Tag: Massachusetts

  • Close to Nature in the City

    DSC_6418 - Version 22012-06-29-bee-hydrengea-blue-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Living in the city seems to put me more in touch with nature, than I was when I lived in the suburbs.

    Here I see the bees at work on flowers inches from my side, like this busy buzzer collecting pollen from a beautiful hydrangea.

    When walking is your primary means of transportation, you can look around and enjoy the trees that shade you and celebrate the gardens that add color and fragrance to your day.

    What's on your walking shopping list? Shop Amazon's own Endless shoe store and support this site! It won't cost you anymore, but Amazon will put a few coins in our tip jar!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

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  • Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

    Sometimes we gather food to recreate a happy memory. A recent Basque themed supper did just that.

    DSC_5342 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We fell in love with Basque food in Philadelphia back in 2007. Preparing for the trip, Penny had scoured the area’s Chowhound boards and booked a table at a new restaurant called Tinto. As we’ve said so many times since then, “If we’d had a week in Philadelphia, we would have eaten at Tinto every night.” 

    DSC_5324 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheee-wine-jamon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Wine, cheese, ham, olives, and bread combine for supper with terroir!

    We love grazing on small plates. At Tinto, those small plates were perfect gems. When we want to bring back some of those memories, we stop at a place like Formaggio Kitchen and tell the staff we want a Basque experience. They will then lead us to the flavors of the region.

      IMG_5252 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The rosey Jamón Serrano seems to call out for a Txakolina Rosé like the one above from Ameztoi. We like both their rosé and their crisp, thirst-quenching white. If you haven’t discovered Txakolina, summer is the time to introduce it to your personal wine list. 

    The cheese is from the French Basque side of the Pyreness, Ardi-Gasna Pardou. It’s a rich, aged sheep’s milk variety with an edible rind and proper, sheepy punch. 

    IMG_5256 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Some good bread and olives filled out our tray. The flavors share the terrior of the region. You might want to return to a different region of Spain, to Turkey, or to Paris. Gather the best of what Boston has to offer from your favorite place and make yourself a supper filled with memorable flavor. 

    What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

    Sometimes we gather food to recreate a happy memory. A recent Basque themed supper did just that.

    DSC_5342 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We fell in love with Basque food in Philadelphia back in 2007. Preparing for the trip, Penny had scoured the area’s Chowhound boards and booked a table at a new restaurant called Tinto. As we’ve said so many times since then, “If we’d had a week in Philadelphia, we would have eaten at Tinto every night.” 

    DSC_5324 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheee-wine-jamon-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Wine, cheese, ham, olives, and bread combine for supper with terroir!

    We love grazing on small plates. At Tinto, those small plates were perfect gems. When we want to bring back some of those memories, we stop at a place like Formaggio Kitchen and tell the staff we want a Basque experience. They will then lead us to the flavors of the region.

      IMG_5252 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The rosey Jamón Serrano seems to call out for a Txakolina Rosé like the one above from Ameztoi. We like both their rosé and their crisp, thirst-quenching white. If you haven’t discovered Txakolina, summer is the time to introduce it to your personal wine list. 

    The cheese is from the French Basque side of the Pyreness, Ardi-Gasna Pardou. It’s a rich, aged sheep’s milk variety with an edible rind and proper, sheepy punch. 

    IMG_5256 - Version 22012-06-02-Basque -supper-cheese-wine-jamon-olives-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Some good bread and olives filled out our tray. The flavors share the terrior of the region. You might want to return to a different region of Spain, to Turkey, or to Paris. Gather the best of what Boston has to offer from your favorite place and make yourself a supper filled with memorable flavor. 

    What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Boston Trash Can Improvement Society At Work

    PMC_5594 - Version 22012-07-12-trashcan-improvement-back-bay-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looks like there has been an effort by the "Boston Trash Can Improvement Society" to improve the streetscape along Massachusetts Avenue. Nice job! Next time may we suggest a bow with long streamers attached to the trash bag knot for the perfect finishing touch. 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Boston Trash Can Improvement Society At Work

    PMC_5594 - Version 22012-07-12-trashcan-improvement-back-bay-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looks like there has been an effort by the "Boston Trash Can Improvement Society" to improve the streetscape along Massachusetts Avenue. Nice job! Next time may we suggest a bow with long streamers attached to the trash bag knot for the perfect finishing touch. 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Free Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation

    Free fridays

    Fridays are special around Greater Boston because of the Free Fun Fridays admissions to museums and other cultural attractions made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

    They say, "Free Fun Fridays invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit designated cultural attractions every Friday this summer with free admission. No registration or tickets required. Visit and enjoy!"

    We Say, "Thanks, that sounds like a Free Fun Friday Link to us! 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Free Fridays from the Highland Street Foundation

    Free fridays

    Fridays are special around Greater Boston because of the Free Fun Fridays admissions to museums and other cultural attractions made possible by the Highland Street Foundation.

    They say, "Free Fun Fridays invites Massachusetts residents and tourists to visit designated cultural attractions every Friday this summer with free admission. No registration or tickets required. Visit and enjoy!"

    We Say, "Thanks, that sounds like a Free Fun Friday Link to us! 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Filipa Pato’s 3B Sparkling Rosé is Our August Sparkler

    DSC_6393 - Version 22012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We're saying "Happy New Month" to August with a bottle of 3B Sparkling Rosé created by winemaker Filipa Pato and imported and distributed by Andrew Bishop, owner of Oz Wine Company in Haverhill, MA. We begin each month by popping the cork on a sparkling wine and will be very happy to have you join our sparkling resolution!

    It's our first sparkler from Portugal, but it won't be the last. We intend to enjoy more vinho from this famous family of winemakers. (Thanks to Howie Rubin from Bauer Wine & Spirits for recommending another winner!)

    DSC_6379 - Version 22012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Andrew told us a bit about this wine and how it fits into his collection of Oz wines. 

    "Filipa Pato comes from a very long line of winemakers in her family, and her father Luis Pato is probably the most famous sparkling producer in Portugal. So, she has grown up making sparkling wine with her father on a grand scale. But, what makes her "Oz" material is that she isn't making huge quantities, and she is using all natural yeasts and farming 100% organically from smaller vineyard plots."

    He went on to explain, "This is not necessary to make it into our portfolio, but we tend to taste the difference in smaller production wines that you simply cannot in more industrialized. The result is 100% baga sparkling that has personality."

    Like most rosés, this in NOT a sweet wine.

    "There is no residual sugar (or very little) in Filipa's sparkling Baga, so what you taste is fresh, clean, pure fruit with racy acidity," Andrew said. "This is what makes her wine compatible with everything from shellfish to pork."

    DSC_6397 - Version 32012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Winemaker's Tasting Notes

    Filipa Pato describes this wine as, "Raspberries and strawberries on the nose, the palate has the freshness and body of the Baga grape and the creaminess of Bical." She says, "I believe that Baga and Bical in Bairrada are like the Chardonnay and the Pinot in Champagne. They need each other to make a balance…"

    What makes this Portuguese wine special?

    Andrew detailed what distinguishes these wines from this Portuguese winemaker. "It's pretty rare when you find someone like Filipa who does everything from watching her buds break to putting the labels on her finished bottles. I think this wine shows the "New Portugal," or at least, a new wine movement that is going more 'old school traditional (meaning less technology and more hands off methods)' in that she is using grapes that she tends to rather than purchasing, and the winemaking is letting the fruit from the vineyards come through more than masking."

    Here's a look at the Wines We’ve Been Tasting

    And, more about Our Sparkling Resolution   

    Thanks to everyone who begins their Amazon shopping from one of the links or products on our site. It doesn't cost you any more but Amazon puts some coins in our tip jar for everything you buy.


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


  • Filipa Pato’s 3B Sparkling Rosé is Our August Sparkler

    DSC_6393 - Version 22012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We're saying "Happy New Month" to August with a bottle of 3B Sparkling Rosé created by winemaker Filipa Pato and imported and distributed by Andrew Bishop, owner of Oz Wine Company in Haverhill, MA. We begin each month by popping the cork on a sparkling wine and will be very happy to have you join our sparkling resolution!

    It's our first sparkler from Portugal, but it won't be the last. We intend to enjoy more vinho from this famous family of winemakers. (Thanks to Howie Rubin from Bauer Wine & Spirits for recommending another winner!)

    DSC_6379 - Version 22012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Andrew told us a bit about this wine and how it fits into his collection of Oz wines. 

    "Filipa Pato comes from a very long line of winemakers in her family, and her father Luis Pato is probably the most famous sparkling producer in Portugal. So, she has grown up making sparkling wine with her father on a grand scale. But, what makes her "Oz" material is that she isn't making huge quantities, and she is using all natural yeasts and farming 100% organically from smaller vineyard plots."

    He went on to explain, "This is not necessary to make it into our portfolio, but we tend to taste the difference in smaller production wines that you simply cannot in more industrialized. The result is 100% baga sparkling that has personality."

    Like most rosés, this in NOT a sweet wine.

    "There is no residual sugar (or very little) in Filipa's sparkling Baga, so what you taste is fresh, clean, pure fruit with racy acidity," Andrew said. "This is what makes her wine compatible with everything from shellfish to pork."

    DSC_6397 - Version 32012-06-27-3b-sparkler-rose- OZ-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Winemaker's Tasting Notes

    Filipa Pato describes this wine as, "Raspberries and strawberries on the nose, the palate has the freshness and body of the Baga grape and the creaminess of Bical." She says, "I believe that Baga and Bical in Bairrada are like the Chardonnay and the Pinot in Champagne. They need each other to make a balance…"

    What makes this Portuguese wine special?

    Andrew detailed what distinguishes these wines from this Portuguese winemaker. "It's pretty rare when you find someone like Filipa who does everything from watching her buds break to putting the labels on her finished bottles. I think this wine shows the "New Portugal," or at least, a new wine movement that is going more 'old school traditional (meaning less technology and more hands off methods)' in that she is using grapes that she tends to rather than purchasing, and the winemaking is letting the fruit from the vineyards come through more than masking."

    Here's a look at the Wines We’ve Been Tasting

    And, more about Our Sparkling Resolution   

    Thanks to everyone who begins their Amazon shopping from one of the links or products on our site. It doesn't cost you any more but Amazon puts some coins in our tip jar for everything you buy.


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


  • Look Down, History Below Your Feet

    DSC_6514 - Version 32012-07-02--coal-vault-prism-lights-boston-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The sidewalks of Boston are not only a pathway to history but also contain historic coal vault covers with prism lights that were part of another time. 

    DSC_6492 - Version 22012-07-02--coal-vault-prism-lights-boston-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino   PMC_5070 - Version 22012-07-02--coal-vault-prism-lights-boston-ma-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    Click on any small image to pop up a larger view.

    A few are in great condition and may still let light into spaces below the sidewalk. Others are dangerous, with holes that could catch heels or puppy paws and ugly concrete, covering what was once a thing of craftsmanlike beauty. 

    In the days before the electric light, these were important features. The sidewalk access meant that dirty coal deliveries did not have to come through the house. And, the beams admitted and intensified by prism lights allowed you to see in dark basement spaces.

    We are just beginning our research on these and photographing as many as we can. If you'd like to share your photos of coal vault covers you can upload them to the BostonZest Photo Pool on Flickr.

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

    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 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.