Category: Resources

Boston Ethnic Markets Is Our Friday Link

Adventurous Boston food lovers are fortunate to have a great resource in the website Boston Ethnic Markets.

This may look familar to you because it’s an updated version of the information that was once on the Boston Museum site.

Dan Brody, who maintained the roster there, has created a new home for it and is looking forward to working with the Boston food community to keep it up-to-date. Please think of him and this resource when you notice that a new place has opened or a listed place has closed.

If you’re looking for a Kosher butcher, the list will link you to the Butcherie of Brookline.

Want Middle Eastern food? Arax will come up as one of many choices in Watertown.

Look for a place to buy nuts and Fastachi will show up listed twice. Once for the Watertown shop and again for the one on Charles Street in Boston.

With the click of a header, you can sort the list by any of its headings including the name of the shop, what type of store it is, what region of the world it covers, what ethnic cuisine, or by the town where you hope to shop.

Nice work, Dan. And we understand how hard it can be to keep information like this current so we hope all our readers will send you tips to help out.

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: ©2010-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino with top screen shot courtesty of Boston Ethnic Markets.

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January 23, 2015
National Cheese Lover’s Day – Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The Massachusetts Cheese Guild sent us a reminder that today is National Cheese Lover's Day. The BostonZest team is made up of cheese lovers, so today is a day for us! We even have a separate category, Food: Cheese for our cheese coverage.

Because we live a freelance lifestyle, we often eat our main meal of the day in the afternoon and enjoy a plate of cheese with a bit of something else and a glass of wine for our evening bites.

We also find ourselves shopping for great cheese in Boston's wonderful ethnic markets. Above is a collection of foods we purchased in Watertown's Middle Eastern neighborhood. A trip there will always include string cheese and feta.

Smith’s Country Cheese at the Brookline Farmers' Market

Crystal Brook Farm goat cheese lunches at the Copley Farmers' Market

We love supporting Massachusetts cheeses at area farmers' markets. Both of those above are members of the Massachusetts Cheese Guild. Here's a link to the other local cheese artisan producers who have joined to provide mutual support and education about our state's cheese products.

Artisan Cheese Trail

The guild also has created their Artisan Cheese Trail, a map for you to explore the possibilities in person. We highly recommend that you pop over and explore the guild's site. You'll find cheesemakers to visit from Westport to Williamstown and beyond.

Explore New Cheeses

One of the truly great things about cheese is that a good shop will let you taste a bit before you buy. If you avoid the precut and shrink wrapped, you will not have to be afraid to try a new cheese.

You might discover that there are some blue cheeses you love and some you don't. We had that happen with a friend who didn't think he'd like the blue cheese his partner adored. Until our cheese tasting adventures put one on his plate with a slightly different flavor note.

If this day speaks to your soul, set out from here to explore more Massachusetts Cheeses in particular, and different cheeses from your current favorites in general.

Here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar photo courtesy of Cabot Cheese.

January 20, 2015
Gordon Parks Exhibition & MFA Open House for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

A very special and timely exhibition, Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott, will open tomorrow at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA). In addition, the MFA has announced a free open house on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The MFA Says:

Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott (January 17–September 13, 2015) traces Parks’ return to his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas and then to other Midwestern cities, to track down and photograph each of his childhood classmates. On view in the MFA’s Art of the Americas Wing, the exhibition’s 42 photographs were from a series originally meant to accompany a Life magazine photo essay—but for reasons unknown, the story was never published. The images depict the realities of life under segregation in 1950—presenting a rarely seen view of everyday lives of African-American citizens in the years before the Civil Rights movement began in earnest.

We Say:

This has been on our calendar since we first read about it. We have so much to learn from this multi-talented man.

Make this exhibition more enjoyable by doing your homework before attending.

The MFA gives you some tools for learning about an exhibition like this on it's website. We often rely on the press releases they send out to understand why a particular subject was selected and about the people and organizations that make an exhibition possible. Here's a link to the press release for Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott.

For each of its exhibitions, the MFA sets up a page that gives the details and often adds some resources that allow you to learn a bit about the topic before you attend. For this exhibition, they have a slideshow that lets you preview a few of the images and a short video by the curator, Karen Haas.

The museum has also announced the publication of the book Common Wealth: Art by African Americans in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

And, if you want to attend the exhibition at a time when there is something special scheduled around the topic, you'll find a "More Events" button near the top of that page.

We've also taken advantage of the Boston Public Library's resources on Gordon Parks and are reading some of his poetry and his memoir.

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 Cherubino, And screenshots courtesy of the MFA

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January 16, 2015
Where to Dine Valentine’s Day 2015 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston
Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember.

This year, February 14th falls on a Saturday.

That gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A quiet dinner at home on the big night and a lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is another option.

Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.

This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.

Have a Chocolate Lover to Impress?

Consider a visit to the Café Fleuri Chocolate bar where you can offer your love a choice of 25 different chocolate desserts.

A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu…
- Open Table has a list of restaurants, and note if they have a special menu or if their regular menu is available.
- Boston Chefs has a list with some information at this link.
- Most Romantic Tables In Town from UrbanDaddy
Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:

From last year, here's The Cambridge Day guide to an Interesting Valentines Day

Related BostonZest Posts:

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination

Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photo: top photo from iStockphoto.com, Chocolate Bar photo from Cafe Fleuri.

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January 13, 2015
What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2015 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes
UPDATE: What's Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2015. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Once again, we've selected a Photo of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman Some rights reserved

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 both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

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

Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

Boston Trash and Recycling: The City website says,

Martin Luther King Week 2015: Monday, January 19 – Saturday, January 24, 2015

"No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

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

Street Cleaning: 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."

MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2015:

For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link. At this time the MBTA has not posted the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule. To help you plan:

Here is what they did last year:
- Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
- Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
- Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
- The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license Some rights reserved

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January 9, 2015
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries: Our Friday Link

Most of us need legal information from time to time and the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries are a great resource. And, thanks to a recent improvement in their services, you can obtain an ecard without visiting a library branch.

Here's the message sent out on a recent blog entry:

"Massachusetts residents can now get Ecards for remote access to various legal databases without visiting one of our 17 locations. The new service started on November 19th, and to date we have had about 60 requests for cards. With your new card number, you can search RetrieveLaw for researching cases and statutes for Massachusetts and the federal government. You can also search HeinOnline for law reviews and a variety of other unique databases, as well as newspapers, self help law books from Nolo and more.

This page has the online form to apply for a card. You need to be a Massachusetts resident. Your card will be issued within one to two business days.

Databases are listed here.

What are you waiting for?"

For a running update on topical Massachusetts law information or changes as they take effect, follow the updates with an RSS feed of their blog or on Facebook or Twitter.

Now with a free ecard, we can research any topic we choose without the need to rent a car and go to a location outside of Boston. Thanks for the change!

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: Photo of law books by Woody Hibbard used under this creative commons license. Screenshot of Law Library page courtesy of Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

January 2, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in January 2015

Yes, January is a cold and wintry month in Boston but there is still a lot going on and many activities, both outdoor and indoor, to recommend.

New Year's Day

Weather permitting, Ed, Poppy, and I usually take a long walk on the first day of the year. We'll visit the Common and the Public Garden, and Copley Square. As a photographer, the Frog Pond skaters are always fun to watch and provide so many stories to capture in each photograph. If you have a new camera to play with, this is a great spot to add to your route for the day.

Here are some past posts from fun times photographing the Frog Pond skaters:

Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common

Watching the Frog Pond Skaters …

Skating in Shirt Sleeves, Show This to That Groundhog!

Do You Have a New Year's Day Tradition?

Something you eat for good luck or an activity you enjoy with famiy or friends? Share with us and perhaps you'll inspire others to adopt your tradition. We'll enjoy a glass of sparkling wine either at home or in a restaurant.

Since 2007, we've resolved to start each month of the year with a toast over a glass of something bubbly. You're welcome to join our sparkling resolution and check out our monthly list of wines to try.

Dressed in Holiday Style

Homes around the city will have beautiful wreaths on the doors and lovely decorations for the holidays early in the month. Above and below are two of the many lush and creative wreaths designed and sold by volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay to raise funds needed to care for trees along the streets and in the parks. Here is a link to more of their work that you might be able to spot around the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and in other parts of the city.

Conventions Bring Visitors

Big meetings impact hotel prices and restaurant reservations around the city. The ones in the Back Bay have more impact on locals and visitors to the city than the seaport. Here's the January list of meetings with more than 5,000 in attendance.

1/2/15/-1/5/15 – 12,000 social scientists will be meeting at the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay.

And just in case anyone local or visiting has an interest in these two events, we've included them:

1/15/15-1/19/15 – New England Auto Show in the Seaport

1/17/15-1/19/15 – Boston RV and Camping Expo in the Seaport

More tips from locals and frequent visitors to Boston can be found over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum. Penny started a conversation over there with some of this same information and others have chimed in to add their tips and favorites.

Share your own traditions and January information in the comments below or send them our way on our Twitter feed. Just include @BostonZest in your message.

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: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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December 30, 2014
How to Make a Silent 9-1-1 Call Using Your Keypad

A recent Twitter message from @MassGov explained that Massachusetts, as a part of the enhanced 9-1-1 system, has a silent 9-1-1 procedure for you to use when you can't communicate verbally. When we read something important that we didn't know, we like to share that information with our readers.

Here's what the state tells you to do if you can't speak to the 9-1-1 call-taker for any reason.

If you need to call 9-1-1 and you are unable to speak for any reason, such as a physical disability, domestic violence, or home invasion, follow these simple steps using a touch tone wireline telephone or a cell phone:

FIRST DIAL 9-1-1

Once the call is answered, indicate your need by pressing the appropriate number on your telephone.

IF YOU NEED POLICE
PRESS 1
IF YOU NEED FIRE
PRESS 2
IF YOU NEED AN AMBULANCE
PRESS 3

The 9-1-1 Dispatcher may ask questions that require yes or no answers.

PRESS 4 FOR YES

PRESS 5 FOR NO

You can find the complete post from the state here.

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: Courtesy of the Boston Public Health Commission.

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December 26, 2014
A Busy Season Resource: Our Poached Chicken Links

A barely shimmering pot of poaching chicken will always put a smile on Ed's face. He loves having a big bowl of poached chicken in the refrigerator. Back in 2011, we told you that we consider Poached Chicken a Cook's Treasure. We are going to be our own Friday Link today and direct you to some of the ways to enjoy this basic preparation.

Ed doesn't enjoy cooking, but he'll slice some cooked chicken to top a salad. (He's the household salad maker.) And, he knows that this healthy protein can also be turned into some of his favorite dishes.

Dishes like this Curried Chicken Salad. We don't use mayo, so we look for lighter ways to add moisture and flavor to salads.

If you buy a good quality chicken, poach it carefully, and don't overcook it, you'll have nice, moist chicken meat when you finish. I usually pull it out a tad undercooked and let carryover cooking finish the job. You can use a fast read thermometer to be sure you've reached the food safe temperature.

I learned to poach chicken years ago from a chef that hired me to do some design work for him. He treated our staff to a beautiful tray of sandwich makings one day while we worked on one of his projects. I was so impressed with the lovely, moist slices of chicken, that I asked him to teach me to make it, and he did.

Naturally, you can poach a chicken or two in stock and make a very rich chicken soup when the weather outside declares it Chicken Soup Week.

When I do that, I usually pull the chicken from the pot, strip off the meat, and return the bones to enrich the broth. Then, I'll strain the broth, reserve some for future use, and add fresh vegetables to the rest. When the carrots, celery, and onions are tender, I'll add back some of the chicken meat to complete the soup.

This time of year, it really pays to spend one afternoon (preferably a rainy or snowy one) cooking to wind up with food in your refrigerator and freezer that will help get you through a busy week.

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: ©2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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December 19, 2014
What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2014 – 2015 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, 2014 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.

This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:

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

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!

Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, 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, 2015 – New Year's Day

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

Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration:

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2014 and New Years Day Brunch 2015 in Boston.

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: Here's the announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule:

"Monday, December 29, 2014 – Saturday, January 3, 2015

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday December 29th, 30th, and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.

Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.

Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Thursday, and Friday.

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

Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014
The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines 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, trackless trolleys, and Express buses 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, Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule

Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule except Needham which 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

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