Either someone did a ton of laundry or one of the residents of a Back Bay condo broke down and cleaned out the empties in the laundry room.
This extra large bag of laundry product containers was put out for recycling yesterday.
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Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino
Either someone did a ton of laundry or one of the residents of a Back Bay condo broke down and cleaned out the empties in the laundry room.
This extra large bag of laundry product containers was put out for recycling yesterday.
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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino
Those who walk by the statue of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall may not realize how important this spot is to those visiting Boston from Argentina.
This week, someone placed roses on the paving stones that The Garden Club of the Back Bay members added among the plantings around the sculpture.
These stones were put in place to make it easier for people to have photos taken of themselves or their group with the statue. Ed and I often volunteer to take these photos with visitors' cameras and we're fairly sure other neighbors do the same.
This was not among my favorite sculptures when I first encountered it, but over the years I've come to associate it with the people who take time out of their few hours in Boston to stop and pay tribute, have a photo taken for the folks back home, and, in at least one instance, stand with tears in their eyes looking up at a former President of Argentina being honored in a foreign land.
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
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Ed Cherubino
Those who walk by the statue of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall may not realize how important this spot is to those visiting Boston from Argentina.
This week, someone placed roses on the paving stones that The Garden Club of the Back Bay members added among the plantings around the sculpture.
These stones were put in place to make it easier for people to have photos taken of themselves or their group with the statue. Ed and I often volunteer to take these photos with visitors' cameras and we're fairly sure other neighbors do the same.
This was not among my favorite sculptures when I first encountered it, but over the years I've come to associate it with the people who take time out of their few hours in Boston to stop and pay tribute, have a photo taken for the folks back home, and, in at least one instance, stand with tears in their eyes looking up at a former President of Argentina being honored in a foreign land.
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
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Ed Cherubino
UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016
Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2015 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for a vacation or business trip.
I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.
As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.
Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.
Charles River Run …
If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.
From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.
Parks in the Heart of the City
For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.
Inside tip: Local-isms
Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons
Related Posts:
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2015
How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston
Here are some Photos from past Boston Marathons
Other Resources:
Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.
For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.
Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino
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
UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016
Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2015 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for a vacation or business trip.
I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator – I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.
As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.
Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.
Charles River Run …
If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.
From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.
Parks in the Heart of the City
For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.
Inside tip: Local-isms
Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons
Related Posts:
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2015
How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston
Here are some Photos from past Boston Marathons
Other Resources:
Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.
For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.
Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino
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
We've been walking by the windows of Select Oyster Bar all winter watching and waiting for signs of the opening of this restaurant from chef Michael Serpa who had served us so many spectacular meals during his years at Neptune Oyster.
Yesterday, we went in for lunch, to taste, to try it, and to enjoy a couple of hours off during a very busy week. Fortunately, we snapped a few photos with our phones to record our first meal in a place we hope will become a neighborhood hang out for us.
Penny decided to splurge on the pan-roasted Maine lobster with Vidalia spring onion, brown butter, and lemon. With her first bite, it was clear that we were going to write about it. After a couple more bites she proclaimed, "Move over Jasper White, there's a new pan-roasted lobster champ in town and his name is Michael Serpa!"
I know that I will always remember my first bite of food at Select. Just as years after Jasper's closed, in my mind, I could still taste that wonderful pan-roasted lobster that Jasper White made famous.
Michael Serpa has put his special spin on this classic preparation with just a few ingredients and a great deal of skill with the pan. Smoky, sweet, slightly grilled onion flavor, balanced with nutty brown butter and lemon, bathed every cranny of a beautiful hard-shelled lobster.
The lobster meat was so tender that I was not afraid to offer Ed a piece of the tail meat early on my way to devouring everything but the shells. (Ed is very fussy about how his lobster tails are cooked.)
I did share a bit of claw and a piece of onion, but for this lunch, he was on his own. He would not be eating part of my meal. I told him I would be awhile and that he should order more food if he was still hungry. So, he did.
First of all, the lobster – the tiny bit that I managed to salvage from Penny’s grip – was, as she said, so tender (including the tail) that it reached applause-worthy perfection!
The mignonette sauce for my oysters (with the onion element chopped so fine it remained in suspension) was served in a easy-to-squirt bottle and added a nice accent to my Island Creeks.
The Icelandic Arctic Char, cooked just enough and combined with crispy skin, was a perfect intro dish.
While Penny was still busy with her lobster, I tried the Blackboard Crudo of the Day: Tender chunks of Yellowfin Tuna with bright accents.
Penny was looking for something a bit lighter for an afternoon wine and picked Jean-Francois Merieau "Bulles" Touraine Sparkler. She borrowed the bottle to add a photograph of the label to our wine app. It is now on our wishlist next time we go wine shopping.
Ed enjoyed the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc which paired well with his oysters and char. Txakoli (Arregi), aerated with a pour from on-high, was a fitting match for the tuna and allowed us to linger at the end of the meal.
We do want to put readers on notice that there is a service charge of 20% added to the pre-tax portion of the bill at Select. We don't mind, since we normally tip that or more. We took advantage of the extra tip line on our first bill to round up a bit, the way we would have if we were filling in the tip.
There are a number of conversations going on in the Boston food world about this decision to make certain the wait staff is properly rewarded for their efforts. We see a number of positive aspects and will write about that later.
All we'll say for now is that we know where we'll suggest going with anyone who quibbles about tips or embarrasses us by leaving too little. At Select, we won't have to sneak back to the table to slip a bit extra to the staff or make it up to them the next time we dine.
And that's a good thing, because we'll be looking for any excuse to go back to Select Oyster Bar, soon and often.
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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.
UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.
Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)
Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants
In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org
Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!
Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores
Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.
Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.
Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.
Boston Parking
One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."
You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.
Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.
Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link.
In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).
Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)
Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)
You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots Day
Tips:
Marathon Monday 2015 MBTA Quick Look
Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)
The Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."
Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."
"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)
Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."
"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."
Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2015
MBTA PARKING
"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."
Official 2015 Boston Marathon information:
Related Posts:
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Views from Hereford Street 2009
Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Penny Cherubino
Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 20, 2015. Plus, tips and information on getting around Boston, parking, marathon issues, trash pickup, and other aspects of this day in the city.
UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes
We will update this post as more of the 2015 information become available. Follow us on Twitter where we'll announce updates.
Update 04.16.15: From the City a page on Marathon Monday with maps etc. (warning auto start video)
Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants
In case this site is busy or the link doesn't work, you can: Download Policies for 2015 Boston Marathon Spectators & Participants | MSPnews.org
Patriot John Glover was known as a dapper dresser!
Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores
Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.
Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.
Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.
Boston Parking
One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day. Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."
You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many more streets than in the past will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.
Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be certain it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.
Update 04/09/15: Traffic Advisory for Marathon Weekend is at this link.
In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).
Here's last years post with tips for local parking on this holiday– We'll update this as soon as information is available from the city.
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2014)
Boston Trash Collection (Click here for what the city says)
You can see full details on their events page through April 20th. If you would like to see a copy after that day, we have made a pdf of the information: Download MBTA Patriots Day
Tips:
Marathon Monday 2015 MBTA Quick Look
Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver Line service will run a "regular weekday schedule." (See the MBTA page for special service notes on the Silver and Green Lines.)
The Green line will have, "… rush-hour levels of service before and after the race."
Commuter rail trains "… will operate a "regular weekday schedule."
"Buses, trackless trolleys, and express bus routes will operate a weekday schedule … Some bus routes will be detoured due to the Marathon and other race of Patriots' Day events. The approximate time for most street closures is 8:00 a.m. through 6:30 p.m." (See the MBTA page for special service notes.)
Commuter Boats "… will operate a regular weekday schedule."
"THE RIDE will operate a regular weekday schedule."
Complete details on all changes are at: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2015
MBTA PARKING
"Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on [Patriots' Day], April 20, [2015], in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly."
Official 2015 Boston Marathon information:
Related Posts:
Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015
Views from Hereford Street 2009
Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or as a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Penny Cherubino
We ran into a friend and her dog across the street from the new Shake Shack on Newbury Street a day after the grand opening. She asked where we were going for lunch and was surprised when we pointed to the burger place. "This is going to be a terrible thing for my diet," she said.
Her whole family visit Shake Shack when they travel to see family in New York – now she has one a block from home. And, I know how she feels. I admit we went twice during opening week.
We told you about our love for Shake Shack in Harvard Square. A menu check for this location shows that they offer beer and wine in addition to a great soft drink selection. And, the Shake Shack team has created special concretes (a blended ice cream drink) for the neighborhood.
We dined-in on Newbury, but we can't wait to try out the patio (complete with a dog parking station) or to gather a bunch of dog walking pals and have a bench lunch on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The Collins Memorial is only a quarter mile from Shake Shack and makes a great place to gather a group for lunch or snacks.
We were among the guests welcomed by Scott, the general manager, as he worked his way around the dining room on both visits. Merchants along the street have told us he has also stopped by to say hello to his neighbors.
We may have to add a few miles a week to our walking goals but it will be worth it to have regular Shake Shack lunches. And, because it will make our Back Bay neighbors Jim and Jennifer Hill so happy when they hear it, we get to tell people Shake Shack on Newbury is, "Right across from KitchenWares and Reflections!"
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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino