bostonzest

Category: City Life

  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve 2017 and New Year’s Day 2018 & MBTA links 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, 2017 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2018.

    This page will be our permanent resource of New Year's information and we will update it in future years.

    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, remain open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

    Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2018 – 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.  

    The MBTA no longer publishes schedule information before each holiday

    For 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?

  • 7 Tips for Staying Warm in a Boston Winter

    I still remember a conversation I had years ago on a Beacon Hill corner when a shivering young woman asked, "How do you stand this cold?" She was from Alabama, here caring for a hospitalized family member.

    January 2018: Since many readers are finding this archive post on Google we thought we would update it a bit with a few new items and feature it.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c34cb4e4a970b-800wi

    Tip #1 Silk or Wicking Long Underwear

    My quick answer was, "Silk Long Johns and layers of cashmere." When the traffic light changed and we parted ways, I realized just how true that quip was and what a difference those items have made in my cold weather walks.

    Unless you are oblivious to the cold (like the guy in the photo above), you will likely feel Boston's sudden changes in temperature.

    Silk or Merino wool long underwear (or one of the wicking fabrics, if you are exercising) is a great first layer for a personal insulation system. Not only will it help when you're outside, but it also will allow you to drop your thermostat a few degrees at home.

    It keeps you warm, but also breathes, so it's not uncomfortable when you're in a warm place. There are dozens of types with shorter lengths that work for dresses and skirts as well as slacks.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016762290318970b-800wi

    Tip #2 Cashmere

    Gilda Radner once said, "I base my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." I like that thought and I like cashmere because it doesn't itch. What's more, layers of cashmere seem to keep me warmer than the bulk of other fabrics.

    Years ago, I bought a cashmere, zippered cardigan for Ed. He raved about it as a warm layer. Looking for something like that for myself, I found a black cashmere hoodie. I've added to my cashmere collection over the years. Those sweaters are a treasured part of my winter defense. I wear hoodies over cashmere turtlenecks and zip or unzip to suit my needs throughout the day. On a very cold day, I'll pull up the hoodie and put a hat over it.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b02bdfc5c970c-800wi

    Tip #3 Hats, Scarfs, and Gloves

    I also had a warm hat on the day I spoke to the shivering woman. She didn't. I wear hats so often that one neighbor said he almost didn't recognize me without one. If my hat doesn't cover my ears, (here's a style that can) I wear a pair of 180s as well. (They even make 180s with headphones built in.)

    My cashmere wardrobe continues with thin cashmere gloves that not only are perfect for early season days, but also will fit under mittens when the weather becomes totally unreasonable. And my coat collar is held in place with a cashmere scarf that I can pull up over my face if needed.

    Yes, cashmere can be expensive, but I shop sales and take care of the items I buy. What's more, I don't have the time or space to deal with a big wardrobe. I prefer having a few good, classic items to having the latest clothing fad.

    MRLW-J21492-091813-F14-HERO

    Tip #4 Waterproof Boots

    My choice for early morning walks is Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots. You may have your own favorite brand that fits your feet and makes them happy. 

    In 2017 we both added boots with Vibram Arctic Grip on the soles to avoid slipping on wet ice. We have tested them on some icy days and feel they are worth the investment if they prevent a fall. We both choose Merrell boots but this sole is available on a number of brands.

    Tip #5 Wool Socks

    Inside those waterproof boots, I wear warm wool socks. My choice is 30 Below Thermal Winter Socks made of merino wool. 

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0d3a396970c-800wi

    Tip #6 Handwarmers

    See the well-dressed-for-the-cold gentleman with the dogs in the photo above? That's Dan, and he's a dogwalker in Boston. I interviewed him to get his best tips for walking dogs in the cold. 

    He inspired us to get hand warmers. We photographed the one we use but there are all types on the market and they do make a difference when you have to spend a long time outside. 

    Tip #7 Walking Stick

    While the stick won't keep you warm in and of itself, it may help you stay upright, dry, and moving at a better pace – and that will keep you warmer. Here's a post we did on that topic, Do You Use a Walking Stick in Boston When It's Icy?

    Naturally, you can use what you already have to layer and choose warm footwear to keep from taking a cold fall. If we missed your favorite tip, add it in the comments below. 

    TD5UdzKfn9pVBJdFYSSmYXMdM5BW7tRA9pfRmdDCZHU

    From NOAH here is how to layer.

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008 – 2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    7 Salty Winter Tips for Boston Dog Lovers
    Our Improved Dog Boot Drying Hack
    A Hand Warmer Has Been Added to My Boston Winter Equipment
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • 7 Tips for Staying Warm in a Boston Winter

    I still remember a conversation I had years ago on a Beacon Hill corner when a shivering young woman asked, "How do you stand this cold?" She was from Alabama, here caring for a hospitalized family member.

    January 2018: Since many readers are finding this archive post on Google we thought we would update it a bit with a few new items and feature it.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c34cb4e4a970b-800wi

    Tip #1 Silk or Wicking Long Underwear

    My quick answer was, "Silk Long Johns and layers of cashmere." When the traffic light changed and we parted ways, I realized just how true that quip was and what a difference those items have made in my cold weather walks.

    Unless you are oblivious to the cold (like the guy in the photo above), you will likely feel Boston's sudden changes in temperature.

    Silk or Merino wool long underwear (or one of the wicking fabrics, if you are exercising) is a great first layer for a personal insulation system. Not only will it help when you're outside, but it also will allow you to drop your thermostat a few degrees at home.

    It keeps you warm, but also breathes, so it's not uncomfortable when you're in a warm place. There are dozens of types with shorter lengths that work for dresses and skirts as well as slacks.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016762290318970b-800wi

    Tip #2 Cashmere

    Gilda Radner once said, "I base my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." I like that thought and I like cashmere because it doesn't itch. What's more, layers of cashmere seem to keep me warmer than the bulk of other fabrics.

    Years ago, I bought a cashmere, zippered cardigan for Ed. He raved about it as a warm layer. Looking for something like that for myself, I found a black cashmere hoodie. I've added to my cashmere collection over the years. Those sweaters are a treasured part of my winter defense. I wear hoodies over cashmere turtlenecks and zip or unzip to suit my needs throughout the day. On a very cold day, I'll pull up the hoodie and put a hat over it.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b02bdfc5c970c-800wi

    Tip #3 Hats, Scarfs, and Gloves

    I also had a warm hat on the day I spoke to the shivering woman. She didn't. I wear hats so often that one neighbor said he almost didn't recognize me without one. If my hat doesn't cover my ears, (here's a style that can) I wear a pair of 180s as well. (They even make 180s with headphones built in.)

    My cashmere wardrobe continues with thin cashmere gloves that not only are perfect for early season days, but also will fit under mittens when the weather becomes totally unreasonable. And my coat collar is held in place with a cashmere scarf that I can pull up over my face if needed.

    Yes, cashmere can be expensive, but I shop sales and take care of the items I buy. What's more, I don't have the time or space to deal with a big wardrobe. I prefer having a few good, classic items to having the latest clothing fad.

    MRLW-J21492-091813-F14-HERO

    Tip #4 Waterproof Boots

    My choice for early morning walks is Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots. You may have your own favorite brand that fits your feet and makes them happy. 

    In 2017 we both added boots with Vibram Arctic Grip on the soles to avoid slipping on wet ice. We have tested them on some icy days and feel they are worth the investment if they prevent a fall. We both choose Merrell boots but this sole is available on a number of brands.

    Tip #5 Wool Socks

    Inside those waterproof boots, I wear warm wool socks. My choice is 30 Below Thermal Winter Socks made of merino wool. 

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0d3a396970c-800wi

    Tip #6 Handwarmers

    See the well-dressed-for-the-cold gentleman with the dogs in the photo above? That's Dan, and he's a dogwalker in Boston. I interviewed him to get his best tips for walking dogs in the cold. 

    He inspired us to get hand warmers. We photographed the one we use but there are all types on the market and they do make a difference when you have to spend a long time outside. 

    Tip #7 Walking Stick

    While the stick won't keep you warm in and of itself, it may help you stay upright, dry, and moving at a better pace – and that will keep you warmer. Here's a post we did on that topic, Do You Use a Walking Stick in Boston When It's Icy?

    Naturally, you can use what you already have to layer and choose warm footwear to keep from taking a cold fall. If we missed your favorite tip, add it in the comments below. 

    TD5UdzKfn9pVBJdFYSSmYXMdM5BW7tRA9pfRmdDCZHU

    From NOAH here is how to layer.

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008 – 2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    7 Salty Winter Tips for Boston Dog Lovers
    Our Improved Dog Boot Drying Hack
    A Hand Warmer Has Been Added to My Boston Winter Equipment
    Enhanced by Zemanta

  • How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

    As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0e00db0970c-800wi

    It Depends on the Dog

    Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

    Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

    Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7450fa3970b-800wi

    How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

    What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb07f01033970d-800wi

    General Guidelines

    Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

    "When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

    "Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

    Signs of Trouble

    Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d1a17b2d970c-800wi

    To Coat or Not to Coat

    If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

    Unspecified

    Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

    The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

    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 (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
    Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Thanks to All the Sunday Dog People Who Did it Right & Shame on Scofflaws
    Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!
    The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections

  • How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

    As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0e00db0970c-800wi

    It Depends on the Dog

    Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

    Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

    Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7450fa3970b-800wi

    How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

    What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb07f01033970d-800wi

    General Guidelines

    Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

    "When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

    "Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

    Signs of Trouble

    Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d1a17b2d970c-800wi

    To Coat or Not to Coat

    If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

    Unspecified

    Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

    The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

    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 (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
    Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Thanks to All the Sunday Dog People Who Did it Right & Shame on Scofflaws
    Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!
    The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2017, Plus Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2017, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

    Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b02983c78970c-800wi

    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while searching for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2017 Around Boston. 

    Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Christmas Day, December 25th.

    Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Christmas Day, December 25th.

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Christmas Day, December 25th.

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

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

    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.

    Trash Collection & Recycling

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

    The MBTA no longer publishes schedule information before each holiday

    For information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    For information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Sunday Dog Bonnie Has a New Sister!
    Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas …

    "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
    Ev'rywhere you go …"

    IMG_5374 copy

    But especially at 131 Commonwealth Avenue! (map)

    And, as a special holiday gift for those who love to know more about the history of buildings like this, here's a link to this building on the award-winning site, BackBayHouses.org.

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.
    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Roses for Sarmiento
    How beautiful the leaves grow old… – BostonZest
    Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf
    Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Around Boston 2017

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a6fe484b970b-800wi

    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 Christmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    • Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
    • Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
    • Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. They tell us that it will be a nightly special every night in December! 

    Which 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.

    • The Bristol at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel 
    • Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    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.

    Other Resources:

    As we included above, 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.

     

    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

    Photos: 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 Around Boston 2017

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a6fe484b970b-800wi

    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 Christmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    • Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
    • Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
    • Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. They tell us that it will be a nightly special every night in December! 

    Which 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.

    • The Bristol at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel 
    • Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    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.

    Other Resources:

    As we included above, 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.

     

    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

    Photos: from iStockphoto.com

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

  • “The willow which bends to the tempest …”

    A lovely willow still providing us with color in December: Today In Boston! We must speak out for the Public Garden. There is one more hearing.

    Save These "Shadow Hearings Dates," Boston's Historic Parks Need Your Voice

    IMG_1390 copy

    "The willow which bends to the tempest, often escapes better than the oak which resists it; and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those of a loftier character." Albert Schweitzer

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    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: © 2016 Penny Cherubino