Tag: chowhound

  • 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.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154364893ad970c-800wi

    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.)

    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

    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.

  • Thanksgiving 2013 Dining Out in Boston

    6a00e54fc42bb88834010535e29c53970b-800wi

    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.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340154364893ad970c-800wi

    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.)

    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

    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.

  • Patio Season Launched At Coppa

    IMG_6266 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.

    IMG_6269 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread. 

    IMG_6275 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-asparagi-al forno-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.

    IMG_6272 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-duck-prosciutto-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_3750 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-tuna-crudo-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.

    With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.

    DSC_3765 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-south-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."

    For more about our food adventures, visit Food & Drink.

    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 with detailed food descriptions from Coppa's menu.
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • Patio Season Launched At Coppa

    IMG_6266 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.

    IMG_6269 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread. 

    IMG_6275 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-asparagi-al forno-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.

    IMG_6272 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-duck-prosciutto-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_3750 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-tuna-crudo-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.

    With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.

    DSC_3765 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-south-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."

    For more about our food adventures, visit Food & Drink.

    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 with detailed food descriptions from Coppa's menu.
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • Patio Season Launched At Coppa

    IMG_6266 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Living each day to the fullest means taking advantage of our freelance lifestyle and launching "patio season" when a beautiful day presents itself. That means, we spent one afternoon last week enjoying the sunshine and culinary delights on the patio at Coppa in the South End.

    IMG_6269 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-meatballs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We can never resist Coppa's, "Meatballs al Forno / Wood roasted meatballs with tomato gravy." Every speck of that zesty sauce was sopped up with good bread. 

    IMG_6275 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-asparagi-al forno-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    To salute spring we selected both their, "Bruschetta di Fave / Fava bean crostini with feta and pecorino," and "Asparagi al Forno / Wood oven asparagus with Lebanese tahini vinaigrette and za’atar." Again, the plate was wiped clean and experiments with tahini as a base for salad dressing have begun in our kitchen. You have to love a chef who sends cooking inspiration home with you.

    IMG_6272 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-duck-prosciutto-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_3750 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-tuna-crudo-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Plates of Duck Prosciutto, and "Tuna Crudo / Sicilian olives, radishes and olive brine dashi," are two more repeat favorites from past visits.

    With a bit of prosecco left in our glasses and a desire to linger in the sun on this beautiful day, we finished the meal with a lovely selection of cheeses.

    DSC_3765 - Version 22013-05-02-coppa-boston-south-end-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Earlier this year, a Boston visitor on Chowhound asked where to go for one lunch in Boston and Penny recommended Coppa. The follow-up comment from that poster said, "We went to Coppa… I think this was about the closest thing to a perfect lunch that I've ever had. Wish I had a second stomach."

    For more about our food adventures, visit Food & Drink.

    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 with detailed food descriptions from Coppa's menu.
    Photos: ©2013 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.

  • When Saint Patrick’s Day, Evacuation Day (March 17, 2013) Falls on a Sunday…

    This year, Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday so I'm curious – will city and state workers in Suffolk County be off on Monday, will City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County shut down, and will parking, trash, and liquor sales be impacted for the day? You'll find the answers below.

    For the latest information go to our 2015 Post on this topic.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e890b7b2970c-800wi

    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the weekend date 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,

    "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

    A call to the Secretary of State's office confirmed that State Government no longer shuts down on Evacuation Day. State offices will be open.

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays that change parking regulations or trash pick up, but the meters are free on Sunday anyway (details here), and there is no trash pick up scheduled. A call to city hall confirmed that it will be open on Monday!

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. Here's the city's press release from last year. And, Boston.com reported that Police Superintendent William Evans said they would be doing the same this year. 

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade. Here's the list. (This link will disappear after the holiday.)

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

    Update: 03.16.13Here's the City Traffic Advisory to St. Patrick's Day Events.

    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  

    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.

  • When Saint Patrick’s Day, Evacuation Day (March 17, 2013) Falls on a Sunday…

    This year, Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday so I'm curious – will city and state workers in Suffolk County be off on Monday, will City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County shut down, and will parking, trash, and liquor sales be impacted for the day? You'll find the answers below.

    For the latest information go to our 2015 Post on this topic.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e890b7b2970c-800wi

    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the weekend date 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,

    "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

    A call to the Secretary of State's office confirmed that State Government no longer shuts down on Evacuation Day. State offices will be open.

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays that change parking regulations or trash pick up, but the meters are free on Sunday anyway (details here), and there is no trash pick up scheduled. A call to city hall confirmed that it will be open on Monday!

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. Here's the city's press release from last year. And, Boston.com reported that Police Superintendent William Evans said they would be doing the same this year. 

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade. Here's the list. (This link will disappear after the holiday.)

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

    Update: 03.16.13Here's the City Traffic Advisory to St. Patrick's Day Events.

    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  

    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.

  • When Saint Patrick’s Day, Evacuation Day (March 17, 2013) Falls on a Sunday…

    This year, Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday so I'm curious – will city and state workers in Suffolk County be off on Monday, will City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County shut down, and will parking, trash, and liquor sales be impacted for the day? You'll find the answers below.

    For the latest information go to our 2015 Post on this topic.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e890b7b2970c-800wi

    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the weekend date 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,

    "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

    A call to the Secretary of State's office confirmed that State Government no longer shuts down on Evacuation Day. State offices will be open.

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays that change parking regulations or trash pick up, but the meters are free on Sunday anyway (details here), and there is no trash pick up scheduled. A call to city hall confirmed that it will be open on Monday!

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. Here's the city's press release from last year. And, Boston.com reported that Police Superintendent William Evans said they would be doing the same this year. 

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade. Here's the list. (This link will disappear after the holiday.)

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

    Update: 03.16.13Here's the City Traffic Advisory to St. Patrick's Day Events.

    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  

    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.

  • March Is Zeppole Season

    Ready, set, let the drooling begin because the Zeppole di San Giuseppe are ready to float off the trays at your favorite Italian bakery. And, to us, if they aren't light and airy, they don't meet the test. After all, they are named for the famous airships!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e86d3acf4970d-800wi

    The very best are filled to order like this one from Modern Pastry in Boston's North End. 

    But, while we remind you about these each year, we want to know where your favorites are sold. 

    What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below, Tweet it to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestion to this post as an update.

    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: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • March Is Zeppole Season

    Ready, set, let the drooling begin because the Zeppole di San Giuseppe are ready to float off the trays at your favorite Italian bakery. And, to us, if they aren't light and airy, they don't meet the test. After all, they are named for the famous airships!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e86d3acf4970d-800wi

    The very best are filled to order like this one from Modern Pastry in Boston's North End. 

    But, while we remind you about these each year, we want to know where your favorites are sold. 

    What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below, Tweet it to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestion to this post as an update.

    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: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino