Category: We recommend!

  • Father’s Day Dining 2013 In & Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.

    Here’s a link to our ” Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 post.

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    Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?

    For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

    Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list. 

    Boston Chef’s  has a special list from their members. (They will keep adding information to this list as the day draws near.)

    Watch this space for updates with links as other reliable sources post their Father’s Day choices. Follow us on Twitter for update alerts.

    Updates:

    06.05.13 Just had word from Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge that they will host a Father’s Day Barbecue in their outdoor grill garden. 

    Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand. 

    On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)

    And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand. 

    Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting? We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill.  Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

    If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 16th. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Patio Season Launched At Coppa

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    And, if you’re thinking of adventure and the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

    SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny 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.

  • Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

    CHE_7607 - Version 32013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

    CHE_7457 - Version 32013-05-27-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

    This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

    CHE_7566 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

    Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

    CHE_7564 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge. 

    Happy New Month!

    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: Penny & 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.

  • Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

    CHE_7607 - Version 32013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

    CHE_7457 - Version 32013-05-27-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

    This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

    CHE_7566 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

    Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

    CHE_7564 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge. 

    Happy New Month!

    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: Penny & 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.

  • Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

    CHE_7607 - Version 32013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

    CHE_7457 - Version 32013-05-27-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

    This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

    CHE_7566 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

    Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

    CHE_7564 - Version 22013-05-28-Bailly-Lapeirre-Brut-cremantpinot-noir-© 2013 Ed Cherubino-jpg© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge. 

    Happy New Month!

    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: Penny & 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.

  • Greenway Open Market 2013

    Greenway open market

    The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

    Hours & Directions:

    • May and June: 11am-5pm
    • July and August: 11am-6pm
    • September and October: 11am-5pm
    • Directions

    They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

    We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

    Related Posts:

    Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

    North End Reflections

    Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

     

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft 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.

  • Greenway Open Market 2013

    Greenway open market

    The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

    Hours & Directions:

    • May and June: 11am-5pm
    • July and August: 11am-6pm
    • September and October: 11am-5pm
    • Directions

    They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

    We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

    Related Posts:

    Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

    North End Reflections

    Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

     

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft 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.

  • Greenway Open Market 2013

    Greenway open market

    The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

    Hours & Directions:

    • May and June: 11am-5pm
    • July and August: 11am-6pm
    • September and October: 11am-5pm
    • Directions

    They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

    We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

    Related Posts:

    Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

    North End Reflections

    Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

     

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft 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.

  • Summer 2013 Courtyard Concerts at the Boston Public Library

    Bpl-couryard-statue-

    We love the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (BPL) any time of the year. But when this beautiful space is filled with music, it is magical. Once again this year, there will be a full summer of free, lunchtime concerts. And, it all begins next week, so mark your calendars!

    The great sounds start at 12:30 pm on Friday afternoons from June 7th to August 30th. If the weather turns bad, performances will be moved inside to Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the lower level of the Johnson Building.

    As longtime fans of Brazilian Jazz, we are especially looking forward to the Fernando Holz Band on August 2nd. With music ranging "from jazz to classical and from folk to funk," you're sure to find a lot to like on Friday afternoons.

    Here's a link to the Full Schedule.

    So, go visit a food truck or pick up a bite at the farmers' market and enjoy BPL Courtyard Concerts along with your lunch on Fridays this summer. 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & 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.

  • Summer 2013 Courtyard Concerts at the Boston Public Library

    Bpl-couryard-statue-

    We love the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (BPL) any time of the year. But when this beautiful space is filled with music, it is magical. Once again this year, there will be a full summer of free, lunchtime concerts. And, it all begins next week, so mark your calendars!

    The great sounds start at 12:30 pm on Friday afternoons from June 7th to August 30th. If the weather turns bad, performances will be moved inside to Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the lower level of the Johnson Building.

    As longtime fans of Brazilian Jazz, we are especially looking forward to the Fernando Holz Band on August 2nd. With music ranging "from jazz to classical and from folk to funk," you're sure to find a lot to like on Friday afternoons.

    Here's a link to the Full Schedule.

    So, go visit a food truck or pick up a bite at the farmers' market and enjoy BPL Courtyard Concerts along with your lunch on Fridays this summer. 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & 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.

  • Summer 2013 Courtyard Concerts at the Boston Public Library

    Bpl-couryard-statue-

    We love the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library (BPL) any time of the year. But when this beautiful space is filled with music, it is magical. Once again this year, there will be a full summer of free, lunchtime concerts. And, it all begins next week, so mark your calendars!

    The great sounds start at 12:30 pm on Friday afternoons from June 7th to August 30th. If the weather turns bad, performances will be moved inside to Rabb Lecture Hall, located on the lower level of the Johnson Building.

    As longtime fans of Brazilian Jazz, we are especially looking forward to the Fernando Holz Band on August 2nd. With music ranging "from jazz to classical and from folk to funk," you're sure to find a lot to like on Friday afternoons.

    Here's a link to the Full Schedule.

    So, go visit a food truck or pick up a bite at the farmers' market and enjoy BPL Courtyard Concerts along with your lunch on Fridays this summer. 

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & 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.