Tag: Boston restaurants

Our December Terroir Toast Is Gruet Sauvage Rosé from New Mexico
Today we’ll travel to New Mexico (in spirit) to taste the terroir in Gruet Sauvage Rosé sparkling wine. When we declared 2020 the year of terroir in our selection of wines for our monthly toast with sparkling wine, we didn’t know that this was a year when we would seldom leave our condo, except in spirit.

December is a time of looking back. We selected this wine in memory of our last gathering with friends on March 1st, and our excitement about a new restaurant, Grand Tour, from the team at our favorite hangout, Select Oyster.

In February, we tasted The Gruet Sauvage Blanc de Blanc at Grand Tour and decided to make it our wine of the month for March.

We also decided we hadn't seen enough of our roof deck crew over the winter and hosted a gathering at Grand Tour in their delightful, tiny dining room on the second floor.

What fun we had as we tasted our way through the menu to decide on the items for our party! We hold out hope that next Spring (after their winter hiatus) we'll be able to return to order takeout and perhaps, one day, sit at the bar.

Our Toast This Month

Today’s toast will be to the friends who gathered that day, to the great restaurant team that has always taken such wonderful care of us at Select and Grand Tour, and to Michael Serpa, the man behind these two restaurants, and his newest offering Atlantico Boston.

We'll also toast to all the restaurant folks, delivery people, and other service workers who have helped us this year.

What We’ve Learned About Gruet Sauvage Rosé
- 100% Pinot Noir which is our favorite grape for sparkling wines!
- 12.5% ABV which is a bit high for sparklers!
- No Dosage which should make it crisp!
Wine Enthusiast wrote:

“The aromas are fresh in this pale-salmon sparkling wine, showing yellow cherries, lillies and fresh baked rolls. The bubbles are pillowy in feel, while bright, tingling acidity wakes up the palate that offers flavors of brioche, lemon zest, juicy strawberry and cherry. It finishes on notes of yeasty brioche and preserved lemon.”

Trying wines from different places, made with various grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

Our bottle of Gruet Sauvage Rosé was delivered to us by Urban Grape for ~$25.

Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post: Join Us as We Toast…

A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photos: ©2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino
December 1, 2020
Veterans Day: What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info for 2017

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules. This resource page has been updated for this year, Saturday, November 11, 2017.

* PLEASE NOTE the City Says: "Friday, November 10 - Veterans Day
City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. Boston Public Libraries are open, but will close on Saturday, November 11."

(Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

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 most Banks closed. But we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open, so check with your own institution.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: The City says, "On Sundays, City holidays, and observed holiday dates, you can park for free, but all other parking regulations are still enforced."

Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Veterans Day 2017 Schedule has not been published: It may be that, with the new improved website, the holiday summary updates the MBTA has made available in the past will no longer be done.

This year November 11th falls on a Saturday. We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Saturday schedule.

We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Saturday Schedule.

Commuter Rail schedules do not include any mention of Veterans Day and refer you to the website which does not have any Veterans Day information.

Ferry schedules do not mention Veterans Day.

The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

For additional information on routes, schedules, fares, and more, the MBTA says, "Please call (617) 222-3200 for support, or for our Deaf or Hard of Hearing: customers TTY (617) 222-5146 …" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

And if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information for Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

"Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12:00 p.m., or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Used under creative commons license

October 28, 2016
Veterans Day: What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info for 2017

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules. This resource page has been updated for this year, Saturday, November 11, 2017.

* PLEASE NOTE the City Says: "Friday, November 10 - Veterans Day
City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. Boston Public Libraries are open, but will close on Saturday, November 11."

(Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

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 most Banks closed. But we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open, so check with your own institution.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: The City says, "On Sundays, City holidays, and observed holiday dates, you can park for free, but all other parking regulations are still enforced."

Street Sweeping: The City says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Veterans Day 2017 Schedule has not been published: It may be that, with the new improved website, the holiday summary updates the MBTA has made available in the past will no longer be done.

This year November 11th falls on a Saturday. We can guess few things about the schedule. From the printed schedules we were able to access on the new site, it looks like the Subways will run on a Saturday schedule.

We checked a number of Bus schedules and those that included holiday information were running on a Saturday Schedule.

Commuter Rail schedules do not include any mention of Veterans Day and refer you to the website which does not have any Veterans Day information.

Ferry schedules do not mention Veterans Day.

The Ride information no longer mentions holidays.

For additional information on routes, schedules, fares, and more, the MBTA says, "Please call (617) 222-3200 for support, or for our Deaf or Hard of Hearing: customers TTY (617) 222-5146 …" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

And if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information for Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

"Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12:00 p.m., or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Used under creative commons license

October 28, 2016
Veterans Day 2015 What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

This page is out of date. We have created an ongoing resource page for the Veteran's Day holiday at this link. We update that one each year with any new information that becomes available.

Robert Gould Shaw memorial is cleaned on 2/12/1934 (Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.)

This year, November 11th falls on a Wednesday, giving a few lucky folks a break in the middle of the week.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

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 most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open, so check with your own institution.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: The City says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

Street Sweeping: City 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."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

The MBTA has posted its Veterans Day Schedule.

The system will operate on a weekday schedule. You will find Complete Details Here. (But, only for a few days before and after the holiday.)

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information for Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

"Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Birthday or Wedding Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Used under creative commons license

November 4, 2015
What’s Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2017 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.
Here's an updated (on 09/18/17) rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 9, 2017. Should additional information become available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

A few items are highlighted in yellow because the updated information has not been published as of yet. Follow us on Twitter or bookmark this page and return to check for more updates.

We feature these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make plans and then feature the information on the holiday. This is a permanent resource page that will be updated annually.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2017 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's Open?

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 most Banks closed. But each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city of Boston no longer provides a simple paragraph that explains the trash schedule. Now everyone has to go to this page and enter their address in a box to find out when their trash will be picked up during holiday weeks.

Traffic Alerts/Road Closures: More will be added as we find them:
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 8, 2017 in the North End. Here's a link with more details from North End Waterfront. Columbus Day Parade in North End on Sunday October 8th, 1-3pm
- B.A.A. Half Marathon – Sunday, October 8, 2017 - from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- Tufts 10K – Monday October 9, 2017 – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2017

The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 9, 2017, has not been published. The new website does not have a link to find that information. ( We did send a request for an update to the T. We never received a reply.)

Last year the system ran pretty much on a Weekday Schedule.

You can Download MBTA Columbus Day 2016 announcement in a pdf form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Courtesy of The Fenway Cultural District

Related articles

Add "Miles on the MBTA" to Your Resource List
October 2, 2015
What’s Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2017 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.
Here's an updated (on 09/18/17) rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 9, 2017. Should additional information become available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

A few items are highlighted in yellow because the updated information has not been published as of yet. Follow us on Twitter or bookmark this page and return to check for more updates.

We feature these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make plans and then feature the information on the holiday. This is a permanent resource page that will be updated annually.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2017 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's Open?

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 most Banks closed. But each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city of Boston no longer provides a simple paragraph that explains the trash schedule. Now everyone has to go to this page and enter their address in a box to find out when their trash will be picked up during holiday weeks.

Traffic Alerts/Road Closures: More will be added as we find them:
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 8, 2017 in the North End. Here's a link with more details from North End Waterfront. Columbus Day Parade in North End on Sunday October 8th, 1-3pm
- B.A.A. Half Marathon – Sunday, October 8, 2017 - from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- Tufts 10K – Monday October 9, 2017 – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2017

The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 9, 2017, has not been published. The new website does not have a link to find that information. ( We did send a request for an update to the T. We never received a reply.)

Last year the system ran pretty much on a Weekday Schedule.

You can Download MBTA Columbus Day 2016 announcement in a pdf form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Courtesy of The Fenway Cultural District

Related articles

Add "Miles on the MBTA" to Your Resource List
October 2, 2015
Veterans Day 2014 What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

UPDATE: Veterans Day 2015 What's Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

(Civil war vets inspect huge German captured gun on Boston Common. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Circa 1927)

This year, November 11th falls on a Tuesday. If you are one of the people who has the day off, you might want to take an extra day and have a four day weekend.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

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 most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: The City says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

Street Sweeping: City 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."

Boston Trash Collection: The City says:

Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 6am – Sunday, November 16, 2014, 5pm

"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 the 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."

The MBTA has posted its Veterans Day Schedule and, as in the past, the system is operating on a weekday schedule: Complete Details Here.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

"Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: (Civil War vets inspect huge German captured gun on Boston Common. Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Circa 1927) used under creative commons license

November 3, 2014
Thanksgiving 2014 Dining Out in Boston
UPDATE: Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 27, 2014.

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
- Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
- Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Boston
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
- Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
- Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
- One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
Interesting Twist!

Fairsted Kitchen is offering a pre-ordered, family style Thanksgiving dinner that is in keeping with their shared big plate menu. It seems like a good deal for a family or a bunch of friends who want to share a holiday meal.

A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details.

Some chains restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill

Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.
- Update 11.12.14 Here is a wonderful summary of what is open and where there are some available reservations from Eater Boston. Great job as always by Rachel Leah Blumenthal.
- Update 11.04.14 the crew over at the Boston Chowhound Board have a Thanksgiving Conversation underway at this link.
- Update 11.04.14 Boston Magazine has posted their list of "30+ Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in Boston."
- Update 10.30.14 The crew over on the Boston Trip Advisor Board are answering the question, "Where to eat Thanksgiving in Boston."
- Last year, over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday. (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com

Related articles

Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look
October 24, 2014
What’s Open on Columbus Day 2014 in Boston, MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 13, 2014. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans and then feature it on the holiday.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.

Here is our post on "What's Happening in Boston in October 2014" for more ideas of places to go and things to do.

What's open?

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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open as are international markets.

Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

Boston Trash Collection:

From this page on the city site:

"Columbus Day Week

Monday, October 13, 6am – Saturday, October 18, 2014, 5pm

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the 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."

Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them:
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 12th in East Boston.
- B.A.A. Half Marathon – Sunday, October 12th from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- Tufts 10K – Monday October 13th – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
- Here is a link to the Press release from the city with more details on these traffic situations.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2014

(Updated 10.03.14 2 PM)The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 13, 2014 were announced today. You can Download MBTA Columbus Day announcement in a pdf form.

But the good news is that the system is running on a weekday schedule.

For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.

Remember, the links for details will only work through the holiday, then that page reverts to a generic form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Art from The Fenway Cultural District
October 3, 2014
Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants.

UPDATE: Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:

Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Boston
Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.

Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- If you have been a fan of Upstairs on the Square, this will be their last Thanksgiving because they are closing. It might be a fun choice for a final fling.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal and if you want lighter fare their Café will be open at 11 AM.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.
- Sel de la Terre has always had a wonderful holiday menu and the Natick location would be good for meeting people from that part of the area. We certainly miss their Boston locations.
Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 PM
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or for a special holiday treat a degustation menu.
- Harvest in Cambridge's Harvard Square.
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
- One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
Update: 11/20/13

Boston Magazine has published their list of dining options

They'll Be Open! 26 Boston-Area Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner

Over on the Boston Chowhound Board the hounds came up with Durgin Park as the perfect solution for a group of trainees who found themselves in Boston over the holiday. (Bad Website warning: the Durgin Park site has cheesy music and you have to click events to get to the holiday offering.)

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com

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.
November 5, 2013