Category: We recommend!

  • Shake Shack on Newbury Street

    We ran into a friend and her dog across the street from the new Shake Shack on Newbury Street a day after the grand opening. She asked where we were going for lunch and was surprised when we pointed to the burger place. "This is going to be a terrible thing for my diet," she said. 

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    Her whole family visit Shake Shack when they travel to see family in New York – now she has one a block from home. And, I know how she feels. I admit we went twice during opening week. 

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    We told you about our love for Shake Shack in Harvard Square. A menu check for this location shows that they offer beer and wine in addition to a great soft drink selection. And, the Shake Shack team has created special concretes (a blended ice cream drink) for the neighborhood. 

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    We dined-in on Newbury, but we can't wait to try out the patio (complete with a dog parking station) or to gather a bunch of dog walking pals and have a bench lunch on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The Collins Memorial is only a quarter mile from Shake Shack and makes a great place to gather a group for lunch or snacks.

    We were among the guests welcomed by Scott, the general manager, as he worked his way around the dining room on both visits. Merchants along the street have told us he has also stopped by to say hello to his neighbors. 

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    We may have to add a few miles a week to our walking goals but it will be worth it to have regular Shake Shack lunches. And, because it will make our Back Bay neighbors Jim and Jennifer Hill so happy when they hear it, we get to tell people Shake Shack on Newbury is, "Right across from KitchenWares and Reflections!"

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

  • Get Ready for Amtrak’s “All Aboard” for Dogs & Cats

    It was just a couple of weeks ago when we asked you to "Lend Your Support to Allowing Dogs & Cats on Amtrak." The good news is that the bill we asked you to support has passed. While the bureaucrats slowly set up the program, you can get your companion animals ready to be great passengers.

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    Train on Local Trains

     

    Our Poppy is a subway pro. We take her on the MBTA often enough to keep her acclimatized to the noise, crowded conditions, and movement of the trains. But, as someone who has ridden trains along the Northeast corridor, I know that the motion of those trains is not exactly the same as subway sways.

     

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    Commuter rail photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

     

    Under MBTA pet guidelines, your dog or cat is already welcome aboard the Commuter Rail. Pick a destination where you and your dog can have some fun and plan a day trip this spring.

     

    How about Salem as a first trip? It's a fairly short, half hour ride with lots to do when you get there. (In summer, there is also a ferry to Salem which can be a great way to get a dog ready for boat rides.)

     

    If that works out, you could try Newburyport for the next destination – it takes a little more than an hour to reach and should be a good test. 

     

    It would be a good idea for us to get Poppy used to riding in her Sherpa Pet Carrier because we usually travel off-peak on the subway and can hold her in a lap or in our arms. 

     

    CapeFLYER Is Pet Friendly

    If a trip to Cape Cod is more to your liking, you and your dog or cat can ride the CapeFLYER to one of its stops, once the train resumes for the summer season. Pets ride free aboard this popular service. And, I have to wonder if the pet option is one of the reasons it was an immediate success.

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    Acela photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

    New York, Portland, and Philadelphia Here We Come!

    Once we are allowed to take Poppy with us, we'll be on board for three of our favorite car-free destinations: New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, Maine. 

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    Downeaster photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

    The Downeaster to Portland should be one of the first test routes considering how dog-friendly that city happens to be. And, we look forward to spending more time in New York and Philadelphia. 

    Where will you go by train with your favorite companion animal?

     

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

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: istockphoto for the traveling dog image. Trains are courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism used under this creative commons license.

  • Blue Tape for Marking Newly Sharpened Knives

    Finding new uses for our favorite blue tape has become a bit of a game around here. I grabbed a knife that I seldom use – but that is Ed's favorite – and it was dull, dull, dull. He was still asleep when I sharpened it, so I marked it with blue tape. 

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    This reminded him that the knife was not as he had left it the night before. And, he was alerted at the very moment he was about to use it. 

    Related Posts:

    Keep Your Switches Clean: Another Use for Blue Tape

    Blue Tape for Marking First-In First-Out Produce

    Blue Cook's Tape

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    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny Cherubino 

  • Greeting March with Bailly Lapierre Crémant Rosé, a Worthy Sparkler!

    What’s so great about March? Well, besides spring, St. Joseph’s Day zeppole, and a return to Daylight Saving Time, we get to raise a sparkling glass of Bailly Lapierre Crémont Rosé to welcome the new month.

     

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    As part of Our Sparkling Resolution, we’re featuring this worthy sparkler because it has the spirit to face the next 31 days – whatever they may bring.

     

    Tasting Notes:

     

    Ed …

     

    If you like Pinot Noir, this will please you. (90% Pinot Noir, 10% Gamay)

    • Not overpowering
    • Fruit just right for me
    • Very drinkable (with food & solo)
    • Impressive Mousse
    • Do Not Over-Chill

    While this crémant is fine right from the chiller, it really caresses you as its temperature rises – becoming fruitier, softer, and friendlier.

     

    Penny …

     

    Some reviewers have called it a picnic wine, maybe that’s why we went out to buy more during this cold spell. We needed the hope of spring.

     

    We’ve also tried their Pinot Noir Brut and Reserve. Of the two, we like the Pinot better.

     

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    Bailly Lapierre …

    • Unmistakable aromas of red berry fruit
    • Possesses a delicious softness free of anything sugary
    • Entirely fresh and with real finesse
    • Its mousse displays an almost frothy, airy lightness


    Wine Spectator Score: 84 …

    • Fresh
    • Strawberry, cherry and red currant notes in a delicate style
    • Ideal for summer picnics

     

    kd wine.com …

     

    Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé has a …

    • yeasty-toasty nose reminiscent of Champagne
    • ripe red fruit aromas of Pinot Noir
    • rich round, fruity character on the palate
    • beautifully balanced finish

     

    Wine Enthusiast …

    • “A delightful, light, strawberry wine.”

     

    Whatever bottle of bubbly you choose, we hope you’ll pop a cork and join us in a toast to March – Santé!

     

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    And, our regular Sunday Dog Feature will return next week. 

     

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: Courtesy of Bailly Lapierre

  • 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.

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    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?

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

  • Colorful, Bright, New Community Workspace at the Boston Public Library

    What a difference a renovation makes. The second floor of the Johnson Building at the Boston Public Library (BPL) in Copley Square has been transformed in spectacular before-and-after fashion.

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    Last week, I took a tour of the changes with Michael Colford, Director of Library Services. He is understandably proud of the look, convenience, and user friendliness of this renovation. 

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    I choose these bar seats along the arched window overlooking Boylston Street as my favorite spot. 

    Michael pointed out that the library’s circulating nonfiction collection is located here. Amid the book stacks holding 200,000 books is a community reading area and places for individual and group work. This will be a lively section of the building where conversations will take place. The McKim building will provide quiet space for those who prefer a place to work without distractions.

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    Lower book shelves open up the area allowing the light from the windows and from many new fixtures to provide a bright and welcoming workspace. I was also happy to see some of the materials like the lovely Windsor chairs reconditioned, recycled, and fitting beautifully into the new setting.

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    And still, there are spots where you can get off by yourself for a bit of quiet texting. 

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    Lots of new electrical outlets also give you a place to charge up your phone, laptop or tablet.

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    There are new airport-style restrooms on the floor and multi-function water fountains with a separate station to fill your water bottle. And, yes, water bottles are allowed in this section of the library. 

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    Along with the new look, you will also find some changes in the way the library and librarians communicate with patrons. The bookshelves will be marked not only in traditional Library of Congress Classification fashion, but also with signs and banners that let you know, for example, that this section houses books on Politics and Law. 

    When the flow of traffic at the information desk allows, librarians will move around the floor to answer questions and assist patrons as they search for materials. The openness of the new design will allow staff members to see when they are needed back at the desk. 

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    Digital displays around the floor will highlight items from the BPL's renowned Collections of Distinction. This will remind patrons of all the resources, beyond the books on the shelves, that are available to them within the walls of this building. 

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    A press release from the BPL explained that service kiosks like this one (now found in other parts of the library and branches as well), "are part of the library’s upgraded pay for print system and have several features, including the introduction of paying for printing via standard credit and debit cards. Boston Public Library cards will now store up to $21 for use on the system." 

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    Along with opening this floor last Saturday, the Boylston Street entrance has also reopened. A corridor has been built for library visitors to move through the first floor where work on the next phase of this renovation continues. For those of us who are in the habit of using that entrance, this is most welcome. 

    I look forward to using this workspace, both when I need a change from my home office and when I want to collaborate with friends and associates on a project.

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    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino,  Patron using the kisoh courtesy of the BPL
     

  • 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. 

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    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. 

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

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    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Screenshots from Dark Sky and Forcast.io

  • Our Improved Dog Boot Drying Hack

    A couple of years ago, we showed you our system for drying dog boots. Our Westie Poppy's Pawz Dog Boots are still drying on chopsticks, but we've improved on the container we're using to store them between trips outside.

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    Now, the chopsticks holding the wet boots are secured at a good angle by a daisy Mason jar lid. This lid was designed for scented candles or for drinking with a straw. But we think it's perfect for our purpose. You can even find them in colors to match the boots – if your dog is fashion forward. 

    You can use this same system for gloves or mittens with wood dowel rods and some sand or beans to add weight to the mason jar.

     

    Click here for more of our tips and how to posts.

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

  • The Hope of Spring …

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    Notice the buds on the trees as you look up this week to avoid falling icicles and snow slides. Most years, we begin our hunt for the first signs of spring in gardens on the sunny side of Boston streets just after Valentine's Day.

    "That is one good thing about this world… there are always sure to be more springs."
    Lucy Maud Montgomery (Canadian writer and educator, 1874-1942)

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    Last year, things bloomed late, just as they will this year. But, these snowdrops were up by mid-March.

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    With so much snow to melt, the witch hazel may be our first sign of spring this time next month.

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    Then, in a few more weeks, we'll have lovely magnolias blooming along Commonwealth Avenue. 

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    The snow will melt, and spring will arrive within just a few weeks. 

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine’s Month

    For the past week, there's been a lot of social media talk about getting out and supporting the local businesses who have been so badly hurt by the recent weather. We're adding our two cents to this message.

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    Pawsh Dog Boutique and Salon has toys for your four-footed valentines.

    If you don't want to lose the small owner-operated businesses that are one of the best aspects of the Boston area, please get out of your homes and spend some money. Figure out what you need, or want to do, and then how you can do that with a local business. 

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    We made the rounds of a few of our favorite shops this week. We restocked our wine rack at Bauer Wines on Newbury Street. They have a great selection of sparkling wines for your Valentine weekend celebrations.

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    At KitchenWares, Jim Hill says it's a great time to bring in your knives to be sharpened. He was telling us that some customers drop them off before heading away to warmer climes and pick them up upon return to Boston.

    While we were there talking about the service, a local chef was picking out a new knife from their fine selection. He told us he had just had his very hard carbon steel knives sharpened at the shop and was very pleased. (Ed once gave me a knife for Valentines Day and I still smile when I use it.)

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    Onion Soup from Petit Robert Bistro

    This week we had food delivered from a couple of local restaurants. Our meal from Petit Robert Bistro could have been a special Valentine's Day supper. We shared an assortment of pâtés, roast chicken, beef Bourguignon, tart tatin, and chocolate mousse.

    Because we always think about how a menu item will travel before we order, our choices for delivery arrived in lovely condition. If you don't want to go out to dinner over the weekend, consider having a meal delivered.

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    However, we hope to get out and dine-in at some of our favorites. There are some foods like the Petit Robert onion soup and profiterole above that are better ordered and eaten at the restaurant. What's more, this will give you the opportunity to provide a tip for a member of the waitstaff who has been hurt by slow days and snow days. 

    If what you need is not local or if you are one of our readers from another part of the world, BostonZest is also a local business. When you are going to buy from one of the businesses that advertise here or pay us commission, we appreciate your support. 

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