Category: Friday Links

  • Great Restaurant List from Tiny Urban Kitchen: Our Friday Link

    Today's Friday Link is an updated list of restaurants from Jen over on Tiny Urban Kitchen

    Here's her headline and a link to the post: UPDATED! JEN’S TOP RESTAURANTS IN BOSTON.

    Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at Friday, July 10, 201510.51.08 AM

    When the list was published last week, I shared it on social media and had friends comment on how great it was and send me thank you notes for linking to it.  

    Later in the week, I was on my way to meet a friend for lunch when I came across a park bench filled with friends. One of them mentioned it and another asked if I could email a link to her. I did, but realized that it was a perfect Friday Link post for BostonZest.

    This type of great resource, whether it's a site you should follow or a particular post on a site we've already recommended, is one of the reasons we started BostonZest back in May of 2004. 

    Jen, thanks for making my friends and neighbors happy with your great list of restaurants and wonderful photos of the food they serve.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

  • Great Restaurant List from Tiny Urban Kitchen: Our Friday Link

    Today's Friday Link is an updated list of restaurants from Jen over on Tiny Urban Kitchen

    Here's her headline and a link to the post: UPDATED! JEN’S TOP RESTAURANTS IN BOSTON.

    Screen Shot 2015-07-10 at Friday, July 10, 201510.51.08 AM

    When the list was published last week, I shared it on social media and had friends comment on how great it was and send me thank you notes for linking to it.  

    Later in the week, I was on my way to meet a friend for lunch when I came across a park bench filled with friends. One of them mentioned it and another asked if I could email a link to her. I did, but realized that it was a perfect Friday Link post for BostonZest.

    This type of great resource, whether it's a site you should follow or a particular post on a site we've already recommended, is one of the reasons we started BostonZest back in May of 2004. 

    Jen, thanks for making my friends and neighbors happy with your great list of restaurants and wonderful photos of the food they serve.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

  • Boston Chefs: New Look for a Reliable Resource

    Our Friday Link takes you to the Boston Chefs site, a web address we've linked to many times when we do our special occasion dining posts. Click over to see their redesign.

    BostonChefs

     They say:

    "With our new platform we’re providing even deeper, more comprehensive coverage of news and events.”  BostonChefs.com represents nearly 230 member restaurants, and each is showcased with current menus, stunning pictures of their signature dishes, and insider information on their concepts, chefs, and events. “Everything our readers tell us they love about us is still there, and the site has always been updated daily,” says Lydon, “but now, the minute you land on BostonChefs.com, you’ll instantly see what’s new and be able to share what you’ve discovered with others who are equally passionate about all things food.” 

    We say, nice work!

    We find lots of reasons to click over to this site a few times every week and we rely on the lists they provide of what's going on in their member restaurants. That's important, because we only cover the places that fit our specific criteria and Boston Chefs can offer alternatives that may appeal to our readers. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Screenshot from Boston Chefs.

  • Boston Chefs: New Look for a Reliable Resource

    Our Friday Link takes you to the Boston Chefs site, a web address we've linked to many times when we do our special occasion dining posts. Click over to see their redesign.

    BostonChefs

     They say:

    "With our new platform we’re providing even deeper, more comprehensive coverage of news and events.”  BostonChefs.com represents nearly 230 member restaurants, and each is showcased with current menus, stunning pictures of their signature dishes, and insider information on their concepts, chefs, and events. “Everything our readers tell us they love about us is still there, and the site has always been updated daily,” says Lydon, “but now, the minute you land on BostonChefs.com, you’ll instantly see what’s new and be able to share what you’ve discovered with others who are equally passionate about all things food.” 

    We say, nice work!

    We find lots of reasons to click over to this site a few times every week and we rely on the lists they provide of what's going on in their member restaurants. That's important, because we only cover the places that fit our specific criteria and Boston Chefs can offer alternatives that may appeal to our readers. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Screenshot from Boston Chefs.

  • Boston Chowhounds Give Watertown Ethnic Markets Tips

    If you are a regular reader or contributor to the Greater Boston Chowhound board, you may have saved a link to a great conversation this month titled: Favorites from Watertown Markets? (Map)

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    This spice olive mix at Arax Market is a favorite with the BostonZest team. 

    Board member Klunco asked, "There are so many little grocers in a small area and was curious if anyone could give a run down of the strengths or must try items at each?" The responses from a number of regulars, who have won my trust over the years, were detailed and fabulous. 

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    I had to admit that I do tend to buy the same things in the same places. The Chowhounds have inspired me to get out of my rut and do more comparison shopping. I tend to buy ingredients like those in the photo above. However, on a recent visit, I brought a friend who was drawn to the prepared foods and gave them rave reviews. 

    I made a quick visit last week, specifically hunting for Rose Harissa, and once again was thrilled with the outstanding service at each shop.

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    If you want to try something like the authentic string cheese soaking in a brine bath shown above, ask about it. Where does it come from? How do I store it? How do I prepare it? I did that many years ago and when a discussion popped up on Serious Eats, I was able to sell my editor on a feature on this treat. I just had to stop by and review what I knew with the experts in the shop. 

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    My current favorite falafels from Fordee's.

    I now have a list of prepared foods that I'll buy on my next visit based on the recommendations offered by other food lovers. I also plan to do a few taste-offs. I'll get fewer of my old favorites and try the comparable product from one or two other places. 

    One bonus Chowhound tip: like any public forum there are great resources, people with a single agenda, trolls, and time wasters. Over the years, I've learned which members I can rely upon for good information and which ones will waste my time with worthless or inaccurate ramblings. I read Chowhound on an RSS feed and watch the source of comments. I click right through to my favorites and don't read or respond to those who offer nothing of value to me. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2010-2013 Penny Cherubino 

  • Boston Chowhounds Give Watertown Ethnic Markets Tips

    If you are a regular reader or contributor to the Greater Boston Chowhound board, you may have saved a link to a great conversation this month titled: Favorites from Watertown Markets? (Map)

    6a00e54fc42bb88834013482cc5fb4970c-800wi

    This spice olive mix at Arax Market is a favorite with the BostonZest team. 

    Board member Klunco asked, "There are so many little grocers in a small area and was curious if anyone could give a run down of the strengths or must try items at each?" The responses from a number of regulars, who have won my trust over the years, were detailed and fabulous. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e8b01d2c3970d-800wi

    I had to admit that I do tend to buy the same things in the same places. The Chowhounds have inspired me to get out of my rut and do more comparison shopping. I tend to buy ingredients like those in the photo above. However, on a recent visit, I brought a friend who was drawn to the prepared foods and gave them rave reviews. 

    I made a quick visit last week, specifically hunting for Rose Harissa, and once again was thrilled with the outstanding service at each shop.

    20100527IMG_2429 - Version 3

    If you want to try something like the authentic string cheese soaking in a brine bath shown above, ask about it. Where does it come from? How do I store it? How do I prepare it? I did that many years ago and when a discussion popped up on Serious Eats, I was able to sell my editor on a feature on this treat. I just had to stop by and review what I knew with the experts in the shop. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015392572689970b-800wi

    My current favorite falafels from Fordee's.

    I now have a list of prepared foods that I'll buy on my next visit based on the recommendations offered by other food lovers. I also plan to do a few taste-offs. I'll get fewer of my old favorites and try the comparable product from one or two other places. 

    One bonus Chowhound tip: like any public forum there are great resources, people with a single agenda, trolls, and time wasters. Over the years, I've learned which members I can rely upon for good information and which ones will waste my time with worthless or inaccurate ramblings. I read Chowhound on an RSS feed and watch the source of comments. I click right through to my favorites and don't read or respond to those who offer nothing of value to me. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2010-2013 Penny Cherubino 

  • Doin’ the Pothole Dance!

    After our dreadful winter season, Public Works has a lot of potholes, like these in Copley Square, ready for filling. 

    IMG_1392 - Version 22015-03-18-pot-hole-filling-boston-public-works-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    It takes choreographed teamwork to get the job done. These guys know how to do the pothole dance. A runner on her way by joined in.

    IMG_1397 - Version 22015-03-18-pot-hole-filling-boston-public-works-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    And, between patches, there's time to sing the pothole song.

    IMG_1380 - Version 22015-03-18-pot-hole-filling-boston-public-works-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    The tamper adds the rhythm track.

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    On a more serious note, you can report potholes on the Citizens Connect app. "Pothole" is a quick choice on the current selection of topics. These change from season to season. This week's array reflects the problems we're all seeing around the city.

    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  Ed Cherubino  

  • 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.

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    (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.

    IMG_8047 - Version 22015-02-24-lexox-back-bay-boston© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    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. 

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    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.

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    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. 

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    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. 

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    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.

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    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?

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

  • Here’s My Favorite Weather App – Dark Sky

    Weather has been the topic of the month for February 2015. So, today, I'm going to share my favorite source for weather information.

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    Here's a temperature screenshot from Dark Sky on my iPhone.  

    Ed, with his background in radio, still checks to see what various stations are forecasting. On the other hand, I have narrowed down my primary weather advisor to a favorite weather app. 

    Dark Sky

    The app that talks to me all day, sending me notifications about weather changes that I can use, is Dark Sky with Weather Radar, Hyperlocal Forecasts, and Storm Alerts. It has been very busy this month letting me know that flurries, light snow, heavy snow, or snow was coming soon. It also has simple, sensible, easy to understand visuals that let me plan my day and my week.

    While alerts are often something you knew was going to happen, occasionally weather changes pop up without warning. Last summer, we were walking our dog about a mile from home when Dark Sky alerted me that heavy rain was coming, soon.

    We turned for home and caught up with a neighbor and her dogs along the way. We told her it was going to rain hard and how we knew. She doubted the prediction but walked along with us. We were nearly home when the sky opened and the rain came down. Naturally, she wanted the name of the app. 

    Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at Thursday, February 19, 20154.15.10 PM

    Dark Sky is a paid app, but you can get the same information on any computer at the Forcast.io – their web version. One thing I love about this app is the "Time Machine" option. It lets you see what the weather was any day in the past. 

    Screen Shot 2015-02-19 at Thursday, February 19, 20154.20.59 PM

    Here's what the weather was on this day in 1971. Go ahead and look up your birthday, anniversary or this date last year.

    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
    Screenshots from Dark Sky and Forcast.io

  • 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.

    IMG_1357 - Version 22015-01-29-falling-snow-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    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.

    IMG_1359 - Version 22015-01-29-falling-snow-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In this photo, it looks like a snow waterfall.

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    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.

    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 Ed Cherubino