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  • Argyle Brut Rosé – a Treat to Greet November!

    DSC_9242 - Version 22012-10-07-argyle-brut-rose-2008-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While we are huge fans of Argyle wines, especially the sparkling varieties, we’ve never treated ourselves to their Rosé until now. What’s our excuse? We have none. Except that we hadn't run into a bottle until a recent visit to the new Urban Grape South End location.

    Our only hope of redemption is to spread the word about this 2008 Argyle Brut Rosé as part of our Sparkling Resolution for November.

    As longtime Rosé lovers, this Oregon offering is a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Argyle Winery describes the aroma as “complex and delightful.” They point to hints of roses, red berries, and spice with a “super rich” flavor. “The finish is a long … like enjoying the leavings of the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever enjoyed.”

    DSC_9236 - Version 32012-10-07-argyle-brut-rose-2008-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was happy just sipping the wine all on its own, but it also matched very well with the charcuterie we added to the mix.

    Penny always says, “The sign of a really good Champagne is when you really don’t want it cold!” This sparkling Rosé drank well through all temperatures, especially when it warmed.

    Here’s to November! We can’t think of better way to begin a new month. Another glass worthy of a toast to a great winemaker – Argyle’s, Rollin Soles.

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution  

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Argyle Brut Rosé – a Treat to Greet November!

    DSC_9242 - Version 22012-10-07-argyle-brut-rose-2008-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While we are huge fans of Argyle wines, especially the sparkling varieties, we’ve never treated ourselves to their Rosé until now. What’s our excuse? We have none. Except that we hadn't run into a bottle until a recent visit to the new Urban Grape South End location.

    Our only hope of redemption is to spread the word about this 2008 Argyle Brut Rosé as part of our Sparkling Resolution for November.

    As longtime Rosé lovers, this Oregon offering is a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Argyle Winery describes the aroma as “complex and delightful.” They point to hints of roses, red berries, and spice with a “super rich” flavor. “The finish is a long … like enjoying the leavings of the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever enjoyed.”

    DSC_9236 - Version 32012-10-07-argyle-brut-rose-2008-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was happy just sipping the wine all on its own, but it also matched very well with the charcuterie we added to the mix.

    Penny always says, “The sign of a really good Champagne is when you really don’t want it cold!” This sparkling Rosé drank well through all temperatures, especially when it warmed.

    Here’s to November! We can’t think of better way to begin a new month. Another glass worthy of a toast to a great winemaker – Argyle’s, Rollin Soles.

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution  

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino  

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Happy Halloween!


    IMG_5958 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was Penny's favorite Jack-o-Lantern this year!

    We hope all these Halloween decorations made it through the storm – or were taken in and return to be enjoyed by all of us city folks who don't have a space to decorate but enjoy seeing the craftmanship that others display.

    DSC_9429 - Version 22012-10-22-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    One happy Ghost! Is that a bat mouth?
    DSC_9613 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This powerful fence spiked a bunch of skulls!
    DSC_9604 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed loved the surprised expression on this pumpkin's face!
    DSC_9616 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This skull eats wrought iron!
    DSC_9609 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A hipster pumpkin with pierced ears!

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Happy Halloween!


    IMG_5958 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was Penny's favorite Jack-o-Lantern this year!

    We hope all these Halloween decorations made it through the storm – or were taken in and return to be enjoyed by all of us city folks who don't have a space to decorate but enjoy seeing the craftmanship that others display.

    DSC_9429 - Version 22012-10-22-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    One happy Ghost! Is that a bat mouth?
    DSC_9613 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This powerful fence spiked a bunch of skulls!
    DSC_9604 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed loved the surprised expression on this pumpkin's face!
    DSC_9616 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This skull eats wrought iron!
    DSC_9609 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A hipster pumpkin with pierced ears!

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Happy Halloween!


    IMG_5958 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was Penny's favorite Jack-o-Lantern this year!

    We hope all these Halloween decorations made it through the storm – or were taken in and return to be enjoyed by all of us city folks who don't have a space to decorate but enjoy seeing the craftmanship that others display.

    DSC_9429 - Version 22012-10-22-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    One happy Ghost! Is that a bat mouth?
    DSC_9613 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This powerful fence spiked a bunch of skulls!
    DSC_9604 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed loved the surprised expression on this pumpkin's face!
    DSC_9616 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This skull eats wrought iron!
    DSC_9609 - Version 22012-10-27-jack-o-lanterns-halloween-decoaration-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    A hipster pumpkin with pierced ears!

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

    IStock_000006975358XSmall

    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some Master lists of Boston restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site, Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

    IStock_000006975358XSmall

    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some Master lists of Boston restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site, Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Thanksgiving 2012 Dining Out in Boston

    IStock_000006975358XSmall

    Time's running out to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal in one of the area's great restaurants.

    NOTE: This is an outdated post: Here is the 2015 Thanksgiving Dining resource page.

    This year, we're cooking and dining at home. But, our choice on past holidays has beenSel de la Terre on Boylston Street. Click here for our report on one of those meals. They do have a new chef but the standards set seem to be the same and we've enjoyed every meal there since the change.

    Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation. 

    What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

    Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this includes some excellent choices including:

    Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
    L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
    Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
    Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Boston 
    Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
    Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel

    Our top recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.

    More recommendations after this word on supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Here's a link to some of the best deals they have today. Once this link takes you to Amazon, we'll be credited for any shopping you do during this session.


     


    Here are links to some Master lists of Boston restaurants open for Thanksgiving.

    The reservation site, Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

    Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you are meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

    Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few offerings we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:  istockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • What’s Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2012, MBTA Schedule Changes

    20091102DSC_9813 - Version 2

    UPDATE: What's Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2013

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Veterans' Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Monday, November 12, 2012. This year, the city of Boston is celebrating the holiday on the Monday following the traditional date of November 11th. That means you can start planning a long weekend.

    Be very careful about parking meters on Monday. *Please read the detailed note below. 

    But, the State is calling Sunday, November 11th Veteran's Day making that the day with pay regulations.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    *Boston Parking: Here's what the city says, you may have to read this a few times.

    "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays
    and no time limit is enforced.  All other parking regulations,
    including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect.  It is important to note that this applies only to the day that the actual holiday falls on, not to the day that offices may be closed in celebration of the holiday.  For example, if New Year's Day is Saturday but offices are closed on Friday in recognition of the holiday, parking meters will be in operation on Friday but not on Saturday."
    Remember this holiday falls on Sunday but the city offices are closed on Monday.

    Street Sweeping: 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."

    More information on Boston Trash Schedules and MBTA after this ad.

    Need a destination for a fall weekend? Here are a couple of books that might help you decide. Remember, Begin your Amazon purchases here to keep information like this flowing your way.

    Boston Trash Collection: The City says:

    "Monday, November 12 | 7am – Saturday, November 17, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    The MBTA press release says that on Monday, November 12, 2012 all services will run on their regular weekday schedules.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cishol/holidx.htm

    (Photo of the Shaw Memorial on the Boston Common: ©2009 Penny Cherubino)

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • What’s Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2012, MBTA Schedule Changes

    20091102DSC_9813 - Version 2

    UPDATE: What's Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2013

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Veterans' Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Monday, November 12, 2012. This year, the city of Boston is celebrating the holiday on the Monday following the traditional date of November 11th. That means you can start planning a long weekend.

    Be very careful about parking meters on Monday. *Please read the detailed note below. 

    But, the State is calling Sunday, November 11th Veteran's Day making that the day with pay regulations.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes schools, libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    *Boston Parking: Here's what the city says, you may have to read this a few times.

    "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays
    and no time limit is enforced.  All other parking regulations,
    including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect.  It is important to note that this applies only to the day that the actual holiday falls on, not to the day that offices may be closed in celebration of the holiday.  For example, if New Year's Day is Saturday but offices are closed on Friday in recognition of the holiday, parking meters will be in operation on Friday but not on Saturday."
    Remember this holiday falls on Sunday but the city offices are closed on Monday.

    Street Sweeping: 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."

    More information on Boston Trash Schedules and MBTA after this ad.

    Need a destination for a fall weekend? Here are a couple of books that might help you decide. Remember, Begin your Amazon purchases here to keep information like this flowing your way.

    Boston Trash Collection: The City says:

    "Monday, November 12 | 7am – Saturday, November 17, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

    *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    The MBTA press release says that on Monday, November 12, 2012 all services will run on their regular weekday schedules.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."
    http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cishol/holidx.htm

    (Photo of the Shaw Memorial on the Boston Common: ©2009 Penny Cherubino)

    Enhanced by Zemanta