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Vella Dry Jack Cheese: an American Treasure

We are students of cheese and admit to having a mental list of cheese we want to try. Vella Dry Jack has been on that list since we saw it on Steve Jenkins list, "American Treasures: the best American Cheeses" in his book Cheese Primer.

It is not widely available in this area. So when Penny saw it at Whole Foods on Cambridge Street, she grabbed a wedge.

This cheese has a wonderful history and others have told the story well, so we'll just link to those reports.

First, there is the family's own history on the Vella Cheese website. And, Janet Fletcher wrote about it in the San Francisco Chronicle: Vella Dry Jack's dark brown coat makes an instant impression.

The process that created that brown rind you see above is one of the interesting notes mentioned by most people writing about Vella Dry Jack. To protect and preserve the wheels, cheesemakers rub them with a mixture of oil, pepper, and unsweetened cocoa during the aging process.

This is a hard cheese with nutty, sweet, caramel tones. You can pick up a scent of chocolate, but not the flavor.

Dry Jack was originally sold during World War I as a substitute for Parmigiano-Reggiano. With the recent destruction of so much of the supply of Parmigiano by the earthquakes in Italy, we could find ourselves looking to California cheesemakers to create more of this rarer, dry version of Jack Cheese.

Related Posts:

One of our all time favorite cheeses was created by a cheesemaker from the Vella Family.

Rogue River Blue

Rogue River Blue, Amercian Cheese Society Winner

And, here are other items from our Cheese Tray!

What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

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.

July 26, 2012
Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years.

This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

Clover Food Truck

A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

Falafel King

In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great.

The Thinking Cup

The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

Another shot by Katherine Hala.

Savenor’s

If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

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: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.

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.

July 25, 2012
Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

This season’s run of Shakesphere on the Common opens tonight and continues through August 12th. The food selection around the Boston Common has improved over the past couple of years.

This lovely photo from a past performance is by Katherine Hala, here is her photostream.

Here are a few places where you can pick up a delicious supper to enjoy while you watch Coriolanus.

Clover Food Truck

A Clover Food Lab truck is now stationed at the restored Brewer Plaza. Ed loves their Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich and those rosemary fries are a must! See who else likes Clover here!

Clover’s Chick Pea Fritter Sandwich (Photo by Penny Cherubino)

Bacco’s Wine and Cheese

On St. James Avenue near Arlington is Bacco’s Wine and Cheese– a great stop for a picnic supper. They have prepared sandwiches; their famous bento boxes containing an enticing selection of cheese, salumi, bread, and olives; or you can always choose what catches your eye on the counter.

A recent picnic from Bacco’s. Photo: Penny Cherubino

Falafel King

In Downtown Crossing, right across from the Park Street MBTA station, you’ll find the small, ethnic food court where Falafel King reigns supreme. We usually order the combo plate, but all the items we’ve tried have been great.

The Thinking Cup

The Thinking Cup coffee shop across from the Common on Tremont Street is known for their great coffee but they also have a fine selection of sandwiches and pastries.

Another shot by Katherine Hala.

Savenor’s

If you are coming from Beacon Hill, consider a stop at Savenor’s on Charles Street. Manager Diana Tovar says they have added a “Grab and Go” sandwich selection to their shop. It’s also the perfect place to walk around and gather all the elements for a delicious picnic– fruit, cheese, desserts, and a few special treats.

Elsewhere on Charles Street, you could order take-out from Café Vanille, the Paramount, or Panificio. All three have great sandwiches and salads.

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: Katherine Hala, here is her photostream. Used under this creative commons license.

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.

July 25, 2012
Cherry Tart Season at Clear Flour Bakery: A Best Bite

We had finished lunch in Kenmore Square and were looking at the dessert menu. Nothing was tempting me but I knew that temptation was quietly waiting behind the counter at Clear Flour Bread in Brookline.

I leaned over and whispered to Ed, "Clear Flour." His eyes lit up and we were soon on a Green line B train to Packard's Corner where we filled a shopping bag with baked goodness.

While bread may be in their "official" name, Clear Flour is one of our favorite places to buy pastries. They usually have a country tart. The fillings are seasonal. On this visit our choices were cherry or peach/plum.

Related Posts:

Clear Flour Bread– Clearly Artisan, Clearly Charming…

Clear Flour Pain Meunier or Miller's Bread

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

Details:

Clear Flour Bread

178 Thorndike Street, Brookline, MA 02446-5844 (map)

(617) 739-0060

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

July 24, 2012
Cherry Tart Season at Clear Flour Bakery: A Best Bite

We had finished lunch in Kenmore Square and were looking at the dessert menu. Nothing was tempting me but I knew that temptation was quietly waiting behind the counter at Clear Flour Bread in Brookline.

I leaned over and whispered to Ed, "Clear Flour." His eyes lit up and we were soon on a Green line B train to Packard's Corner where we filled a shopping bag with baked goodness.

While bread may be in their "official" name, Clear Flour is one of our favorite places to buy pastries. They usually have a country tart. The fillings are seasonal. On this visit our choices were cherry or peach/plum.

Related Posts:

Clear Flour Bread– Clearly Artisan, Clearly Charming…

Clear Flour Pain Meunier or Miller's Bread

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

Details:

Clear Flour Bread

178 Thorndike Street, Brookline, MA 02446-5844 (map)

(617) 739-0060

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

July 24, 2012
Bass Fishing on the Charles River

All summer long, we've seen rods and reels along the Esplanade as anglers choose favorite spots for a major bass fishing tournament to be held on the Charles and Mystic Rivers in September. The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Eastern Division Championship will take place on the Charles and Mystic Rivers from September 12th to the 14th, 2012.

This bass, caught along the Esplanade canoeway, was too small to keep. After posing for a quick photo, it was returned to the river.

Perhaps the currents under the Mass Ave Bridge are a sweet spot for this angler.

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.

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

July 23, 2012
Bass Fishing on the Charles River

All summer long, we've seen rods and reels along the Esplanade as anglers choose favorite spots for a major bass fishing tournament to be held on the Charles and Mystic Rivers in September. The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Eastern Division Championship will take place on the Charles and Mystic Rivers from September 12th to the 14th, 2012.

This bass, caught along the Esplanade canoeway, was too small to keep. After posing for a quick photo, it was returned to the river.

Perhaps the currents under the Mass Ave Bridge are a sweet spot for this angler.

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.

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

July 23, 2012
Meet Raisin from Four Preppy Paws on Charles Street

Raisin was nowhere in sight when we stopped by Four Preppy Paws on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. We needed to ask her to model for a photo we were taking for Penny's City Paws newpaper column.

We soon discovered that she was hiding in plain sight, under a pretty pink blanket in the front window of the shop. She was kind enough to pop out for a few minutes to let us take some shots.

She loves snoozing under the covers while serving as consultant for the shop.

She thinks she's well hidden behind a couple of big dog beds and she does have her assistant watchdog on duty while she rests.

We think Raisin is very pretty and has a regal profile. She's also a lot of fun and we were happy that her request to put her cover-up back over her head was quickly accommodated by her person.

Does your dog or cat have a silly habit that makes you smile? Please share in the comments below.

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: © 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.

July 22, 2012
Love Those South End Fences

As a fan of traditional architecture, different parts of Boston attract me with their delightful details. The South End is rich in wonderful buildings filled with outstanding design elements. But as I walk there, my eye is constantly seeking out the rows of cast iron fences marching along the streets.

Fences, like the one in Ed's photo above, have an unmistakable strength and dignity and seem to unite buildings into strings of neighbors. With the brick sidewalks, they give you a sense of time and place.

A big thank you to The South End Historical Society for helping to restore and preserve this trademark in their neighborhood.

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

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

July 21, 2012
Archaeology Dig on Your Bucket List? Here’s Your Chance…

The City of Boston Archaeology Program is asking for volunteers to help them sort through items found on the Boston Common. We think this will fascinate some of our readers so we're making this our Friday link.

They say, "This week's goals are to finish cataloging the 2012 Boston Common Men's Comfort Station and sorting of the 95 boxes of artifacts from previous excavations on the Common. With some luck and lots of volunteer help, we could have one of the most important archaeological collections in the City in organized and stable conditions. Interested in volunteering at the lab?"

If you are, click here to send an email to Joseph Bagley, the city archaeologist.

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
Screengrab from the City of Boston Archaeology Facebook page

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.

July 20, 2012