A wide shot of autumn foliage can be stunningly beautiful. But, as you walk, pay attention to the single leaves that fall and settle onto interesting surfaces.
This serrated, rosy leaf fell among the folds in Lucy Stone’s skirt on the Boston Women’s Memorial. The rain-soaked bronze of the statue provided a wonderful backdrop.
What’s on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs and support this site!
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny Cherubino
Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to taste five wines from Nino Franco Spumanti srl and to meet Silvia Franco.
For years we’ve told you of our love for Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco. And, we’ve been unsuccessfully scouting sources for other wines from this vineyard.
Imagine our elation when we were invited to a tasting at Brix Wine Shop that included the opportunity to not only try more of this winery’s sparklers, but also to meet Silvia, in person, after a couple of years of internet communication about her family’s wines.
Brix Hosts Gracious and Hospitable Tastings
They provided everything from the right glassware for sniffing and sipping to an antique copper spittoon for those limiting their alcohol intake. And, this tasting attracted a charming crowd who chatted with both Silvia and among themselves. We were all assisted by a most helpful staff.
We tasted and loved each of the five wines brought in for this event:
Silva Franco Was as Gracious as Brix
The Brix invitation to meet “Prosecco’s Princess Silvia Franco” said, “If the bubbles don’t win you over (which they will), Silvia’s charming personality and in-depth knowledge will captivate you.” And, they were right.
She greeted guests, poured wine, talked wine, answered questions, and signed bottles upon request. Her warm personality and vivacious Italian spirit added as much sparkle to the evening as her wines. We look forward to seeing her again the next time she’s in Boston.
30 Years of Primo Franco
We had Silvia sign one of our bottles of Primo Franco, a wine named for her father. Later this month, as she and her family celebrate the 30th Vintage of Primo Franco in Valdobbiadene, we’ll open this bottle and toast them here in Boston.
Thanks to the Brix team for making this possible. We recommend that wine lovers sign up for their email announcements of tastings. They have introduced us to other favorite winemakers and wineries over the years.
Get there soon to enjoy this special and intriguing selection of Nino Franco wines. If you can’t stop by, give Brix a call and ask about putting together a few bottles or a case for delivery.
Breaking News about the Primo Franco!
We just saw this announcement in Glass Of Bubbly:
“In the the world of elite bubbles Primo Franco 2013 has been recognised & awarded in the first edition of The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships”:
Congratulation to the entire Nino Franco team and family.
If you love sparkling wine, consider joining Our Sparkling Resolution and begin each month with a glass of bubbles.
And, here’s Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon
The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine
The New Wine Lover’s Companion
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
This beautiful, old pup watched me as I took photos of sailboats in the sunset from the Gloucester Street Dock on the Esplanade. Only the dog’s eyes moved. The canine’s body remained cuddled up touching both people with him or her.
But those captivating brown eyes kept track of this person with the big black lens moving around the little pack.
Those eyes remained alert, curious, but content to sit and enjoy basking in the sunset with the family.
Naturally, I could not resist taking a few photos of such a beautiful dog.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Ed Cherubino
Here's a rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 13, 2014. As the information becomes available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.
We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans and then feature it on the holiday.
This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.
Here is our post on "What's Happening in Boston in October 2014" for more ideas of places to go and things to do.
Restaurants, bars: Open
Convenience stores: Open
Supermarkets: Open
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Open
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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.
Stock market: Open as are international markets.
Boston Parking, Trash, Etc.
Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."
From this page on the city site:
"Columbus Day Week
Monday, October 13, 6am – Saturday, October 18, 2014, 5pm
No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."
Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them:
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2014
(Updated 10.03.14 2 PM)The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 13, 2014 were announced today. You can Download MBTA Columbus Day announcement in a pdf form.
But the good news is that the system is running on a weekday schedule.
For a few days before and after the holiday, schedule details will show up at this link.
Remember, the links for details will only work through the holiday, then that page reverts to a generic form.
For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Art from The Fenway Cultural District
October 2014 is going to be a busy, busy month in Boston with lots of visitors and many events.
You'll see visitors walking along staring at our trees. The fall foliage travel season is underway and Boston is the starting point for many tourists coming to New England for leaf peeping.
Here's one of our posts with links to resources for those who would like to get out and enjoy the foliage with a link that we'll update as the season progresses.
Fall Foliage Links & Resources
October 13th is Columbus Day, a holiday, and a three day weekend. Around here lots of people travel this weekend. Sort of the last blast of summer weekends. You'll find higher rates and lots of events taking place October 11th to the 13th. Tomorrow, we'll post a resource page on what's open on Columbus day, MBTA schedule changes, parking, and trash schedules.
There is also a large (10,000 employee benefit managers) convention that weekend. Other big convention dates are October 2nd (small business owners), 20th-22nd (Neurologial Surgeons), and 28th-30th (Architecture Boston.)
October 18th-19th is the Head of the Charles Regatta. It will draw 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators. If you have visitors coming to town, prices will be out of sight or unavailable. And, if you need a restaurant reservation that weekend, make it now!
Columbus Day is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2014 in the Fenway Cultural District.
Some of our favorite seasonal spots reduce their hours and begin to close as the cooler temperatures arrive. We'll make one more trip to Jake's Seafood before they take the winter off. They have fall hours in effect, so check the website before you drive to Hull.
While we only cover topics and events that interest us, the team of local destination experts over on Trip Advisor have a much wider scope. Here's their take on what's happening this October from a topic that Penny started with some of the same information prepared for 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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
We’re ringing in a new month with a bottle of Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012.
It’s hard to miss the likeness of Thomas Jefferson that’s pictured on the front label of this cuvee as a tribute from winemaker Gerard Bertrand to our third president whom he called, “Limoux’s greatest admirer,” claiming that, “wine from Limoux was the only sparkling wine to be found in his [Jefferson’s] personal wine cellar.”
Much has been written about Jefferson’s love of wine including his, “preference for the lighter French and Italian wines.” So, after enjoying this cremant ourselves, we’d have to guess that he’d have been quite pleased with this sparkler.
Penny thought it was softer and fruitier than many Cremants with a good bit of apple taste. It was full-flavored yet not acidic, balanced, and food-friendly – pairing well with a Honeycrisp and some pretzels.
That first sip brings a burst of flavor that’s fruity with a tart note that slides underneath and makes you want to go back for more.
Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac, and 5% Pinot Noir. (12.5% ABV)
The winemaker attributes this sparkler’s texture and balance to its Chenin and Chardonnay grapes:
Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012 is produced 15 miles outside of Carcassonne in southern France from some of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc.
We found our bottle at Bauer Wine & Spirits on the south side of Newbury Street in Boston not far from sea level.
Here’s to October and, of course, to Thomas Jefferson. Salute!
Read More about Our Sparkling Resolution
And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
Related articles
This is the time to enjoy the abundant harvest season at your favorite farmers’ market. Yet, as we walk back from the market with overflowing bags of produce, neighbors react with surprise when we say we’ve been at the Copley Square market.
Many consumers think that seasonal markets end after Labor Day. Thankfully, they don’t. Most Boston area outdoor markets remain open through late October and a few run until Thanksgiving.
East Boston/Central Square: October 23rd (Thursdays)
South End/SOWA: October 26th (Sundays)
Harvard University Farmers' Market: Cambridge: October 28th (Tuesdays)
Charlestown: October 29th (Wednesdays)
Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): October 29th (Wednesdays)
Brookline/Coolidge Corner: October 30th (Thursdays)
Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): November 1st (Saturdays & Tuesdays)
Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: November 20th (Thursdays)
Union Square, Somerville: November 22nd (Saturdays)
Roslindale: November 22nd (Saturdays)
Copley Square: November 25th (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Cambridge/Central Square: November 24th
South Station/Dewey Square: November 25th (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Boston Public Market on the Greenway: November 26th (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Davis Square, Somerville: November 26th (Wednesdays)
If we missed your favorite market let us know and we'll add it to the list.
Indoor winter markets will open as the outdoor markets close. As soon as we have enough dates and places confirmed, we’ll share those with BostonZest readers.
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
You'll find copies of the fall 2014 Issue of Edible Boston with its dark, moody cover photo of apples at some of the best places for local food and drink in the area. The arrival of my preview copy always brings a smile to a busy day.
As reader's know by now, I'm a devoted fan of this publication and especially the photography and photographers selected by this team. Like editor Ilene Bezahler, I have apples on my mind this time of year.
This issue is filled with photos like this one that speaks of the days of less light that are on their way to our Boston area lives.
News and Deeper Coverage
The fall issue also has a portrait of Kate Stillman. It leads into the article, Taking Control: Stillman's at the Turkey Farm Builds an Abattoir. Those of us who chat with Kate on a regular basis have heard step-by-step the long, difficult process that led to having her own facility to slaughter and process some of the animals they raise. Author Andrea Pyenson and photographer Katie Noble have told the story for everyone who enjoys Stillman's meat.
If you've always dreamed of a backyard brick oven, they have a feature for you – From Beehive to Barrel: A Tale of Two Ovens.
And back to those apples. This issue offers a feature on Far from the Tree Cider.
How do you support a publisher like Ilene Bezahler and her remarkably talented team?
First, pick up a copy of the magazine at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.
May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.
And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!
You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston
Dog walkers are a common sight around the city. These professionals fill in for family during the work day, making sure the pups get breaks to relieve themselves and a nice dose of exercise. As when hiring any caregiver for an animal you love, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and ask questions about those aspects of the job that are important to you and your dog.
What Questions? Here is a post from Dogwalker.com that outlines important ones you might overlook.
Those who have cats and other indoor pets, as well as dogs, might need a pet sitter from time to time. Pet sitters will come to your home each day, stay in your home, or keep your pet in their home.
If you use a dog walker, start with him or her. You and your dog already know and trust the person who is in and out of your house each day and responsible for your dog’s safety on the city streets. Many dog walkers do offer pet sitting.
There are also a few people in every neighborhood who make a little extra income by taking care of pets. If you ask neighbors for recommendations, you may find a gem in your area.
Some dog breeders provide boarding services for dogs in their line. In the case of small scale breeders, your pet could have the run of their home except at bedtime.
Boarding kennels vary drastically in the quality of the facilities and the services they offer. You should insist on seeing exactly where your pet will be kept and inspect the entire facility before choosing one.
Here's a great article on choosing a kennel from the Humane Society of the United States.
Dog hotels are one step up from kennels. They offer rooms with walls and furniture rather than wire pens or kennels. The best dog hotels are quieter, calmer, and more like a home environment than kennels.
Boarding facilities will require proof that your animal is up-to-date on immunizations and in good health. If you have a dog or cat with serious health issues who needs careful monitoring of a medical condition or is very frail, consider boarding your pal at a veterinary hospital with 24-hour medical staff on duty. Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain offers this type of service for their clients.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino witht he traveling dog from iStockphoto.com
One more thing we'll miss when Hamersley's Bistro disappears at the end of October is the view through that big window out front.
On a recent visit, this young woman was sitting reading on the wall in the little garden beyond the patio.
We enjoyed the parade of dogs that prance by on their evening rounds.
Watching the snow pile up in winter and the people enjoying the patio in summer has always been a joy.
The reasons we'll miss Hamersley's are many. We talked about some of them in the following posts. This is just one more.
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
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino
