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Tag: chowhound

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Around Boston 2017

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

    There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340120a6fe484b970b-800wi

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Christmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    • Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
    • Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
    • Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. They tell us that it will be a nightly special every night in December! 

    Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th.

    • The Bristol at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel 
    • Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Other Resources:

    As we included above, the reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

     

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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

    Photos: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

    There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    Other Resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

    There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340147e031dab7970b-800wi

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

     

     

    Other Resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick’s Day) and What’s Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?

    This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e890b7b2970c-800wi

    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

    Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

    6a00e54fc42bb888340112796f2a3328a4-800wi

    About your holiday questions …

    According to the Secretary of State's website,

    "Evacuation Day – March 17th
    (Suffolk County only, state and municipal offices are open)"

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays. Therefore, there's no change in parking regulations or trash pick up.

    • Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens. 
    • Here's the official word on that:

    Screen Shot 2015-03-17 at Tuesday, March 17, 201512.54.24 PM

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade.  Download MBTA St Patrick's Day Parade schedule.

    We'll update as press releases come out from around the city.

    Update 03/13/15:

    Here's a link to and text of the City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

    "The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.

    View Map of Route

    The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM.   Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.

    To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.  

    • Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
    • On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
    • Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
    • Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
    • Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
    • All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line

    Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.

     “Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”

    • Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
    • Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
    • West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
    • East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
    • Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
    • West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
    • F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street

    People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA.  Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com.  For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."

    Related Posts:

    Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

    Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

    What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     


    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick’s Day) and What’s Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?

    This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e890b7b2970c-800wi

    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

    Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

    6a00e54fc42bb888340112796f2a3328a4-800wi

    About your holiday questions …

    According to the Secretary of State's website,

    "Evacuation Day – March 17th
    (Suffolk County only, state and municipal offices are open)"

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays. Therefore, there's no change in parking regulations or trash pick up.

    • Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens. 
    • Here's the official word on that:

    Screen Shot 2015-03-17 at Tuesday, March 17, 201512.54.24 PM

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade.  Download MBTA St Patrick's Day Parade schedule.

    We'll update as press releases come out from around the city.

    Update 03/13/15:

    Here's a link to and text of the City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

    "The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.

    View Map of Route

    The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM.   Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.

    To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.  

    • Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
    • On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
    • Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
    • Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
    • Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
    • All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line

    Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.

     “Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”

    • Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
    • Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
    • West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
    • East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
    • Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
    • West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
    • F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street

    People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA.  Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com.  For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."

    Related Posts:

    Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

    Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

    What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     


    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2014 in Boston: Here’s What’s Open

    Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!

    UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

    IStock_000044618784Small

    Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

    Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.

    What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    What's Open on Christmas Eve?

    There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.

    At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option. 

    • Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
    • Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
    • Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave, Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
    • Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

    Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

    In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:

    • Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel is serving a three-course prix fixe menu from Noon-8 p.m.
    • The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
    • Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
    • Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel



    Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

    Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

    Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.

    Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

    Eater Boston's Christmas Map (Updated 12/16/2013)

    What Chinese Restaurants are Open On Christmas Day– (2012)

    Christmas Day Brunch (2012)

    Open on Cape Cod on Christmas Day (just in case you're going there) (2012)

    Xmas Lunch in Boston  (2012)

    Restaurant open Christmas Day in Newton or nearby (2012)

    Other resources:

    The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining. 

    But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

    The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

    From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

    They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

    Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening. 

    Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal. 

    Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

    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: 

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: from iStockphoto.com

    Related articles
    Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé
    You Never Know What's Under Boston Streets

  • 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.

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    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:

    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.

     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

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    Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look

  • 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. 

    CHE_3920 - Version 22014-07-25-raspberry vinegar- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. 

    IMG_0851 - Version 22014-07-25-salad-raspberry-vinaigrette-egg-bacon-avacado-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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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  • 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. 

    CHE_3920 - Version 22014-07-25-raspberry vinegar- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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. 

    IMG_0851 - Version 22014-07-25-salad-raspberry-vinaigrette-egg-bacon-avacado-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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.

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

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  • Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston

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    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.

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    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.)

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     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

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