Category: We recommend!

  • Edible Boston Spring 2013 Issue Has Arrived!

    Ediblespring - Version 22013-02-27edible-Boston-spring-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When my preview copy of Edible Boston arrives, it goes to the top of my reading file. Not only because I want to read about all the local food news and meet some of the people who supply the food I love, but also because I want to look at it. As always, this month's cover is another stunning photo by Michael Piazza.

    I often smile and nod as I read Publisher/Editor, Ilene Bezahler's letter from the editor. This month, it was her comment on her gratitude to those who have made winter farmers' markets a part of our long dull winter and again when she wrote about cooking more meals at home. I've been doing that too!

    This edition, the incredible Edible Boston team and their readers have given you the information you need to become a master of lamb. Writer Elizabeth Gawthrop Riely takes you to Springdell Farm in Littleton, MA and then gives you a primer on lamb, its history, recipes, and talks about the increasing interest in this red meat. A second article provides more lamb recipes from Edible readers who entered their favorites in a recent recipe contest. 

    (I never got around to entering, but here is my favorite lamb recipe: Lamb Shanks Braised in Chipotle-Coffee Sauce.)

    Of course, there is much more to read in the issue from a tour of the Medford food scene to a piece on growing those beautiful mushrooms on the cover. Here's where you can pick up a copy.

    How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods or find more local food in The Boston Homegrown Cookbook

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston 

  • Edible Boston Spring 2013 Issue Has Arrived!

    Ediblespring - Version 22013-02-27edible-Boston-spring-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When my preview copy of Edible Boston arrives, it goes to the top of my reading file. Not only because I want to read about all the local food news and meet some of the people who supply the food I love, but also because I want to look at it. As always, this month's cover is another stunning photo by Michael Piazza.

    I often smile and nod as I read Publisher/Editor, Ilene Bezahler's letter from the editor. This month, it was her comment on her gratitude to those who have made winter farmers' markets a part of our long dull winter and again when she wrote about cooking more meals at home. I've been doing that too!

    This edition, the incredible Edible Boston team and their readers have given you the information you need to become a master of lamb. Writer Elizabeth Gawthrop Riely takes you to Springdell Farm in Littleton, MA and then gives you a primer on lamb, its history, recipes, and talks about the increasing interest in this red meat. A second article provides more lamb recipes from Edible readers who entered their favorites in a recent recipe contest. 

    (I never got around to entering, but here is my favorite lamb recipe: Lamb Shanks Braised in Chipotle-Coffee Sauce.)

    Of course, there is much more to read in the issue from a tour of the Medford food scene to a piece on growing those beautiful mushrooms on the cover. Here's where you can pick up a copy.

    How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods or find more local food in The Boston Homegrown Cookbook

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston 

  • Edible Boston Spring 2013 Issue Has Arrived!

    Ediblespring - Version 22013-02-27edible-Boston-spring-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When my preview copy of Edible Boston arrives, it goes to the top of my reading file. Not only because I want to read about all the local food news and meet some of the people who supply the food I love, but also because I want to look at it. As always, this month's cover is another stunning photo by Michael Piazza.

    I often smile and nod as I read Publisher/Editor, Ilene Bezahler's letter from the editor. This month, it was her comment on her gratitude to those who have made winter farmers' markets a part of our long dull winter and again when she wrote about cooking more meals at home. I've been doing that too!

    This edition, the incredible Edible Boston team and their readers have given you the information you need to become a master of lamb. Writer Elizabeth Gawthrop Riely takes you to Springdell Farm in Littleton, MA and then gives you a primer on lamb, its history, recipes, and talks about the increasing interest in this red meat. A second article provides more lamb recipes from Edible readers who entered their favorites in a recent recipe contest. 

    (I never got around to entering, but here is my favorite lamb recipe: Lamb Shanks Braised in Chipotle-Coffee Sauce.)

    Of course, there is much more to read in the issue from a tour of the Medford food scene to a piece on growing those beautiful mushrooms on the cover. Here's where you can pick up a copy.

    How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods or find more local food in The Boston Homegrown Cookbook

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston 

  • March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!

    EAC_1338 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration. 

    EAC_1356 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

    As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
    Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview.)

    We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"   

    Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

    EAC_1345 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:

    • Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
    • “delicate, tiny bubbles”
    • “creamy yet … clean acidity”
    • Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”

    Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

    Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

    Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

    Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors  

    Our Sparkling Resolution 

    Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!

    EAC_1338 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration. 

    EAC_1356 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

    As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
    Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview.)

    We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"   

    Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

    EAC_1345 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:

    • Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
    • “delicate, tiny bubbles”
    • “creamy yet … clean acidity”
    • Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”

    Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

    Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

    Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

    Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors  

    Our Sparkling Resolution 

    Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!

    EAC_1338 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration. 

    EAC_1356 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

    As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
    Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview.)

    We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"   

    Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

    EAC_1345 - Version 22012-12-25-argyle-extended-triage-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:

    • Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
    • “delicate, tiny bubbles”
    • “creamy yet … clean acidity”
    • Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”

    Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

    Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

    Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

    Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors  

    Our Sparkling Resolution 

    Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • Spread the Word on The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS!

    We recently learned about The Yellow Dog Project thanks to our friend David Ziegler. (Thanks David!) This is an attempt to give an easy to recognize signal that a particular dog needs a bit of space.

    Postcard6x4-TYDP_2

    The project asks that those of us who have a dog who needs a bit of space for whatever reason (health issues, training, rehab, behavior) put a yellow ribbon or marker on our leash. Then, those of us who see this signal can keep ourselves and our dogs away. 

    DINOS_PSA_poster-012013-02-18-dinos-ask-first- poster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A second group with the same goal and some good resources on their website is DINOS or Dogs In Need Of Space.

    Even dogs you know well may occasionally need a bit of space and can't play with your pup. They may have a GI upset that is going around the neighborhood and a considerate guardian who doesn't want to spread it to your dog. They may have an injury that means they can only have a quiet walk and have to avoid the movement and excitement of greeting pals. The may be out as a part of a training exercise and should not be distracted.

    We used to walk with a dog that was perfectly happy strolling with her usual pack but would turn growly and fierce if a strange dog approached. You can imagine how we all reacted every time a dog, often off-leash, came bounding our way with a guardian trailing behind yelling, "He's friendly!" Yes, your dog may be friendly, but the one on a leash may not be. One more reason why no dog should be off-leash outside of dog recreation spaces. 

    Spread the word to your dog loving friends. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, pet supply shop, and dog group to sign on as a supporter  of both sites and make this universal signal a reality!

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

    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
    Artwork: Courtesy of The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Spread the Word on The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS!

    We recently learned about The Yellow Dog Project thanks to our friend David Ziegler. (Thanks David!) This is an attempt to give an easy to recognize signal that a particular dog needs a bit of space.

    Postcard6x4-TYDP_2

    The project asks that those of us who have a dog who needs a bit of space for whatever reason (health issues, training, rehab, behavior) put a yellow ribbon or marker on our leash. Then, those of us who see this signal can keep ourselves and our dogs away. 

    DINOS_PSA_poster-012013-02-18-dinos-ask-first- poster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A second group with the same goal and some good resources on their website is DINOS or Dogs In Need Of Space.

    Even dogs you know well may occasionally need a bit of space and can't play with your pup. They may have a GI upset that is going around the neighborhood and a considerate guardian who doesn't want to spread it to your dog. They may have an injury that means they can only have a quiet walk and have to avoid the movement and excitement of greeting pals. The may be out as a part of a training exercise and should not be distracted.

    We used to walk with a dog that was perfectly happy strolling with her usual pack but would turn growly and fierce if a strange dog approached. You can imagine how we all reacted every time a dog, often off-leash, came bounding our way with a guardian trailing behind yelling, "He's friendly!" Yes, your dog may be friendly, but the one on a leash may not be. One more reason why no dog should be off-leash outside of dog recreation spaces. 

    Spread the word to your dog loving friends. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, pet supply shop, and dog group to sign on as a supporter  of both sites and make this universal signal a reality!

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

    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
    Artwork: Courtesy of The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Spread the Word on The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS!

    We recently learned about The Yellow Dog Project thanks to our friend David Ziegler. (Thanks David!) This is an attempt to give an easy to recognize signal that a particular dog needs a bit of space.

    Postcard6x4-TYDP_2

    The project asks that those of us who have a dog who needs a bit of space for whatever reason (health issues, training, rehab, behavior) put a yellow ribbon or marker on our leash. Then, those of us who see this signal can keep ourselves and our dogs away. 

    DINOS_PSA_poster-012013-02-18-dinos-ask-first- poster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A second group with the same goal and some good resources on their website is DINOS or Dogs In Need Of Space.

    Even dogs you know well may occasionally need a bit of space and can't play with your pup. They may have a GI upset that is going around the neighborhood and a considerate guardian who doesn't want to spread it to your dog. They may have an injury that means they can only have a quiet walk and have to avoid the movement and excitement of greeting pals. The may be out as a part of a training exercise and should not be distracted.

    We used to walk with a dog that was perfectly happy strolling with her usual pack but would turn growly and fierce if a strange dog approached. You can imagine how we all reacted every time a dog, often off-leash, came bounding our way with a guardian trailing behind yelling, "He's friendly!" Yes, your dog may be friendly, but the one on a leash may not be. One more reason why no dog should be off-leash outside of dog recreation spaces. 

    Spread the word to your dog loving friends. Ask your veterinarian, groomer, pet supply shop, and dog group to sign on as a supporter  of both sites and make this universal signal a reality!

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

    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
    Artwork: Courtesy of The Yellow Dog Project & DINOS

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Plan a Jamón Ibérico Tasting

    A twitter conversation with Peter, a West Coast friend, reminded me of our New Year's Eve jamón tasting.

    CHE_0234 - Version 22012-12-31-imberico-jamon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    Lovely curls of Jamón ibérico

    We splurged on a bit of Jamón Ibérico and tasted it with a larger portion of Jamón Serrano. We combined a great bottle of grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs, with a wooden board covered with crusty breat, great cheese, salumi, and the two jamónes. 

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c32a6a113970b-800wi
    Piles of Jamón Serrano

    We love the combination of salty meat with Champagne. And, when we decide to stay in and enjoy the bounty of our own wine rack, we think it's okay to splurge a bit on the food. 

    There is a theory that your taste buds are most receptive to the first 1 to 4 bites of something. Why not take advantage of that when you want to splurge. Buy the best in a small quantity. Then, buy a larger amount of something wonderful but a lot less expensive.

    We took our time and savored those curls of Jamón Ibérico and then went on to enjoyed the lovely pile of Serrano.

    Someone wrote on twitter today that she loved having guests because she could go to Formaggio for a cheese tray. We love having shops like Formaggio, so we can go and buy one perfect cheese or outstanding jamon, just for us.

    Related Posts:

    Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

    Surryano Ham from Virginia is Peanut-Fed Berkshire Pork 

    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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta