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  • Townsman for the Win at Lunch

    We love going out to lunch and have added Townsman to our list of great lunch spots. (map)

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    We admit to having a soft spot for alumni from Rhode Island where we first met Chef Matt Jennings at his cheese shop, Farmstead, when we were in Providence visiting family. He introduced us to a favorite cheese for which we have been grateful over the years. 

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    Now he's joined the Boston scene and is serving up great lunchtime options like this outstanding Vermont Pork Cubano with light, airy, housemade chips, and tangy bread & butter pickles. Ed is a Cubano fan and this one made him very happy.

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    Maine mussels with herbed cottage fries was Penny's choice. If you order this, it will come with a bit of aioli (not shown above, since they honored her request to avoid the raw egg in that addition). Happily, she dipped her frites in the rosé sauce.

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    We would have skipped dessert but our bartender sensed our hesitation and let us know that at lunch the desserts are smaller than the evening selections. Three wee ice cream sandwiches were the perfect conclusion to our meal. 

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    This is a bright, sunny room with comfortable bar seating in addition to indoor and outdoor dining areas.

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    If you find yourself in the Financial District, the Greenway near South Station, or Downtown, add Townsman to your list of places to lunch.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Townsman for the Win at Lunch

    We love going out to lunch and have added Townsman to our list of great lunch spots. (map)

    IMG_8768

    We admit to having a soft spot for alumni from Rhode Island where we first met Chef Matt Jennings at his cheese shop, Farmstead, when we were in Providence visiting family. He introduced us to a favorite cheese for which we have been grateful over the years. 

    IMG_8744

    Now he's joined the Boston scene and is serving up great lunchtime options like this outstanding Vermont Pork Cubano with light, airy, housemade chips, and tangy bread & butter pickles. Ed is a Cubano fan and this one made him very happy.

    IMG_8760

    Maine mussels with herbed cottage fries was Penny's choice. If you order this, it will come with a bit of aioli (not shown above, since they honored her request to avoid the raw egg in that addition). Happily, she dipped her frites in the rosé sauce.

    IMG_2778

    We would have skipped dessert but our bartender sensed our hesitation and let us know that at lunch the desserts are smaller than the evening selections. Three wee ice cream sandwiches were the perfect conclusion to our meal. 

    IMG_8732

    This is a bright, sunny room with comfortable bar seating in addition to indoor and outdoor dining areas.

    IMG_2772

    If you find yourself in the Financial District, the Greenway near South Station, or Downtown, add Townsman to your list of places to lunch.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Do a Kindness and Share Your Dog with Lonely Tourists …

    And with others who are missing their dogs.

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    Our Poppy has a serious bench habit and she considers the Collins Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall as one big bench. Perfect for posing and sitting with her belly on the cool stone on a hot day.

    Sitting in the city parks, we meet a lot of visitors to Boston because they are drawn to Poppy. Two women were walking down the Mall last summer and one of them looked at Poppy and said, “I miss my dog!”

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    We invited her over for some surrogate puppy therapy and enjoyed learning a bit about her and how she was spending her time in Boston. Seeing the city through the eyes of visitors can make you appreciate what we have here.

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    Noah is another neighborhood dog who is always ready to accept a few pats from a friend or a stranger. His smile and bright eyes could uplift anyone's day.

    Sharing your dog with those who miss theirs, because they are separated for a short time or because they've lost their companion animal, is a kindness. Open your mind to the concept, tune in your awareness to those around you, and you will be rewarded with smiles, good karma, and a dog who is well socialized and happy with an extra dose of love and attention.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us
    Collateral Damage as the Snow Melts

  • Do a Kindness and Share Your Dog with Lonely Tourists …

    And with others who are missing their dogs.

    IMG_9850

    Our Poppy has a serious bench habit and she considers the Collins Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall as one big bench. Perfect for posing and sitting with her belly on the cool stone on a hot day.

    Sitting in the city parks, we meet a lot of visitors to Boston because they are drawn to Poppy. Two women were walking down the Mall last summer and one of them looked at Poppy and said, “I miss my dog!”

     IMG_9950

    We invited her over for some surrogate puppy therapy and enjoyed learning a bit about her and how she was spending her time in Boston. Seeing the city through the eyes of visitors can make you appreciate what we have here.

     IMG_7849

    Noah is another neighborhood dog who is always ready to accept a few pats from a friend or a stranger. His smile and bright eyes could uplift anyone's day.

    Sharing your dog with those who miss theirs, because they are separated for a short time or because they've lost their companion animal, is a kindness. Open your mind to the concept, tune in your awareness to those around you, and you will be rewarded with smiles, good karma, and a dog who is well socialized and happy with an extra dose of love and attention.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us
    Collateral Damage as the Snow Melts

  • Air Quality Tools to Check, Alert, or Inform You of Dangerous Days

    Each day a Massachusetts Air Quality Forecast arrives in my inbox. This service from www.enviroflash.info informs me about air quality for the next day. Green and I'm good to go, yellow means I might curtail or rearrange some of my outdoor activities, orange or red and I'm staying inside as much as possible. 

    Screen Shot 2016-07-23 at Saturday, July 23, 20162.46.35 PM

    You can also get health information from pollen counts to air quality on some weather sites. I like the health maps on Intellicast to check on the current status when my email alert brings a problem to my attention. Sometimes things change for the better or worse. 

    Screen Shot 2016-07-29 at Friday, July 29, 20161.18.20 PM

    Air Now also has a reference page that explains the details of the Air Quality Index, who is included when they alert danger for sensitive groups, and what triggers an air quality emergency that impacts all of us. 

     

    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 Cherubino with screenshots from the sites featured.

  • Select Oyster Lobster Salad for Lunch & Supper

    Lobster salads seldom tempt me. But the last few times we've visited Select Oyster, the description of their lobster salad has stopped my gaze as I scanned the menu. I checked with our trusted bartender to be sure it was a dressing I could have and finally ordered it. 

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    "Maine Lobster salad, spring peas, shaved radishes, mâche, kale, almond dressing," the menu said. When it arrived, it also had other bits of favorite things like toasted almonds and frisée. And, while it is not apparent in this photo, it had lots and lots of lobster. 

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    I ate about half of my lovely bowl of summer goodness and took the rest home for supper. It was lightly dressed and still delicious later in the day. 

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    Normally Ed would have helped me finish my entrée but, this time, he took a break from his usual choice of crudo, oysters, and the rest of my meal. He ordered and was comfortably full with a spectacular plate of halibut.

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    A glass of Txakolina was a perfect match for the salad.

    I have a feeling I may be ordering this summer dish a few more times, assuming it stays on the regular menu. I'd also recommend it as a dish to share among friends if you're part of a group at Select.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny  Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Select Oyster Lobster Salad for Lunch & Supper

    Lobster salads seldom tempt me. But the last few times we've visited Select Oyster, the description of their lobster salad has stopped my gaze as I scanned the menu. I checked with our trusted bartender to be sure it was a dressing I could have and finally ordered it. 

    IMG_8923

    "Maine Lobster salad, spring peas, shaved radishes, mâche, kale, almond dressing," the menu said. When it arrived, it also had other bits of favorite things like toasted almonds and frisée. And, while it is not apparent in this photo, it had lots and lots of lobster. 

    IMG_8914

    I ate about half of my lovely bowl of summer goodness and took the rest home for supper. It was lightly dressed and still delicious later in the day. 

    IMG_8920

    Normally Ed would have helped me finish my entrée but, this time, he took a break from his usual choice of crudo, oysters, and the rest of my meal. He ordered and was comfortably full with a spectacular plate of halibut.

    IMG_8912

    A glass of Txakolina was a perfect match for the salad.

    I have a feeling I may be ordering this summer dish a few more times, assuming it stays on the regular menu. I'd also recommend it as a dish to share among friends if you're part of a group at Select.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny  Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Here’s to August and Old Friends, Westport Rivers RJR Brut Cuvée

    Look what we found at Boston Public Market, Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR 2007 – an old friend that still has its sparkle!

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    We visited this winning Massachusetts winery more than 15 years ago and still have fond memories of sitting outside with our last Westie Maggie toasting each other in full view of thriving grape vines.

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    Wandering through Boston Public Market last week, we discovered a great selection of Massachusetts wines including those from Westport Rivers.

    Their RJR Brut Cuvée is mostly Pinot Noir. This sparkler became our favorite all those years ago and it’s nice to know how easy it is to find, today.   

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    What to expect from the Award winning 2007 Westport Brut RJR:

    • “Fine bubbles and a gentle mousse”
    • “Notes of brioche, flint, Granny Smith apple peel, and candied lemon”
    • “Rich, grippy mouthfeel with youthful acidity”
    • “Long, clean finish”
    • “Hints of ginger and savory tangerine”

    Here’s to the Russell family that’s worked so hard to bring us consistently outstanding wines.

    For more information on their wines, visit Westport Rivers Winery (online & in person) and be sure to stop by The Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers booth at Boston Public Market.

    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.

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015
    Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
    Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

  • Here’s to August and Old Friends, Westport Rivers RJR Brut Cuvée

    Look what we found at Boston Public Market, Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR 2007 – an old friend that still has its sparkle!

    IMG_8951

    We visited this winning Massachusetts winery more than 15 years ago and still have fond memories of sitting outside with our last Westie Maggie toasting each other in full view of thriving grape vines.

    IMG_8785-COLLAGE

    Wandering through Boston Public Market last week, we discovered a great selection of Massachusetts wines including those from Westport Rivers.

    Their RJR Brut Cuvée is mostly Pinot Noir. This sparkler became our favorite all those years ago and it’s nice to know how easy it is to find, today.   

    IMG_8934

    What to expect from the Award winning 2007 Westport Brut RJR:

    • “Fine bubbles and a gentle mousse”
    • “Notes of brioche, flint, Granny Smith apple peel, and candied lemon”
    • “Rich, grippy mouthfeel with youthful acidity”
    • “Long, clean finish”
    • “Hints of ginger and savory tangerine”

    Here’s to the Russell family that’s worked so hard to bring us consistently outstanding wines.

    For more information on their wines, visit Westport Rivers Winery (online & in person) and be sure to stop by The Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers booth at Boston Public Market.

    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.

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015
    Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
    Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

  • Keeping Your Dog Well Hydrated on Hot Summer Days

    Poppy may be young but she does not like the heat and would prefer sitting on a bench sipping water to walking, when it's above 75 degrees. 

    PMC_8617 - Version 22014-07-18- poppy-westie-drinking-water-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On hot days, we try to get out earlier and choose the shady side of the street and the canopy of trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall for our exercise. A walk along the water can be a bit cooler, especially if you have a breeze and some shady trees.

    PMC_8710 - Version 32014-07-18- poppy-westie-drinking-water-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We carry water on our walks most of the year because Poppy loves to jump up on a bench for a rest and a nice cool drink. Like Maggie Mae before her, Penny swears Poppy has a look she gives us when she wants a drink. And, like most dogs, she is a drippy drinker. 

    There are lots of products designed for dogs to drink from when you're out and about.

    Here are a few of our favorites. 

     

    We love our H2O4K9, Dog Water Bottle and Travel Bowl. You can clip it to your belt and the cap becomes a drinking container. Ed carries it in a Mesh Water Bottle Carrier that we've had for ages.

    Penny keeps a Silicone Pop-Up Water Bowl in her backpack so we always have a way to share water with a thirsty dog. You can see Poppy drinking from her Pop-up in the photo below.

    PMC_8662 - Version 22014-07-18- poppy-westie-drinking-water-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    You can use a plastic bag

    If you came out without a special water dish for your dog, you can use a plastic bag. Just slide your hand inside, cup your hand, and pour in some water. It won't leak the way your hand does without the bag, and you won't waste water as you would if you let your pup drink from a bottle.

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    Here's our dear little Maggie Mae back when she demonstrated the plastic bag method.

    This summer we decided to get an early start on keeping Poppy well hydrated. Since she is fed a raw, homemade diet, we've added water to our recipe and we pour extra water into her dish with each meal. 

    We also carry a back-up bottle of cold water in an insulated water bottle carrier for the people on the walk and to tempt Poppy with a bit of cold water when she doesn't seem interested in her own supply.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and other critters) at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.


    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino, edited for BostonZest from her City Paws Newspaper Column.
    Photography: 2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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