Tag: Boston

Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

Penny's current crush at Select Oyster Bar on Gloucester Street in the Back Bay is the Blue Prawns (heads on) on the plancha with espelette pepper and lemon. This is such a lovely way to get totally messy with food between sips of Txakoli.

As you know from a previous post, we fell in love with Select at first bite and we highly recommend this wonderful addition to the Back Bay and to Boston's seafood scene!

It's good to see our most trusted food scout, MC SLIM JB, add his endorsement in his Improper Bostonian review. He said, "Having quickly taken its place among the growing ranks of genuinely excellent seafood restaurants, Select’s novel focus on more Mediterranean flavors gives it some useful differentiation." But do read the entire review to get his full story on Select.

Here's another view of those lovely prawns. I hope they remain on the ever changing menu for a while longer!

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: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

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May 26, 2015
Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

Penny's current crush at Select Oyster Bar on Gloucester Street in the Back Bay is the Blue Prawns (heads on) on the plancha with espelette pepper and lemon. This is such a lovely way to get totally messy with food between sips of Txakoli.

As you know from a previous post, we fell in love with Select at first bite and we highly recommend this wonderful addition to the Back Bay and to Boston's seafood scene!

It's good to see our most trusted food scout, MC SLIM JB, add his endorsement in his Improper Bostonian review. He said, "Having quickly taken its place among the growing ranks of genuinely excellent seafood restaurants, Select’s novel focus on more Mediterranean flavors gives it some useful differentiation." But do read the entire review to get his full story on Select.

Here's another view of those lovely prawns. I hope they remain on the ever changing menu for a while longer!

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: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Someone Did a Ton of Laundry or …

What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules

May 26, 2015
Waiting for Swan Boat Rides on Memorial Day Weekend

The line of people waiting to start their summer season with a Memorial Day Weekend Swan Boat ride in the Boston Public Garden went off the dock, up the path, and out of sight.

We hope this weekend has been a great start to summer for all our readers. Here's a link to our Memorial Day resource page:

What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules with Parking Trash & More.

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

May 25, 2015
Waiting for Swan Boat Rides on Memorial Day Weekend

The line of people waiting to start their summer season with a Memorial Day Weekend Swan Boat ride in the Boston Public Garden went off the dock, up the path, and out of sight.

We hope this weekend has been a great start to summer for all our readers. Here's a link to our Memorial Day resource page:

What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules with Parking Trash & More.

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

May 25, 2015
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2015.

We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like this one on the harbor in Provincetown?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

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 U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

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

Street Sweeping: The city site 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."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday, May 25 – Saturday, May 30, 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 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."

(5.18.15) UPDATE:

For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

MBTA Memorial Day 2015 Service Schedules Quick Look –
- The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Complete MBTA Details Here

For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2015 Penny Cherubino

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May 18, 2015
North Bennet Street School’s “Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship”

The North Bennet Street School is a Boston treasure where students follow their hearts and make their career dreams come true. From May 18th to the 29th, 2015 the school presents, "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship." (details below)

At this event, you can view dozens of one-of-a-kind objects created by North Bennet Street School students and alumni.

If you've been following along with us for the past decade, you know that this BostonZest team is a big fan of fine craftsmanship. We admit to having a fascination with this magical place and the people who make it so special. Here are a few examples of what to expect.

Title: Spice Cabinet Artist: Chris Anderson, Materials: walnut, holly, black locust, red cedar

Title: Samurai Chain Mail Bracelet Artist: John Gifford, Materials: 18-karat yellow gold

Title: 1580 Gasparo Da Salo (copy) Artist: Julia Felix, Materials: Ebony, Bosnian Maple, European Spruce

Title: The Robin and the Wren, Artist: Becky Koch, Materials: cave paper, goat skin

QUICK FACTS:

Once again, we must thank the information team at NBSS for putting together this great quick facts guide for our readers.

Event title: “Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship”

Where: Windgate Gallery, North Bennet Street School, 150 North Street, Boston MA 02109

When: weekdays, May 18 through May 29, 2015 (closed Tuesday, May 19), and Saturday May 23

Hours: weekdays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. (Friday, May 29, 8:00am – noon.) Saturday 9:00am – 4:30pm

Admission: Free

Handicap Access: Yes

Reservations: Not required for the main exhibition. Pre-arranged guided tours of the school available, provided reservations are made at least one day in advance.

Parking: Limited street parking (metered) and discounted parking at the Parcel 7 garage –http://www.nbss.edu/about/the-boston-area/visit/index.aspx#

Nearest T stop: Haymarket (Orange, Green lines)

Directions: via Google maps – http://goo.gl/maps/97sY4

More exhibition details: http://www.nbss.edu/about/news/student-and-alumni-exhibit2015/index.aspx
More about NBSS full-time programs and workshops: http://www.nbss.edu

In conjunction with the annual exhibition, a limited number of daily guided tours will be offered beginning Wednesday, May 20th. Tours must be scheduled at least one day in advance. For reservations, contact Chris Jankowski at 617-227-0155, x170 and cjankowski@nbss.edu.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover this amazing place full of very talented people.

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: Courtesy of North Bennet Street School

May 15, 2015
North Bennet Street School’s “Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship”

The North Bennet Street School is a Boston treasure where students follow their hearts and make their career dreams come true. From May 18th to the 29th, 2015 the school presents, "Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship." (details below)

At this event, you can view dozens of one-of-a-kind objects created by North Bennet Street School students and alumni.

If you've been following along with us for the past decade, you know that this BostonZest team is a big fan of fine craftsmanship. We admit to having a fascination with this magical place and the people who make it so special. Here are a few examples of what to expect.

Title: Spice Cabinet Artist: Chris Anderson, Materials: walnut, holly, black locust, red cedar

Title: Samurai Chain Mail Bracelet Artist: John Gifford, Materials: 18-karat yellow gold

Title: 1580 Gasparo Da Salo (copy) Artist: Julia Felix, Materials: Ebony, Bosnian Maple, European Spruce

Title: The Robin and the Wren, Artist: Becky Koch, Materials: cave paper, goat skin

QUICK FACTS:

Once again, we must thank the information team at NBSS for putting together this great quick facts guide for our readers.

Event title: “Made by Hand: an exhibit of extraordinary craftsmanship”

Where: Windgate Gallery, North Bennet Street School, 150 North Street, Boston MA 02109

When: weekdays, May 18 through May 29, 2015 (closed Tuesday, May 19), and Saturday May 23

Hours: weekdays, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. (Friday, May 29, 8:00am – noon.) Saturday 9:00am – 4:30pm

Admission: Free

Handicap Access: Yes

Reservations: Not required for the main exhibition. Pre-arranged guided tours of the school available, provided reservations are made at least one day in advance.

Parking: Limited street parking (metered) and discounted parking at the Parcel 7 garage –http://www.nbss.edu/about/the-boston-area/visit/index.aspx#

Nearest T stop: Haymarket (Orange, Green lines)

Directions: via Google maps – http://goo.gl/maps/97sY4

More exhibition details: http://www.nbss.edu/about/news/student-and-alumni-exhibit2015/index.aspx
More about NBSS full-time programs and workshops: http://www.nbss.edu

In conjunction with the annual exhibition, a limited number of daily guided tours will be offered beginning Wednesday, May 20th. Tours must be scheduled at least one day in advance. For reservations, contact Chris Jankowski at 617-227-0155, x170 and cjankowski@nbss.edu.

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover this amazing place full of very talented people.

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: Courtesy of North Bennet Street School

May 15, 2015
Back Bay Hardware Is Moving June 1st

One of the longest standing and most useful stores on Newbury Street, Back Bay Hardware is moving a few doors East on June 1st. The new address will be 221 Newbury Street.

If you're a long time Bostonian, you may still call this store Parks True Value. The company has served the neighborhood since 1943. Even longer term residents may remember it as Parks Paint and Hardware on Huntington Avenue before it moved to Newbury Street in 1979.

Current owner Lex Stevens joined Parks True Value in 1995. He purchased the business in 2004 and renamed it Back Bay Hardware in 2010.

Another memory for long time customers is long time employee and everybody's pal Eric Chudnoff. We wrote about him back in 2008. For those who miss him, here's that post:

We All Rely On The Hardware Guy-Eric Chudnoff.

If you cringe, as we do, whenever you hear the words "moving day," just think about moving the thousands and thousands of items they've managed to pack into that small shop. Be a good neighbor. Stop in and buy a few things so Lex won't have to move them.

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 Ed Cherubino

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May 12, 2015
Back Bay Hardware Is Moving June 1st

One of the longest standing and most useful stores on Newbury Street, Back Bay Hardware is moving a few doors East on June 1st. The new address will be 221 Newbury Street.

If you're a long time Bostonian, you may still call this store Parks True Value. The company has served the neighborhood since 1943. Even longer term residents may remember it as Parks Paint and Hardware on Huntington Avenue before it moved to Newbury Street in 1979.

Current owner Lex Stevens joined Parks True Value in 1995. He purchased the business in 2004 and renamed it Back Bay Hardware in 2010.

Another memory for long time customers is long time employee and everybody's pal Eric Chudnoff. We wrote about him back in 2008. For those who miss him, here's that post:

We All Rely On The Hardware Guy-Eric Chudnoff.

If you cringe, as we do, whenever you hear the words "moving day," just think about moving the thousands and thousands of items they've managed to pack into that small shop. Be a good neighbor. Stop in and buy a few things so Lex won't have to move them.

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 Ed Cherubino

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Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring

The Witch Hazel Thinks It's Spring!

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May 12, 2015
Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

As the temperatures rise, our dining options increase. We love dining on the patio at a select group of area restaurants and we are dedicated to picnics in parks, on a bench, on an oceanside deck, or high above the city on our roof deck.

We admit we prefer picnics that include a glass of great wine. Even simple fare, some bread, cheese, olives and fruit seem elegant with a splash of bubbly.

One of our favorite patios is the one at Coppa in the South End. It's where we can be sure that the food will be as wonderful as the lovely days that draw us to outdoor dining. That's Coppa's "Ricotta gnocchi with nasturtium butter-cacio e pepe," in the photo above.

We'll often pick up a picnic to go from a place like Bacco's Wine + Cheese and try to find a spot in the Public Garden away from the noise where we can relax and nibble an hour away. There, the sparkle has to be sparkling water but that's okay with us.

We're hoping to win a table on the patio at the new Tatte Bakery & Café on Charles Street one of these days. So far, we've had to order our food to go and make our way back to the Garden to dine.

We'll often make a stop at Thinking Cup on Newbury for breakfast while we're out walking. They make great breakfast sandwiches.

While our selection of patios for dining is narrow, Eater Boston has put together a much more comprehensive map of options. Here's a link to their piece: These Patios Are Officially Open for the Season. They have pointed out a few places we've been meaning to try and the possibility of sitting outside will move them up on our list.

Happy Spring, get out and enjoy an al fresco meal at one of your favorite places.

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: © 2012-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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