Category: City Life

At The Market: Central Square Cambridge Market Visit

With the Central Square Farmers' Market (Mondays, Noon to 6 pm, map to the location), we combine errands and fun. We can buy fresh, local food at the market and ethnic food elsewhere in the square. We also see some of the area's finest chef's shopping at this location.

We are also big fans of Hi-Rise Bread Company. Their presence at this market saves a trip across the city to their Concord Avenue or Harvard Square locations.

Friends shopping with us indulged in a tasting of a full range of maple syrup grades from Nutting Farm and bought a jar of maple cream. That cream has also made a hit with Ed's sweet tooth.

Hutchins Farm is certified organic and had lettuce on their stand that looked like a work of art.

Parker Farm is proud to give shoppers the details of their growing practices. They had a nice selection of greens including Asian favorites like: pea tendrils, bok choy, and pac choy.

These turnips from Parker Farm make a great raw addition to seasonal salads.

More bread (Ed's favorite farmers' market shopping) was available from Hearth Artisan Bread from Plymouth.

Tomorrow we'll tell you about our the lobster roll supper we had with lobster from Chis Manning from C & C Lobster & Fish.

Make sure you stop by the manager's tent and say hello to Market Manager Peter Ward. He's always on top of what's in the market, what's coming up next, and what you should get before it's gone for the season.

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

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

June 5, 2013
Father’s Day Dining 2013 In & Around Boston

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.

Here’s a link to our ” Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 post.

Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?

For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef’s has a special list from their members. (They will keep adding information to this list as the day draws near.)

Watch this space for updates with links as other reliable sources post their Father’s Day choices. Follow us on Twitter for update alerts.

Updates:

06.05.13 Just had word from Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge that they will host a Father’s Day Barbecue in their outdoor grill garden.

Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.

On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)

And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.

Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting? We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 16th. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you’re thinking of adventure and the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

Father’s Day Appetizers

June 4, 2013
Father’s Day Dining 2013 In & Around Boston

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.

Here’s a link to our ” Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 post.

Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?

For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef’s has a special list from their members. (They will keep adding information to this list as the day draws near.)

Watch this space for updates with links as other reliable sources post their Father’s Day choices. Follow us on Twitter for update alerts.

Updates:

06.05.13 Just had word from Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge that they will host a Father’s Day Barbecue in their outdoor grill garden.

Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.

On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)

And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.

Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting? We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 16th. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you’re thinking of adventure and the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

Father’s Day Appetizers

June 4, 2013
Father’s Day Dining 2013 In & Around Boston

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2013. Unlike many special occasion days, more restaurants are featuring their regular menus for Dad with a few specials added in some places.

Here’s a link to our ” Dining around Boston on Father’s Day, June 15, 2014 post.

Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?

For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef’s has a special list from their members. (They will keep adding information to this list as the day draws near.)

Watch this space for updates with links as other reliable sources post their Father’s Day choices. Follow us on Twitter for update alerts.

Updates:

06.05.13 Just had word from Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge that they will host a Father’s Day Barbecue in their outdoor grill garden.

Our picks: We looked at our selections from last year and think they all still stand.

On chowhound, one contributor said that, “Island Creek is the one to beat these days…” We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven’t given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here’s a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!)

And, if you’re going to Dad’s house, consider ordering take out from Sweet Cheeks. We had our first take out from there recently and were very pleased. Ask Dad to turn on his oven for a quick reheat the right way and arrive with great food in hand.

Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting? We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 16th. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you’re thinking of adventure and the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon Gift Card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon Shopping Trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

Related articles

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

It’s Boston Pops Season, Where to Dine and Park!

Father’s Day Appetizers

June 4, 2013
Photo of the Week: Enjoying Bridges
This week, Ed’s photo of these bridges along the Esplanade won the spot on the front page of The Back Bay Sun. We took a long walk along the river and had quite a few photos of bridges. Since this parkland was divided from the surrounding neighborhoods when a parkway was turned into a highway, bridges are what we use to climb over that ugly wall of cars.

The copy on the page is a quote:

Enjoying Bridges

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton

You can read some of the stories at the newspaper’s website www.backbaysun.com and download a copy of the paper by clicking on the “Full Print Edition” icon in the left hand column. The new issue is usually on the website by Wednesday of each week. Since that icon only lasts until the next paper is published, we have uploaded a copy to this link , so that you can find it anytime.

In this earlier post is a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you’ll also find copies of the The Beacon Hill Times and the The North End Regional Review. Here’s a link to download a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper.

We are hearing from friends and neighbors and BostonZest readers who have left the area, that they like us connecting to copies of The Back Bay Sun. We plan to make this a regular feature to remind you of this great collection of local papers from the Independent Newspaper group.

Disclosure: The Independent Newspaper Group, owner of all three of these papers, is one of our freelance clients and you’ll see our photographs, columns, and articles in their newpapers. Here are links to all their local papers.
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 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Sweet Sound of Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Last Week

Architecture Blossoms In Spring: Photo of the Week

If You Missed the Back Bay Sun Last Week

Pansies In Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Shot

Back Bay Sun Our Friday Link
June 3, 2013
Photo of the Week: Enjoying Bridges
This week, Ed’s photo of these bridges along the Esplanade won the spot on the front page of The Back Bay Sun. We took a long walk along the river and had quite a few photos of bridges. Since this parkland was divided from the surrounding neighborhoods when a parkway was turned into a highway, bridges are what we use to climb over that ugly wall of cars.

The copy on the page is a quote:

Enjoying Bridges

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton

You can read some of the stories at the newspaper’s website www.backbaysun.com and download a copy of the paper by clicking on the “Full Print Edition” icon in the left hand column. The new issue is usually on the website by Wednesday of each week. Since that icon only lasts until the next paper is published, we have uploaded a copy to this link , so that you can find it anytime.

In this earlier post is a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you’ll also find copies of the The Beacon Hill Times and the The North End Regional Review. Here’s a link to download a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper.

We are hearing from friends and neighbors and BostonZest readers who have left the area, that they like us connecting to copies of The Back Bay Sun. We plan to make this a regular feature to remind you of this great collection of local papers from the Independent Newspaper group.

Disclosure: The Independent Newspaper Group, owner of all three of these papers, is one of our freelance clients and you’ll see our photographs, columns, and articles in their newpapers. Here are links to all their local papers.
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 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Sweet Sound of Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Last Week

Architecture Blossoms In Spring: Photo of the Week

If You Missed the Back Bay Sun Last Week

Pansies In Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Shot

Back Bay Sun Our Friday Link
June 3, 2013
Photo of the Week: Enjoying Bridges
This week, Ed’s photo of these bridges along the Esplanade won the spot on the front page of The Back Bay Sun. We took a long walk along the river and had quite a few photos of bridges. Since this parkland was divided from the surrounding neighborhoods when a parkway was turned into a highway, bridges are what we use to climb over that ugly wall of cars.

The copy on the page is a quote:

Enjoying Bridges

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton

You can read some of the stories at the newspaper’s website www.backbaysun.com and download a copy of the paper by clicking on the “Full Print Edition” icon in the left hand column. The new issue is usually on the website by Wednesday of each week. Since that icon only lasts until the next paper is published, we have uploaded a copy to this link , so that you can find it anytime.

In this earlier post is a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper. We usually get ours in the Circulation Room at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. There, you’ll also find copies of the The Beacon Hill Times and the The North End Regional Review. Here’s a link to download a list of the other places where you can find copies of this local paper.

We are hearing from friends and neighbors and BostonZest readers who have left the area, that they like us connecting to copies of The Back Bay Sun. We plan to make this a regular feature to remind you of this great collection of local papers from the Independent Newspaper group.

Disclosure: The Independent Newspaper Group, owner of all three of these papers, is one of our freelance clients and you’ll see our photographs, columns, and articles in their newpapers. Here are links to all their local papers.
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 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Sweet Sound of Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Last Week

Architecture Blossoms In Spring: Photo of the Week

If You Missed the Back Bay Sun Last Week

Pansies In Spring: Back Bay Sun Cover Shot

Back Bay Sun Our Friday Link
June 3, 2013
Greenway Open Market 2013
The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

Hours & Directions:
- May and June: 11am-5pm
- July and August: 11am-6pm
- September and October: 11am-5pm
- Directions
They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

Related Posts:

Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

North End Reflections

Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
May 31, 2013
Greenway Open Market 2013
The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

Hours & Directions:
- May and June: 11am-5pm
- July and August: 11am-6pm
- September and October: 11am-5pm
- Directions
They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

Related Posts:

Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

North End Reflections

Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
May 31, 2013
Greenway Open Market 2013
The Greenway Open Market is open for the season. This year, it operates each Saturday from May 25 through October 26, 2013.

Hours & Directions:
- May and June: 11am-5pm
- July and August: 11am-6pm
- September and October: 11am-5pm
- Directions
They say: "Visitors will find exceptional handmade and locally produced products including fine art, jewelry, ceramics, crafts, apparel, accessories, and fair trade/eco friendly handmade imports."

We say: This can be the perfect place to meet up with friends and explore this part of Boston. From here, you can grab a boat for harbor tours, visit the harborwalk, enjoy the North End, or pick up a meal at a food truck or local take out spot. (We hope a few more food trucks work weekends into their schedule at places like this.)

Related Posts:

Lobster Roll from James Hook & Company (with or without mayo!)

North End Reflections

Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
May 31, 2013