Tag: new years

Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

As Pinot Noir lovers, we expected to like this grower Champagne. We didn’t anticipate wanting to buy a case after the first sip! Simply put, Moutard Grande Cuvée fits our taste, something Howie Rubin of Bauer Wine & Spirits knows well.

Through the years, many of our Sparkling Resolution wines have come from his suggestions. For August we asked him to select this month’s sparkler and he came up with a new favorite that made us go back for more.

Our constant search for, and love of, grower Champagnes doesn’t surprise Rubin who compares the increased interest in this category of winemakers to the locavore farm-to-table movement. “People want to know where their food and libation come from,” he explains, “and consuming small grower champagne satisfies that curiosity.”

Look at this way, “Which would you rather consume,” says Rubin, “a big, juicy, ripe tomato right off the farm, or one of those colorless and flavorless tomatoes that shows up in your salad … in January?”

Similarly, “When deciding between a small grower champagne or a mass produced version of the same style of wine,” Rubin says the choice is obvious. “Champagnes that are bottled by growers will usually be from a specific village and will be their top choice of grapes, which obviously they won’t sell to the big houses.”

The Moutard Grand Cuvee Brut Champagne pedigree includes 100% Pinot Noir grown in clay-limestone soils. The hand harvested grapes undergo a gentle pressing and are vinified in stainless steel tanks. Moutard proudly describes its production as a blend of several of the best vintages.

Tasting Notes:

The winemaker points to a, “refined, rich nose which evokes notes of butter, almond and brioche. Lively, elegant and balanced palate with good mouthfill.”

Distributor Polaner Selections touts, “A rich and mineral-driven Blanc de Noirs at an exceptional value.”

Wine Spectator

Rating: 90

“Bright and fresh, with a honey-laced finish.”

Vinous

Rating: 89

“… 100% Pinot Noir is laced with sweet tobacco, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red stone fruits.”

Eric Asimov, (NY Times wine critic)

“ … the Grande Cuvée from Moutard … showed its 100 percent pinot noir character in its rich, full-bodied texture and ripe fruit flavors.”

Howie Rubin (Bauer Wines)

“… aromas of fresh baked bread and wild strawberries … bright apple and quince flavors.”

We think what this wine doesn’t give up on the nose, it makes up on the palate. Perhaps Howie Rubin summed it up best, “Great champagnes are characterized by a long, persistent finish, and that’s where the Moutard shines. Compare it to one of the big names in champagne and you will see the difference.”

Here’s to August! And, here’s to Grower Champagnes!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée at Bauer Wine & Spirits (price: $39.99).

More …

Howie Rubin on: The Growing Interest in Grower Champagne [PDF Full Text]

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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 from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe

Water Main Flushing May Mean Rusty Water…

Meet Coco the Cafe Yogi

July 31, 2015
Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

Do you have a signature dish? Is there something that you are often asked to bring to a potluck or holiday meal? Or, are you trying to think about what you might take to an upcoming event?

I've been considering my tabouli with chickpeas. It is best made ahead. It will be a complete protein for vegetarians, a boon to those trying to eat fewer calories, and it's delicious.

Food Gathering Season

We are about to step into the season of food gatherings. Thanksgiving dinners, potluck suppers, cookie swaps, open houses, Hanukkah celebrations, Feasts of the Seven Fishes, Christmas meals, and New Years rites all have food traditions that we follow.

Today, many of these events are cooperative efforts. While a few hosting families may insist on doing the whole thing, more often than not, an offer to bring something will be met with a sigh of relief.

Our friend Bob Oppenheim is assigned the vegetable side dishes for his family’s holiday table. He jokes that this is because the vegetables are the most work. But, it may also be that dishes like his roasted root vegetables have become a favorite among the folks at these events with even fussy eaters finding something they love in the mix.

Here's our post: Roasted Root Vegetables: Treasure for the Busy Cook

What's Your Talent?

If you’ve mastered artisan bread baking, you could bring the bread and rolls for the meal. If you’ve preserved the foods from your garden, you might offer a relish tray of pickles and chutneys.

In my family, Uncle Freddie brought the pies. He was a great baker and his raisin pie was legendary. Not every cook is a good baker, so pies and cakes are often delegated to those with a talent for sweets.

Contributions for Non-Cooks

Dessert offerings are also a great choice for someone who doesn’t cook. Those who don’t cook at all often know the best places to shop for very good prepared foods. A pie, cake, or tray of cookies is relatively easy to transport, even on the MBTA, and is one less task for the hostess.

Another option for the non-cook to offer is a cheese platter or a large wedge of a special cheese. One reason I often suggest a large wedge instead of an assortment is that it can make for a great presentation, even after a few people have feasted on it. And, it's easier to pack up and put away in good condition after the meal. I would suggest something like Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Moliterno al Tartufo, or a wheel of a semi-soft cheese.

Let us know what you're asked to bring or love to bring to food gatherings.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2009-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the Cabot Clothbound Cheddar Cheese photo courtesy of Cabot Creamery.

November 18, 2014
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes in Greater Boston 2014-2015 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you. We've even included a couple of places that carry party goods and elegant seasonal home decoration.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Just before Halloween, and the traditional holiday seasons, seems like the best time for us to make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for Santa time, New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

The newest addition to our list is Reflections on Newbury Street. Around the holidays, this shop adds a big dose of seasonal spirit to its stock of year round favorites. While you won't find full costumes, you will find fun and seriously well made seasonal accessories to add the right note to your outfit or home.

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) is right across from the Boston Common.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

The Garment District in Cambridge has a floor devoted to Boston Costume, probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing, if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

For luxe halloween fashions, visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. This is a sister store to Reflections on Newbury Street. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Allston Costume on Harvard Ave. is one that we have not visited, but that others have recommended. We'll try to stop in, get some photos for you, and update this listing.

Party Favors in Brookline in Coolidge Corner has lots of holiday party goodies!

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page: Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011-2014 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District
October 9, 2014
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Where to Buy or Rent Costumes near Boston 2013-2014 Party Season!
Whether you only think of altering your appearance on Halloween or also like to dress up for holidays, special events, parties, or other reasons, this post is for you.

This is an outdated Post view our new resource page for costumes at this link.

Each year, we make a list and check it twice to help you locate places to buy or rent costumes for most any occasion. Costume season gears up at Halloween and continues for New Years, Saint Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and beyond!

This year, our list-check discovered New Millennium Costumes at 155 Tremont Street (map) across from the Boston Common. Penny made a visit to check it out, and we're happy to add it to our collection.

Owner Terry Anderson has more than 20 years experience managing a company that supplied Boston fun seekers with costumes. Realizing he missed the downtown vibe, he decided to opened his own shop.

When Penny visited the building, it had scaffolding hiding his signs and entrance so you may have to work a little to find it.

Google has been in to create an interior view of the shop and told him that it should be up soon. We'll post an update when it appears. Update: Here's a link to the Google inside view.

It's worth considering this as an option. Since it's newer and not everyone has discovered it yet, the lines may be shorter. And, check with them for details on a 10% discount to those showing a college ID.

By the way, this shop has a small section of costumes for dogs with some very clever saddle-style options for big dogs. (Seen in the lower right photo of the collage.) These sell out quickly, so shop soon for a good selection.

Check out these Costume Haunts:

Please let us know if we've missed one of your favorite sources of costumes and accessories. And, tell us about your all-time favorite Halloween Costume in the comments below.

The Garment District in Cambridge is probably the best known spot to outfit yourself for any costume party.

It's open seven days a week. And, "Open 'til Midnight ALL of October!"

They sell and rent costumes and have lots of vintage & secondhand clothing if you want to create your own.

They also sell items to finish the look, like:
- washout hair color in tones of atomic turquoise and cotton candy pink
- prosthetics like scars, bullet holes, horns, pointed ear tips, and witch noses with the materials to attach them
- masks from simple gold or black eye masks, to elaborate Venetian designs or feathery carnival styles
- heads to transform you into a bear, lion, or gorilla
- an endless selection of wigs includes: mullets, afros, clown colors, pigtails, geishas, ragdolls, cornrows, dreadlocks, flappers, and glam styles
- accessories include: hats, boas, go-go boots, and wings
Their "Boston Costume" division rents full rigs for the likes of Batman, Green Hornet, and Marie Antoinette. Or, you can be a minute man, cowgirl, knight, or belly dancer.

Dorothy's Boutique

Soon, you'll find people lined up (above) waiting to enter Dorothy's Boutique on Mass Ave. near Symphony Hall. They call themselves "Boston's Halloween Headquarters" and display masks, scary arm stumps, strange shoes, and accessories in the window. The website makes it clear that these are costumes for adults. Risque is their specialty.

If you want a quick look before you get in line, you can click over to the Google view of the store's fully stocked interior.

Army Barracks
Across the street from Dorothy's is the Army Barracks store. With a little imagination, you can use their surplus gear to create a costume for that upcoming party.

Party City has a store at 356 Boylston Street in Boston. (map) Last season, it was an iParty store.

And, remember to visit the Halloween Shop at Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. They have a fabulous selection of fun and tasteful decorations, masks, and accessories for the holiday.

Party Favors in Brookline not only has the main store in Coolidge Corner with lots of holiday party goods, but also for Halloween they've opened a satellite store in Washington Square. Hours for the rest of October 2013 are at that link.

If you're more of an internet shopper, you can find costumes for the entire family from this one page. Visit the Costume Store At Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino plus a screenshot from The Garment District

Related articles

Halloween For Your Pet

Big Bird Costume One Of Hottest This Halloween!

Costume Swap: A Greener Halloween

When offered the choice between being a banana and a Mario Brother, he'll take Luigi every time

Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
October 11, 2013
Sunday Dog New Year’s Resolutions for 2013

Our puppy Poppy has been frantically picking up her P-mail on every corner in the neighborhood and she tells us a few of this year's Sunday Dogs have made New Year's Resolutions. (And if they haven't, she's making some for them.)

Now & Future Sunday Dog, King! is growing up to be a big, strong German Shepherd. He has resolved to stay as sweet as he was as a pup and to always remember that he and Poppy are no longer the same size and so to play gently with her.

We told you that Chiquita Loves to Dance! Poppy tells us that Chiquita has resolved to open her own dance studio in 2013 and teach you and your dog how to cha cha, foxtrot, and jitterbug together!

Not only is it true that, Odis “Loves Everyone!” but everyone loves and misses him too. Poppy has sent him a message that he has to get back to his old neighborhood more often. She says we have a great selection of places to get presents!

Not only can Sunday Dog Ollie give Tips on “Being,” but he's also going to spend 2013 writing a book on how to respond like a mature and sensible gentleman when a young neighbor girl has an enormous crush on you.

It should be a best seller among dark and handsome guys like Ollie who have to deal with problems like this from girls like Duchess Poppy.

When you first met Hudson, He didn't need a dog license because he was too young. But, now that he's grown, he has a fan club and people who come to visit him in his shop, Q Optical on Newbury Street. His goal for 2013 is to move up the corporate ladder, become the top dog, and have everyone at Q Optical working for him. And, he intends to win his way with sweetness and love. Good Boy!

Finally, in a species by herself is Sophia Cat, last seen playing "Her Glass Harmonica". She also works on Newbury Street at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

She has resolved to form an association to represent the Newbury Street shop cats and dogs and make sure their rights as workers are protected.

At the moment, Sophia would like to organize a protest against the holiday window display that's keeping her from sunning herself in her favorite spot. And, if you want to join her picket line, she won't even care if you are of the canine persuasion.

Happy New Year to all our Sunday Dogs and Cats!

May you all have a happy and healthy new year and may you succeed with all your resolutions.

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

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 from here to 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.

December 30, 2012
Sunday Dog New Year’s Resolutions for 2013

Our puppy Poppy has been frantically picking up her P-mail on every corner in the neighborhood and she tells us a few of this year's Sunday Dogs have made New Year's Resolutions. (And if they haven't, she's making some for them.)

Now & Future Sunday Dog, King! is growing up to be a big, strong German Shepherd. He has resolved to stay as sweet as he was as a pup and to always remember that he and Poppy are no longer the same size and so to play gently with her.

We told you that Chiquita Loves to Dance! Poppy tells us that Chiquita has resolved to open her own dance studio in 2013 and teach you and your dog how to cha cha, foxtrot, and jitterbug together!

Not only is it true that, Odis “Loves Everyone!” but everyone loves and misses him too. Poppy has sent him a message that he has to get back to his old neighborhood more often. She says we have a great selection of places to get presents!

Not only can Sunday Dog Ollie give Tips on “Being,” but he's also going to spend 2013 writing a book on how to respond like a mature and sensible gentleman when a young neighbor girl has an enormous crush on you.

It should be a best seller among dark and handsome guys like Ollie who have to deal with problems like this from girls like Duchess Poppy.

When you first met Hudson, He didn't need a dog license because he was too young. But, now that he's grown, he has a fan club and people who come to visit him in his shop, Q Optical on Newbury Street. His goal for 2013 is to move up the corporate ladder, become the top dog, and have everyone at Q Optical working for him. And, he intends to win his way with sweetness and love. Good Boy!

Finally, in a species by herself is Sophia Cat, last seen playing "Her Glass Harmonica". She also works on Newbury Street at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

She has resolved to form an association to represent the Newbury Street shop cats and dogs and make sure their rights as workers are protected.

At the moment, Sophia would like to organize a protest against the holiday window display that's keeping her from sunning herself in her favorite spot. And, if you want to join her picket line, she won't even care if you are of the canine persuasion.

Happy New Year to all our Sunday Dogs and Cats!

May you all have a happy and healthy new year and may you succeed with all your resolutions.

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

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 from here to 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.

December 30, 2012
Sunday Dog New Year’s Resolutions for 2013

Our puppy Poppy has been frantically picking up her P-mail on every corner in the neighborhood and she tells us a few of this year's Sunday Dogs have made New Year's Resolutions. (And if they haven't, she's making some for them.)

Now & Future Sunday Dog, King! is growing up to be a big, strong German Shepherd. He has resolved to stay as sweet as he was as a pup and to always remember that he and Poppy are no longer the same size and so to play gently with her.

We told you that Chiquita Loves to Dance! Poppy tells us that Chiquita has resolved to open her own dance studio in 2013 and teach you and your dog how to cha cha, foxtrot, and jitterbug together!

Not only is it true that, Odis “Loves Everyone!” but everyone loves and misses him too. Poppy has sent him a message that he has to get back to his old neighborhood more often. She says we have a great selection of places to get presents!

Not only can Sunday Dog Ollie give Tips on “Being,” but he's also going to spend 2013 writing a book on how to respond like a mature and sensible gentleman when a young neighbor girl has an enormous crush on you.

It should be a best seller among dark and handsome guys like Ollie who have to deal with problems like this from girls like Duchess Poppy.

When you first met Hudson, He didn't need a dog license because he was too young. But, now that he's grown, he has a fan club and people who come to visit him in his shop, Q Optical on Newbury Street. His goal for 2013 is to move up the corporate ladder, become the top dog, and have everyone at Q Optical working for him. And, he intends to win his way with sweetness and love. Good Boy!

Finally, in a species by herself is Sophia Cat, last seen playing "Her Glass Harmonica". She also works on Newbury Street at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

She has resolved to form an association to represent the Newbury Street shop cats and dogs and make sure their rights as workers are protected.

At the moment, Sophia would like to organize a protest against the holiday window display that's keeping her from sunning herself in her favorite spot. And, if you want to join her picket line, she won't even care if you are of the canine persuasion.

Happy New Year to all our Sunday Dogs and Cats!

May you all have a happy and healthy new year and may you succeed with all your resolutions.

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

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 from here to 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.

December 30, 2012
Toasting May with Thierry Triolet Champagne at the Beach!

While enjoying a bottle of Thierry Triolet Champagne Brut is a treat in itself, popping the cork at a beach in Provincetown elevates the entire experience to the level of “unforgettable.”

As we faithfully carry out Our Sparkling Resolution (raising a glass of bubbly to greet each new month) we’re always open to pushing the boundaries of our pledge.

We found this special sparkler at Perry’s Wine & Liquors in Provincetown where Scott O’Connor described Thierry Triolet Champagne Brut as creamy and a great value at $36.

Penny remembered the wine from a tweet by Gretchen (@MoralBeast) who called it, “… a remarkable Champagne! Dry but not too dry. It's a wonderful balance [with] an explosion of flavor!" Her brand new website is Urban Wine Dweller.

Despite our preference for pinot-forward sparkling wines, this beauty’s 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier held our attention from the first sip. The winemaker puts it simply and best, “… pale yellow with hints of amber is expressed on fresh and fruity notes.”

Our bottle didn’t last long. It was so good, we couldn’t resist sharing with our neighbors at the beach.

Thierry Triolet, a small grower who supplies grapes to major Champagne houses, also has been making his own wine for more than 25 years– which means we have a lot of catching up to do.

If this Champagne Brut is any indication of Thierry Triolet’s passion and expertise, we can’t wait to try his other vintages. Back in Boston, we followed Gretchen's trail to TerraVino Wines in Brookline and happily found another bottle to enjoy today.

Update: Sadly TerraVino Wines is no longer in business.

Check Out: Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

More about Our Sparkling Resolution

Finally, more of our Provincetown Posts!

We have a new favorite wine book that we are not only recommending to our readers, but buying as a gift for wine-loving friends. It's a treasure and we expect it to look a bit worn and well-used pretty quickly. It may even suffer a few wine stains but we doubt that Karen and Andrew will mind.

The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Here are more books from this team:

The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America's Most Imaginative Chefs

What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee, Tea – Even Water – Based on Expert Advice from America's Best Sommeliers

Becoming a Chef

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

May 1, 2012