Category: We recommend!

  • The Esplanade: A View from the Charles River with Linda Cox, July 23rd

    Lg_hlongfellow-002

    Spend an evening on the river aboard The Charles Riverboat Company's beautiful tour boat, the Henry Longfellow, and learn about the Esplanade from one of the most respected of the park's advocates, Linda Cox. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340134803ef557970c-800wi

    This event is sponsored by the Boston Preservation Alliance. And, Linda's talks about the Esplanade always receive rave reviews.

    They say:

    "Join the Boston Preservation Alliance and Linda Cox, Esplanade advocate and historian, for a historical overview of the Charles River Esplanade and its changing landscape. Enjoy an up-close look at this designated Boston Landmark as we cruise aboard the Henry Longfellow, a custom designed riverboat from the Charles Riverboat Company fleet.

    This event is $30 for Alliance members; $40 for non-members and includes light refreshments and a cash bar.

    Boarding occurs at the Charles Riverboat Company dock located outside of the food court at the CambridgeSide Galleria. Parking is available in the CambridgeSide Galleria parking garage.

    Space is limited. Please reserve your spot by July 17th by registering securely via Eventbrite. For more information, please email admin@bostonpreservation.org or call 617.367.2458."

    By the way, here's a link to Penny's review of Linda's book, Lone Holdout, A Memoir.

    The book Lone Holdout: A Memoir
    is available on Amazon and in the Kindle shop.

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of the Charles Riverboat Company and Charles Street Press.   

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • The Esplanade: A View from the Charles River with Linda Cox, July 23rd

    Lg_hlongfellow-002

    Spend an evening on the river aboard The Charles Riverboat Company's beautiful tour boat, the Henry Longfellow, and learn about the Esplanade from one of the most respected of the park's advocates, Linda Cox. 

    6a00e54fc42bb888340134803ef557970c-800wi

    This event is sponsored by the Boston Preservation Alliance. And, Linda's talks about the Esplanade always receive rave reviews.

    They say:

    "Join the Boston Preservation Alliance and Linda Cox, Esplanade advocate and historian, for a historical overview of the Charles River Esplanade and its changing landscape. Enjoy an up-close look at this designated Boston Landmark as we cruise aboard the Henry Longfellow, a custom designed riverboat from the Charles Riverboat Company fleet.

    This event is $30 for Alliance members; $40 for non-members and includes light refreshments and a cash bar.

    Boarding occurs at the Charles Riverboat Company dock located outside of the food court at the CambridgeSide Galleria. Parking is available in the CambridgeSide Galleria parking garage.

    Space is limited. Please reserve your spot by July 17th by registering securely via Eventbrite. For more information, please email admin@bostonpreservation.org or call 617.367.2458."

    By the way, here's a link to Penny's review of Linda's book, Lone Holdout, A Memoir.

    The book Lone Holdout: A Memoir
    is available on Amazon and in the Kindle shop.

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of the Charles Riverboat Company and Charles Street Press.   

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

    DSC_5908 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

    Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

    Piper collage

    While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

    It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

    DSC_5912 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes. 

    Here's More About:

    Our Sparkling Resolution  

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

    DSC_5908 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

    Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

    Piper collage

    While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

    It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

    DSC_5912 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes. 

    Here's More About:

    Our Sparkling Resolution  

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

    DSC_5908 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

    Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

    Piper collage

    While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

    It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

    DSC_5912 - Version 22013-06-29-piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes. 

    Here's More About:

    Our Sparkling Resolution  

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • “Reading” the Book, “Permanent Present Tense” Three Ways

    Cover art permanent Past Tense

    I always have a few books in my reading pile, on my Kindle, or in my "tonight" audiobook playlist on my iPod. Right now, I have Permanent Present Tense: The Unforgettable Life of the Amnesic Patient, H. M. by Susanne Corkin in all three places.

    I "read" books in different ways. We live in a tiny home with books shelved two deep in some case, and others in storage waiting for their turn to come live with us. New books must audition before they find a physical place in our home. 

    When I hear or read about a book that I want to read, I go directly to the Boston Public Library catalogue and see if they have a copy. If not and I think it has a wide interest, I'll suggest that they purchase it.

    In the case of Permanent Present Tense, I had to wait a bit before it was my turn to read a library copy. Since I have met the author and she played an important role in the life of a dear friend, I had every intention of buying the book. I just had to decide how to buy it – hardcover book, Kindle edition, or audiobook.

    In the end, I did all three. I'm reading the library's copy in hardcover. I added the Kindle edition to my library when I want to continue reading the book and forget to bring it with me. And, I purchased the audiobook so that Ed and I can listen to it in the car on our next road trip. 

    This doesn't happen often, but this is a fascinating book that I do recommend. Here is a great interview about the book from the radio show Fresh Air. 

    Update: July 5, 2013: Here is another great interview on WBUR's Radio Boston.

    What's your favorite way to consume new books? 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: Cover art courtesy of Amazon  

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    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: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    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: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.