Category: We recommend!

Poured from On High, Txakoli Rose Is a Great Seaside or Seafood Wine

We are welcoming May with a slightly effervescent bottle of Txakoli Rosé. April was a rosy month for us. Txakoli Rosé returned to the wine list at Select Oyster Bar. We enjoyed it there, both before and after our vacation in Provincetown.

On our first day in Ptown, we asked our trusted, local wine merchants at Perry's Wine & Liquors if they had Txakoli. "It's coming in tomorrow," was the reply. We returned the next day to stock up for our own enjoyment and for any guests who happened to join us for a glass of wine and bit of cheese. (Some neighbors from Boston were in town during our stay and we may have added them to the list of fans of the Basque wines.)

Perry's was carrying the Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Rose. We paired its casual sparkle with a variety of foods from Spanish cheese to lobster and scallops, throughout our days by the sea.

We loved and agree with the description of this wine from PJ Wine in NYC …

"Txakoli rose is like salted watermelon juice. It's like the ocean air drifting through a raspberry bush. It's like… well, it's like heaven. For summer drinking, for salty fried things, for any grilled thing from the sea with olive oil and salt, the straight Txomin Txakoli is one of our favorite drinks. In rose form, it's even better! Think of the refreshing San Sebastian elixir with cranberry tartness in place of the limes. Not sure who wouldn't like this wine, it's that good and refreshing. With just a tiny spritz of bubbles it's also an ideal aperitif, so go ahead and drink this all year long. – PJ"

Back in Boston, we slipped into a couple of bar seats at Select Oyster to enjoy Chef Michael Serpa's selection, UlaciaTxakolina Rose. On this visit, we matched it with shared plates of Gloucester Swordfish, Scallops Ceviche, and a side of Avocado Toast – another delicious combination.

Perhaps it's that the sea air is so close to where the grapes for this wine are grown. Or maybe it's the crisp flavor and low alcohol (11%) that make this gem a perfect match for spring, summer, and the best of living near the Atlantic Ocean. All we know is that we've become devoted Txakoli fans.

We've even purchased the special stoppers (traditional Spanish escanciadors) that aerate the wine as it's poured into a glass from on high. Above is Elisha behind the bar at Select doing the Basque high pour for us.

By the way, Elisha did ask if we preferred it served in wine glasses or in the traditional tumblers used in the Basque region for both the wines of Txakolina and the area's famous ciders. This is an easygoing, fun wine perfect for summer on the roof deck, patio, or a chair by the sea. Those places can be windy and have you clinging to your stemware. So relax, hold a Txakoli on high, pour it splashing into a tumbler, and join our Sparkling Resolution as we toast May and look forward to the warmer days of summer 2016!

Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post: Join Us as We Toast …

A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category, today's post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015

Sherry, A Trending Drink and a Great Book

May 1, 2016
Sausages for Sunday Gravy from DePasquale’s Sausage Company in Newton

It's been awhile since I made a big pot of Sunday gravy. So when a friend gifted me with a package of sausages from DePasquale's Sausage Company in Newton, I knew exactly what to do with them.

This was a simplified version of the Sunday specialty enjoyed in Italian American homes throughout the years. I added a bit of beef to the pot but did not take the time to make my special meatballs. (My favorite recipe for meatballs is from the 1975 edition of the The All New All Purpose: Joy of Cooking.)

I couldn't wait to taste the sausage. As soon as it was cooked through, I sliced into one and found it had the texture and flavor of a great handmade, old-style, traditional sweet sausage. I had finally found a replacement for the sausages I've missed since DiPaolo & Rossi Meat Market on Salem Street in the North End closed last year.

Both Ed and I sampled and dipped bread into the sauce as it simmered away all afternoon. Eventually, we served it with penne pasta. A great sauce needs a great, flavorful pasta. We chose the Bionaturae organic 100% durum semolina organic penne rigate.

DePasquale Tip:

They are closed on Sunday and Monday. On a recent visit early on a Tuesday morning, they didn't have sausages ready yet. In fact, their meat order had not even arrived. When they say fresh, they mean fresh! My advice is to call ahead early in the week or later on Saturday to be sure they have what you want in the quantity you need.

Sunday Gravy Recipes

I've been making this for so long that I don't follow a recipe. I just ad lib with what I have on hand. While there are as many recipes for "Sunday Gravy" as there are families who make it, here are a couple if you would rather follow a recipe than play it by ear.

From one of my most trusted recipe developers, Kenji Lopez-Alt (Author of The Food Lab): Meet Ragù Napoletano, Neapolitan-Style Italian Meat Sauce With Pork, Beef, and Sausage.

Here's one titled Sunday Sauce with step-by-step photos and the feeling of a family member teaching you how to make it.

Finally, here's a great piece from Bon Appetit that tells you how to avoid the most common Sunday Gravy mistakes.

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

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny Cherubino and a screen shot from DePasquale's website to show the sausage in all their whole glory.

Related articles

Mussels Are Sustainable, Easy to Cook, and Fun to Flavor

Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

April 27, 2016
Where to Dine in Boston on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Mom to a meal out on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016.

Keep in mind that this "treat Mom to a great meal day" falls at the beginning of graduation season in Boston with Northeastern, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and Berklee College of Music holding commencements that weekend. (Here's the full list of Spring 2016 Commencement Dates for planning purposes.)

For Mother's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurants with special menus and hours for May 8, 2016

Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure your reservation. This is the type of holiday when people may book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can make the restaurant turn away other potential customers, so a guarantee may be needed to reserve.

OpenTable always does a great job of guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chefs has a list of specials for the day from their members.

As more great Boston food sites publish their recommendations, we'll post updates here! Follow us on Twitter ( @BostonZest ) for notice of those additions!

Our picks and, for us, al la carte Menus Get Our Nod

Bistro du Midi has a prix fixe menu in their formal dining room but they're also offering an al la carte menu in the Cafe. With the Swan Boats and Public Garden across the street, this can be a wonderful choice for lunch and a stroll and family photos in a beautiful setting.

Lineage in Brookline is also on the a la carte option plan. Boston Chefs says, "Lineage will be open early for brunch and dinner this Mother's Day, offering up a special a la carte brunch menu, as well as, their regular dinner menu."

The Red Dory in Tiverton, RI: Like many Bostonians, we are long-time fans of chef Steve Johnson and miss his food and smiling face at Rendezvous in Central Square. If a road trip to a waterfront destination would make your Mother's day perfect, head to his new place, The Red Dory. We asked about his Mother's Day plans and he wrote, "Open M'sDay/no special menu except many recent seasonal updates + including Sunday Tapas supplemental menu – Cheers!"

For a gathering of family members with different food preferences, it's great to know about a place like Eastern Standard where they can please the cocktail lover, the meat-and-taters brother, and the family epicure.

If you are meeting people from outside the city, you might consider La Morra in Brookline.

If Mom is a seafood lover, call now to secure a table at Island Creek Oyster Bar. This Kenmore Square restaurant has established itself as the best fine dining seafood restaurant in Boston. Your family will enjoy the best in seafood in a big, comfortable room with reservations and service that will make Mom feel spoiled.

We also love the Island Creek Team spot in the Fort Point neighborhood, Row 34. Here's our post on this great addition to the city's dining scene.

And, for the best gift, let Mom choose something from her Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: istockphoto.com

April 22, 2016
The Copley Society’s Fresh Paint Is a Perfect Walk for Sunday Dogs and Their Humans.

Next Sunday, April 24, 2016, is Fresh Paint Day! Put it on your dog walk calendar because that’s when the talented artists from the Copley Society of Art spread out across the area to create a fresh work of art that will be auctioned off at their May 5th gala.

A few years ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Amber when she was in the Public Garden assisting her own personal artist as he worked on his Fresh Paint contribution.

It’s also a great photo walk for those who love to give their cameras or phones the challenge of recording what’s happening on a day like this.

Gather the pack, get a map of where the artists will be from the Copley Society, plan a picnic lunch along the way, and give the dogs a nice long walk while you pick out your favorite piece of artwork to bid on for that doghouse of yours.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

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

Related articles

Plan a Fall Photowalk with Your Sunday Dog & Your Dog Pals

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

The Witch Hazel Thinks It’s Spring!

Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

April 17, 2016
Edible Boston Spring 2016 Issue Is Here

The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. It means a new season of food is here and a new opportunity to see which businesses support fresh and local food in our community.

It's good to see a whole fish in photographer Michael Piazza's cover shot. Fish, like meat, takes on better flavor when it's cooked on the bone. Inside you'll find a few fish tales. Having grown up in a fishing family, I adored Sarah Blackburn's article, Edible Basics: Red Fish, Blue Fish, Flat Fish, Whole Fish. It's a must read and includes a chart of when local fish are in season provided by Red's Best, one of my favorite, trusted suppliers of seafood.

Pages of step-by-step recipes for whole fish follow. (My own favorite preparation is to stuff a large fish with a traditional bread stuffing and roast it in the oven. It's a meal on a sheet pan.

Asparagus

When the season arrives, you will be ready with the asparagus primer on page 52. You'll find preparations from five chefs from around the area.

Other Topics

Bread, snack bars, cider, ice cream, pizza, and the very important topic of wasted food are also covered in this issue. Plus the always supportive team at Edible Boston shines its profile spotlight on a few local businesses.

As I alluded to in my first paragraph, this is one publication where I always read the ads. They are a source of new ideas and new resources for me. And I respect those who put their advertising dollars where they reach people like me who think that local food matters.

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 & Photos :photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston ( If you love great photography always pick up an Edible Boston issue!)

Related articles

Who Will Grow Our Food If There Are No New Farmers?

Do You Mise En Place When You Cook?

April 15, 2016
Edible Boston Spring 2016 Issue Is Here

The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. It means a new season of food is here and a new opportunity to see which businesses support fresh and local food in our community.

It's good to see a whole fish in photographer Michael Piazza's cover shot. Fish, like meat, takes on better flavor when it's cooked on the bone. Inside you'll find a few fish tales. Having grown up in a fishing family, I adored Sarah Blackburn's article, Edible Basics: Red Fish, Blue Fish, Flat Fish, Whole Fish. It's a must read and includes a chart of when local fish are in season provided by Red's Best, one of my favorite, trusted suppliers of seafood.

Pages of step-by-step recipes for whole fish follow. (My own favorite preparation is to stuff a large fish with a traditional bread stuffing and roast it in the oven. It's a meal on a sheet pan.

Asparagus

When the season arrives, you will be ready with the asparagus primer on page 52. You'll find preparations from five chefs from around the area.

Other Topics

Bread, snack bars, cider, ice cream, pizza, and the very important topic of wasted food are also covered in this issue. Plus the always supportive team at Edible Boston shines its profile spotlight on a few local businesses.

As I alluded to in my first paragraph, this is one publication where I always read the ads. They are a source of new ideas and new resources for me. And I respect those who put their advertising dollars where they reach people like me who think that local food matters.

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 & Photos :photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston ( If you love great photography always pick up an Edible Boston issue!)

Related articles

Who Will Grow Our Food If There Are No New Farmers?

Do You Mise En Place When You Cook?

April 15, 2016
April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection
There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!
- Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
- Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
- Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
- Great event wine (better value than most)
Chandon says:
- Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
- Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
- Crisp, fresh flavor profile
- Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)
Chandon Brut Classic …
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
- Methode Traditionnelle
- ABV: 12.5%
Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”

We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

Check Out these Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
April 1, 2016
April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection
There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!
- Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
- Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
- Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
- Great event wine (better value than most)
Chandon says:
- Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
- Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
- Crisp, fresh flavor profile
- Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)
Chandon Brut Classic …
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
- Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
- Methode Traditionnelle
- ABV: 12.5%
Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”

We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

Check Out these Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
April 1, 2016
Where to Dine in Boston on Easter, March 27, 2016

Those in the know already have reservations for Easter brunch and dinner. This is one of the big days for dining out, and popular restaurants will fill their tables for Sunday, March 27, 2016, quickly.

First up, the list of places that organize information about Easter reservations and special offerings:

Open Table seems to have the most complete information, and you can click right through to make reservations. They also give you some idea of prices and special menus. And you'll find a few places that are offering their regular menus as well.

Boston Chefs has a list of offerings from their member chefs and restaurants.

Gayot lists favorite Easter brunches at places like Henrietta's Table in Cambridge.

Next, places we picked from these lists (we'll add more as we learn about particular offerings):

Erbaluce invites you to join them for an Easter Feast.

Bistro du Midi says, "For brunch we are only serving a three course prix fixe menu with 5 options per course for $55 pp. For dinner, join us for our a la carte menu and early spring specials." We say, you can plan a walk through the Public Garden after your meal.

Craigie on Main is offering both an Easter Prix Fixe menu and special additions to their regular menu for Passover.

To meet up with family who don't want to come into the city, consider AKA Bistro in Lincoln. We're happy to see that they're offering their regular brunch menu in addition to some Easter specials. The nearby deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is the perfect place to walk off your brunch and take Easter photos.

Another good suburban/urban meeting place is La Morra in Brookline. They are serving a $38 prix fixe menu.

Don't be surprised if some places require a credit card to secure the reservation. This is the type of holiday when some people would try to book multiple restaurants and decide where to go at the last moment. That can cause the restaurant to turn away other potential customers and makes the venues require a deposit to hold a place.

One thing we would look for, if we were dining out on a holiday, is a place that is offering its regular menu for the day. That's always a plus for us. We're not fans of special menus.

If you know of places where the regular menu will be served, let us know. If it's a place we can recommend, we'll add it to our list. And we'll add updates and links to this post as we find them. Check back here or follow us on Twitter to learn about updates!

Opting Out of Easter

If this holiday stuff is really not part of your life, this is a great day to go ethnic. Chinatown will be wide open and filled with great menu options. Your neighborhood Indian, Korean, Chinese, or Persian restaurant will be happy to feed you. And most BBQ and Pizza places do not have Easter menus.

Sign-up for the comment feed or follow us on Twitter for a notice if we add updates to this 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 & Ed Cherubino
Photo: from iStockphoto.com

March 18, 2016
Update on the Esplanade Parcourse

A few years ago we told you about the Shiny New Parcourse on the Esplanade. Recently, we were out shooting photos for an assignment and as we passed the parcourse, we decided to take a look at how it's doing seven years later.

We're happy to report the equipment seems to be in good shape and getting use by a wide range of fitness buffs.

After watching a series of younger people using the facility, we were happy to see two older women arrive, choose an open space, and hang up a jacket like they were regulars.

They proceeded with a routine of stretching and flexing that would certainly improve their physical well-being.

This parcourse is located on the Esplanade Boston side between the BU and Mass Ave Bridges, near the Sherborn Street pedestrian crossover. This map will put you near the spot. (map)

You can't beat the view you'll have if you enjoy a workout here. It's one of the best Boston skyline vistas.

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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf

March 17, 2016