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Stuart Street at Trinity Place: Where to Find Food Trucks

As these rolling restaurants expand their reach and numbers throughout the Boston area, we’re Food Truck Tracking– checking out some of their favorite nesting spots, and what you’ll find when you get there. -The BostonZest Team!

Stuart Street (Copley Square South At Trinity Place on the City list)

Location: From Copley Square walk past the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel on either Dartmouth or Trinity Place and you'll see a pod of food trucks. (map)

MBTA Link: Back Bay Station on the Orange Line and Copley on the Green Line plus all the buses that connect in this area.

More Info @: Boston's Food Truck Page, Hub Food Trucks, or on the Street Food Boston app.

How Many Trucks? Two or three (at-a-time) are scheduled here this season (April 2012 schedule)

Who's Here: This season, these trucks will be rotating in and out of this space– Go Fish, Grilled Cheese Nation, The Cupcakory, Mei Mei Street Kitchen, Staff Meal, Chubby Chickpea, The Dining Car, Bon Me, Chicken and Rice Guys, Lobsta Love, and Gourmet to Go.

What We Had: We made this a three-truck-lunch. Tacos from Staff Meal, Dumplings from Mei Mei, and a falafel plate with lots of sides from Chubby Chickpea. Update: The Staff Meal team have gone on to other adventures and the truck of deliciousness is not more.

Hours and Dates: A full lunch time schedule but no breakfast hours here, and dinner hours are only scheduled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. There are no Sunday hours on the plan.

Tips: Walk the line of menus before you decide. Come with friends and you can each order from a different truck and all the food will come out at about the same time.

Where to Eat: In fine weather, the park at Copley Square or the library steps are great picnic settings. The shady benches on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall are not very far away. Our favorite spot is the courtyard of the Boston Public Library, when it's open.

Where to Eat, Inside: Last winter we slipped inside Copley Place to enjoy a food truck meal on one of the benches.

Restrooms: The Boston Public Library, the City Toilet on the Boylston Street side of the Library, Copley Place, and click here for Universal Hub's Wicked Good Guide to Restrooms in the Back Bay.

Bonus Points for: We love multiple truck locations. It brings out more people and makes for a livelier scene. It also builds the community for the food truck folks and regular customers.

For More of our Food Truck/Street Food Coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map

Here are some of our favorite food truck picnic items. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Picnic Table Cloth (We cut it up into big placemat sizes)

Reusable Bamboo Utensil Set

DII Palette Check Indian Summer Napkin Set of 4

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 a 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.

May 22, 2012
Planeta Carricante from Neptune Oyster’s Great Wine List
Whenever we walk into Neptune Oyster, we always check out the wine specials on the big blackboard across from the bar in the rear. You often find an interesting wine on offer.

A while back, it was a Carricante from Planeta, a vinyard that grows grapes in the volcanic soil of Mount Etna in Sicily. It was a perfect match for Penny's hot, buttered lobster roll and Ed's mussels. It's an island wine just made for seafood and a great selection for Neptune's menu.

Volcanic Soil & Wine

To students of wine, every new bottle tasted is an opportunity to learn about what put that particular flavor into that particular glass. The Planeta Vineyard sent us researching volcanic soil. Here are some of the interesting articles we found around the web on that topic.
Neptune's Wine Lists

In addition to the main wine list with its well matched backbone of seafood-friendly wines, and the chalkboard specials, Neptune has a second list called, "The Pearls." Here, you'll find bottles that are fit for a celebration or that will turn a Tuesday afternoon with wine-loving friends into a celebration.

Vinny's Tip Jar update

Here's an update on Neptune's Vinny Sapochetti who was hurt recently in an auto accident. We ran into Neptune owner Jeff Nace in the North End over the weekend and asked him how Vinny was doing. He told us that Vinny is in a rehabilitation facility and is making progress.

On May 11th, we told you about a special benefit, Vinny's Tip Jar Fundraiser & Auction being planned by his many friends in the hospitality industry. There is still time for you to support this event and put the evening on your calendar. Jeff also said that if you send cards or notes for Vinny to Neptune, they will see that he gets them.

Vinny Sapochetti

C/O Neptune Oyster

63 Salem Street, Boston Ma 02113

What's on your wine lover's shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
May 21, 2012
Why Sunday Dog, Chiquita Loves to Dance!

We’re guessing that when Chiquita was rescued seven years ago, she had no idea that she’d be dancing into a wonderful, new life in Boston! While her talents are many, none is more impressive than the ability to balance on two legs while her adoring fans applaud.

Yes, some dance for fame, others for money…

Click on any photo for a larger pop-up version!

… but there’s no greater motivator than the almighty, treat! Chiquita has learned that if she dances, gives paw, and then a hand kiss, a special goody will follow.

Now, this is not to say that dancing is her entire life. This nine year old walks two-plus miles a day – some with her person, other times with her dog walker and his furry friends.

Chiquita enjoys saying hello to everyone she meets and always appreciates a good pat and scratch, if you have the time.

Once she’s danced and had a nibble or two, it’s time to relax and watch the world go by. Chiquita, you’re our kind of Sunday Dog!

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. Here are a few things you might need to enjoy a day in the park with your dancing dog!

Paisley Cotton Bandanas

Pop-Up Travel Bowl

StarMark Clicker Dog Training System

Details:
Words: 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 20, 2012
Are You Sure This is a Bike Path?

This biker seems to have reached the end of the trail.

What's on your summer fun shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to 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 a 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.

May 19, 2012
Boston Street Food App: Food Truck Tracking

Back in March, Toby left a comment on one of our Food Trucks/Street Food posts. He wrote, "Hi Penny & Ed, I think you might like my iPhone app for finding the Boston trucks: Street Food Boston. It's updated daily with the latest hours, closures, etc. Enjoy! Toby"

We downloaded this free app to our phones, tested it out, watched it grow, and now we are recommending it as our Friday link today. As you can see in the screengrab above, they also have apps for some of our Canadian readers and for Bostonians headed for Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.

This app lets you find food trucks on a map with red or green pins signaling who is open and who is not. Or, you can switch to a list to look for a particular truck. Once you have a truck in mind, you can swipe to see a screen telling you about the food and giving you the current schedule and links to their homepage, twitter, and email.

You can sort trucks by those nearby you, a-z list, popular, or your own favorites. If you love food trucks, give this app a try and let us know what you think.

But, remember, for in depth information on the Boston food truck scene, photos of the food, and tales of the food truck community, always come back to the BostonZest Food Truck/Street Food collection.

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

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot: courtesy of Tatlow Park Sofware, Inc.

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 a 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.

May 18, 2012
Cover Up: Keep It Simple in the Kitchen

My history with chef jackets began as a joke gift from Ed, many years ago. He gave me a black jacket with "Chef Penny" and "Cherubino Cafe" enbroidered on it. It was a joke that turned into a time and money saver. I quickly learned that wearing it prevented stains and spatters on my clothes.

My jacket hangs at the entry to the kitchen, ready to grab on the way in.

This design of a long sleeve, double-breasted, heavy, cotton coat for food preparation has evolved over the years. Here's a bit of history of the chef's uniform.

Today, you'll see jackets on many people, like me, who are home cooks but who enjoy going along with a bit of practical fun. With grilling season approaching, you might order one for your favorite grill master.

Aprons are great and a help at protecting your clothes but they cover less than a jacket. And, those long sleeves have saved me from oven rack burns more than once.

If you add a baseball cap when your're cooking a food with a lot of spatter, the brim will protect your eyes and glasses (if you wear them).

As you can see in the photo, my jacket has had dozens of washings and is still in everyday use. I even have an older version packed in our traveling kitchen bag. What? You don't have a travel kitchen? We'll have to tell you about that item before the summer rental season begins.

Related Posts:

Use Your Lid: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Cabbage & Kielbasa Stir-Fry: Keep it Simple in the Kitchen

Guacamole, Hand Made: Keep It Simple in the Kitchen

And, here's a link to all our Tips & How To posts

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

Chef Works Basic Chef Coat

Chef Works Striped Bib Apron

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 17, 2012
What’s Open on Memorial Day 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedule Changes
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day–Monday, May 28, 2012.

We publish these reminders a couple of weeks before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Monday. Other parking rules apply.

Street Sweeping: The city site says: "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works covering May 28, 2012 states:

"Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Schedule Changes: Here is their press release as of 05/16/12. Note the Special Commuter Rail trains operating for a special event at Gillette Stadium.

"The MBTA announced its service schedule for Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.
- The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Express bus service will not operate.
- The Silver Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Special event Commuter Rail trains will be operating to Gillette Stadium for the 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. For more information, click here.
- Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a weekend schedule.
- Commuter boat service between Hingham/Hull and Boston will not operate.
- Quincy commuter boat to Long Wharf and Logan Airport will operate on a Sunday schedule. Due to the Sunday schedule, there will not be a 10:15 P.M. trip made on Monday, May 28, 2012.
- THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule."
For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2010 Penny Cherubino
May 16, 2012
Farmers’ Markets Opening Dates Spring 2012

Our weekly calendars are marked with the dates when we can go and see our farmers' market friends at their summer spots. SOWA and Jamaica Plain have already opened for the season, and today is opening day for the Copley Square Market.

With additional food trucks located nearby, many stands offering lunch items, and the Boston Public Library outdoor seats and courtyard nearby, Copley Square is a great place to meet someone for lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Prudential Center Market has been open all winter, indoors, but will move outside to the Boylston Street Plaza on May 17th.

Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations.
South End/SOWA: May 6th (Sundays)
Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): May 12th (Saturdays), (Saturdays & Tuesdays in mid-June)
Copley Square: May 15th (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA) Cambridge: May 16 (Wednesdays)
Prudential Center: May 17th (Thursdays)
Cambridge/Charles Square: May 20th (Sundays)
Boston City Hall Plaza: May 21st (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Central Square, Cambridge: May 21st (Mondays)
Davis Square, Somerville: May 23rd (Wednesdays)
South Station/Dewey Square: May 24th (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Kendall Square (500 Kendall Street): May 31st (Thursdays)
Union Square, Somerville: June 2nd (Saturdays)
Roslindale/Adams Park: June 2nd (Saturdays)
Cambridgeport: June 9th (Saturdays)
Swirl & Slice: Union Square Gourmet Market: June 14th (Thursdays)
Brookline/Coolidge Corner: June 14th (Thursdays)
Harvard University Farmers' Market, Cambridge: June 19th (Tuesdays)

We'll be telling you more about some of these markets in the weeks ahead!

Watch for our upcoming review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to 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 a 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.

Myers+Chang Dim Sum Brunch

Myers+Chang seemed like a great destination on a Sunday when we needed a good, long walk and wanted to enjoy some small plates of delicious stuff. We arrived near the end of the lunch rush, waited a few minutes, and got a corner table by the patio.

We settled in with a lovely glass of sparkling rosé and took turns adding items to our menu.

You'll see these sturdy, wind resistant champagne flutes showing up in our sparking wine and roof deck dining posts because, thanks to the great customer service provided by M+C GM Scott, we were able to purchase some.

DSC_4237 - Version 22012-04-28-meyers chang- boston-brussels with bacon-dim-sum-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

Click on the thumbnails above to see the full version in the viewer window.

We nibbled our way through the Fresh Rolls, Dan Dan Noodles, Wok-Roasted Lemongrass Mussels, Wok Charred Brussels with Caramelized Onions and Bacon, and Thai Ginger Chicken with Rice Vermicelli.

Ed loved our server's offer of grilled bread to soak up the luscious sauce left, after the mussels were gone. If we hadn't been so full, we might have ordered a second round of those!

What's on your weekend shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here's Joanne Chang's ever-so-rightfully-popular Cookbook, Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery + Cafe

Details:

Myers+Chang

1145 Washington Street,

Boston, MA 02118 (map & reviews)

(617) 542-5200

myersandchang.com

‎

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

May 14, 2012

Recently, we had the opportunity to photograph two geese dogs and their human teammates at work in the Boston Public Garden. They were trying to make Canada Geese understand that the lagoon is not a place to settle down for the summer.

If you should see this pair with their yellow vests off-leash in this park, please understand that they are there to do an important job. They are trained to voice commands and obey instantly when asked to stop, stay, or change their position.

One of their handlers works on the lagoon from a kayak and the other (the woman in the yellow jacket) stays along the shore. The dogs work both in and out of the water.

The object of the game is to keep the birds from feeling safe in this park without hurting them. This is called site aversion by the GeesePeace model program.

PMC_2535 - Version 22012-05-03-geese-dogs-boston-public-garden-canada-geese-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

"You can take a break, I've got this one," said one dog to the other!

These pups were working so hard we never did get their names. If you are in a park where you see Border Collies working on geese control, please keep your own dog on leash and away from them. These herders move very fast and it would be easy to get in their way. They might also tempt your dog to chase them.

We were worn out just watching them as we said so long to two very tired dogs.

Thanks to this team and the Friends of the Public Garden for making the park a cleaner and safer place to walk. And, thanks to other teams working in other parks, golf courses, and open spaces. It will take a sustained and combined effort to undo the human mistakes that caused the overpopulation of these birds.

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

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

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Stuart Street (Copley Square South At Trinity Place on the City list)