Tag: food

Put This Chinatown Food Tour on Your Calendar and Shopping List

Back in September I received an email from one of my favorite social media friends, Jacqueline Church. She wrote:

"I'm inviting you to experience my "Chinatown Experience" tour, which is the full tour including a bit of history about Chinatown's founding, its immigrant origins, Chinese/American food, and more.

We'll walk through Chinatown sampling some favorites, both traditional and modern; visit a traditional Chinese herbalist shop, taste fantastic barbecued pork and more. Finally, we'll enjoy dim sum at Hei La Moon."

As the guests for her tour group gathered at our designated meeting spot, I realized I would be touring with one new friend and a three men who have supported people and programs I care about over the past few years. Adam Castiglioni from Boston Hospitalilty and Tourism Industry Blog, Max Grinnell from The Urbanologist, Richard Auffrey from The Passionate Foodie, and Chanie from Life By Zen made up a fun group to enjoy this tour that proved to be very true to its title Food, Fun and Fables.

We gathered as a group of food lovers but, as anyone who reads BostonZest or our newspaper columns knows, I'm also an architecture, history, and Boston details fan. I'll never look at the Chinatown Gate again without thinking about all the little tidbits that Jackie fed our minds as she described its background and details to us.

I'll never visit this neighborhood again without appreciating my better understanding of its foundation, evolution, and continuing cultural traditions.

As we walked we learned about these tiles in the sidewalk as Jackie pointed a toe and translated some for us.

Why do some gamers in the park play alone, while others have a crowd of coaches? Jackie knows and she shares.

Now I know exactly where to go when I want fabulous Chinese barbeque pork, a whole roast pig with crackling skin, or a roasted duck that may be from the same batch that was delivered to area restaurants.

Don't worry about sticky fingers, Jackie has this magic bag of goodies that assures her guests have what they need when they need it. From toothpicks to snag a piece of pork, to wipes to clean your hands before eating pastries with them, to smaller cups to share a bubble tea – she has you covered! And, you don't have to take notes. She'll provide handouts with the highlights and some extra tips.

As bakery samples are passed around, they are followed by stories. You'll learn how each item is made, how authentic this example happens to be, how seasonal, and where it fits into this culture.

As a Tai Chi student, I realize how important Traditional Chinese Medicine is in this culture. I had been to Jackie's favorite herbalist before. She had taken me there when we met for lunch one day. I think she knew I was having problems with asthma and the shop owner, Patrick, recognized it right away and suggested a ready-made tea that would help.

On the tour Jackie explained how you would consult Patrick and his staff of traditional Chinese herbalists and how your prescription would be filled by the experts in front of their drawers of healing products.

Jackie is a fun person and our visit to a Chinatown grocery shop was filled with laughter as she tried to convince one member of our tour he might even like those lovely green things, if he would only give them a chance.

Along the way all of us learned that she chose this shop because there was more likely to be someone on staff who spoke English should we have questions. And, as we walked the aisles, she pointed out a few of her favorite items among the brands on offer.

Then came dim sum with our expert guide explaining the etiquette of using our chopsticks or pouring tea in a communal setting, ordering from the carts as they passed, explaining how the bill is tallied and how to pay it.

Jackie also divided large portions, gave details of the dishes selected, and made sure everyone was offered a taste of everything. (She even made sure a plate of greens was available for our reluctant produce eater, just in case…)

As you may have noticed, I didn't give you the details of the shops or the answers to the questions that you might have from the photos posted here. Those tales are Jackie's to tell and she tells them far better than I would.

If you have always wanted to learn more about Boston's Chinatown, I highly recommend you gather a few friends, click over to Jacqueline Church Central, and schedule a tour.

Or, if you find yourself in Boston for a day or two by yourself or with a friend, join a tour that she has already scheduled. This is something you can enjoy on your own or with a group. I asked Jackie about a shorter tour with dim sum that would accommodate a friend with limited mobility and she was happy to work with me to figure out what we could include.

As it turned out, that friend was so interested in the tour I had, we are planning to gather a group and enjoy the full three hour Chinatown Experience! She'll take her cane and her friends will help out as needed.

With the holidays ahead, you might consider giving a gift certificate for a tour as a holiday gift. It has been said that many of us today would rather have a great shared experience to remember than something that will add to the things in our lives.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny Cherubino ( I was Jackie's guest on this tour here is a link to our disclosure policy.)

October 11, 2017
Organize Your Furry Family Members

It’s amazing how much stuff a dog or cat requires. Food, treats, leashes, collars, halters, medications, shampoos, toys, travel crates, and other equipment can take over a good part of a small city home.

Whether you have an older dog or a young pup, organizing their stuff will make everyone’s life easier.

The Right Place

A neighbor noticed the hook on our front door that holds our Poppy’s halter and leash. Not only does this spot put these tethers where we use them on a routine basis, but they are also exactly where we would want them in an emergency.

A friend with cats once had to do a fast exit when an alarm sounded. That required finding her cat carriers and getting the cats into them. That experience made her rethink where she stored the bags between trips to the vet.

We have a travel toiletry kit that holds everything we need for routine dog care or first aid. It also holds Poppy’s heartworm and flea medications and a few items we like to have along when we travel. That bag goes with us when we hit the road.

At home, dog toys live within Poppy's reach in the bottom basket of a three-tier storage stand near Ed’s desk. The upper levels hold a supply of pick up bags and bottles of water that we grab to go on walks.

Nearby, a covered wicker basket holds a supply of oversized towels for when we arrive home with a wet dog or to put down to protect our furniture and rugs when Poppy enjoys a chew treat.

Food Storage

When you live in an urban setting, rodent control is a factor in many decisions. In city homes, consider storing dry dog and cat food in secure, rodent-proof containers. Most of our dog’s food is kept in our freezer, but treats and some freeze-dried food like her Dr Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl is kept in glass mason jars.

Paperwork

Our puppy paperwork is in two places. Paper copies of important documents are in a notebook we can take to a veterinary emergency hospital at a moment’s notice. A second set of documents and complete records of all her medical care is scanned and stored in the cloud so we can access it from our phones. This can be of great value if you ever have to visit a veterinary hospital other than the one that already has your records.

Take a look around and see if you're happy with the organization of your dog or cat supplies, food, and information. And, if you have a great idea on this topic you'd like to share, you can add it to the comments below or send it to us @BostonZest on Twitter.

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

July 23, 2017
Organize Your Furry Family Members

It’s amazing how much stuff a dog or cat requires. Food, treats, leashes, collars, halters, medications, shampoos, toys, travel crates, and other equipment can take over a good part of a small city home.

Whether you have an older dog or a young pup, organizing their stuff will make everyone’s life easier.

The Right Place

A neighbor noticed the hook on our front door that holds our Poppy’s halter and leash. Not only does this spot put these tethers where we use them on a routine basis, but they are also exactly where we would want them in an emergency.

A friend with cats once had to do a fast exit when an alarm sounded. That required finding her cat carriers and getting the cats into them. That experience made her rethink where she stored the bags between trips to the vet.

We have a travel toiletry kit that holds everything we need for routine dog care or first aid. It also holds Poppy’s heartworm and flea medications and a few items we like to have along when we travel. That bag goes with us when we hit the road.

At home, dog toys live within Poppy's reach in the bottom basket of a three-tier storage stand near Ed’s desk. The upper levels hold a supply of pick up bags and bottles of water that we grab to go on walks.

Nearby, a covered wicker basket holds a supply of oversized towels for when we arrive home with a wet dog or to put down to protect our furniture and rugs when Poppy enjoys a chew treat.

Food Storage

When you live in an urban setting, rodent control is a factor in many decisions. In city homes, consider storing dry dog and cat food in secure, rodent-proof containers. Most of our dog’s food is kept in our freezer, but treats and some freeze-dried food like her Dr Harvey's Veg-to-Bowl is kept in glass mason jars.

Paperwork

Our puppy paperwork is in two places. Paper copies of important documents are in a notebook we can take to a veterinary emergency hospital at a moment’s notice. A second set of documents and complete records of all her medical care is scanned and stored in the cloud so we can access it from our phones. This can be of great value if you ever have to visit a veterinary hospital other than the one that already has your records.

Take a look around and see if you're happy with the organization of your dog or cat supplies, food, and information. And, if you have a great idea on this topic you'd like to share, you can add it to the comments below or send it to us @BostonZest on Twitter.

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

July 23, 2017
Reading Cookbooks Can Be Simply for Pleasure

One of the great pleasures in writing about food is reading a lot of cookbooks. I’m not talking about choosing a recipe and cooking from a book, but rather sitting in a comfy armchair and letting a great writer and storyteller take me to another place, another time, or another culture through their love of the food.

I also read cookbooks to learn more about a particular food, technique, or cuisine. Many of these are stored in my Kindle Fire ebook reader. They offer the perfect alternative reading material when waiting for an appointment or putting in miles on the treadmill on a stormy day. Often essays open chapters or sidebars and tell a story about a recipe’s origin, ingredients, or the person who taught the writer to make the dish.

Acquiring Great Cookbooks

My first choice for acquiring a cookbook is the Boston Public Library (BPL). Buying cookbooks is expensive and storing them requires more space than I have. Therefore I audition potential purchases.

Many times I enjoy the BPL copy and use it to inspire a piece of writing or make notes for future reference. I can borrow it again if I need it.

However some books are so addicting that I will refer to them often, and so popular that I may have to wait to have the library copy longer or borrow it again.

These go onto my wishlist. A recent example is, “My Kitchen in Rome: Recipes and Notes on Italian Cooking” by Rachel Roddy. After reading a few rave reviews by colleagues I respect, I borrowed the ebook from the library. ( I have since purchased the Kindle version)

I read and reread this book in a weekend. Roddy took me to her neighborhood in the Testaccio quarter of Rome and introduced me to the neighbors, vendors, streets, sights, sounds, and aromas she discovered. She tempted me to make the food she learned to make and to enjoy the culture.

It went on my wish list. At that time, the ebook price was not much less than the hardcover price. When the price finally dropped, I added it to my Kindle collection.

More of my favorite cookbooks like this one will be in upcoming posts.

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

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2012-2017 Penny Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of her Fresh & Local newspaper columns.)

Related articles

Bun Thit Nuong: A Fresh, Cool Summer Dish from Vietnam

March 19th Is Zeppole Day!

April 5, 2017
Reading Cookbooks Can Be Simply for Pleasure

One of the great pleasures in writing about food is reading a lot of cookbooks. I’m not talking about choosing a recipe and cooking from a book, but rather sitting in a comfy armchair and letting a great writer and storyteller take me to another place, another time, or another culture through their love of the food.

I also read cookbooks to learn more about a particular food, technique, or cuisine. Many of these are stored in my Kindle Fire ebook reader. They offer the perfect alternative reading material when waiting for an appointment or putting in miles on the treadmill on a stormy day. Often essays open chapters or sidebars and tell a story about a recipe’s origin, ingredients, or the person who taught the writer to make the dish.

Acquiring Great Cookbooks

My first choice for acquiring a cookbook is the Boston Public Library (BPL). Buying cookbooks is expensive and storing them requires more space than I have. Therefore I audition potential purchases.

Many times I enjoy the BPL copy and use it to inspire a piece of writing or make notes for future reference. I can borrow it again if I need it.

However some books are so addicting that I will refer to them often, and so popular that I may have to wait to have the library copy longer or borrow it again.

These go onto my wishlist. A recent example is, “My Kitchen in Rome: Recipes and Notes on Italian Cooking” by Rachel Roddy. After reading a few rave reviews by colleagues I respect, I borrowed the ebook from the library. ( I have since purchased the Kindle version)

I read and reread this book in a weekend. Roddy took me to her neighborhood in the Testaccio quarter of Rome and introduced me to the neighbors, vendors, streets, sights, sounds, and aromas she discovered. She tempted me to make the food she learned to make and to enjoy the culture.

It went on my wish list. At that time, the ebook price was not much less than the hardcover price. When the price finally dropped, I added it to my Kindle collection.

More of my favorite cookbooks like this one will be in upcoming posts.

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

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2012-2017 Penny Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of her Fresh & Local newspaper columns.)

Related articles

Bun Thit Nuong: A Fresh, Cool Summer Dish from Vietnam

March 19th Is Zeppole Day!

April 5, 2017
Go on a Good Food Hunt with Edible Boston’s Spring 2017 Issue

Forget the Easter Eggs that are already on store shelves! Hunt down this edition of Edible Boston. It's full of the people, places, flavors, recipes, and products that you will want to add to your shopping list or make for dinner.

In her Letter from the Editor, managing editor Sarah Blackburn hits a welcome note when she writes, "Put your feet up, turn off the news and read about ice cream, bagels, a beer-making farm and a lesson in historical cooking at a living museum."

She continues to encourage us not only to "Eat Local," but also to join the Edible team and use the hashtag #EatLocalMA on social media.

We have Post-It notes marking pages with articles on making cheese at home, celebrating spring with a picnic, and recipes for using those wonderful first greens of spring.

Read with Shopping List in Hand

As much as we think we may know about the local food scene, our preview copy is already dog-eared to return to articles and advertisements for local food suppliers. We've learned to read this publication with my shopping list in hand.

Support the Talented Edible Boston Team

First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

May we suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Covershot & photos: Courtesy of Edible Boston

Related articles

Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

March 24, 2017
Go on a Good Food Hunt with Edible Boston’s Spring 2017 Issue

Forget the Easter Eggs that are already on store shelves! Hunt down this edition of Edible Boston. It's full of the people, places, flavors, recipes, and products that you will want to add to your shopping list or make for dinner.

In her Letter from the Editor, managing editor Sarah Blackburn hits a welcome note when she writes, "Put your feet up, turn off the news and read about ice cream, bagels, a beer-making farm and a lesson in historical cooking at a living museum."

She continues to encourage us not only to "Eat Local," but also to join the Edible team and use the hashtag #EatLocalMA on social media.

We have Post-It notes marking pages with articles on making cheese at home, celebrating spring with a picnic, and recipes for using those wonderful first greens of spring.

Read with Shopping List in Hand

As much as we think we may know about the local food scene, our preview copy is already dog-eared to return to articles and advertisements for local food suppliers. We've learned to read this publication with my shopping list in hand.

Support the Talented Edible Boston Team

First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

May we suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Covershot & photos: Courtesy of Edible Boston

Related articles

Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

Get Ready for Your First Visit to the Boston Public Market

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

March 24, 2017
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

July 20, 2016
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

July 20, 2016
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.

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.

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

June 30, 2014