Category: We recommend!

Lighthouse Lovers Resource from Boston Harbor Beacon, Our Friday Link

If you love lighthouses and would like to explore those around Massachusetts Bay, the site Boston Harbor Beacon has a guide for you.

A recent post, titled Lighthouses Along Massachusetts Bay, takes you on a tour that begins with, "The twin lights of Thacher Island sit about a mile off the Coast of Gloucester," and ends with, "Long Point: The end of the Cape!"

In all, 20 lighthouse views are covered in this piece. Photos and bits of information about each light are included. And, since this is a boating blog, the photos are often taken from the water which offers those of us who don't have regular access to a boat a new view of even a familar lighthouse.

We have awarded a previous Friday Link to this site when a collection of the boats you are likely to see in Boston Harbor were compiled and explained by the same crew.

Boston Harbor Beacon, Our Friday Link Takes You Boating

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of Boston Harbor Beacon

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August 22, 2014
Great Hospitality at Jake’s Seafood in Hull, MA

We've been zipping down to Jake's Restaurant and Fish Market in Hull for years but we hadn't brought one of our dogs with us until recently. Our plan was to get some take-out and sit on one of the small stone benches they provide for folks waiting for tables on busy weekends.

I went in and asked the hostess if we could order take-out and if she had a menu I could bring outside to Ed so he could make his selection. I explained that we had our dog with us and would eat on one of their parking lot benches.

Her response was that we were welcome to eat on the patio if we didn't mind sharing one of the servers from inside. While the day had turned out perfect, the forecast had been for rain, so they had closed the patio for the day.

We didn't mind at all and set ourselves up at the corner table,

with this fantastic view!

I had a lobster roll on a grilled bun with fries and a bit of lemon and drawn butter on the side.

Ed opted for their Mediterranean Salad topped with grilled scallops. Check this menu for all the choices you have on top of a selection of salads.

And, as I noted in our post on Lobster Rolls vs Lobster Salad Rolls, Jake's does it right.

They have Jake's Original Lobster Roll. This is described on the menu as:

"Our classic! A full 1/4lb. of freshly picked lobster meat on a traditional hotdog bun (toasted with butter upon request), served with mayo on the side"

And, they have a Lobster Salad Sandwich:

"Freshly picked lobster mixed with our herb mayo & topped with sliced Hass avocado, lettuce & tomato, served on our toasted brioche roll"

The woman serving our lunch could not have been nicer, despite the fact that she had to leave her station inside and come out to the patio for one table. But, perhaps this great hospitality all around paid off because soon we were not alone out there.

If you take a ride to Jake's bring a cooler. The seafood market side of the business will have you taking home the makings of a second meal.

Thanks for the great hopitality Jake's, we'll be back soon!

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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August 19, 2014
Great Hospitality at Jake’s Seafood in Hull, MA

We've been zipping down to Jake's Restaurant and Fish Market in Hull for years but we hadn't brought one of our dogs with us until recently. Our plan was to get some take-out and sit on one of the small stone benches they provide for folks waiting for tables on busy weekends.

I went in and asked the hostess if we could order take-out and if she had a menu I could bring outside to Ed so he could make his selection. I explained that we had our dog with us and would eat on one of their parking lot benches.

Her response was that we were welcome to eat on the patio if we didn't mind sharing one of the servers from inside. While the day had turned out perfect, the forecast had been for rain, so they had closed the patio for the day.

We didn't mind at all and set ourselves up at the corner table,

with this fantastic view!

I had a lobster roll on a grilled bun with fries and a bit of lemon and drawn butter on the side.

Ed opted for their Mediterranean Salad topped with grilled scallops. Check this menu for all the choices you have on top of a selection of salads.

And, as I noted in our post on Lobster Rolls vs Lobster Salad Rolls, Jake's does it right.

They have Jake's Original Lobster Roll. This is described on the menu as:

"Our classic! A full 1/4lb. of freshly picked lobster meat on a traditional hotdog bun (toasted with butter upon request), served with mayo on the side"

And, they have a Lobster Salad Sandwich:

"Freshly picked lobster mixed with our herb mayo & topped with sliced Hass avocado, lettuce & tomato, served on our toasted brioche roll"

The woman serving our lunch could not have been nicer, despite the fact that she had to leave her station inside and come out to the patio for one table. But, perhaps this great hospitality all around paid off because soon we were not alone out there.

If you take a ride to Jake's bring a cooler. The seafood market side of the business will have you taking home the makings of a second meal.

Thanks for the great hopitality Jake's, we'll be back soon!

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

No Mayo Lobster Roll From James Hook & Company

August 19, 2014
Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord

I fell in love with the Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm in Concord back in the early days of Boston Organics. They used to have it as an add-on item and I ate a lot more salads when I was making my favorite raspberry vinaigrette with this important ingredient.

I have tried other raspberry vinegars but they are not loaded with rich, thick raspberry goodness the way this one is. I decided to track it down and a quick email to Jeff Barry at Boston Organics set my feet on the right trail.

A call to the farm and a conversation with farmer Tom Johnson gave me the details. If you call ahead, you can pick it up at the farm while supplies last. I happened to mention on Chowhound that I was looking forward to going to the farm to pick up some of this special vinegar and a regular poster, PinchOfSalt, wrote,

"That raspberry infusion is sooo good. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressings (with almond oil, some salt and pepper, maybe something like some thyme). However you don't have to go to the farm to buy it. I have seen it (very recently) at the Fresh Pond Whole Foods (almost wrote Bread & Circus!), by the refrigerated salad dressings."

I found it right where PinchOfSalt described but I'll still be going to the farm to pick up a large supply. This has always been a favorite gift item for me to have on hand.

The dressing I was making in the top photo was used on a salad of lovely greens dropped off by a friend and neighbor. (Thank you Margaret!) Her greens, some scallion, along with bacon, eggs, and avocado made a fabulous supper.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 11, 2014
Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord

I fell in love with the Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm in Concord back in the early days of Boston Organics. They used to have it as an add-on item and I ate a lot more salads when I was making my favorite raspberry vinaigrette with this important ingredient.

I have tried other raspberry vinegars but they are not loaded with rich, thick raspberry goodness the way this one is. I decided to track it down and a quick email to Jeff Barry at Boston Organics set my feet on the right trail.

A call to the farm and a conversation with farmer Tom Johnson gave me the details. If you call ahead, you can pick it up at the farm while supplies last. I happened to mention on Chowhound that I was looking forward to going to the farm to pick up some of this special vinegar and a regular poster, PinchOfSalt, wrote,

"That raspberry infusion is sooo good. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressings (with almond oil, some salt and pepper, maybe something like some thyme). However you don't have to go to the farm to buy it. I have seen it (very recently) at the Fresh Pond Whole Foods (almost wrote Bread & Circus!), by the refrigerated salad dressings."

I found it right where PinchOfSalt described but I'll still be going to the farm to pick up a large supply. This has always been a favorite gift item for me to have on hand.

The dressing I was making in the top photo was used on a salad of lovely greens dropped off by a friend and neighbor. (Thank you Margaret!) Her greens, some scallion, along with bacon, eggs, and avocado made a fabulous supper.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Focaccia Croutons Are Tops

Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad

Pulled Pork with Tart, Tangy Cole Slaw

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

August 11, 2014
Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News

When I enter the letter U into my Chrome browser, UniversalHub.com is the top choice on my list of websites beginning with that letter. It's where I go when I want local news.

I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on both my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on, why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive, or why I'm hearing non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter.

Mainstream Media Failure

Every night, I wind up clicking away from local newscasts because, instead of local news, they offer up international coverage or some viral video from Los Angeles. Rather than out doing their jobs, they just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH.

Support Universal Hub

As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions.

Adam recently added a link that asks readers,

"Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar.

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
Screengrab from Universalhub.com

August 8, 2014
Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News

When I enter the letter U into my Chrome browser, UniversalHub.com is the top choice on my list of websites beginning with that letter. It's where I go when I want local news.

I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on both my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on, why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive, or why I'm hearing non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter.

Mainstream Media Failure

Every night, I wind up clicking away from local newscasts because, instead of local news, they offer up international coverage or some viral video from Los Angeles. Rather than out doing their jobs, they just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH.

Support Universal Hub

As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions.

Adam recently added a link that asks readers,

"Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar.

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
Screengrab from Universalhub.com

August 8, 2014
Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine.

You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

Mumm Napa says,

“If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea.

You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here: Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price.

And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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August 1, 2014
Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine.

You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

Mumm Napa says,

“If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea.

You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here: Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price.

And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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Toasting August with Billecart-Salmon: A Tale of Two Bruts

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August 1, 2014
Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar.

"Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

Dressing Table by William Thomas

You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style.

Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

QUICK FACTS:

Title: Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Dates: Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

Exhibit Hours: 10am to 7pm daily

Admission: Free

Opening reception: Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

Handicap access: No

Parking: Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

Nearest T stops: Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

Website: http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

View book: http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

July 31, 2014