Tag: MA

Great Hospitality at Jake’s Seafood in Hull, MA

We've been zipping down to Jake's Restaurant and Fish Market in Hull for years but we hadn't brought one of our dogs with us until recently. Our plan was to get some take-out and sit on one of the small stone benches they provide for folks waiting for tables on busy weekends.

I went in and asked the hostess if we could order take-out and if she had a menu I could bring outside to Ed so he could make his selection. I explained that we had our dog with us and would eat on one of their parking lot benches.

Her response was that we were welcome to eat on the patio if we didn't mind sharing one of the servers from inside. While the day had turned out perfect, the forecast had been for rain, so they had closed the patio for the day.

We didn't mind at all and set ourselves up at the corner table,

with this fantastic view!

I had a lobster roll on a grilled bun with fries and a bit of lemon and drawn butter on the side.

Ed opted for their Mediterranean Salad topped with grilled scallops. Check this menu for all the choices you have on top of a selection of salads.

And, as I noted in our post on Lobster Rolls vs Lobster Salad Rolls, Jake's does it right.

They have Jake's Original Lobster Roll. This is described on the menu as:

"Our classic! A full 1/4lb. of freshly picked lobster meat on a traditional hotdog bun (toasted with butter upon request), served with mayo on the side"

And, they have a Lobster Salad Sandwich:

"Freshly picked lobster mixed with our herb mayo & topped with sliced Hass avocado, lettuce & tomato, served on our toasted brioche roll"

The woman serving our lunch could not have been nicer, despite the fact that she had to leave her station inside and come out to the patio for one table. But, perhaps this great hospitality all around paid off because soon we were not alone out there.

If you take a ride to Jake's bring a cooler. The seafood market side of the business will have you taking home the makings of a second meal.

Thanks for the great hopitality Jake's, we'll be back soon!

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Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 19, 2014
Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 2014
Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 2014
Something’s Missing at the Prudential Center
You may be here, as the arrow says, but something that was there for a long time is missing. What has been removed from this scene?

Hints:
- It is forty-seven years old and in great shape
- It was created by Donald De Lue (1897-1988)
- It is 27 feet tall
- It weighs 5 tons
- It was made of bronze and granite
- It was cast in one piece, despite its size, most likely at the Vittorio Lera Artistic Foundry at Viareggio, Italy.
- It has been moved to a storage facility while plans for its future are in progress. (According to it's entry on the Boston Public Art site. )
Yes, seen here with a group of young swing dancers is the missing statue – Quest Eternal. It was on this plaza on the Boylston Street side of the Prudential Center since 1967. It was removed for the upcoming construction of a building in this space.

When we walked by Monday there was a frontloader instead of the statue and the concrete barriers were being set in place.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. What's on your "Off to College" shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your back to school needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino

Vittorio Lera Artistic Foundry, at Viareggio, Italy

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August 12, 2014
Something’s Missing at the Prudential Center
You may be here, as the arrow says, but something that was there for a long time is missing. What has been removed from this scene?

Hints:
- It is forty-seven years old and in great shape
- It was created by Donald De Lue (1897-1988)
- It is 27 feet tall
- It weighs 5 tons
- It was made of bronze and granite
- It was cast in one piece, despite its size, most likely at the Vittorio Lera Artistic Foundry at Viareggio, Italy.
- It has been moved to a storage facility while plans for its future are in progress. (According to it's entry on the Boston Public Art site. )
Yes, seen here with a group of young swing dancers is the missing statue – Quest Eternal. It was on this plaza on the Boylston Street side of the Prudential Center since 1967. It was removed for the upcoming construction of a building in this space.

When we walked by Monday there was a frontloader instead of the statue and the concrete barriers were being set in place.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. What's on your "Off to College" shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your back to school needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino

Vittorio Lera Artistic Foundry, at Viareggio, Italy

Related articles

Living Stump Project to Fight Dutch Elm Disease

Sunday Dog – Watching Natty Grow!
August 12, 2014
Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord

I fell in love with the Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm in Concord back in the early days of Boston Organics. They used to have it as an add-on item and I ate a lot more salads when I was making my favorite raspberry vinaigrette with this important ingredient.

I have tried other raspberry vinegars but they are not loaded with rich, thick raspberry goodness the way this one is. I decided to track it down and a quick email to Jeff Barry at Boston Organics set my feet on the right trail.

A call to the farm and a conversation with farmer Tom Johnson gave me the details. If you call ahead, you can pick it up at the farm while supplies last. I happened to mention on Chowhound that I was looking forward to going to the farm to pick up some of this special vinegar and a regular poster, PinchOfSalt, wrote,

"That raspberry infusion is sooo good. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressings (with almond oil, some salt and pepper, maybe something like some thyme). However you don't have to go to the farm to buy it. I have seen it (very recently) at the Fresh Pond Whole Foods (almost wrote Bread & Circus!), by the refrigerated salad dressings."

I found it right where PinchOfSalt described but I'll still be going to the farm to pick up a large supply. This has always been a favorite gift item for me to have on hand.

The dressing I was making in the top photo was used on a salad of lovely greens dropped off by a friend and neighbor. (Thank you Margaret!) Her greens, some scallion, along with bacon, eggs, and avocado made a fabulous supper.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

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: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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August 11, 2014
Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord

I fell in love with the Raspberry Infusion Sweet Vinegar from Silferleaf Farm in Concord back in the early days of Boston Organics. They used to have it as an add-on item and I ate a lot more salads when I was making my favorite raspberry vinaigrette with this important ingredient.

I have tried other raspberry vinegars but they are not loaded with rich, thick raspberry goodness the way this one is. I decided to track it down and a quick email to Jeff Barry at Boston Organics set my feet on the right trail.

A call to the farm and a conversation with farmer Tom Johnson gave me the details. If you call ahead, you can pick it up at the farm while supplies last. I happened to mention on Chowhound that I was looking forward to going to the farm to pick up some of this special vinegar and a regular poster, PinchOfSalt, wrote,

"That raspberry infusion is sooo good. My favorite way to use it is in salad dressings (with almond oil, some salt and pepper, maybe something like some thyme). However you don't have to go to the farm to buy it. I have seen it (very recently) at the Fresh Pond Whole Foods (almost wrote Bread & Circus!), by the refrigerated salad dressings."

I found it right where PinchOfSalt described but I'll still be going to the farm to pick up a large supply. This has always been a favorite gift item for me to have on hand.

The dressing I was making in the top photo was used on a salad of lovely greens dropped off by a friend and neighbor. (Thank you Margaret!) Her greens, some scallion, along with bacon, eggs, and avocado made a fabulous supper.

Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

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: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Focaccia Croutons Are Tops

Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad

Pulled Pork with Tart, Tangy Cole Slaw

Patio Season Launched At Coppa

August 11, 2014
Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar.

"Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

Dressing Table by William Thomas

You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style.

Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

QUICK FACTS:

Title: Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Dates: Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

Exhibit Hours: 10am to 7pm daily

Admission: Free

Opening reception: Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

Handicap access: No

Parking: Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

Nearest T stops: Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

Website: http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

View book: http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

July 31, 2014
Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Furniture that is art is coming to Newbury Street for the first two weeks in August. If you have an appreciation for finely crafted woodwork, put this on your calendar.

"Sleigh Endings" Bench by A Thomas Walsh

Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition will be on display at 127-129 Newbury Street from Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014.

Dressing Table by William Thomas

You'll be treated to the work of 17 New England based craftspeople each working in their own style.

Adagio by Bradley Wolcott

QUICK FACTS:

Title: Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions – a Pop-up Exhibition

Dates: Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 15, 2014

Where: 127-129 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116

Exhibit Hours: 10am to 7pm daily

Admission: Free

Opening reception: Friday August 1, 6pm to 8pm, open to the public.

Handicap access: No

Parking: Metered street parking on Newbury and adjacent streets. Garage parking on Exeter St.

Nearest T stops: Copley Square (Green line), Back Bay Station (Orange Line, MBTA Commuter Rail)

Website: http://www.furnituremasters.com/news/

View book: http://issuu.com/rhoedel/docs/2014nhfmadesignbook/0

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 with an big assist from the organizers for the great Quick Facts section
Photography: Courtesy of the exhibit Furniture Masters: Artistic Visions

July 31, 2014
Lobster Rolls vs Lobster Salad Rolls

Those of us who love lobster rolls have more options these day. When we first moved to Boston, we quickly learned that if you saw the words "lobster roll" on a menu, it was most likely a "lobster salad roll" with mayonnaise and perhaps fillers.

Here's a photo of a lobster salad roll from Mark H. Anbinder's Flickr photostream. (Used under this creative commons license.)

This looks like a good version with crisp lettuce and little filler. For those who love mayo and don't mind the fillers, there are dozens of great versions of this around the area. But, it is a "lobster salad roll" not a "lobster roll" to those of us who grew up around the Southern Rhode Island or Connecticut seacoast.

Think for a moment. If a menu reads "chicken sandwich," would you expect it to be a "chicken salad sandwich?"

Where to Find Lobster Rolls!

The question of where to get a Hot Buttered Lobster Roll came up on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum recently. That will give you some recommendations from other Boston sources.

Here's where we enjoy lobster rolls – hot or cold but all with no mayo or fillers. (We do welcome a nicely buttered and grilled roll and a bit of drawn butter on the side.)

Neptune Oyster's Hot Buttered Lobster Roll broke the mold for Bostonians. Suddenly, we had a place to go for a great lobster roll. Other places caught on and today we have many great options.

Jake's Seafood in Hull has always given us the same lobster roll we knew and loved from Rhode Island seafood shacks. Jake's menu reads, "Our classic! A full 1/4lb. of freshly picked lobster meat on a traditional hotdog bun (toasted with butter upon request), served with mayo on the side."

Belle Isle Seafood in Winthrop is another place where we can ask for our lobster roll our way. You can also order it with mixed lobster meat or lobster tail meat.

The Lobster Pool in Rockport provides a great lobster roll or lobster salad roll, your choice, with a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocky shore.

James Hook & Company has lobster salad rolls ready to go in their case on busy days. But, they will be happy to make a lobster roll for you if you ask. They'll even toast the roll on request and provide a side of butter. We love to take their lobster rolls to a table on the harbor walk along the Fort Point channel.

Row 34, over in Fort Point, serves their lobster roll with slaw and homemade chips. (We opted out of the slaw.)

As more places add lobster rolls to their menus, we'll check them out. Let us know if you have a place you think we should try.

We can't recommend any lobster roll or lobster salad roll that uses frozen lobster in whole or in part. Some places who serve lobster salad rolls have said they could make a lobster roll and when it arrives, it is made with frozen lobster. Why would a seaside shop have frozen lobster on hand? It may be that they use all or a percentage of frozen lobster in their lobster salad.

Fillers like celery or a bed of lettuce in the roll are another way to cut the cost of the roll and perhaps offer it at a low price.

Summer is a great time to enjoy a trip to the shore and this New England specialty. Let us know your favorite lobster rolls and lobster salad rolls.

We have full posts on each of these places. Here are the links.

Jake's Seafood: Ocean Craving Satisfied with Lobster Roll Bonus!

Daytrip to the Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA

Neptune Oyster Lobster Roll – A best bite!

Belle Isle: Lobster Rolls at the Reservation

Row 34 Restaurant: Our First Look

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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino and Lobster Salad Roll from Mark H. Anbinder's Flickr photostream. (Used under this creative commons license.)

July 21, 2014