Tag: Cape Cod

  • We Toast May 2018 with 2013 Argyle Brut Rosé and Look Forward to 2023

    We just returned from Provincetown where the ever reliable wine folks at Perry's had the 2013 Argyle Brut Rosé chilled and waiting for these two Argyle lovers to enjoy.

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    This year we're celebrating old friends and wines we already love as we choose our sparkler of the month. We are so happy we discovered Perry's curated wine selection. It's always great when your wine merchant has similar taste to your own.

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    The friends connected to this wine begin with Argyle founder Rollin Soles. He's the man with the great big smile in the photo. We corresponded with him long before we had the pleasure of meeting him. We have a great history of friendship with his wines. 

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    This wine is a stunner! We tend to be one glass of wine people these days but, with this one, we couldn't resist a second pour. 

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    The 2023 mentioned in our post title is because Argyle says,

    "Like all Argyle Sparkling wines, Argyle Brut Rosé is made to be long aging, maintaining its richness & minerality. It was cellared and aged on the yeast for 3-5 years and disgorged on demand, just prior to release. A portion of this vintage will remain on yeast 10 years to become Extended Tirage Brut Rosé in 2023."

    We've made a note on our calendars to find that wine in 2023.

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    We enjoyed one bottle in Provincetown, but stopped by Perry's to buy a second one to bring home and share with friends on May 1st!

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    Trying wines from different places, made with different 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! Join our Sparkling Resolution!

    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: ©2018 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Rollin Souls photo courtesy of Argyle.

  • Going to Provincetown? Reserve a Seat at Ross’ Grill

    Thanks to finding a great puppy sitter, we were able to dine out in Provincetown on our recent spring visit. Naturally our first choice for a test run was brunch at Ross' Grill. 

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    We want to put you on alert – grabbing a couple of seats at the bar in-season won't be as easy as it was for us in April. So go to the site and make a reservation before you arrive in town or call them as soon as you land in Ptown.

    This is exactly what we recommended to a friend going to Provincetown for Memorial Day weekend. Why not insure an outstanding meal with great hospitality?

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    A bonus is the great harbor view.

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    And a wonderful deck where you can relax with a drink while waiting for friends or a table.

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    These wine specials are in addition to a fabulous and extensive wine list with more than 75 different wines served by the glass. 

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    We actually have a tradition of choosing a pinot noir for our Thanksgiving meal at while sitting and sipping at this bar. Someone has a great taste in pinot and we love to let experts educate us and select the best wine.

    Ross' has a history of outstanding bartenders. We asked for a recommendation and knew we were in the hands of a talented server with our first sips. In fact, one of our favorite bartenders over the years, César Gerena, now owns the restaurant. 

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    Ed makes it easy for us to pick a pinot by ordering his favorite "Blackened Tuna Sandwich with Black Olive Tapenade." He loves a good pinot with that dish.

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    The "Chicken Liver and Pistachio Paté" is the perfect appetizer to share with the table or your dining companion. We both enjoyed this platter of delicious accoutrements that let us make each slice of bread spread with paté slightly different from the last. 

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    Ross' Grill is at the end of Whaler's Wharf on the second floor.

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    You can check the current menu on line or on this menu board near at the entrance to the wharf complex.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Going to Provincetown? Reserve a Seat at Ross’ Grill

    Thanks to finding a great puppy sitter, we were able to dine out in Provincetown on our recent spring visit. Naturally our first choice for a test run was brunch at Ross' Grill. 

     IMG_8656

    We want to put you on alert – grabbing a couple of seats at the bar in-season won't be as easy as it was for us in April. So go to the site and make a reservation before you arrive in town or call them as soon as you land in Ptown.

    This is exactly what we recommended to a friend going to Provincetown for Memorial Day weekend. Why not insure an outstanding meal with great hospitality?

    IMG_8641

    A bonus is the great harbor view.

    IMG_8654

    And a wonderful deck where you can relax with a drink while waiting for friends or a table.

    IMG_8645

    These wine specials are in addition to a fabulous and extensive wine list with more than 75 different wines served by the glass. 

    IMG_8637

    We actually have a tradition of choosing a pinot noir for our Thanksgiving meal at while sitting and sipping at this bar. Someone has a great taste in pinot and we love to let experts educate us and select the best wine.

    Ross' has a history of outstanding bartenders. We asked for a recommendation and knew we were in the hands of a talented server with our first sips. In fact, one of our favorite bartenders over the years, César Gerena, now owns the restaurant. 

    IMG_8651

    Ed makes it easy for us to pick a pinot by ordering his favorite "Blackened Tuna Sandwich with Black Olive Tapenade." He loves a good pinot with that dish.

    IMG_8647

    The "Chicken Liver and Pistachio Paté" is the perfect appetizer to share with the table or your dining companion. We both enjoyed this platter of delicious accoutrements that let us make each slice of bread spread with paté slightly different from the last. 

    IMG_2775

    Ross' Grill is at the end of Whaler's Wharf on the second floor.

    IMG_2838

    You can check the current menu on line or on this menu board near at the entrance to the wharf complex.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Provincetown Shopping Primer

    We have been visiting Provincetown for many, many years and we've seen the town change over the years. On a recent morning, Penny took photos of some of the places we are always recommending to friends when they travel to our favorite home away from home.

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    We often sing the praises of Utilities If you find the place you rented doesn't have good wine glasses, a sharp knife, a cutting board or any home essential, this is the place to find a quality item that you will be happy to take home with you.

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    You will often see us wearing shirts and hats with fabulous Provincetown graphics. Those all come from Birdie Silkscreen Studio. Once upon a time, we owned a company that created silkscreen designs. We know how difficult it is to do that well and we are long time fans of this graphic artist.

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    If it is something odd that you need or if you are looking for a way to spend a bit of time inside on a rainy day, make your way to Marine Specialties.  This year we found and bought some fish net that we could use to block off the stairs to the deck and keep our dog Poppy contained.

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    We both have shoes that we've bought at Cape Tip Sportswear. Ed swears by them as the source of his running shoes and the sales they have before and after the prime season are always great.

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    Supporting independent bookstores is important so make sure you visit and make a purchase at Provincetown Book Shop.

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    Forgot to pack a sun hat? Visit Mad As A Hatter and you'll find exactly what you want.

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    There was a time when we brought the wine we wanted to P-town. Now we have two favorite wine shops in town. Glass Half Full is in the center of town.

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    Perry's Wine and Liquors is in the West End. Now we bring wines back to Boston with us because both these shops have excellent.

    This is not a complete list. We shopped at both hardware stores in town and made a couple of supermarket visits. Later in the season more places will be open and will win some of our trade. Our full collection of articles on Provincetown can be found here.

    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: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Why New Englanders Pay Attention to Tides: Boston 101

    On a popular travel site, a visitor from the Midwest asked the local volunteers why information about tides was included in so much media. He or she wanted to know why we needed this information and what we did with it.

    The king tides this week reminded me of that conversation and what I learned as I read the replies. Here's a king tide post with photos from Universal Hub. Here's another.

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    Unlike some bodies of water with minimal tides, we can have some pretty substantial changes in water depth when the tide flows in and out. Above is a house we rent on Provincetown Harbor, pictured at low tide. You can see the marks on the seawall and on the piles that support the deck showing a more than 12-foot change in water depth.

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    Here is what happens to that sandy stretch alongside the house at high tide.  

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    Add a storm and you had better be prepared. Here's a post we wrote after spending a stormy day in this house:

    Open the Hatches: Our Storm Adventure in Provincetown

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    Boaters Need to Know the Tides

    When you are at the helm of a boat, you had better know the tides. In some cases, your boat may be aground for part of the tidal span. Or you may have to anchor it in a part of the harbor that is deep enough to allow it to float even at low tide. 

    You also need to check your charts and know the depth of your keel to know where you can and cannot go on a given tide. For many years, we sailed on a catamaran that allowed us to pull up the dagger boards and slip over sandbars that would ground other vessels. 

    If you paddle your boat or row the direction of the tide in or out, it will make your workout harder or easier. 

    Occupational Needs

    Many of the people who provide us with all that delicious New England seafood depend on tide charts and tide reports to schedule their workdays. The same is true for contractors who work on seawalls and piers. 

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    Recreation

    Some beaches, like those on Provincetown Harbor, are better for walking at low tide than swimming. Our dog Poppy loves to walk the beach. At high tide, we take her to the stairway and show her that instead of sand at the bottom of the steps, there is water half way up the flight. We schedule her longest walk of the day for low tide. 

    Climate Change and Real Estate

    As waters rise, the potential maximum high tide surge is becoming an issue in real estate matters. The FEMA flood plane maps have recently been revised and requirements for flood insurance will follow those guidelines. Property values in areas impacted by increased storm surges will eventually change. You want to know all about the tides in any area where you might be considering a purchase of property.

    Your links to Tide Information

    NOAA provides tide charts on the web at this site

    My preferred information source is a Tide App for my phone. In fact, I have two installed. I use TideApp most often because it is simple and clear and gives me a calendar that I can use to plan ahead for sailing, clam digging, or walking Poppy on the beach. 

    I like Tides Near Me because it gives me a map option to help pinpoint the tide measurement station. 

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Why New Englanders Pay Attention to Tides: Boston 101

    On a popular travel site, a visitor from the Midwest asked the local volunteers why information about tides was included in so much media. He or she wanted to know why we needed this information and what we did with it.

    The king tides this week reminded me of that conversation and what I learned as I read the replies. Here's a king tide post with photos from Universal Hub. Here's another.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7e12453970b-800wi

    Unlike some bodies of water with minimal tides, we can have some pretty substantial changes in water depth when the tide flows in and out. Above is a house we rent on Provincetown Harbor, pictured at low tide. You can see the marks on the seawall and on the piles that support the deck showing a more than 12-foot change in water depth.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7e124a8970b-800wi

    Here is what happens to that sandy stretch alongside the house at high tide.  

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb0884fd9a970d-800wi

    Add a storm and you had better be prepared. Here's a post we wrote after spending a stormy day in this house:

    Open the Hatches: Our Storm Adventure in Provincetown

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3c6bb476970c-800wi

    Boaters Need to Know the Tides

    When you are at the helm of a boat, you had better know the tides. In some cases, your boat may be aground for part of the tidal span. Or you may have to anchor it in a part of the harbor that is deep enough to allow it to float even at low tide. 

    You also need to check your charts and know the depth of your keel to know where you can and cannot go on a given tide. For many years, we sailed on a catamaran that allowed us to pull up the dagger boards and slip over sandbars that would ground other vessels. 

    If you paddle your boat or row the direction of the tide in or out, it will make your workout harder or easier. 

    Occupational Needs

    Many of the people who provide us with all that delicious New England seafood depend on tide charts and tide reports to schedule their workdays. The same is true for contractors who work on seawalls and piers. 

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73dc5bbc8970d-800wi

    Recreation

    Some beaches, like those on Provincetown Harbor, are better for walking at low tide than swimming. Our dog Poppy loves to walk the beach. At high tide, we take her to the stairway and show her that instead of sand at the bottom of the steps, there is water half way up the flight. We schedule her longest walk of the day for low tide. 

    Climate Change and Real Estate

    As waters rise, the potential maximum high tide surge is becoming an issue in real estate matters. The FEMA flood plane maps have recently been revised and requirements for flood insurance will follow those guidelines. Property values in areas impacted by increased storm surges will eventually change. You want to know all about the tides in any area where you might be considering a purchase of property.

    Your links to Tide Information

    NOAA provides tide charts on the web at this site

    My preferred information source is a Tide App for my phone. In fact, I have two installed. I use TideApp most often because it is simple and clear and gives me a calendar that I can use to plan ahead for sailing, clam digging, or walking Poppy on the beach. 

    I like Tides Near Me because it gives me a map option to help pinpoint the tide measurement station. 

     

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

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    Minutes before leaving for Provincetown, Penny quickly grabbed what she thought was a bottle of our favorite Charles de Cazanove brut from the wine rack. It wasn’t until we’d arrived on-Cape and had begun to unpack that she realized it was actually their rosé, which we hadn't tried.

    After the long drive, we quickly settled in and treated ourselves to a couple of glasses of Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne.

    Our first reaction, “Impressive!” Penny said this bubbly had, “a little bit of the yeasty flavor that I love in Bollinger and the flavor of the fruit without the sweetness of added dosage.”

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    Charles de Cazanove Rosé is a blend of 15% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Côteaux Champenois Rouge.

    The winemaker describes a “… volume, fullness and strength on the palate, with good substance.”

    “This rosé has a lovely salmon-pink colour and delicious candied fruit and rose petal aromas.”

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    In a cocktail glass, I thought it looked like an inviting mixed drink. It was a great match with Chef José Andrés super light, olive oil potato chips.

    We also had it with a good Cabot cheddar, some pretzel chips, and a fresh loaf of French bread.”

    Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne, a very satisfying way to start a vacation and this new month. One Happy Surprise!                     

    Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    (And, for those who came here seeking canine goodness, our Sunday Dog features will return next week. Here's a link to the past ones in case you really need a dose of dog.)

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

  • Provincetown Is Ready for Halloween

    Once upon a time, Provincetown closed up shop after Labor Day. These days, Halloween is a big weekend in that town at the tip of Massachusetts. Decorating had already started when we were out there.

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    Somerset House Inn always has a bit of seasonal bling on display for us to enjoy on our walks around town. They went all out for this weekend so we wanted to reward their efforts by making them and our favorite Cape Cod destination our Friday Link. Here's a link to what's going on in Provincetown this weekend.

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    At the famous "Purple House," as one friend calls the Somerset House Inn, the front stairs were lined with cats and pumpkin lanterns.

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    And the front yard had turned into a spooky graveyard …

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    … complete with "once-were-rats-creatures" ready to nibble at whatever they could find. 

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    The locals were hoping for great weather and a busy weekend and, right now, it looks good for them to get their wish and wind up the season with a bit of extra cash from all those who see this as a natural place to dress up and celebrate!

    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 Cherubino  

  • Sailing onto the Mooring

    The man at the tiller of this lovely little catboat did a picture perfect job of sailing onto his mooring in Provincetown Harbor.

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    This was one of our team photos. Ed spotted the picture and I had my camera at the ready. This was taken a few days after a storm and those streaks you see floating in the water are seaweed that was washed ashore.

    We've just returned from a period of rest and relaxation in this town on the tip of Cape Cod. We highly recommend visiting in the slower months when the quiet is deep and the light is a photographer's dream.

    Prints and merchandise with this photo are available from our gallery.

    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  

  • Sailing onto the Mooring

    The man at the tiller of this lovely little catboat did a picture perfect job of sailing onto his mooring in Provincetown Harbor.

    CHE_9148 - Version 22015-10-06small-provincetown-sailing-catboat-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    This was one of our team photos. Ed spotted the picture and I had my camera at the ready. This was taken a few days after a storm and those streaks you see floating in the water are seaweed that was washed ashore.

    We've just returned from a period of rest and relaxation in this town on the tip of Cape Cod. We highly recommend visiting in the slower months when the quiet is deep and the light is a photographer's dream.

    Prints and merchandise with this photo are available from our gallery.

    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