This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.
But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table.
At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.
And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.
For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.
This time of year, holiday decorations add an additional dose of charm to Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.
But somehow, this bucket of butts does not seem to be the ideal centerpiece for a front yard garden table.
At least this smoker is not littering the patio or tossing those indestructible filters all over the sidewalks.
And, perhaps this collection of tar soaked filters is some sort of countdown to quitting for the new year with the bucket serving as a reminder of the money that went up in smoke.
For those who need help, here's the state's page on smoking cessation assistance.
This edition of Edible Boston is a love letter to the Boston Public Market. Yes, it covers other things, but the big heart of this issue is a lovely photo album of the people you'll meet on your visits to Boston's latest fresh & local source.
In her Letter from the Editor, Ilene Bezahler wrote, "While we are celebrating the holidays, I would also like to give a huge thank you to all participants who have worked over the past 19 years to bringing the Boston Public Market to fruition. It was a monumental task over a long period of time but now it is open!"
Photographer Michael Piazza has captured the personality and personalities of the market in his sixteen page homage to the people and the place.
Big Recipe Issue
This issue inspires me with great recipes. In fact, the technique covered for "The Best Roasted Potatoes" on page 43 alone will make finding a copy worth your time. You'll also find a collection of other potato recipes plus a primer on savory pies.
Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team
First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.
May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.
And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!
This edition of Edible Boston is a love letter to the Boston Public Market. Yes, it covers other things, but the big heart of this issue is a lovely photo album of the people you'll meet on your visits to Boston's latest fresh & local source.
In her Letter from the Editor, Ilene Bezahler wrote, "While we are celebrating the holidays, I would also like to give a huge thank you to all participants who have worked over the past 19 years to bringing the Boston Public Market to fruition. It was a monumental task over a long period of time but now it is open!"
Photographer Michael Piazza has captured the personality and personalities of the market in his sixteen page homage to the people and the place.
Big Recipe Issue
This issue inspires me with great recipes. In fact, the technique covered for "The Best Roasted Potatoes" on page 43 alone will make finding a copy worth your time. You'll also find a collection of other potato recipes plus a primer on savory pies.
Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team
First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.
May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.
And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!
What better way to shine some light on the month that needs it most than by popping the cork on this lively, frothy bottle of bubbles we found by chance.
Penny had stopped into Formaggio Kitchen South End looking for a specific sparkler that a friend said they carried and met Julie Cappellano, the store’s General Manager and Wine Buyer. While that particular wine was not in stock and Penny wanted something right away (preferably Pinot forward) to take on a trip, Julie was able to recommend something perfect for our taste – a bottle of 2013 Leitz Spätburgunder Weissherbst.
This sparkling Pinot noir rosé from Germany’s Rheingau region is 100% tank-fermented, lees-aged and, as the winemaker puts it, “is light and sprightly,” and “exudes cool, fresh fruit and lean minerality.”
Julie describes the dominant fruit as, “deliciously juicy grapefruit, making this a perfect wine to sip on its own before dinner, or with hors dʼ’oeuvres & salads.”
We went the sip-on-its-own route and opened our first bottle on a deck overlooking the ocean just before sunset. It was perfect. And, an ideal way to add some sparkle to the shadows of December on our way to the Winter Solstice.
What better way to shine some light on the month that needs it most than by popping the cork on this lively, frothy bottle of bubbles we found by chance.
Penny had stopped into Formaggio Kitchen South End looking for a specific sparkler that a friend said they carried and met Julie Cappellano, the store’s General Manager and Wine Buyer. While that particular wine was not in stock and Penny wanted something right away (preferably Pinot forward) to take on a trip, Julie was able to recommend something perfect for our taste – a bottle of 2013 Leitz Spätburgunder Weissherbst.
This sparkling Pinot noir rosé from Germany’s Rheingau region is 100% tank-fermented, lees-aged and, as the winemaker puts it, “is light and sprightly,” and “exudes cool, fresh fruit and lean minerality.”
Julie describes the dominant fruit as, “deliciously juicy grapefruit, making this a perfect wine to sip on its own before dinner, or with hors dʼ’oeuvres & salads.”
We went the sip-on-its-own route and opened our first bottle on a deck overlooking the ocean just before sunset. It was perfect. And, an ideal way to add some sparkle to the shadows of December on our way to the Winter Solstice.
Some dogs and cats welcome visitors to their home, while others may react with their own brand of company behavior. One cat might go into hiding and not come out until the visitor has gone. Another kitty may choose the one person who doesn’t like cats to use as a rubbing post.
Dale and Chip act as the perfect hostess and host when visitors arrive in their home.
Like Chip and Dale, we have a friend with a Westie boy named Colin who lives in Virginia. Trixie, one of his human companions says, "He actually thinks that everyone who comes to our door is coming to see him!!!" She supplied photos of Mr. Colin settled on the sofa with two of their guests.
Another dog might bark at everyone who comes near the door. Or a pup might become so excited about guests that submissive urination is a problem. Having had three Westies of our own and a number of foster dogs, my husband and I have dealt with a wide range of reactions.
Holiday season visitors and houseguests mean that some additional training and preparation now, may help in the month ahead.
Little Cooper, who stayed with us as a foster dog, decided that Penny needed protection from everyone.
Fear or Territorialism
Canines bark at visitors because they are afraid, because they are protecting their home, or may think they are protecting you.
Cooper was one of our foster dogs and from the moment Penny pulled him out of an animal control facility, he didn’t want anyone near her. We worked to make him understand that he had to share her and that she was not in any danger from the people we met on walks or those who visited us. Even after he was placed in his adoptive home, a volunteer from the rescue group worked with his new family to reinforce the training begun in our home.
A Very Poppy Welcome
Our current dog Poppy is a very anxious little creature who became so excited when some of her favorite people arrived in our home that she sometimes had a little “accident.” Our solution with such a small dog has been to pick her up and have her greet guests in our arms. We’ve also made an effort to have more people visit so she has more experience with company. That seems to be working.
A simple “sit” command can work wonders for a dog that barks at people or other dogs. The beauty of teaching a dog to sit and lie down, reliably upon request, is that you can reward this good action while cutting off the bad one. Consider asking a friend to come to the door a few times to practice the behaviors you want to reinforce.
Taking Control
"A sleeping dog is a good dog."
Even people who love your animals may not enjoy them as the center of attention throughout their visit. Sometimes you or another family member may need to take control of that cat who is winding herself around the legs of a guest. You may need to distract the dog that keeps bringing a toy to a guest asking for play.
Watch the guest and let them be your guide. When certain friends visit us, we know that playing with Poppy is part of the joy of their visit. Our friend Bill quickly joined Poppy on the floor for a tussle over a toy. But, in order for him to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of food, Penny had to share her chair with Poppy and see that she didn’t bother him.
Company coming by is another time when the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog,” is great applied wisdom. Take your dog for an extra long walk, spend half an hour playing fetch, or work on your obedience training in the hours before your company arrives. A cute dog snoozing in a corner is a perfect addition to any visit.
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.
Some dogs and cats welcome visitors to their home, while others may react with their own brand of company behavior. One cat might go into hiding and not come out until the visitor has gone. Another kitty may choose the one person who doesn’t like cats to use as a rubbing post.
Dale and Chip act as the perfect hostess and host when visitors arrive in their home.
Like Chip and Dale, we have a friend with a Westie boy named Colin who lives in Virginia. Trixie, one of his human companions says, "He actually thinks that everyone who comes to our door is coming to see him!!!" She supplied photos of Mr. Colin settled on the sofa with two of their guests.
Another dog might bark at everyone who comes near the door. Or a pup might become so excited about guests that submissive urination is a problem. Having had three Westies of our own and a number of foster dogs, my husband and I have dealt with a wide range of reactions.
Holiday season visitors and houseguests mean that some additional training and preparation now, may help in the month ahead.
Little Cooper, who stayed with us as a foster dog, decided that Penny needed protection from everyone.
Fear or Territorialism
Canines bark at visitors because they are afraid, because they are protecting their home, or may think they are protecting you.
Cooper was one of our foster dogs and from the moment Penny pulled him out of an animal control facility, he didn’t want anyone near her. We worked to make him understand that he had to share her and that she was not in any danger from the people we met on walks or those who visited us. Even after he was placed in his adoptive home, a volunteer from the rescue group worked with his new family to reinforce the training begun in our home.
A Very Poppy Welcome
Our current dog Poppy is a very anxious little creature who became so excited when some of her favorite people arrived in our home that she sometimes had a little “accident.” Our solution with such a small dog has been to pick her up and have her greet guests in our arms. We’ve also made an effort to have more people visit so she has more experience with company. That seems to be working.
A simple “sit” command can work wonders for a dog that barks at people or other dogs. The beauty of teaching a dog to sit and lie down, reliably upon request, is that you can reward this good action while cutting off the bad one. Consider asking a friend to come to the door a few times to practice the behaviors you want to reinforce.
Taking Control
"A sleeping dog is a good dog."
Even people who love your animals may not enjoy them as the center of attention throughout their visit. Sometimes you or another family member may need to take control of that cat who is winding herself around the legs of a guest. You may need to distract the dog that keeps bringing a toy to a guest asking for play.
Watch the guest and let them be your guide. When certain friends visit us, we know that playing with Poppy is part of the joy of their visit. Our friend Bill quickly joined Poppy on the floor for a tussle over a toy. But, in order for him to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of food, Penny had to share her chair with Poppy and see that she didn’t bother him.
Company coming by is another time when the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog,” is great applied wisdom. Take your dog for an extra long walk, spend half an hour playing fetch, or work on your obedience training in the hours before your company arrives. A cute dog snoozing in a corner is a perfect addition to any visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas 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. Marliave,Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
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.
Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas 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. Marliave,Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
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.
Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.
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.
from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.