwater extension.

    CHE_9389 - Version 22015-10-30esplanade-canoeway-canada-geese-foliage-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sadly, Canada Geese are still a major problem on the Esplanade. Here's hoping more effort is put into programs like GeesePeace to counter this man-made problem and to educate the public about the dangers of feeding waterfowl.

    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 Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Follow the Fall Foliage into the City of Boston
    Confused Plants and More November Foliage