Tag: restaurants

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2015 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2015, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

    Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

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    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston. 

    Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

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

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Christmas– The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

    MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

    The MBTA has published this year's information

    Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

    we created a pdf of the MBTA Events page for this period: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

    Wednesday, December 24, 2015

    MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule 

    Thursday, December 25, 2015– MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

    • Blue, Orange, Green, Red, Silver Lines and Mattapan trolley will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

    • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2015 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2015, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

    Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b02983c78970c-800wi

    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston. 

    Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

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

    Trash Collection & Recycling

    Boston Trash Collection for Christmas– The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information

    MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

    The MBTA has published this year's information

    Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

    we created a pdf of the MBTA Events page for this period: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

    Wednesday, December 24, 2015

    MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule 

    Thursday, December 25, 2015– MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

    • Blue, Orange, Green, Red, Silver Lines and Mattapan trolley will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

    • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino  

  • What’s Open on Labor Day 2015 in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

    Here’s a rundown of what’s open and what’s closed in Boston on Labor Day. We’ll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 7, 2015. 

    This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we’ll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one. 

    Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

     

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    Yes, it’s the big move-in weekend!

    We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We’ll update as information comes to us.

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Liquor stores: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to 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: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

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

    Traffic Advisories for College Move Ins: August 27-September 6th:

    The city press release says, “The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers that temporary traffic and parking restrictions will be implemented in Boston this weekend, with some restrictions lasting through Sunday, September 6, due to large volumes of students and others moving into and out of the city.”

    Update 09/06/15 via Twitter:

    Tow lot hours

    Street Sweeping: The City 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.”

    Boston Trash Collection:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    MBTA Labor Day Schedule Changes

    MBTA Labor Day Schedule for Labor Day 2015 can be found at this link through the holiday. 

    Download MBTA Labor Day service schedule 2015

    Subway, Commuter Rail, Buses and The Ride will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    The Hingham and Hull boats will operate on a Saturday schedule.

    The Charlestown boat will operate on a weekend schedule.

    For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com.”

    If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.  

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Ed Cherubino  

  • Are You Eating More Beets?

    Have you taken more notice of beets lately? I’ve been seeing them in more products and on more menus. A quick check on the website Menu Pages Boston shows more than 200 area restaurants with beet offerings. I recently wrote one of my Fresh & Local newspaper articles on the topic. I'll share some of what I learned while researching that article, here, over the next couple of weeks. 

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    The local handcrafted pasta team from Nella Pasta won a Sofi Award from the Specialty Food Association for the roasted beet, goat cheese, and tarragon ravioli seen above. And, on a national brand level, you’ll find them showing up in snacks from companies like Terra Chips.

    Small IMG_8409 - Version 22015-06-16-fresh & local- beets-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Don’t leave those lovely beet tops behind at the market. In a real turnaround, it was only the leaves that were eaten when beets were first domesticated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

    At the Markets

    Umass Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment writes, “Beets are a cool season crop which can tolerate frosts and light freezes. They are raised both for greens and roots. The best quality is obtained when beets are grown under conditions of good sunlight and cool temperatures (50°F to 65°F).”

    Commonly seen in markets are the well known red beets. But local farms are finding new fans with other varieties of this root. 

    Candy Cane or Chioggia is an Italian heirloom variety. These can be served raw or cooked and have a dash of pepper in their flavor profile. Chioggia beets not only add a dash of style to your dish, but they are also sweeter. And, if you find the baby version, they are quicker to prepare. 

    Yellow or golden beets not only add an additional color to your meal, but also don’t bleed their color like red family members. These have a milder taste and thin skin that doesn’t require peeling. 

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Both of these market photos were taken of the Stillman Farm stand at the Copley Square Farmers Market.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: Farmstand ©2015 Penny Cherubino, Ravioli courtesy of Nella Pasta.

  • Are You Eating More Beets?

    Have you taken more notice of beets lately? I’ve been seeing them in more products and on more menus. A quick check on the website Menu Pages Boston shows more than 200 area restaurants with beet offerings. I recently wrote one of my Fresh & Local newspaper articles on the topic. I'll share some of what I learned while researching that article, here, over the next couple of weeks. 

      2_2

    The local handcrafted pasta team from Nella Pasta won a Sofi Award from the Specialty Food Association for the roasted beet, goat cheese, and tarragon ravioli seen above. And, on a national brand level, you’ll find them showing up in snacks from companies like Terra Chips.

    Small IMG_8409 - Version 22015-06-16-fresh & local- beets-© 2014 Penny Cherubino copy

    Don’t leave those lovely beet tops behind at the market. In a real turnaround, it was only the leaves that were eaten when beets were first domesticated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

    At the Markets

    Umass Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment writes, “Beets are a cool season crop which can tolerate frosts and light freezes. They are raised both for greens and roots. The best quality is obtained when beets are grown under conditions of good sunlight and cool temperatures (50°F to 65°F).”

    Commonly seen in markets are the well known red beets. But local farms are finding new fans with other varieties of this root. 

    Candy Cane or Chioggia is an Italian heirloom variety. These can be served raw or cooked and have a dash of pepper in their flavor profile. Chioggia beets not only add a dash of style to your dish, but they are also sweeter. And, if you find the baby version, they are quicker to prepare. 

    Yellow or golden beets not only add an additional color to your meal, but also don’t bleed their color like red family members. These have a milder taste and thin skin that doesn’t require peeling. 

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Both of these market photos were taken of the Stillman Farm stand at the Copley Square Farmers Market.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: Farmstand ©2015 Penny Cherubino, Ravioli courtesy of Nella Pasta.

  • Mastering Hamersley’s Roast Chicken Recipe

    I’m sure Ed and I are not the only Hamersley’s fans missing that restaurant’s fantastic roast chicken. I plan to master that recipe over the next few months. I’ve made it once or twice. But, as long as I could just take a walk to Tremont Street to enjoy the finished product, I let the Hamersley’s kitchen do the work.

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    Start with the Recipe

    First, of course, you need the recipe. It's in the cookbook Bistro Cooking at Home By Gordon Hamersley. And, while this is currently out of print, you can buy used or even a few treasured new copies on Amazon. You can also check local, used bookstores. I highly recommend having a copy of this book on your shelf and I look forward to the next publication from this great food champion. 

    If you just want a copy of the recipe, Boston University posted it online after one of Gordon Hamersley's cooking classes at the Seminars in Food and Wine. Here's a link to that posting.

    And, if you prefer visual instruction, here is a link to Gordon Hamersley's appearance with Julia Child as a part of her Master Chefs series.

     

    There are many steps to this signature dish. Fortunately, the process that Gordon Hamersley (and his first sous chef Jody Adams) developed to serve a perfectly roasted chicken with a crispy skin and moist interior also makes it a great party dish for a home cook. 

    The chicken is roasted ahead of time and popped under a broiler for heating and crisping before it is served. I love dishes like this that I can make a day ahead because they let me spend more time with my guests.

    Begin With Shopping

    Of course, to come out with a result like the dish served at Hamersley’s, you have to begin as the chef did with the finest ingredients you can find. In his tips for choosing chicken, the chef suggests trying chickens from smaller producers or kosher brands.

    In 2003, when Gordon Hamersley wrote “Bistro Cooking at Home,” he said what many locavores are saying now, “… getting a more flavorful bird that has also been raised free of antibiotics and hormone injections seems to me to be worth the price.

    Stepping Along

    You begin this dish by preparing an herbed lemon pesto marinade. You rub this all over the clean and dried chicken and let it marinate 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.  

    Next, the chicken is roasted to an internal thigh temperature of 165-170 degrees and rested before cutting and deboning. The final step in this part of the preparation is to make the sauce from the pan drippings.  

    When it’s time to serve the chicken, you broil it with lemon slices on top and the sauce in the pan below until the skin is crisp and the meat is heated. 

    This dish requires many steps with a good bit of waiting time for some of them, but it is not a difficult recipe. Dozens of Hamersley’s cooks mastered it over the years. And, I can’t wait until I can make it without glancing at the cookbook just as they did.

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    If I master the chicken, next up on my list will be the perfect duck confit that was so tempting on the Hamersley's menu and is often such a disappointment when I order it elsewhere. 

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

       

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino (adapted from one of her Fresh & Local newspaper columns)
    Photos: ©2008 Penny Cherubino 

  • Mastering Hamersley’s Roast Chicken Recipe

    I’m sure Ed and I are not the only Hamersley’s fans missing that restaurant’s fantastic roast chicken. I plan to master that recipe over the next few months. I’ve made it once or twice. But, as long as I could just take a walk to Tremont Street to enjoy the finished product, I let the Hamersley’s kitchen do the work.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019aff867b6d970d-800wi

    Start with the Recipe

    First, of course, you need the recipe. It's in the cookbook Bistro Cooking at Home By Gordon Hamersley. And, while this is currently out of print, you can buy used or even a few treasured new copies on Amazon. You can also check local, used bookstores. I highly recommend having a copy of this book on your shelf and I look forward to the next publication from this great food champion. 

    If you just want a copy of the recipe, Boston University posted it online after one of Gordon Hamersley's cooking classes at the Seminars in Food and Wine. Here's a link to that posting.

    And, if you prefer visual instruction, here is a link to Gordon Hamersley's appearance with Julia Child as a part of her Master Chefs series.

     

    There are many steps to this signature dish. Fortunately, the process that Gordon Hamersley (and his first sous chef Jody Adams) developed to serve a perfectly roasted chicken with a crispy skin and moist interior also makes it a great party dish for a home cook. 

    The chicken is roasted ahead of time and popped under a broiler for heating and crisping before it is served. I love dishes like this that I can make a day ahead because they let me spend more time with my guests.

    Begin With Shopping

    Of course, to come out with a result like the dish served at Hamersley’s, you have to begin as the chef did with the finest ingredients you can find. In his tips for choosing chicken, the chef suggests trying chickens from smaller producers or kosher brands.

    In 2003, when Gordon Hamersley wrote “Bistro Cooking at Home,” he said what many locavores are saying now, “… getting a more flavorful bird that has also been raised free of antibiotics and hormone injections seems to me to be worth the price.

    Stepping Along

    You begin this dish by preparing an herbed lemon pesto marinade. You rub this all over the clean and dried chicken and let it marinate 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.  

    Next, the chicken is roasted to an internal thigh temperature of 165-170 degrees and rested before cutting and deboning. The final step in this part of the preparation is to make the sauce from the pan drippings.  

    When it’s time to serve the chicken, you broil it with lemon slices on top and the sauce in the pan below until the skin is crisp and the meat is heated. 

    This dish requires many steps with a good bit of waiting time for some of them, but it is not a difficult recipe. Dozens of Hamersley’s cooks mastered it over the years. And, I can’t wait until I can make it without glancing at the cookbook just as they did.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019aff867d46970d-500wi

    If I master the chicken, next up on my list will be the perfect duck confit that was so tempting on the Hamersley's menu and is often such a disappointment when I order it elsewhere. 

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

       

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino (adapted from one of her Fresh & Local newspaper columns)
    Photos: ©2008 Penny Cherubino 

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in February 2015

    Okay team, it's time for us to share some of the pastimes and events that we're looking forward to this February.

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    Abolitionist Lucy Stone gazes at slave Phillis Wheatley on the Boston Women's Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

    Black History Month

    This month has a theme, Black History Month, that fits into Boston's historical culture. The people of Boston were an important part of the abolitionist movement. We have a wonderful Black Heritage Trail and this year the Museum of Fine arts has some exceptional offerings like the Gordon Parks exhibition. In a city with so much history, it can be good to focus on one aspect like this, from time to time.

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    Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison sits two blocks away on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

    February Events

    If you're a visitor to Boston, you should know that we have a long weekend on February 14-16 to celebrate Presidents' Day.

    That weekend is also Valentine's Day so restaurant and hotel reservations may be a bit tighter. And, Valentine's Day is an event where many restaurants have special prix fixe menus offering less choice, higher prices, and often lower quality. Here's a link our post: Where to Dine Valentine's Day 2015 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston.

    On the other hand, some hotels will be offering special romantic packages since this is not the busiest month of the year. Locals might consider a staycation weekend tucked into a romantic hotel in the city. 

    Few Conventions This Month

    On the convention front, there are just two events that might impact hotel prices. One in the seaport area, where it will have much less impact on the lives of Bostonians and visitors, is projecting about 16,000 visitors from the 4th to the 6th. And, at the Hynes in the Back Bay, 5,000 conventioneers are expected on the 26th and 27th.

    Penny has started  this same conversion over on the Trip Advisor Boston Forum to give some background for visitors to our fair city and for the locals who volunteer on that forum to trade ideas with one another. You'll find additional ideas at this link.

    Your Turn

    We hope you'll join in and make this a conversation here. Add your comments below or follow us on Twitter and send your ideas to us there. Just put @BostonZest in your message and we'll get it.

    Who's next?

    What are your favorite February pastimes?

    What events are you planning to attend this month?

     

    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 & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2015 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

    UPDATE: What's Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2015. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

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    Once again, we've selected a Photo of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

    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 both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

    If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

     

    Mfa MLK open house

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling: The City website says,

    Martin Luther King Week 2015: Monday, January 19 – Saturday, January 24, 2015

    "No delay of trash or recycling pick up 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."

    Street Cleaning: The city 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."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2015: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link. At this time the MBTA has not posted the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Schedule. To help you plan:

    Here is what they did last year:

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

       

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2014, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

    Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

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    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2014 in Boston. 

    Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

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

    Boston Trash Collection: The city says the following about trash collection Christmas week:

    "Monday, December 22, 6am – Saturday, December 27, 2014, 5pm

    No trash or recycling collection will take place in all sections of the City on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25)

    Christmas Week: Regular collection schedule on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday  in all sections of the City. Regular trash collection schedule in the North End, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, Chinatown, Fenway South End, Mission Hill. Section of Roxbury, who have trash collection on Tuesday and Friday, no delay

    Thursday and Friday recycling and trash collection delayed a day in Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, South Boston, Jamaica Plain*, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week [Monday, Thursday], Thursday collection day is cancelled.  Back Bay, Roxbury and your trash and recycling is picked up on Monday and Thursday, Thursday’s collection is  also cancelled, not delayed."

    MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes: 

    Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

    Wednesday, December 24, 2014

    MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule except fo the Hingham boat. which is modified weekday

    Thursday, December 25, 2014 – MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

    • Blue, Orange, Green, Red, and Silver Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

    • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

    For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2009 Penny Cherubino