Category: Boston:101

The Smallest Thaw Brings out the Picnickers

The courtyard at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square is a very popular place for outdoor dining on warm days year-round. But, I didn't expect to find people using it this week. I was wrong. Even the smallest thaw brings out the picnicker in many of us.

It looks like someone planned for the thaw and cleared a small section of the patio. Just a few days before, I took this photo of the opposite patio from where the women were lunching.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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March 5, 2015
Poppy Says Good Riddance to February

Poppy loves snow but even she was a bit irreverent in saying goodbye to February 2015 and its record-setting snowfall.

Spring can't come too soon for this family!

(Since yesterday was the first of the month and a Sparkling Wine Day for BostonZest readers, we thought we'd bring our Sunday Dog fans a Monday Dog this week.)

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

March 2, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in March 2015

Time to start a new month of information to share with visitors and locals. What are your favorite March activities in Boston? This year, I think watching snow melt will be high on the list of many Bostonians.

(Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license be sure to check his photography blog.)

On Sunday, March 1st, head to Chinatown for the Lion Dance celebration from 10am to 5pm. That's always fun and most of the businesses in that neighborhood are small family run places that could use our support. What's more, you can be entertained, feast, and do your grocery shopping in one afternoon.

March Tips on Trip Advisor

Over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum, Destination expert, forgotmypword started a conversation on this topic back in December when someone asked about hotel rates this month.

"St Patrick's Day (March 17) is a popular time to visit Boston. The parade is the 15th. On top of that, there is a large convention. The Seafood Expo/seafood processors convention is from the 15th-17th and is expecting 18,000 attendees."

And, I've begun my monthly topic about, What's Going on in March 2015 Around Boston. As the regular volunteers who answer questions on that space share their ideas, you will find topics that we never cover on BostonZest and things to do that are beyond our interests.

Do you remember Diamond Jim's Piano Bar at the Lenox hotel? It will reappear for one weekend in March.

Who are all these People? (or, Conventions in Town in March)

Here are the numbers on conventions and large meetings that will impact hotel prices and in some cases make dinner reservations harder to find in certain areas of the city.

From March 12th -14th, a meeting will be held at the Hynes with 6,000 in attendance. But the rest of the big events are out in the Seaport district and won't be noticed by most locals and visitors except in restaurants.

From the 15th -17th, 18,000 visitors at BCEC and the 28th to the 31st there are two events in that area with a total of 18,000 attendees.

If you need a restaurant reservation for those dates, make it now.

March Events

There is always a lot of information about St. Patrick's Day in Boston but in the North End, St. Joseph's Day, March 19th is important because all the bakeries make Zeppole di San Giuseppe in honor of the day. These are delightful fried pastries filled with cream and cherries. Seen above is our favorite at Modern Pastry.

You could go from Modern to Maria's and so on down the streets tasting different versions. These are also made by bakeries throughout the area this time of year. Please share your favorite spots for Zeppole.

The parade is on Sunday the 15th. This is one day when we avoid using the MBTA since it's usually full of people going to and from that event.

Sometime during the month, you could support an Irish Pub by enjoying an Irish Breakfast. The one above is from Sonny's Pub in Adams Village.

Or, you can buy Irish soda bread from an area bakery. It Looks like we're going to have to do a lot of walking this month with all these seasonal offerings. You can honor the Irish while you walk. Here's a link to the Irish Heritage Trail.

Your Turn

We hope you'll join in and make this a conversation here. Add your comments below or follow us on Twitter and send your ideas to us there. Just put @BostonZest in your message and we'll get it.

Who's next?

What are your favorite March pastimes?

What events are you planning to attend this month?

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino or as marked below photo

February 27, 2015
Colorful, Bright, New Community Workspace at the Boston Public Library

What a difference a renovation makes. The second floor of the Johnson Building at the Boston Public Library (BPL) in Copley Square has been transformed in spectacular before-and-after fashion.

Last week, I took a tour of the changes with Michael Colford, Director of Library Services. He is understandably proud of the look, convenience, and user friendliness of this renovation.

I choose these bar seats along the arched window overlooking Boylston Street as my favorite spot.

Michael pointed out that the library’s circulating nonfiction collection is located here. Amid the book stacks holding 200,000 books is a community reading area and places for individual and group work. This will be a lively section of the building where conversations will take place. The McKim building will provide quiet space for those who prefer a place to work without distractions.

Lower book shelves open up the area allowing the light from the windows and from many new fixtures to provide a bright and welcoming workspace. I was also happy to see some of the materials like the lovely Windsor chairs reconditioned, recycled, and fitting beautifully into the new setting.

And still, there are spots where you can get off by yourself for a bit of quiet texting.

Lots of new electrical outlets also give you a place to charge up your phone, laptop or tablet.

There are new airport-style restrooms on the floor and multi-function water fountains with a separate station to fill your water bottle. And, yes, water bottles are allowed in this section of the library.

Along with the new look, you will also find some changes in the way the library and librarians communicate with patrons. The bookshelves will be marked not only in traditional Library of Congress Classification fashion, but also with signs and banners that let you know, for example, that this section houses books on Politics and Law.

When the flow of traffic at the information desk allows, librarians will move around the floor to answer questions and assist patrons as they search for materials. The openness of the new design will allow staff members to see when they are needed back at the desk.

Digital displays around the floor will highlight items from the BPL's renowned Collections of Distinction. This will remind patrons of all the resources, beyond the books on the shelves, that are available to them within the walls of this building.

A press release from the BPL explained that service kiosks like this one (now found in other parts of the library and branches as well), "are part of the library’s upgraded pay for print system and have several features, including the introduction of paying for printing via standard credit and debit cards. Boston Public Library cards will now store up to $21 for use on the system."

Along with opening this floor last Saturday, the Boylston Street entrance has also reopened. A corridor has been built for library visitors to move through the first floor where work on the next phase of this renovation continues. For those of us who are in the habit of using that entrance, this is most welcome.

I look forward to using this workspace, both when I need a change from my home office and when I want to collaborate with friends and associates on a project.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino, Patron using the kisoh courtesy of the BPL

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February 23, 2015
Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine’s Month

For the past week, there's been a lot of social media talk about getting out and supporting the local businesses who have been so badly hurt by the recent weather. We're adding our two cents to this message.

Pawsh Dog Boutique and Salon has toys for your four-footed valentines.

If you don't want to lose the small owner-operated businesses that are one of the best aspects of the Boston area, please get out of your homes and spend some money. Figure out what you need, or want to do, and then how you can do that with a local business.

We made the rounds of a few of our favorite shops this week. We restocked our wine rack at Bauer Wines on Newbury Street. They have a great selection of sparkling wines for your Valentine weekend celebrations.

At KitchenWares, Jim Hill says it's a great time to bring in your knives to be sharpened. He was telling us that some customers drop them off before heading away to warmer climes and pick them up upon return to Boston.

While we were there talking about the service, a local chef was picking out a new knife from their fine selection. He told us he had just had his very hard carbon steel knives sharpened at the shop and was very pleased. (Ed once gave me a knife for Valentines Day and I still smile when I use it.)

Onion Soup from Petit Robert Bistro

This week we had food delivered from a couple of local restaurants. Our meal from Petit Robert Bistro could have been a special Valentine's Day supper. We shared an assortment of pâtés, roast chicken, beef Bourguignon, tart tatin, and chocolate mousse.

Because we always think about how a menu item will travel before we order, our choices for delivery arrived in lovely condition. If you don't want to go out to dinner over the weekend, consider having a meal delivered.

However, we hope to get out and dine-in at some of our favorites. There are some foods like the Petit Robert onion soup and profiterole above that are better ordered and eaten at the restaurant. What's more, this will give you the opportunity to provide a tip for a member of the waitstaff who has been hurt by slow days and snow days.

If what you need is not local or if you are one of our readers from another part of the world, BostonZest is also a local business. When you are going to buy from one of the businesses that advertise here or pay us commission, we appreciate your support.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

February 13, 2015
What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2015 & MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
Here’s a rundown of what’s open and what’s closed in Boston on Presidents’ Day and the MBTA schedule changes, plus information on Boston trash pick-up and parking information for February 16, 2015.

We publish these resource pages early to assist you in planning your holidays. We’ll keep updates coming as new information is published. Follow us on Twitter to learn about updates.

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Open if the owners choose

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. In recent years, we’ve noticed some banks keep some branches open at unexpected times so check with your own bank.

Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon. You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way.

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

Boston Recycling and Trash Collection:

“Presidents’ Day Week,

Monday, February 16, 6am – Saturday, February 21, 2015, 6pm

DETAILS: “No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

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

Here’s the source of the recycling and trash information.

MBTA Schedule for Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2015

Update 02/15/15 6:30 PM Here is an update from the MBTA:

“The MBTA will provide a limited schedule of rail and bus service on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, 2015.” As detailed” “… at mbta.com/winter, the MBTA will operate services on the Blue, Green, Orange and Red Lines at underground stations, although the Blue Line will operate to Airport Station.

Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule, while buses will run on a modified Saturday schedule, with certain routes not operating as detailed below. The Silver Line will operate on a weekday schedule.”

For a short time before the holiday, a complete list of schedule changes with appear at this link.

Briefly:
- Blue, Orange, Red, and Green Lines will operate a Saturday schedule and there will not be late night service.
- Silver line will operate a weekday schedule.
- Commuter Rail trains will operate a Saturday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule. Check this link for bus routes that will not operate. (Note: this link will only work up until the holiday.)
- Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown Boat Service will operate a regular weekday schedule.
- THE RIDE will operate a Saturday schedule, but contact your local RIDE contractor for details.
For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: ©2015 Ed Cherubino
February 6, 2015
Angel in the Snow, Little Did I Know …

When I shot this photo of the angel sculpture on the perimeter wall of the Church Court Condominium for a Back Bay Sun Cover, I never imagined how much snow we would have in the days to follow.

The winter had been calm and as the first snow came down, I grabbed my camera and went out to capture a wintry cover for the paper.

The sculptor, Gene Cauthen, calls it "Church Court Angel" and provides these close up photos on his site.

He explains that it is:

" 5' 6" bronze, commissioned by architect Graham Gund, installed on the exterior wall of an architectural ensemble at Church Court, 492 Beacon Street, Boston, MA."

Mount Vernon Church Image from the New York Public Library Collection via Wikipedia.

The condominium is a mixture of old and new. In 1978, the Mount Vernon Church (designed by Walter & Kimble in 1891) suffered a serious fire. The shell of the building remained until the 1980s when Graham Gund added new elements and created the building we see today.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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February 3, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in February 2015

Okay team, it's time for us to share some of the pastimes and events that we're looking forward to this February.

Abolitionist Lucy Stone gazes at slave Phillis Wheatley on the Boston Women's Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Black History Month

This month has a theme, Black History Month, that fits into Boston's historical culture. The people of Boston were an important part of the abolitionist movement. We have a wonderful Black Heritage Trail and this year the Museum of Fine arts has some exceptional offerings like the Gordon Parks exhibition. In a city with so much history, it can be good to focus on one aspect like this, from time to time.

Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison sits two blocks away on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

February Events

If you're a visitor to Boston, you should know that we have a long weekend on February 14-16 to celebrate Presidents' Day.

That weekend is also Valentine's Day so restaurant and hotel reservations may be a bit tighter. And, Valentine's Day is an event where many restaurants have special prix fixe menus offering less choice, higher prices, and often lower quality. Here's a link our post: Where to Dine Valentine's Day 2015 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston.

On the other hand, some hotels will be offering special romantic packages since this is not the busiest month of the year. Locals might consider a staycation weekend tucked into a romantic hotel in the city.

Few Conventions This Month

On the convention front, there are just two events that might impact hotel prices. One in the seaport area, where it will have much less impact on the lives of Bostonians and visitors, is projecting about 16,000 visitors from the 4th to the 6th. And, at the Hynes in the Back Bay, 5,000 conventioneers are expected on the 26th and 27th.

Penny has started this same conversion over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum to give some background for visitors to our fair city and for the locals who volunteer on that forum to trade ideas with one another. You'll find additional ideas at this link.

Your Turn

We hope you'll join in and make this a conversation here. Add your comments below or follow us on Twitter and send your ideas to us there. Just put @BostonZest in your message and we'll get it.

Who's next?

What are your favorite February pastimes?

What events are you planning to attend this month?

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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February 2, 2015
Look out Below! Snow & Ice Are Falling All over Town

Walking to the market yesterday, we had to keep watch for snow sliding off buildings. Warmer temperatures, snow, and possible rain will lead to even more ice and snow falling from above.

Earlier in the day, Ed had captured these photos of workers shoveling off the roof of a Commonwealth Avenue building to lessen the snow load before the next storm.

In this photo, it looks like a snow waterfall.

In this one, he managed to capture the snow and a contrail against the bright blue sky.

Roof Snow Resources

Snow on roofs, especially in the quantity we've collected this week, can be dangerous. The CIty of Boston has a resource page with information on removing snow from roofs and preventing potential roof collapses.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Ed Cherubino

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January 30, 2015
Then & Now: Snow Shoveling in Boston

With the first storm of the current series, Ed took this photo of a team of men clearing a sidewalk in the Back Bay. Those signs should read "Don't Stop!"– shoveling that is.

It made me remember some photos I once saw in the Boston Public Library's Leslie Jones Collection.

This one is titled Men shoveling snow into trucks. It's from 1939 and shows a much larger team of shovelers who seem to be clearing both the street and the sidewalk on Tremont Street across from the Boston Common.

Some horses were added to this team in February of 1936. Jones titled this Workmen shovel snow.

Downtown, Summer St., coffee break is a good reminder for everyone out there working in the cold and exerting themselves in the storm. Take it easy, take some breaks, get inside, warm up, and don't do more than you are able. Those shovels look heavy. (1934 – 1956 approximate)

Be a Good Neighbor!

Over on Universal Hub, one of the UH crew posted information and links to an organized effort for neighbors to help neighbors. Lend a hand to those who are not able to shovel.

And, if you are fortunate and don't have to shovel out your home, consider adopting a hydrant or catch basin to make you and your neighbors safer in case of fire or local flooding.

Related Links:

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

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 Ed Cherubino top photo. The three historic photos are: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

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January 26, 2015