bostonzest

Category: Travel

  • Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Tool Roll

    DSC_8858 - Version 22012-09-27-seasonings-travel-kit-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.

    This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.

    DSC_8439 - Version 22012-09-24-picnic-knife-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens. 

    If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above. 

    These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer. 

    Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2012 Penny Cherubino 

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    Cook's Treasure: Sautéed Onions and Garlic
    A Sprinkle of Urfa Pepper…
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    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Tool Roll

    DSC_8858 - Version 22012-09-27-seasonings-travel-kit-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.

    This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.

    DSC_8439 - Version 22012-09-24-picnic-knife-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens. 

    If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above. 

    These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer. 

    Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2012 Penny Cherubino 

    Related articles
    10 Tips for Shepherd's Pie
    Cook's Treasure: Sautéed Onions and Garlic
    A Sprinkle of Urfa Pepper…
    Send Your Eyeglasses & Medical Prescriptions to the Cloud
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Cooking in Vacation Rentals: The Tool Roll

    DSC_8858 - Version 22012-09-27-seasonings-travel-kit-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Over the years, our seaside vacations have presented the opportunity to try my skills at cooking in a variety of kitchens. They have ranged from a tiny efficiency with a two burner and a mini-refrigerator on one side of the living room, to an enormous, isolated space designed to be used by the servants in an old Arts and Crafts bungalow we rented in Edgartown, MA.

    This is the time of year when we begin to think summer excursions, looking at apartments and houses, and deciding where I will cook this year. It also seems like a good time to begin sharing our tips on cooking in a vacation rental.

    DSC_8439 - Version 22012-09-24-picnic-knife-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Of course, I pack my knives – an 8-Inch Chef's Knife and an Opinel French Picnic Knife. I’m teased because I bring my own knives when I go to a friend's house for a potluck dinner. If you cook seriously, your knives are extensions of your hands and it could be dangerous to use the dull ones you find in most kitchens. 

    If you want to pack ultra light, I would at least pack the Opinel French Picnic Knife. With that, you can prepare a wonderful tray of fruit and cheese like the one above. 

    These two are packed in a canvas tool roll with tongs, chopsticks, a waiter's corkscrew, OXO Peeler, Small Diamond Steel to keep the edge on my blades, kitchen shears, a Digital Instant-Read Thermometer, and a wooden spoon. This case was meant to hold screwdrivers and pliers but it has worked for years for my cooking gear. Today, it's easy to find a knife roll to carry your favorite tools if you prefer. 

    Watch for the next installment of my tricks for mastering cooking in a strange kitchen.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: ©2012 Penny Cherubino 

    Related articles
    10 Tips for Shepherd's Pie
    Cook's Treasure: Sautéed Onions and Garlic
    A Sprinkle of Urfa Pepper…
    Send Your Eyeglasses & Medical Prescriptions to the Cloud
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

    Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

    Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

    IStock_000019694326XSmall

    All Set to Go!
    • If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
    • Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
    • Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
    • There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
    • Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
    • If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
    • Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
    • If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty.  Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.

    Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

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

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? 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.

    Related articles
    Save on pet care costs: 10 tips
    How to be a GREAT client. Part 1
    "Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!
    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101
    Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

    Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

    Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

    IStock_000019694326XSmall

    All Set to Go!
    • If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
    • Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
    • Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
    • There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
    • Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
    • If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
    • Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
    • If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty.  Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.

    Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

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

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? 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.

    Related articles
    Save on pet care costs: 10 tips
    How to be a GREAT client. Part 1
    "Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!
    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101
    Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Is Your Sunday Dog Traveling for the Holidays? Reserve Now! Plus 8 more Tips

    Whether your Sunday Dog (or cat) is traveling with you or staying with friends for the holidays, it’s time to make that reservation.

    Pet sitter and boarding kennel schedules can fill up fast this time of year, so here are some tips to make sure your pal will have all the comforts of home no matter where the journey leads.

    IStock_000019694326XSmall

    All Set to Go!
    • If you’re considering a boarding kennel, insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
    • Dog hotels offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels and can be quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment.
    • Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home. If you use a dog walker, start with him or her.
    • There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
    • Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
    • If you’re planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you’ll want to reserve a place in the cabin. Airlines limit the number of companion animals on each plane.
    • Even informal agreements with family, friends, and other pet lovers for care while you travel should be arranged well in advance to ensure a visitor will fit with their holiday plans.
    • If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding them at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty.  Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service.

    Pull out your to-do list and move holiday planning to the top. Doing that now will feel like you’ve given a special gift to yourself when the time comes to travel.

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

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? 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.

    Related articles
    Save on pet care costs: 10 tips
    How to be a GREAT client. Part 1
    "Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!
    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101
    Sunday Dog, "Affy" Has Great Scottish Genes!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Comfort Food from Angel Foods

    When we return to the city from Provincetown, one of the things we miss the most is Angel Foods – our favorite, little, food shop in the East End.

    DSC_8627 - Version 22012-09-26-angel-foods-shepards-pie-comfort-food-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Liz, the owner, has a great sense of what her customers are craving and she changes up the offerings with the season. On our most recent trip we really enjoyed her sheperd’s pie. She filled a loaf pan with layers of meat, corn, peas, carrots, and mashed potatoes, then topped it off with some good cheese.

    PMC_6486 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-provincetown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The shop has a small parking area, making it great for a quick stop on your way into town to stock up for your first meal. 

    PMC_6484 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-picnic-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, there are a few seats overlooking the harbor if you’re walking around town and stop for a quick bite!

    What’s your favorite comfort food?

    Do you have a favorite vacation spot food shop?

    Here are more of our Provincetown favorite sites and places.

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs. and support this site!

    Details:

    Angel Foods

    467 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

    www.angelfoods.com

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

     

    Related articles
    Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
    Comfort Food to Beat the Blues
    BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts
    Provincetown, MA
    Windy Day Chip Tip!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Comfort Food from Angel Foods

    When we return to the city from Provincetown, one of the things we miss the most is Angel Foods – our favorite, little, food shop in the East End.

    DSC_8627 - Version 22012-09-26-angel-foods-shepards-pie-comfort-food-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Liz, the owner, has a great sense of what her customers are craving and she changes up the offerings with the season. On our most recent trip we really enjoyed her sheperd’s pie. She filled a loaf pan with layers of meat, corn, peas, carrots, and mashed potatoes, then topped it off with some good cheese.

    PMC_6486 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-provincetown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The shop has a small parking area, making it great for a quick stop on your way into town to stock up for your first meal. 

    PMC_6484 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-picnic-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, there are a few seats overlooking the harbor if you’re walking around town and stop for a quick bite!

    What’s your favorite comfort food?

    Do you have a favorite vacation spot food shop?

    Here are more of our Provincetown favorite sites and places.

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs. and support this site!

    Details:

    Angel Foods

    467 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

    www.angelfoods.com

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

     

    Related articles
    Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
    Comfort Food to Beat the Blues
    BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts
    Provincetown, MA
    Windy Day Chip Tip!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • Comfort Food from Angel Foods

    When we return to the city from Provincetown, one of the things we miss the most is Angel Foods – our favorite, little, food shop in the East End.

    DSC_8627 - Version 22012-09-26-angel-foods-shepards-pie-comfort-food-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Liz, the owner, has a great sense of what her customers are craving and she changes up the offerings with the season. On our most recent trip we really enjoyed her sheperd’s pie. She filled a loaf pan with layers of meat, corn, peas, carrots, and mashed potatoes, then topped it off with some good cheese.

    PMC_6486 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-provincetown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The shop has a small parking area, making it great for a quick stop on your way into town to stock up for your first meal. 

    PMC_6484 - Version 22012-09-27-angel-foods-waterfront-picnic-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, there are a few seats overlooking the harbor if you’re walking around town and stop for a quick bite!

    What’s your favorite comfort food?

    Do you have a favorite vacation spot food shop?

    Here are more of our Provincetown favorite sites and places.

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs. and support this site!

    Details:

    Angel Foods

    467 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657

    www.angelfoods.com

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©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.

     

    Related articles
    Focaccia Croutons Are Tops
    Comfort Food to Beat the Blues
    BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts
    Provincetown, MA
    Windy Day Chip Tip!
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2012 In Boston and MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a run-down of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 8, 2012.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

     

    We've also added information on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    PMC_0155 - Version 22012-04-04-chistopher-columbus-louisburg-square-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There's a statue of Columbus in Louisburg Square

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday, October 8 | 7am – Saturday, October 13, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2012

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012. The service schedules vary from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. Full Details Here!

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    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.