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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Reopening

We're making the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum our Friday Link, this week, to remind you that it's about to reopen.

Preview events for members are scheduled on Monday the 16th through Wednesday the 18th. It opens to the public on Thursday the 19th and for three days admission is free, if you snag one of the reserved time slots. The Gardner Museum site says,

"The Gardner Museum reopens in January, and admission is free Jan. 19-21! Timed tickets are required and limited, and must be reserved in advance. Reserve online, or by calling the Box Office at: 617-278-5156 ."

Café G

And, of particular importance to those of us who have missed the Café, the wonderful food from Chef/Owner Peter Crowley will be back. They're already taking reservations for the new Café G as it is now called.

It has been relocated to the new wing of the Gardner and after years of working in very tight quarters, we're confident they have provided this fine chef with everything he needs to stretch his culinary reach.

We'll be reporting back on our first visits to one of our favorite places in Boston.

Related Posts:

Hanging Nasturtiums at the Gardner Museum

Romance at the Gardner Museum– Valentine's Weekend Destination

The Gardner Museum Cafe's Edible Nasturtium Menu

Gardner Museum’s “Frank Hatch First Day Free!”

If you are one of our readers from outside the Boston area, you can do your research on the Gardner Museum right there at home and enjoy your visit more when you get here.

Details:

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

280 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 (map & reviews)

(617) 566-1401

gardnermuseum.org‎

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot: courtesy of the Gardner Museum

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January 13, 2012
Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

When I'm making something like onion soup and have to prep a large quantity of an ingredient, I often use the lid to my Le Creuset French Oven to hold things until they're needed. Hey, I'm going to have to wash that anyway, it's sitting right there, and I won't need it until later in the cooking process.

My recent "Fresh & Local" newspaper columns have been about keeping it simple, saving time, and doing more home cooking. Chatting with non-cooks I realize that cleaning up is one reason they don't cook. So I'll start to share some of my ways to keep it simple in the kitchen and get the job done with less time, equipment, and clean up.

Related Posts: Tips & How To…

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 12, 2012
What’s Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012
Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day– January 16, 2012. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

Update: This is an outdated post. You'll find the information for 2016 at this link.

Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman Some rights reserved

Restaurants, Bars: Open

Convenience Stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose

Liquor Stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

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

Boston Trash and Recycling:

The City website says,

"Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 16, 7am – Saturday, January 21, 2012, 5pm - Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorcheser, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

"Street Cleaning: No MONDAY Cleaning (resumes 12:01AM Tuesday)"

"Tow Lot: CLOSED from 1PM SAT. 1/14/12 to 7AM TUES. 1/17/12"

MBTA Schedule Changes: Updated 01.12.1

The press release says:
"The MBTA today announced its service schedule for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, Monday, January 16, 2012.
- Blue, Orange, and Red line trains, and Green line streetcars and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule.
- Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule.
- Commuter rail trains will operate on its regular weekday schedule.
- Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules.
- Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TDD 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

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

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license Some rights reserved
January 11, 2012
How Sodastream Set Me Free!

If you’re tired of hauling bottles or cans of that favorite carbonated beverage, a SodaStream soda maker just might set you free! It certainly has lightened my load. We used to buy the largest cases of sparkling water we could find– easier on the budget, not on the back.

Then, one of our smartest friends told us about SodaStream. (Thank you Liz!) This one compact device lets us carbonate bottle after bottle, each in a matter of seconds, using our choice of water while controlling the amount of fizz.

There’s no need to store bottles, and we never run out when hosting a party. Pre-packaged flavorings are available, although it’s easy, and sometimes preferable, to add your own. (Penny adds a dash of bitters!)

Power is supplied by a convenient CO₂ canister that can be exchanged for re-charge (keep at least two cylinders on hand to rotate).

We’ve had our Sodastream for about six months. It’s one of those products that’s simple, convenient, and really works. How often does that happen?

Amazon can ship a SodaStream kit to get you started.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: Used under this creative commons license, Some rights reserved by kenworker

Link to the close up bottle with bubbles

Link to the hand working the machine

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January 10, 2012
Remembering Pol Roger– New Year’s Eve Tasting Update!

Though I hardly knew him, I feel like I’ve lost an old friend. Our bottle of Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve Brut Champagne Vintage 2000 was that good.

As promised, here’s an update to our Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger! post.

Opening the bottle and carefully splashing our glasses half full, it was the aroma that commanded our attention. I thought, toasty. Penny said it reminded her of almonds.

The first sip had us using words like: mellow, lush, citrus notes, smooth with a dry finish, and just enough fruit for balance.

While outstanding on its own, this champagne was equally impressive with food. Trying a perfectly ripe piece of Truffle Tremor from Cypress Grove Chevre and long-time favorite Ascutney Mountain we found each enhanced the taste of the other. Bites were improved by sips, sips were improved by bites!

Truffled pâté with Penny’s own spicy cranberry chutney, plus a Dijon and sweeter bourbon molasses mustard did not intimidate our Pol Roger. It all worked!

As with all high-end champagnes we’ve tried, this one drinks well as it warms– actually revealing more of its character. You’re quite a complex guy, Pol Roger. What a memorable way to begin 2012.

Here's how this story began: Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger!

For more about our wine adventures, check out:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 9, 2012
Sunday Dog, George Wants to Say Hi…

All together now, “Hi, George!” It’s the first thing I find myself saying anytime this friendly, good-natured, easy-going guy walks by. There’s no doubt in my mind that if he could have formed the words, he would have said it first. Just look at that face!

It’s easy to understand why George is such a popular figure in his Boston neighborhood– he never has a bad word to say about anyone. If you’re having an off day, he has the uncanny ability to sniff out that hidden smile. No doubt a quality that’s also helped him become a registered visiting therapy dog.

At seven-and-a-half, this handsome Golden Retriever stays in shape by walking to work with one of his very close human friends.

George has lived with his family ever since he was three. His people, who found him with the help of Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue in Hudson MA, say, “He’s like their poster dog. He’s such a great dog!”

We couldn’t agree more. See you soon, George. And, thanks for agreeing to star as this week’s Sunday Dog.

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

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Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 8, 2012
The Incredible Shrinking Wreath

It would be wonderful if someone invented a holiday wreath that would begin large and gloriously full when put up in December, and right about now would begin to shrink. By Valentine's Day, instead of dry, brown, shedding Christmas decorations, we could watch as they go POOF and disappear!

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Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 7, 2012
Eater Boston Year End Survey of Friends, Industry types, Bloggers, etc.

Aaron Kagan, editor of Eater Boston, asked us to join a group of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers to answer a few questions about our 2011 dining experiences in Boston. We are making the links to those questions our Friday Link.

And, we would love to hear your answers to any or all of them. Comment away!

Aaron gathered an interesting cross section from around the food community and the result is a great commentary on "the year that was" on the Boston restaurant scene.

See how this crew:

MC Slim JB, restaurant reviewer, Stuff Magazine, Boston Phoenix

Marc H., publisher of Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Tom O'Keefe from BostonTweet

Rachel Leah Blumenthal from Fork it over, Boston! & restaurant reviewer, CBS Boston

Damien S., community manager, Yelp Boston

Devra First, restaurant critic, food reporter for The Boston Globe

Answered these questions:

What were your top restaurant standbys in 2011?

Were there any restaurants that you broke up with in 2011?

What are your dining world headline predictions for 2012?

What was the best dining neighborhood in 2011?

What and where was your single best meal in 2011?

What was the biggest dining surprise of 2011?

How would you describe 2011 in one word?

What are the top restaurant newcomers of 2011?

Want to read them all? Go here.

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Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot from Eater Boston

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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 6, 2012
It’s Been That Kind of Winter….

See what happens when it doesn't snow!

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Details:

Words: Penny 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 5, 2012
Lunch at the Bristol Lounge is a Special Treat

Penny's Tale: I suggested lunch at the Four Seasons Bristol Lounge to treat Ed to one of his favorite Boston hamburgers.

To my delight, I was rewarded for my good deed with a great lobster roll prepared the way I can enjoy it. This is not the lobster roll on the menu. I can't have mayonnaise so our excellent waiter, Ricardo, was quick to assure me that he would check with the kitchen and see what alternative they could offer. He returned to say they would prepare a special version for me.

It was lovely, moist lobster with that toothsome bite that only comes fresh from the pot. There was a tiny bit of lively mixed pickle added for zest, and crunchy fresh lettuce all wrapped in a very nice bun flavored with garlic butter.

But, I'm certain those without a sensitivity-to-raw-egg issue will enjoy the original version as offered on the menu– "Bristol Lobster Roll, Lemon 'Sabayon,' Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Toasted Bun."

I ate far more of those sweet potato fries than was my intent. And, I admit to filching some of the truffle French fries from Ed's plate.

About that Burger

I'll turn this tale over to Ed to tell you why the "The Famous Bristol Burger, Aged Vermont Cheddar Cheese, House-Made Pickles, Truffle French Fries, with or without a Toasted Bun" has always had high marks from him.

Ed's Burger: It had been a while since I'd ordered the burger at Bristol Lounge– there is a lot of competition out there. Although having recently had a burger I've since proclaimed as the best, I was anxious to revisit an old favorite.

First of all, this "before photo," while quite fetching, only shows the Bristol Burger's potential, but it'll have to do. From the instant I took my first bite, this masterpiece never again came in contact with the plate– even Penny's brilliant camera skills couldn't stop the action. Simply put, if you're lewered by a perfectly done, medium-rare burger that reminds you of a great steak, you'll covet this award-winner!

The Four Seasons Experience

We Both Say: A meal at the Four Seasons is always about more than the food. The welcome is warm, the room is beautiful, and service is what this organization is all about. We love to visit places like the Bristol Lounge to remind ourselves of what the standards should be. Highly civilized dining still exists in this corner of Boston.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 4, 2012