Category: Provincetown, MA

  • Poured from On High, Txakoli Rose Is a Great Seaside or Seafood Wine

    We are welcoming May with a slightly effervescent bottle of Txakoli Rosé. April was a rosy month for us. Txakoli Rosé returned to the wine list at Select Oyster Bar. We enjoyed it there, both before and after our vacation in Provincetown.

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    On our first day in Ptown, we asked our trusted, local wine merchants at Perry's Wine & Liquors if they had Txakoli. "It's coming in tomorrow," was the reply. We returned the next day to stock up for our own enjoyment and for any guests who happened to join us for a glass of wine and bit of cheese. (Some neighbors from Boston were in town during our stay and we may have added them to the list of fans of the Basque wines.)

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    Perry's was carrying the Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Rose. We paired its casual sparkle with a variety of foods from Spanish cheese to lobster and scallops, throughout our days by the sea.

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    We loved and agree with the description of this wine from PJ Wine in NYC …

    "Txakoli rose is like salted watermelon juice. It's like the ocean air drifting through a raspberry bush. It's like… well, it's like heaven. For summer drinking, for salty fried things, for any grilled thing from the sea with olive oil and salt, the straight Txomin Txakoli is one of our favorite drinks. In rose form, it's even better! Think of the refreshing San Sebastian elixir with cranberry tartness in place of the limes. Not sure who wouldn't like this wine, it's that good and refreshing. With just a tiny spritz of bubbles it's also an ideal aperitif, so go ahead and drink this all year long. – PJ"

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    Back in Boston, we slipped into a couple of bar seats at Select Oyster to enjoy Chef Michael Serpa's selection, UlaciaTxakolina Rose. On this visit, we matched it with shared plates of Gloucester Swordfish, Scallops Ceviche, and a side of Avocado Toast – another delicious combination.

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    Perhaps it's that the sea air is so close to where the grapes for this wine are grown. Or maybe it's the crisp flavor and low alcohol (11%) that make this gem a perfect match for spring, summer, and the best of living near the Atlantic Ocean. All we know is that we've become devoted Txakoli fans. 

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    We've even purchased the special stoppers (traditional Spanish escanciadors) that aerate the wine as it's poured into a glass from on high. Above is Elisha behind the bar at Select doing the Basque high pour for us.

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    By the way, Elisha did ask if we preferred it served in wine glasses or in the traditional tumblers used in the Basque region for both the wines of Txakolina and the area's famous ciders. This is an easygoing, fun wine perfect for summer on the roof deck, patio, or a chair by the sea. Those places can be windy and have you clinging to your stemware. So relax, hold a Txakoli on high, pour it splashing into a tumbler, and join our Sparkling Resolution as we toast May and look forward to the warmer days of summer 2016!

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post: Join Us as We Toast …

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Duchess Poppy’s Shopping Spree in Provincetown

    There are some requests on a girl's shopping list that call for destination shopping. Our little Duchess Poppy had her personal assistant prepare a memorandum with the goods she would be seeking on our last trip to Provincetown.

    DSC_7012 - Version 22015-10-23Halloween-duchess-poppy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    She insisted she needed a new tiara for the more formal occasions on her appointment calendar in the upcoming holiday season. And, she wanted a red feather boa made in her size and of excellent quality.

    DSC_7004 - Version 22015-10-23Halloween-duchess-poppy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    After trips up and down Commercial Street, in and out of many shops, she went into four-paw braking as a shopkeeper arranged a display of boas in front of a little shop next to the Aquarium Market Place.

    She and Ed sat on the bench provided for Duchesses and their retainers while I explored the tiny shop and carried items out for her approval.

    There was no question in her mind that the scarf size boa was precisely what she had in mind. She adores it! However, most of the tiaras presented were far too large and a bit too glittery for her taste.

    When the shopkeeper discovered that the tiara was not for one of the humans in the family but for our tiny Duchess, she quickly went to her stock of "special products for special customers" and came out with the perfect headpiece for our little Scottish Royal. 

    Poppy was so pleased with the success of this shopping foray that she granted us a photo session in her new finery. As you can see by the second photo, we took a bit too long and the Most Noble Poppy: Duchess of Whitehead took on one of her Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess of Grantham "I am no longer pleased," poses.

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

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    Words: Penny  Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Duchess Poppy’s Shopping Spree in Provincetown

    There are some requests on a girl's shopping list that call for destination shopping. Our little Duchess Poppy had her personal assistant prepare a memorandum with the goods she would be seeking on our last trip to Provincetown.

    DSC_7012 - Version 22015-10-23Halloween-duchess-poppy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    She insisted she needed a new tiara for the more formal occasions on her appointment calendar in the upcoming holiday season. And, she wanted a red feather boa made in her size and of excellent quality.

    DSC_7004 - Version 22015-10-23Halloween-duchess-poppy-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    After trips up and down Commercial Street, in and out of many shops, she went into four-paw braking as a shopkeeper arranged a display of boas in front of a little shop next to the Aquarium Market Place.

    She and Ed sat on the bench provided for Duchesses and their retainers while I explored the tiny shop and carried items out for her approval.

    There was no question in her mind that the scarf size boa was precisely what she had in mind. She adores it! However, most of the tiaras presented were far too large and a bit too glittery for her taste.

    When the shopkeeper discovered that the tiara was not for one of the humans in the family but for our tiny Duchess, she quickly went to her stock of "special products for special customers" and came out with the perfect headpiece for our little Scottish Royal. 

    Poppy was so pleased with the success of this shopping foray that she granted us a photo session in her new finery. As you can see by the second photo, we took a bit too long and the Most Noble Poppy: Duchess of Whitehead took on one of her Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess of Grantham "I am no longer pleased," poses.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny  Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

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    Minutes before leaving for Provincetown, Penny quickly grabbed what she thought was a bottle of our favorite Charles de Cazanove brut from the wine rack. It wasn’t until we’d arrived on-Cape and had begun to unpack that she realized it was actually their rosé, which we hadn't tried.

    After the long drive, we quickly settled in and treated ourselves to a couple of glasses of Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne.

    Our first reaction, “Impressive!” Penny said this bubbly had, “a little bit of the yeasty flavor that I love in Bollinger and the flavor of the fruit without the sweetness of added dosage.”

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    Charles de Cazanove Rosé is a blend of 15% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Côteaux Champenois Rouge.

    The winemaker describes a “… volume, fullness and strength on the palate, with good substance.”

    “This rosé has a lovely salmon-pink colour and delicious candied fruit and rose petal aromas.”

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    In a cocktail glass, I thought it looked like an inviting mixed drink. It was a great match with Chef José Andrés super light, olive oil potato chips.

    We also had it with a good Cabot cheddar, some pretzel chips, and a fresh loaf of French bread.”

    Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne, a very satisfying way to start a vacation and this new month. One Happy Surprise!                     

    Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    (And, for those who came here seeking canine goodness, our Sunday Dog features will return next week. Here's a link to the past ones in case you really need a dose of dog.)

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Provincetown Is Ready for Halloween

    Once upon a time, Provincetown closed up shop after Labor Day. These days, Halloween is a big weekend in that town at the tip of Massachusetts. Decorating had already started when we were out there.

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    Somerset House Inn always has a bit of seasonal bling on display for us to enjoy on our walks around town. They went all out for this weekend so we wanted to reward their efforts by making them and our favorite Cape Cod destination our Friday Link. Here's a link to what's going on in Provincetown this weekend.

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    At the famous "Purple House," as one friend calls the Somerset House Inn, the front stairs were lined with cats and pumpkin lanterns.

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    And the front yard had turned into a spooky graveyard …

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    … complete with "once-were-rats-creatures" ready to nibble at whatever they could find. 

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    The locals were hoping for great weather and a busy weekend and, right now, it looks good for them to get their wish and wind up the season with a bit of extra cash from all those who see this as a natural place to dress up and celebrate!

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

  • Open the Hatches: Our Storm Adventure in Provincetown

    We recently returned from a nice, long vacation in Provincetown. We had a bit of an adventure on September 29th when we weathered a storm in a house and deck surrounded on three sides by water.

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    We were renting the condominium apartment you see here sitting on a seawall with a deck on pilings. This photo was taken at low tide.

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    At high tide, the area next to the house fills with water. This is wonderful for sleeping to the sound of lapping waves …

    IMG_4231 - Version 22015-09-30provincetwon-strom-beach-house-rental© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    … but it's not ideal when a major storm is brewing. One of the staff members came by to warn us that our deck would not be available during the storm because he would have to open the hatches.

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    Here's the view of the open deck from the condo at low tide.

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    Slowly the water rose.

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    A few hours later the waves were breaking through the open hatches. We believe this is done to protect the seawall. It really seemed to work well and it was fun to watch as the water rose. Since we were told they have been doing this for 30 years, we figured it must be a great system.

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    Here's the area along the seawall during the storm. 

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    This bay window on the other side of the building took a direct hit from a big wave and the large deck on this side was well decorated with seaweed.

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    Fortunately, the wind changed direction and calmed substantially before high tide. The sun breaking through was a very welcome sight.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Provincetown Is a Dogtown

    One of the things we love about Provincetown is that it is a dogtown. We enjoy watching and meeting the dogs that are welcomed by this small town at the end of the land.

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    You'll see them in packs like this band of Bulldogs.

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    You'll see them in pairs like these Corgis – a popular breed with the locals.

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    They come large enough to invite stares from passersby.

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    Some are moving right along as they help run errands.

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    Others want everyone to slow down so they can stop and smell the flowers.

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    Some are visiting while others hold full time jobs as greeters at local businesses.

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    Some like this young pup have favorite businesses they can't wait to enter. Fortunately, many shops welcome dogs, but we always ask.

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    And, almost every Provincetown dog loves a good beach walk. 

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    We highly recommend this lovely place for a fall escape. Each year, more places stay open for a longer season. Here is a link to some dog friendly spots from the wonderful folks at Pilgrim Bark Park. 

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Provincetown Is a Dogtown

    One of the things we love about Provincetown is that it is a dogtown. We enjoy watching and meeting the dogs that are welcomed by this small town at the end of the land.

    IMG_8646 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-bulldogs-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    You'll see them in packs like this band of Bulldogs.

    IMG_8650 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-corgies-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    You'll see them in pairs like these Corgis – a popular breed with the locals.

    IMG_8651 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-Deerhound-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    They come large enough to invite stares from passersby.

    IMG_8652 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Some are moving right along as they help run errands.

     IMG_8659 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Others want everyone to slow down so they can stop and smell the flowers.

    IMG_8662 - Version 22015-10-05-provincetown-dogs-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Some are visiting while others hold full time jobs as greeters at local businesses.

    IMG_8710 - Version 22015-10-07-provincetown-dogs-dining-cafe-welcome-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Some like this young pup have favorite businesses they can't wait to enter. Fortunately, many shops welcome dogs, but we always ask.

    CHE_9047

    And, almost every Provincetown dog loves a good beach walk. 

    CHE_9045

    We highly recommend this lovely place for a fall escape. Each year, more places stay open for a longer season. Here is a link to some dog friendly spots from the wonderful folks at Pilgrim Bark Park. 

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Sailing onto the Mooring

    The man at the tiller of this lovely little catboat did a picture perfect job of sailing onto his mooring in Provincetown Harbor.

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    This was one of our team photos. Ed spotted the picture and I had my camera at the ready. This was taken a few days after a storm and those streaks you see floating in the water are seaweed that was washed ashore.

    We've just returned from a period of rest and relaxation in this town on the tip of Cape Cod. We highly recommend visiting in the slower months when the quiet is deep and the light is a photographer's dream.

    Prints and merchandise with this photo are available from our gallery.

    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  

  • Sailing onto the Mooring

    The man at the tiller of this lovely little catboat did a picture perfect job of sailing onto his mooring in Provincetown Harbor.

    CHE_9148 - Version 22015-10-06small-provincetown-sailing-catboat-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    This was one of our team photos. Ed spotted the picture and I had my camera at the ready. This was taken a few days after a storm and those streaks you see floating in the water are seaweed that was washed ashore.

    We've just returned from a period of rest and relaxation in this town on the tip of Cape Cod. We highly recommend visiting in the slower months when the quiet is deep and the light is a photographer's dream.

    Prints and merchandise with this photo are available from our gallery.

    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