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Category: Resources

  • Ready for the Big First with Champagne Mouzon Leroux L’ineffable

    We pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly at the start of every month of every year as part of our Sparkling Resolution. And while it always puts us in a festive mood, we have to admit that selecting a wine for New Year’s Eve does have an extra special feel (and often cost) to it.

    DSC_7781 - Version 22015-12-28Champagne- Mouzon Leroux et Fils-L'ineffable© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But, we’re always confident that getting ready for the Big First is worth the price of admission. And, besides, the search is a fun part of the lead-up to such a momentous celebration.

    Penny Tells How She Found Our Selection

    I found this grower Champagne with the help of the community at Boston Chowhound. One of our favorite food scouts MC Slim JB posted, “Favorite Boston-area wine shops for Champagne?”

    A great discussion of Champagne followed and I was so pleased to be able to give back to the person who had found so much great food for us over the years. As often happens, when you give something out into the world, something good comes back to you. In this case, it was the recommendation of Federal Wine & Spirits as a source of great Champagne.

    We’ve used and recommended this shop as a place to buy spirits for years but had not ventured downstairs to the wine section. Since I happened to be downtown running errands, I did just that and found another generous wine mentor, Len Rothenberg, to add to our continuing education on the topic.

    DSC_7780 - Version 22015-12-28Champagne- Mouzon Leroux et Fils-L'ineffable© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    He asked great questions. What type of Champagne do we enjoy? What are some of the grower Champagnes we've had? Price range?

    He then consulted his computer inventory and came up with a short list of three grower Champagnes he had in stock. Next, he walked me through the choices to come up with Champagne Mouzon Leroux et Fils L'ineffable as the one he felt was ready to drink now and fit the taste profile I’d given him.

    Finally, he gave me his card and asked if I would give him feedback on his choice. I call that getting to know the customer!

    It was a great experience and I will be visiting more often to buy wines there.

    We’ll update you on our bottle of Champagne L'ineffable after we’ve toasted 2016 with it!

    Related Posts:

    Here’s more about Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List (Since this is a category this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.)

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    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: © 2015 Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Bollinger Rosé Champagne Is Our Choice for Our New Year's Toast!
    Sparkling Wine for New Year's Eve? We Have Suggestions!
    Consult Our Wine Collection Before You Shop for Bottles of Bubbles!

  • Ready for the Big First with Champagne Mouzon Leroux L’ineffable

    We pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly at the start of every month of every year as part of our Sparkling Resolution. And while it always puts us in a festive mood, we have to admit that selecting a wine for New Year’s Eve does have an extra special feel (and often cost) to it.

    DSC_7781 - Version 22015-12-28Champagne- Mouzon Leroux et Fils-L'ineffable© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    But, we’re always confident that getting ready for the Big First is worth the price of admission. And, besides, the search is a fun part of the lead-up to such a momentous celebration.

    Penny Tells How She Found Our Selection

    I found this grower Champagne with the help of the community at Boston Chowhound. One of our favorite food scouts MC Slim JB posted, “Favorite Boston-area wine shops for Champagne?”

    A great discussion of Champagne followed and I was so pleased to be able to give back to the person who had found so much great food for us over the years. As often happens, when you give something out into the world, something good comes back to you. In this case, it was the recommendation of Federal Wine & Spirits as a source of great Champagne.

    We’ve used and recommended this shop as a place to buy spirits for years but had not ventured downstairs to the wine section. Since I happened to be downtown running errands, I did just that and found another generous wine mentor, Len Rothenberg, to add to our continuing education on the topic.

    DSC_7780 - Version 22015-12-28Champagne- Mouzon Leroux et Fils-L'ineffable© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    He asked great questions. What type of Champagne do we enjoy? What are some of the grower Champagnes we've had? Price range?

    He then consulted his computer inventory and came up with a short list of three grower Champagnes he had in stock. Next, he walked me through the choices to come up with Champagne Mouzon Leroux et Fils L'ineffable as the one he felt was ready to drink now and fit the taste profile I’d given him.

    Finally, he gave me his card and asked if I would give him feedback on his choice. I call that getting to know the customer!

    It was a great experience and I will be visiting more often to buy wines there.

    We’ll update you on our bottle of Champagne L'ineffable after we’ve toasted 2016 with it!

    Related Posts:

    Here’s more about Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List (Since this is a category this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.)

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    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: © 2015 Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Bollinger Rosé Champagne Is Our Choice for Our New Year's Toast!
    Sparkling Wine for New Year's Eve? We Have Suggestions!
    Consult Our Wine Collection Before You Shop for Bottles of Bubbles!

  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2015 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.

    What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!

     NYE2014

    Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

    Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2016 – New Year's Day

    Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Convenience stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    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.

    More after the ad…

    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!

    Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.


    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Boston Trash Collection:

    Boston Trash Collection for Christmas

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day 

    The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.) 

    We created a PDF of the MBTA Holiday Schedule: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

    Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015
    • The Red, Orange, Blue, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m. 
    • The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule.
    • The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a regular weekday schedule.
    • Boats will operate a regular weekday schedule.
    • The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
    Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2016
    • The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver lines, and Mattapan Trolley will run on a Sunday Schedule.
    • Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule which means the Needham line will not operate.
    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
    • Boats will not operate.
    • The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
     
    For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © iStockphoto 

    Related articles
    Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

  • Clarendon Street Trees Announce, “We’re Goin’ to the Chipper and We’re Gonna Be Recycled!”

    Worry not if you see empty tree pits along Clarendon Street between Commonwealth and Beacon (map). As always, The Garden Club of the Back Bay is on the job protecting the trees in this neighborhood and beyond.

    DSC_7315 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sixteen trees on these blocks will be removed. Here's what the sign on that tree says.

    IMG_8933 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Or as they said in the letter The Garden Club of the Back Bay sent us:

    "Dear Neighbors,

    In the next few weeks the Garden Club of the Back Bay and the City of Boston will begin the first phase of a project to improve the streetscape of Clarendon Street. As many of you have noticed, the trees on the two blocks between Beacon and Commonwealth have been in steady decline due to salt sensitivity and are now mostly dead, and an eyesore. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to remove the trees and the Garden Club has agreed to replant all 16 locations with very handsome, large Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’ specimen trees in the spring of 2016. These trees are ancient, immune to most urban tree problems, are not salt sensitive, and have beautiful fall color. They will be interesting to you and to all the children using the Playground every day.

    This is a big project, but Clarendon Street is an important entrance portal in to the Back Bay and should be beautiful. The Garden Club hopes you will help us fund this work. Tree sponsorships are $2,500 per tree and include plaques which can be installed on the tree fences. What a nice holiday, birthday, or anniversary present! All donations of any size are welcome and needed so we may complete this work in the spring. Contributions are completely tax deductible.

    We hope you will consider contributing. We want you to know our plans in advance of the chainsaws arriving! Your checks can be made to the Garden Club of the Back Bay and mailed to M. Pokorny, 384 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115. You may also donate with a credit card on our website, www.gardenclubbackbay.org – just press the Donate button and we will acknowledge your contribution right away.

    If you have any questions: mpok384@verizon.net.

    Clarendon Street Committee: Jackie Blombach, Jolinda Taylor, Claire Corcoran,
    Sherley Smith, Catherine Bordon, Maureen O’Hara, Francine Crawford,
    Margaret Pokorny"

    IMG_8934 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino   IMG_8930 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino
    IMG_8936 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino   IMG_8931 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Ed and I took a few photos of the condition of some of the maples before they were cut down.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Protecting the Very Sensitive Toes of a Famous Boston Elm with FlexiPave
    Then and Now: Back Street Was Once the Shoreline of the Charles

  • Clarendon Street Trees Announce, “We’re Goin’ to the Chipper and We’re Gonna Be Recycled!”

    Worry not if you see empty tree pits along Clarendon Street between Commonwealth and Beacon (map). As always, The Garden Club of the Back Bay is on the job protecting the trees in this neighborhood and beyond.

    DSC_7315 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sixteen trees on these blocks will be removed. Here's what the sign on that tree says.

    IMG_8933 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Or as they said in the letter The Garden Club of the Back Bay sent us:

    "Dear Neighbors,

    In the next few weeks the Garden Club of the Back Bay and the City of Boston will begin the first phase of a project to improve the streetscape of Clarendon Street. As many of you have noticed, the trees on the two blocks between Beacon and Commonwealth have been in steady decline due to salt sensitivity and are now mostly dead, and an eyesore. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to remove the trees and the Garden Club has agreed to replant all 16 locations with very handsome, large Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’ specimen trees in the spring of 2016. These trees are ancient, immune to most urban tree problems, are not salt sensitive, and have beautiful fall color. They will be interesting to you and to all the children using the Playground every day.

    This is a big project, but Clarendon Street is an important entrance portal in to the Back Bay and should be beautiful. The Garden Club hopes you will help us fund this work. Tree sponsorships are $2,500 per tree and include plaques which can be installed on the tree fences. What a nice holiday, birthday, or anniversary present! All donations of any size are welcome and needed so we may complete this work in the spring. Contributions are completely tax deductible.

    We hope you will consider contributing. We want you to know our plans in advance of the chainsaws arriving! Your checks can be made to the Garden Club of the Back Bay and mailed to M. Pokorny, 384 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115. You may also donate with a credit card on our website, www.gardenclubbackbay.org – just press the Donate button and we will acknowledge your contribution right away.

    If you have any questions: mpok384@verizon.net.

    Clarendon Street Committee: Jackie Blombach, Jolinda Taylor, Claire Corcoran,
    Sherley Smith, Catherine Bordon, Maureen O’Hara, Francine Crawford,
    Margaret Pokorny"

    IMG_8934 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino   IMG_8930 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino
    IMG_8936 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino   IMG_8931 - Version 22015-11-26-clarendon-street-tree-project-garden-club-back-bay-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Ed and I took a few photos of the condition of some of the maples before they were cut down.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Protecting the Very Sensitive Toes of a Famous Boston Elm with FlexiPave
    Then and Now: Back Street Was Once the Shoreline of the Charles

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

    There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    Other Resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

    There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    Other Resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    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

  • What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? What's closed?

    Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules?

    We have the answers for you, all organized in one post that we'll update as new information comes our way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00b45df2970d-500wi

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

    We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

    Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

    Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

    Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws" 

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. International markets are open.

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Parking & Street Sweeping

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at Friday, November 20, 201510.23.30 AM

    UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

    MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

    More information after these camera deals from Amazon. Order today and you'll be ready to record memories this holiday season. When you shop Amazon from here, you keep information like this coming your way!

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

    The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish. 

    Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

    Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.

    • Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
    • Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
    • Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.

    For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
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  • Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

    It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

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    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

    Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

    Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.

    • La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
    • Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:

    • Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
    • L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
    • Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
    • Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
    • One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

    Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.

    Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

    Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill 

    The Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

    We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices. 

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
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