Category: We recommend!

theKitchn’s Weekend Meditation Is Our Friday Link

I scan the lastest posts on theKitchn a couple of times a day, but on Sundays I sit and savor Weekend Meditation by Dana Velden.

These are delicious essays that speak to the heart and soul of those of us who love to cook, eat, and think about life's connections.

Last week's, "Don't Wait" is so in keeping with my desire to enjoy each day as it comes along and not save things, treats, or time with the people (and critters) I care about for someday.

Here's a link to the collection of Weekend Meditations. Let me know what you think. And, if one hits a favorite high note with you, add a comment over there so Dana will know the work is appreciated.

Thank you, Dana for all the moments on Sundays when I sit quietly and digest your words.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino Screenshot coutresy of www.theKitchn.com

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.

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Don't Wait – Weekend Meditation

A Cool Meditation

March Is Zeppole Season

March 22, 2013
High Back Booths or Irish Snugs, a Solution to the Noise Problem?

Are there restaurants you don't go to because of the noise level? I have a long list of places I've put on my, "not worth it because of noise level" list.

Do you miss those old high back booths that gave you some protection from the sounds crashing around the interior of an otherwise great place to dine?

Photo: iStockphoto photo

I saw a link between two discussions over on the Boston Board of Chowhound. One was about "Great Booths." Someone was looking for the highest back booths they could find. Members of the community gave a few suggestions like Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

From the answers, came an interesting twist to Irish Snugs. These were small rooms within Irish Pubs where you could have a tipple in private if you were a woman or perhaps a policeman on duty.

Here is one sample image.

Here's one for sale on eBay should you want your own.

There are also ongoing discussions about the noise levels in area restaurants.

Ideas for good food and quiet conversation?

Let’s make a list of obnoxiously loud restos (This one ran to 48 replies as of last check.)

Good, Quiet Restaurant in Back Bay? (only 6 replies here)

If you put the word "quiet" into the Chowhound Boston seach box, you'll find dozens of conversations.

While I know that it's not going to happen, wouldn't it be nice if a few spots were set aside in some of the unreasonably loud restaurants so that those of us who would like to try the food could reserve a snug or high backed booth with no speakers nearby or a private volume control for the nearest ones?

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: iStockphoto.com

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.

Related articles

Urban noise 'reduces bird diversity'

Acoustical Solutions Releases Noise Pollution Infographic

It's Irish Soda Bread Season!

March 15, 2013
High Back Booths or Irish Snugs, a Solution to the Noise Problem?

Are there restaurants you don't go to because of the noise level? I have a long list of places I've put on my, "not worth it because of noise level" list.

Do you miss those old high back booths that gave you some protection from the sounds crashing around the interior of an otherwise great place to dine?

Photo: iStockphoto photo

I saw a link between two discussions over on the Boston Board of Chowhound. One was about "Great Booths." Someone was looking for the highest back booths they could find. Members of the community gave a few suggestions like Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

From the answers, came an interesting twist to Irish Snugs. These were small rooms within Irish Pubs where you could have a tipple in private if you were a woman or perhaps a policeman on duty.

Here is one sample image.

Here's one for sale on eBay should you want your own.

There are also ongoing discussions about the noise levels in area restaurants.

Ideas for good food and quiet conversation?

Let’s make a list of obnoxiously loud restos (This one ran to 48 replies as of last check.)

Good, Quiet Restaurant in Back Bay? (only 6 replies here)

If you put the word "quiet" into the Chowhound Boston seach box, you'll find dozens of conversations.

While I know that it's not going to happen, wouldn't it be nice if a few spots were set aside in some of the unreasonably loud restaurants so that those of us who would like to try the food could reserve a snug or high backed booth with no speakers nearby or a private volume control for the nearest ones?

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: iStockphoto.com

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.

Related articles

Urban noise 'reduces bird diversity'

Acoustical Solutions Releases Noise Pollution Infographic

It's Irish Soda Bread Season!

March 15, 2013
High Back Booths or Irish Snugs, a Solution to the Noise Problem?

Are there restaurants you don't go to because of the noise level? I have a long list of places I've put on my, "not worth it because of noise level" list.

Do you miss those old high back booths that gave you some protection from the sounds crashing around the interior of an otherwise great place to dine?

Photo: iStockphoto photo

I saw a link between two discussions over on the Boston Board of Chowhound. One was about "Great Booths." Someone was looking for the highest back booths they could find. Members of the community gave a few suggestions like Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

From the answers, came an interesting twist to Irish Snugs. These were small rooms within Irish Pubs where you could have a tipple in private if you were a woman or perhaps a policeman on duty.

Here is one sample image.

Here's one for sale on eBay should you want your own.

There are also ongoing discussions about the noise levels in area restaurants.

Ideas for good food and quiet conversation?

Let’s make a list of obnoxiously loud restos (This one ran to 48 replies as of last check.)

Good, Quiet Restaurant in Back Bay? (only 6 replies here)

If you put the word "quiet" into the Chowhound Boston seach box, you'll find dozens of conversations.

While I know that it's not going to happen, wouldn't it be nice if a few spots were set aside in some of the unreasonably loud restaurants so that those of us who would like to try the food could reserve a snug or high backed booth with no speakers nearby or a private volume control for the nearest ones?

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: iStockphoto.com

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.

Related articles

Urban noise 'reduces bird diversity'

Acoustical Solutions Releases Noise Pollution Infographic

It's Irish Soda Bread Season!

March 15, 2013
March Is Zeppole Season

Ready, set, let the drooling begin because the Zeppole di San Giuseppe are ready to float off the trays at your favorite Italian bakery. And, to us, if they aren't light and airy, they don't meet the test. After all, they are named for the famous airships!

The very best are filled to order like this one from Modern Pastry in Boston's North End.

But, while we remind you about these each year, we want to know where your favorites are sold.

What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below, Tweet it to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestion to this post as an update.

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

March 13, 2013
March Is Zeppole Season

Ready, set, let the drooling begin because the Zeppole di San Giuseppe are ready to float off the trays at your favorite Italian bakery. And, to us, if they aren't light and airy, they don't meet the test. After all, they are named for the famous airships!

The very best are filled to order like this one from Modern Pastry in Boston's North End.

But, while we remind you about these each year, we want to know where your favorites are sold.

What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below, Tweet it to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestion to this post as an update.

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

March 13, 2013
March Is Zeppole Season

Ready, set, let the drooling begin because the Zeppole di San Giuseppe are ready to float off the trays at your favorite Italian bakery. And, to us, if they aren't light and airy, they don't meet the test. After all, they are named for the famous airships!

The very best are filled to order like this one from Modern Pastry in Boston's North End.

But, while we remind you about these each year, we want to know where your favorites are sold.

What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below, Tweet it to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestion to this post as an update.

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

March 13, 2013
It’s Irish Soda Bread Season!

Every March, Irish Soda Bread starts showing up everywhere. We've seen it at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Markets. But, we prefer the versions from a few favorite area bakeries.

Where do you buy your favorite Irish breads? Tell us in a comment below or send us an email and we'll add your ideas as an update.

Clear Flour Bread had both white Soda Bread with raisins and traditional whole wheat brown bread (above) last weekend. They hope to have it Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through St. Patrick's Day. We recommend getting there early before they run out of the day's supply. And, call ahead on weekdays to see if they happen to have some.

Clear Flour Bread, 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA 02446 (map & reviews) Phone: 617.739.0060

Any time of year, you can find a full line of exceptional Irish Breads at Greenhills Irish Bakery in Adams Village, Dorchester. They add caraway seeds to their Irish Raisin Soda Bread (above). It tastes just like the recipe Penny learned to make with her Irish cousins.

They also make this Irish Brown Soda Bread that's perfect with meals, a Treacle Soda Bread for those with a sweet tooth, and Irish Barm Brack – a raisin yeast bread.

Greenhills Irish Bakery, 780 Adams St, Dorchester, MA (map & reviews) Phone: 617- 825-8187 ‎

We even took one for the team and taste-tested this "Trader Joe's Blarney Scone Irish Soda Bread." It was not a superlative version but, that said, soda breads are forgiving and there was none left a day later.

Over on the Boston Chowhound board, a couple of trusted hounds recommended Hi-Rise Bread Company in Cambridge and Keltic Krust in West Newton as their favorite spots for soda bread.

(Update: Keltic Krust closed in 2014)

Tomorrow, we'll help you learn to make your own soda bread with a great collection of recipes, one of Ed's all time favorite carbo-loading versions, and a great video that shows the technique for Brown Bread that no recipe can completely capture!

(Update: Here's a link to that post. Irish Soda Bread Recipe Collection.)

Related Posts:

Greenhills Irish Bakery, Adams Village Dorchester

Clear Flour Bread– Clearly Artisan, Clearly Charming…

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: © 2011- 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.

Related articles

Blizzards and Irish Soda Bread

Soda Bread Knows No Season

Wholesome Irish soda bread recipe especially for St. Patrick's Day

Irish Soda Bread Scones

March 11, 2013
It’s Irish Soda Bread Season!

Every March, Irish Soda Bread starts showing up everywhere. We've seen it at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Markets. But, we prefer the versions from a few favorite area bakeries.

Where do you buy your favorite Irish breads? Tell us in a comment below or send us an email and we'll add your ideas as an update.

Clear Flour Bread had both white Soda Bread with raisins and traditional whole wheat brown bread (above) last weekend. They hope to have it Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through St. Patrick's Day. We recommend getting there early before they run out of the day's supply. And, call ahead on weekdays to see if they happen to have some.

Clear Flour Bread, 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA 02446 (map & reviews) Phone: 617.739.0060

Any time of year, you can find a full line of exceptional Irish Breads at Greenhills Irish Bakery in Adams Village, Dorchester. They add caraway seeds to their Irish Raisin Soda Bread (above). It tastes just like the recipe Penny learned to make with her Irish cousins.

They also make this Irish Brown Soda Bread that's perfect with meals, a Treacle Soda Bread for those with a sweet tooth, and Irish Barm Brack – a raisin yeast bread.

Greenhills Irish Bakery, 780 Adams St, Dorchester, MA (map & reviews) Phone: 617- 825-8187 ‎

We even took one for the team and taste-tested this "Trader Joe's Blarney Scone Irish Soda Bread." It was not a superlative version but, that said, soda breads are forgiving and there was none left a day later.

Over on the Boston Chowhound board, a couple of trusted hounds recommended Hi-Rise Bread Company in Cambridge and Keltic Krust in West Newton as their favorite spots for soda bread.

(Update: Keltic Krust closed in 2014)

Tomorrow, we'll help you learn to make your own soda bread with a great collection of recipes, one of Ed's all time favorite carbo-loading versions, and a great video that shows the technique for Brown Bread that no recipe can completely capture!

(Update: Here's a link to that post. Irish Soda Bread Recipe Collection.)

Related Posts:

Greenhills Irish Bakery, Adams Village Dorchester

Clear Flour Bread– Clearly Artisan, Clearly Charming…

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: © 2011- 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.

Related articles

Blizzards and Irish Soda Bread

Soda Bread Knows No Season

Wholesome Irish soda bread recipe especially for St. Patrick's Day

Irish Soda Bread Scones

March 11, 2013
It’s Irish Soda Bread Season!

Every March, Irish Soda Bread starts showing up everywhere. We've seen it at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Markets. But, we prefer the versions from a few favorite area bakeries.

Where do you buy your favorite Irish breads? Tell us in a comment below or send us an email and we'll add your ideas as an update.

Clear Flour Bread had both white Soda Bread with raisins and traditional whole wheat brown bread (above) last weekend. They hope to have it Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through St. Patrick's Day. We recommend getting there early before they run out of the day's supply. And, call ahead on weekdays to see if they happen to have some.

Clear Flour Bread, 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA 02446 (map & reviews) Phone: 617.739.0060

Any time of year, you can find a full line of exceptional Irish Breads at Greenhills Irish Bakery in Adams Village, Dorchester. They add caraway seeds to their Irish Raisin Soda Bread (above). It tastes just like the recipe Penny learned to make with her Irish cousins.

They also make this Irish Brown Soda Bread that's perfect with meals, a Treacle Soda Bread for those with a sweet tooth, and Irish Barm Brack – a raisin yeast bread.

Greenhills Irish Bakery, 780 Adams St, Dorchester, MA (map & reviews) Phone: 617- 825-8187 ‎

We even took one for the team and taste-tested this "Trader Joe's Blarney Scone Irish Soda Bread." It was not a superlative version but, that said, soda breads are forgiving and there was none left a day later.

Over on the Boston Chowhound board, a couple of trusted hounds recommended Hi-Rise Bread Company in Cambridge and Keltic Krust in West Newton as their favorite spots for soda bread.

(Update: Keltic Krust closed in 2014)

Tomorrow, we'll help you learn to make your own soda bread with a great collection of recipes, one of Ed's all time favorite carbo-loading versions, and a great video that shows the technique for Brown Bread that no recipe can completely capture!

(Update: Here's a link to that post. Irish Soda Bread Recipe Collection.)

Related Posts:

Greenhills Irish Bakery, Adams Village Dorchester

Clear Flour Bread– Clearly Artisan, Clearly Charming…

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: © 2011- 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.

Related articles

Blizzards and Irish Soda Bread

Soda Bread Knows No Season

Wholesome Irish soda bread recipe especially for St. Patrick's Day

Irish Soda Bread Scones

March 11, 2013