Tag: cheese

  • Where to Pick Up Take-Out for Summer Events Like Shakespeare on the Common

    Tonight is opening night for Shakespeare on the Common, so it seems like the perfect day to update great places for take-out food for events or a picnic. 

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    Back Bay

    Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they have some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

    flour bakery + cafe has locations in the Back Bay, South End, Fort Point near the Waterfront and Harbor Walk, and in Central Square Cambridge. While you might be thinking about an all dessert picnic, remember they make great meals as well.

    Thinking Cup at 85 Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the Esplanade and just a couple of blocks from the Public Garden. They offer a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

    IMG_7520 - Version 22014-06-20-Picnic- public-garden-boston-Bacco's-Bento-Box-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box. 

    Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods, you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

    Cambridge Central Square

    This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there. 

    central bottle wine + provisions is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

    The H-Mart in Central Square has a Food Court making it a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8741942970b-800wi

    We highly recommend Panificio's gazpacho.

    Beacon Hill

    Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat, but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. 

    Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount and Panificio. And for great, healthy snacks stop at the Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

    Boston Common

    There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find trucks stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

    Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service, but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d1f196b3970c-800wi

    We will make a special trip to the Greenway for the Jamaican Patties from Jamaica Mi Hungry.

    Waterfront & North End

    Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

    We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

    Along the Greenway, there is an ever-changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants. 

    We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal and where you love to go to pick up your food. 

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

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Stage photo courtesy of Shakespeare on the Common © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Where to Dine Valentine’s Day 2016 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember. 

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    This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday.

    Just as you could last year, you have the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is an option. You can follow that with a quiet dinner at home for two or a gathering of friends who are close to your heart.

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    If brunch is on your list, we recommend Coppa Enoteca. They say, "Join us for Valentine’s Day at Coppa. We will be offering our regular menu and specials with additional by the glass and by the bottle wine features."

    Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. 

    When a Valentine's Day Brunch or Dinner Is on the Menu … 

    • Open Table has a list of restaurants and note if they have a special menu or if their regular menu is available. Fortunately, it looks like more places are going with their regular menu with some additions. 
    • Boston Chefs has a list with some information at this link.

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:

     

    Related BostonZest Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of Champagne after that hand-holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: top photo from iStockphoto.com, 

  • Where to Dine Valentine’s Day 2015 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember. 

    IStock_000045206676Small

    This year, February 14th falls on a Saturday.

    That gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A quiet dinner at home on the big night and a lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is another option.

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.

    Have a Chocolate Lover to Impress?

    Chocolate_bar_1_tlbos_en

    Consider a visit to the Café Fleuri Chocolate bar where you can offer your love a choice of 25 different chocolate desserts.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fc5d21e0970b-800wi

    A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:

    From last year, here's The Cambridge Day guide to an Interesting Valentines Day

    Related BostonZest Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: top photo from iStockphoto.com, Chocolate Bar photo from Cafe Fleuri.

  • Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

    This is going to be a big week for events around Boston with both the July 4th Celebration on the Esplanade and Boston Harborfest. If you want to pick up a picnic to enjoy at a summer event, we have some great links. (A tip to our often confused visitors to Boston on July 4th – the Boston Pops concert and fireworks are on the Charles River NOT on the harbor!)

    Along the Charles on July 4th, both sides of the river will be filled with fireworks fans. Here are some of the places where you can pick up a meal near an entrance to the Esplanade or close to Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. You do need food while you stake out your spot for the big show.

    Be sure to check the July 4th official site for the latest security restrictions for the Hatch Shell Oval and island areas before you plan your picnic and figure out how to carry it to the concert and fireworks.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834011570c3f2e4970c-500wi

    Fireworks Barges on the River

    Back Bay

    Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they make some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

    Thinking Cup has a new location at 85 Newbury Street, between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the park, and offers a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

    IMG_7520 - Version 22014-06-20-Picnic- public-garden-boston-Bacco's-Bento-Box-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day, they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box. This one was $7.50 and had two cheeses, salami, bread, fig jam, olives, pickles, and caponata. 

    Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

    Cambridge Central Square

    This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there. 

    central bottle wine + provisions will be open on the 4th and is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

    The new H-Mart in Central Square said they are open every day of the year including July 4th. This makes the Food Court a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

    On days other than this holdiay, you can add a great dessert to your basket from flour bakery + cafe next door. (We called and confirmed that flour is closed on the 4th.)

    Beacon Hill

    Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. Now, the Cambridge Market has a deli, and they are delivering "Grab & Go" sandwiches to the Charles Street store, so that you can pop in on your way to an event and walk out with everything you want.

    Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount, and Panificio. And for great healty snacks stop at the new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

    Boston Common

    There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find a Clover Food Lab truck stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

    Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

    Keep these in mind when you plan your Shakespeare on the Common evening this year.

    Waterfront & North End

    Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

    If we want prepared foods, we head for J. Pace & Son where they can fill your cooler with sandwiches, salads, calzones, and other Italian favorites. And, they also have shops in the West End and Seaport. 

    We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

    Along the Greenway, there is an ever changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants. 

    We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal, and where you love to go to pick up your food. 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

    This is going to be a big week for events around Boston with both the July 4th Celebration on the Esplanade and Boston Harborfest. If you want to pick up a picnic to enjoy at a summer event, we have some great links. (A tip to our often confused visitors to Boston on July 4th – the Boston Pops concert and fireworks are on the Charles River NOT on the harbor!)

    Along the Charles on July 4th, both sides of the river will be filled with fireworks fans. Here are some of the places where you can pick up a meal near an entrance to the Esplanade or close to Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. You do need food while you stake out your spot for the big show.

    Be sure to check the July 4th official site for the latest security restrictions for the Hatch Shell Oval and island areas before you plan your picnic and figure out how to carry it to the concert and fireworks.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834011570c3f2e4970c-500wi

    Fireworks Barges on the River

    Back Bay

    Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they make some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

    Thinking Cup has a new location at 85 Newbury Street, between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the park, and offers a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

    IMG_7520 - Version 22014-06-20-Picnic- public-garden-boston-Bacco's-Bento-Box-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day, they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box. This one was $7.50 and had two cheeses, salami, bread, fig jam, olives, pickles, and caponata. 

    Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

    Cambridge Central Square

    This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there. 

    central bottle wine + provisions will be open on the 4th and is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

    The new H-Mart in Central Square said they are open every day of the year including July 4th. This makes the Food Court a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

    On days other than this holdiay, you can add a great dessert to your basket from flour bakery + cafe next door. (We called and confirmed that flour is closed on the 4th.)

    Beacon Hill

    Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. Now, the Cambridge Market has a deli, and they are delivering "Grab & Go" sandwiches to the Charles Street store, so that you can pop in on your way to an event and walk out with everything you want.

    Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount, and Panificio. And for great healty snacks stop at the new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

    Boston Common

    There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find a Clover Food Lab truck stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

    Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

    Keep these in mind when you plan your Shakespeare on the Common evening this year.

    Waterfront & North End

    Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

    If we want prepared foods, we head for J. Pace & Son where they can fill your cooler with sandwiches, salads, calzones, and other Italian favorites. And, they also have shops in the West End and Seaport. 

    We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

    Along the Greenway, there is an ever changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants. 

    We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal, and where you love to go to pick up your food. 

    What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • Valentine’s Day 2014 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston

    Enjoying a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely scene takes some planning.

    IStock_000018981722Small

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    This year, February 14th falls on a Friday and that gives you the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. 

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. Be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day. We noticed a few on the lists below that have special menus for the 14th throught the 16th. 

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901bdf4a14970b-800wi   6a00e54fc42bb88834017eeadcdf63970d-800wi

    We love sharing food and Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above. Coppa has a special prix fixe menu on the 14th but seems to be back to normal for the rest of the weekend, so you might reserve for Saturday night or Sunday brunch or dinner.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a5110c9366970c-800wi

    Ed loves a great burger but is very particular about what he considers great. Taking him to lunch at the Bristol Lounge for one of his favorite burgers in Boston would be a great Valentine treat in his eyes. You have to think about what that person you love would really like for the highlight of their Valentine's meal.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015390dc00cf970b-800wi

    Do you have a chocolate lover to satiate? A perfectly ordinary afternoon turned into a romantic memory when Ed and I shared this giant profiterole at Petit Robert in the South End.

    When a Valentine's Day Lunch or Dinner Is on the Menu… 

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

    Update: 02.12.14 Here's Cambridge Day's Guide to an Interesting Valentine's Day

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of champagne after that hand holding exercise.

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • At The Market: Cheese from Local Farms

    20110707-160211-(market-scene)-(brookline-massachusetts)-(smith-farmstead-cheese)

    Artisan cheese is another reason to visit farmers' markets. 

    CHE_9541 - Version 22013-08-27-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cheesemakers like Smith's Farmstead Cheese, Narragansett Creamery, Crystal Brook FarmRuggles Hill CreameryFiore di Nonno, and Foxboro Cheese are among the cheese options you can find at Boston area farmers' markets. 

    DSC_8041 - Version 22013-09-03-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Crystal Brook Farm offers a delightful goat cheese picnic lunch. The day we took this photo each bag included a container of their goat cheese with olive oil and herbs de Provence, french bread, trail mix, a plate, napkin, knife, and a dollar-off coupon for the next purchase. 

    In season right now!

    This is the height of the harvest season. The stone fruit selection is glorious, the vegetables overflow their bins, and you enjoy each bite knowing this-or-that will soon be gone.

    Get Some before it's gone! 

    Berries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey – we've begun stockpiling our favorite from Foppema's Farm for winter.

    Coming Soon!

    Mums for fall planting, herbs for window sills, pumpkins, winter squash, late season apples.

    Follow all of our Local Food/Farmers' Market  and At The Market reports.

    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

    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.

  • At The Market: Cheese from Local Farms

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    Artisan cheese is another reason to visit farmers' markets. 

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    Cheesemakers like Smith's Farmstead Cheese, Narragansett Creamery, Crystal Brook FarmRuggles Hill CreameryFiore di Nonno, and Foxboro Cheese are among the cheese options you can find at Boston area farmers' markets. 

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    Crystal Brook Farm offers a delightful goat cheese picnic lunch. The day we took this photo each bag included a container of their goat cheese with olive oil and herbs de Provence, french bread, trail mix, a plate, napkin, knife, and a dollar-off coupon for the next purchase. 

    In season right now!

    This is the height of the harvest season. The stone fruit selection is glorious, the vegetables overflow their bins, and you enjoy each bite knowing this-or-that will soon be gone.

    Get Some before it's gone! 

    Berries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey – we've begun stockpiling our favorite from Foppema's Farm for winter.

    Coming Soon!

    Mums for fall planting, herbs for window sills, pumpkins, winter squash, late season apples.

    Follow all of our Local Food/Farmers' Market  and At The Market reports.

    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

    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.