Its super insulation is important when we travel. We pack frozen containers of our Westie Poppy's homemade raw diet with containers of ice in this cooler. And, it has never failed to arrive at our destination in rock solid frozen condition even after hours in a car.
Naturally, we use this when we rent a Zipcar to do a major shopping trip to Market Basket or Costco.
We just added this Arctic Zone Expandable Lunch Pack to our farmers market shopping kit. Now that we have so many fish, meat, and dairy options at the markets, we want to have a small cooler with us on every market trip so we don't have to rush home with our purchases. We find that we're also using it to bring snacks to our roof deck and for a quick lunch picnic.
We've been using this company's products for many years and should our current editions of their products begin to show some wear in a few more years, we would absolutely buy the newest versions.
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!
Its super insulation is important when we travel. We pack frozen containers of our Westie Poppy's homemade raw diet with containers of ice in this cooler. And, it has never failed to arrive at our destination in rock solid frozen condition even after hours in a car.
Naturally, we use this when we rent a Zipcar to do a major shopping trip to Market Basket or Costco.
We just added this Arctic Zone Expandable Lunch Pack to our farmers market shopping kit. Now that we have so many fish, meat, and dairy options at the markets, we want to have a small cooler with us on every market trip so we don't have to rush home with our purchases. We find that we're also using it to bring snacks to our roof deck and for a quick lunch picnic.
We've been using this company's products for many years and should our current editions of their products begin to show some wear in a few more years, we would absolutely buy the newest versions.
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!
On a recent visit to Formaggio Kitchen South End, I asked the cheesemonger to suggest a beer or ale that would go with the piece of West West Blue Cheese from Parish Hill Creamery in Vermont we were buying.
I had just sampled the cheese as he described the flavor profiles of a range of craft beers he recommended pairing with this richly flavored blue. Then he said he had recently tasted Brooklyn Brewery's K is for Kriek with another big blue and was very happy with the match.
Since the Formaggio staff has done a great job of matching beverages with cheese for us in the past and intrigued by the description, I added a bottle to my basket. Later that evening, Ed (the beer drinker in the house) applauded the choice.
West West Blue From Parish Hill Creamery
This cheese comes from a very interesting Vermont Creamery. We love their tagline, “Seasonal, hand made, raw milk cheeses inspired by traditional DOP Italian cheeses.”
About the West West Blue, they say:
"Traditional aged, two-curd Gorgonzola, West West Blue is made with whole, raw milk from Elm Lea Farm and aged 90 – 180 days. The edible rind surrounds an interior with openings filled with streaks of blue mold, a creamy texture and a spicy, earthy flavor."
We both loved the rich, deep, almost caramel flavor notes and the spicy, sharp, taste bud, wake-up snap of the blue veining. It was also very good with both the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco I was drinking and the Sardinian Parchment crackers we served with it that evening.
As for the double "west" in the name, the creamery is located in the town of Westminster West, Vermont.
Brooklyn Brewery K is for Kriek
There is a lot going on in this bottle of ale!
Brooklyn Brewery says:
"To this beer’s subtle marriage of malts, dark candi sugar, local wildflower honey and zing of orange peel, we added tart dried whole Montmorency cherries from Michigan. Around this, we wrapped a barrel of charred American bourbon oak. The sugar of the cherries began to ferment away. The barrels hissed. And we waited.
Six months later, the beer emerged with a glowing red color, vibrant acidity, complex fruit aromatics, and a foundation of oak flavors, its strength moving past 10%. Its transformation almost complete, the beer joined priming sugar, Champagne yeast and wild Brettanomyces yeasts in the bottle and underwent a third fermentation. And we waited yet again."
Now, after a year of waiting, beer lovers have the opportunity to share a bottle with friends. And, we do suggest sharing, since this big 25.4 ounce bottle contains a 10.1% alcohol by volume brew.
So the next time you buy a great cheese from a great cheese shop like Formaggio, remember that the wines and beers on their shelves were picked to match the food they sell. They are in the business of paying attention to nuances of flavor and will be happy to help you match a beverage with a particular cheese or other foods you've purchased.
What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.
Happily our shopping bags were heavy on the way home from the Copley Farmers Market on Friday. We did miss out on our favorite strawberries so we plan on being on hand at the opening bell today.
The Atlas Farm stand had a nice selection of greens, vegetables, and even some heirloom tomatoes. And, of course, this market has a great fish vendor, bakeries, meat, and prepared foods.
Happily our shopping bags were heavy on the way home from the Copley Farmers Market on Friday. We did miss out on our favorite strawberries so we plan on being on hand at the opening bell today.
The Atlas Farm stand had a nice selection of greens, vegetables, and even some heirloom tomatoes. And, of course, this market has a great fish vendor, bakeries, meat, and prepared foods.
Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)
Our Picks:
Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there.
Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.
Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)
Our Picks:
Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there.
Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?
Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:
Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:
Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.
And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.
As you can see from this 2008 photo, we've been enjoying this summer series for a long time.
Here are the details for this year's series:
Time and Place: Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August, the courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, will feature music selections from a variety of influences, from jazz and folk to classical and contemporary music. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. through August 28. All concerts are free and last approximately one hour.
Sponsors and Other Information: The Concerts in the Courtyard series is co-sponsored by Deloitte and the Boston Public Library Foundation. During the Wednesday evening concerts, light refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon.
June Concerts
Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. Cycon uses her reverence for the Arabic tradition to highlight her unique voice in compositions and performances.
Neha, Friday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. A singer, composer, and pianist, Neha’s style is a mix of musical personalities, including jazz, folk, blues, pop, and her mother’s classical Indian musical background.
Nicolás Castañeda Group, Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. Nicolás Castañeda Group is a project based on contemporary Colombian music.
Patrick Coman, Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. Patrick Coman merges barroom shuffles with the sounds of his native Oklahoma.
ChoroBop, Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. ChoroBop’s repertoire is based on the roots of Brazilian choro, jazz, and contemporary music influences.
Akiko Kobayashi, Friday, June 19, 12:30 p.m. Akiko Kobayashi performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician at renowned national and international festivals.
Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Wambura Mitaru is a passionate singer and songwriter from Nairobi who blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and sounds from her African background.
Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a five-piece jazz combo that plays classics by artist such as Miles Davis along with more contemporary jazz.
July Concerts
Felipe Abad, Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
Handel & Haydn Society, Friday, July 3, 12:30 p.m.
Honeysuckle, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.
Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, July 10, 12:30 p.m
Charles Overton, Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m.
Women in World Jazz, Friday, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
Damn Tall Buildings, Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
3 Sudacas, Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.
August Concerts
The Wiles, Wednesday, August 5, 6 p.m.
Kevin Harris Project, Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m.
MIXCLA, Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.
Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.
The Ivy Age, Wednesday, August 19, 6 p.m.
Thompson-Lamb-Panitch Folk Trio, Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m.
Ludovica Burtone, Wednesday, August 26, 6 p.m.
Handel and Haydn Society, Friday, August 28, 12:30 p.m.
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!
As you can see from this 2008 photo, we've been enjoying this summer series for a long time.
Here are the details for this year's series:
Time and Place: Wednesdays and Fridays in June, July, and August, the courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street, will feature music selections from a variety of influences, from jazz and folk to classical and contemporary music. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. through August 28. All concerts are free and last approximately one hour.
Sponsors and Other Information: The Concerts in the Courtyard series is co-sponsored by Deloitte and the Boston Public Library Foundation. During the Wednesday evening concerts, light refreshments will be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside to the Commonwealth Salon.
June Concerts
Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 3, 6 p.m. Cycon uses her reverence for the Arabic tradition to highlight her unique voice in compositions and performances.
Neha, Friday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. A singer, composer, and pianist, Neha’s style is a mix of musical personalities, including jazz, folk, blues, pop, and her mother’s classical Indian musical background.
Nicolás Castañeda Group, Wednesday, June 10, 6 p.m. Nicolás Castañeda Group is a project based on contemporary Colombian music.
Patrick Coman, Friday, June 12, at 12:30 p.m. Patrick Coman merges barroom shuffles with the sounds of his native Oklahoma.
ChoroBop, Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. ChoroBop’s repertoire is based on the roots of Brazilian choro, jazz, and contemporary music influences.
Akiko Kobayashi, Friday, June 19, 12:30 p.m. Akiko Kobayashi performs as both a soloist and a chamber musician at renowned national and international festivals.
Wambura Mitaru, Wednesday, June 24, 6 p.m. Wambura Mitaru is a passionate singer and songwriter from Nairobi who blends funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, and sounds from her African background.
Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a five-piece jazz combo that plays classics by artist such as Miles Davis along with more contemporary jazz.
July Concerts
Felipe Abad, Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
Handel & Haydn Society, Friday, July 3, 12:30 p.m.
Honeysuckle, Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m.
Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, July 10, 12:30 p.m
Charles Overton, Wednesday, July 15, 6 p.m.
Women in World Jazz, Friday, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
Damn Tall Buildings, Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
3 Sudacas, Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m.
Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras' Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.
August Concerts
The Wiles, Wednesday, August 5, 6 p.m.
Kevin Harris Project, Friday, August 7, 12:30 p.m.
MIXCLA, Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.
Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 14, 12:30 p.m.
The Ivy Age, Wednesday, August 19, 6 p.m.
Thompson-Lamb-Panitch Folk Trio, Friday, August 21, 12:30 p.m.
Ludovica Burtone, Wednesday, August 26, 6 p.m.
Handel and Haydn Society, Friday, August 28, 12:30 p.m.
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!
We always call June the quiet month and our favorite month in Boston. Most of the students are gone, the big summer tourist season is a few weeks away, the city is filled with fresh blooms, the temperatures are usually moderate, and we can enjoy a staycation in our favorite city.
(Giant allium in June in the Boston Public Garden.)
Events and Holidays in June
Dragon Boat Festival, June 13-14:The Dragon Boat Festival takes place along the Charles River and is a fun spectator event. You can pack a picnic and take a nice long walk along the river bank or set out a blanket and let the fun pass by your spot.
June 18th is International Picnic Day: We include International Picnic Day only because we think of June as picnic month, so pick your own day to celebrate al fresco dining in one of your favorite Boston Spots.
Father’s Day is June 21st: Taking Dad out for Father's Day does not seem to be as popular at taking Mom out in May. But there will be a few places offering special menus and later this month we'll have a post with a few recommendations.
Summer Solstice is June 21st: While this may not be given its proper due as a holiday, we recognize it and there will be a few celebrations around the area.
Here are a couple of happenings that will impact hotel pricing and availability.
Graduation Season ends with MIT’s Commencement on June 5th. That makes June a much better time to travel to Boston.
June 6-8 will see a convention with an estimated 15,000 on hand
June 13-17 will see three conventions with just under 10,000 estimated attendees
What Are Your Favorite June Pastimes?
Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to our upcoming post with some of the things we are looking forward to doing.
Some of our favorite summer "appointments" are with the talented musicians performing as a part of the Boston Public Library’s 2015 Concerts in the Courtyard Series that opened on Wednesday June 3rd. We'll have more about those in an upcoming post.
And, for a wider list of event including those things we don't enjoy, recommend, or even think about, head over to this link on the Boston TripAdvisor forum where a group of volunteers with much wider tastes add to a conversation that Penny begins each 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!
