Aaron Kagan, editor of Eater Boston, asked us to join a group of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers to answer a few questions about our 2011 dining experiences in Boston. We are making the links to those questions our Friday Link.
And, we would love to hear your answers to any or all of them. Comment away!
Aaron gathered an interesting cross section from around the food community and the result is a great commentary on "the year that was" on the Boston restaurant scene.
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Details: Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino Screenshot from Eater Boston
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Penny's Tale: I suggested lunch at the Four Seasons Bristol Lounge to treat Ed to one of his favorite Boston hamburgers.
To my delight, I was rewarded for my good deed with a great lobster roll prepared the way I can enjoy it. This is not the lobster roll on the menu. I can't have mayonnaise so our excellent waiter, Ricardo, was quick to assure me that he would check with the kitchen and see what alternative they could offer. He returned to say they would prepare a special version for me.
It was lovely, moist lobster with that toothsome bite that only comes fresh from the pot. There was a tiny bit of lively mixed pickle added for zest, and crunchy fresh lettuce all wrapped in a very nice bun flavored with garlic butter.
But, I'm certain those without a sensitivity-to-raw-egg issue will enjoy the original version as offered on the menu– "Bristol Lobster Roll, Lemon 'Sabayon,' Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Toasted Bun."
I ate far more of those sweet potato fries than was my intent. And, I admit to filching some of the truffle French fries from Ed's plate.
About that Burger
I'll turn this tale over to Ed to tell you why the "The Famous Bristol Burger, Aged Vermont Cheddar Cheese, House-Made Pickles, Truffle French Fries, with or without a Toasted Bun" has always had high marks from him.
Ed's Burger: It had been a while since I'd ordered the burger at Bristol Lounge– there is a lot of competition out there. Although having recently had a burger I've since proclaimed as the best, I was anxious to revisit an old favorite.
First of all, this "before photo," while quite fetching, only shows the Bristol Burger's potential, but it'll have to do. From the instant I took my first bite, this masterpiece never again came in contact with the plate– even Penny's brilliant camera skills couldn't stop the action. Simply put, if you're lewered by a perfectly done, medium-rare burger that reminds you of a great steak, you'll covet this award-winner!
The Four Seasons Experience
We Both Say: A meal at the Four Seasons is always about more than the food. The welcome is warm, the room is beautiful, and service is what this organization is all about. We love to visit places like the Bristol Lounge to remind ourselves of what the standards should be. Highly civilized dining still exists in this corner of Boston.
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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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
It’s time to ring in the new and ring out the old Christmas tree!
For 11 days, beginning January 3rd, 2012, you can take that dried-up old Christmas tree and put it out with your recycling. While the City of Boston doesn’t want you to leave it by the curb in a bag, you may want to take it out of your home and building wrapped, so you don’t leave a trail of pine needles and pine pitch behind.
The City of Boston Waste Reduction Division wants you to know that, “Public Works will collect Christmas trees for composting from January 3 to January 13. Remove all ornaments, decorations, and stands from trees and place trees at the curb by 7AM on your recycling day. Do not put trees in plastic bags.”
Hop over to Amazon and look at Christmas Ornament Storage Options. We'd like to thank everyone who remembers to stop here on their way to Amazon. If you go to Amazon from one of our links or items, they put coins in our tip jar.
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential."Ellen Goodman (Pulitzer prize winning columnist, author, speaker)
What did you do last year that really makes you happy when you think about it? What Bucket List items are on your schedule for 2012?
Here's a link to some of Ellen Goodman's books. We hope she makes more of her earlier work available on Kindle.
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Earlier this month, we visited the Garden Club of the Back Bay's Wreath Week workshop for a story Penny was preparing for the Back Bay Sun. We wanted to post some of the photos here and salute this wonderful organization with the words of just a few of the more than 60 volunteers who make this fundraiser possible.
Here's the caption that went with the cover photo, (above)
Twenty Years of Wreaths!
“There’s something about coming here and doing this,” said Mary Ellen Udelson. “Everything else in your life kind of falls away. It’s just pure joy!” As one of the original volunteers, this was her 20th year decorating wreaths for the Garden Club of the Back Bay’s annual fundraising event, “Wreath Week.”
“Everyone has to come here to get an assignment,” said Janet Murphy from her seat at “Control Central.” She explained that the wreaths are highly personalized, and that she works with the decorators to be sure customers’ requests are reflected in the finished wreaths.
Stacey Richards (left) was a first year volunteer. “I’m not creative, but I can do this… And, someday,” she said with a big smile, “maybe I’ll do wreaths.” She was preparing ribbons for the bow makers with Louesa Gillespie. “Whatever you do is fun, here– doesn’t matter what your job is. And, there’s something for everyone,” Gillespie said.
“Margaret and I have the hands that are made for it,” said Nancy Devereaux who was making bows with Margaret Pokorny. Good hand strength is needed to fashion the lively bows that are one of the trademarks of these wreaths.
“It’s controlled pandemonium,” said first-timer, Nancy Stone as she helped to organize materials. “You can come here for 10-minutes or for 10-hours and, either way, you feel equally as purposeful.” “And, it’s so festive, it really is.”
Darwin Cordoba has been volunteering since 2009. He spent his day off from Ralph Lauren on Newbury Street creating wreaths for the Garden Club.
“It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause,” said Glenda Mattes who spent the past two “Wreath Weeks” helping one of the senior decorators. This year she was, “…picking out things that would go with my bow,” for the wreath she was about to create.
“Many of the most important jobs are stuff like keeping things orderly, sweeping the floor, checking to make sure things don’t fall off,” said Sherley Smith. Testing a finished wreath included giving it a good shake and tugging at the design elements to be certain they were secure.
Thanks to everyone who begins their Amazon shopping from here. When you stop by BostonZest on your way to Amazon and click on one of our links or amazon items to get over there, you help support our work. Amazon rewards us when we send shoppers their way. It doesn't cost you any more but it puts a few pennies in our pocket.
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Last weekend, Back Bay homes had piles of unwanted phone books dumped on their front steps. The photo above is a single family home, so you can imagine how many were left at buildings with 40 or 60 apartments.
Did you know that you can opt-out of having phone books delivered to your home?
In response to complaints, the Association of Directory Publishers has set up an opt-out program at this site, www.yellowpagesoptout.com. We're making this site our Friday Link!
You do have to register, and then you can opt-out of the phone books from those businesses that belong to this group. We were able to elimate three deliveries with one visit.
Of course, if you live in a multi-family home, you will have to encourage your neighbors to join you in the opt-out effort.
Wider Pilot Progam Underway
The good news is that Brookline and Cambridge are working with the Product Stewardship Institute and Catalog Choice on a pilot opt-out project. The test will make it possible for residents to stop the delivery of unwanted phone books, catalogs, coupons, and credit card solicitations. It will also measure the number of requests and program efficiency. The Product Stewardship Institute will issue a project report in the fall of 2012.
Begin all your Amazon Shopping here to support BostonZest and the information we bring your way!
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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Remy is a happy, well-adjusted, 11 month old with a question, “Have you seen my family tree?” Plucked from a New York shelter with the help of PetFinder, this handsome guy is curious about his ancestry.
Remy is very friendly, so the fact that he has a reputation as a "big kisser" won’t surprise you.
Wait, aren’t Bernese Mountain Dogs big kissers? After all, they’re often described as affectionate, loving, and sweet. And, Remy certainly has the same ears and coloring of that breed. But, what about that distinctive tail?
Remy told us he’ll be checking the Comments Section of BostonZest for any ideas you might have about his relatives. What do you think?
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Brrrr! It's chilly this weekend, and we're pulling out some jackets for our little Westie, Maggie Mae. We're always amazed by how well her Fido Fleece Dog Coats hold up after winters of washing. Remember, if you're going to shop at Amazon, start from here, and they will reward us with a bit of BostonZest income.
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 who are part of the places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2011, and New Year's Day January 1, 2012, and Monday January 2, 2012 when the holiday is officially celebrated under state law. This year we have a three day weekend!
Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others (especially those in the hospitality business) stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.
Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2012 New Year's Day and Monday the 2nd.
Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Convenience stores:Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
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.
More after this message…
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Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule for Monday, January 2 – Saturday, January 7, 2012 says: "Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorcheser, 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."
MBTA Service Schedule for New Year’s Weekend. The MBTA says…
"Saturday, December 31, 2011 – New Year’s Eve
FREE SERVICE AFTER 8 PM COMPLETE SCHEDULE AVAILABLE BELOW
The MBTA is providing extra transit services throughout the First Night festivities and will be offering FREE service after 8:00 p.m. Extra MBTA Police will patrol the system to assist with crowd control and safety.
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. Additional trains will operate and provide rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3:00 p.m. until approximately 2:00 a.m. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule. • Commuter Rail Service on New Year’s Eve will operate on a Saturday schedule with extended extra service provided.
THESE ARE THE LAST COMMUTER RAIL TRAINS TO OPERATE. THERE WILL NOT BE ANY ALTERNATIVE SERVICES AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS MUST ARRIVE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME.
OUTBOUND FROM NORTH STATION
Fitchburg Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Fitchburg
Haverhill Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Haverhill
Lowell Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Lowell
Rockport Line:
1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Departure to Rockport*
Newburyport:
12:45 a.m. Departure to Newburyport
*There will be a Newburyport connection at Beverly for the 2:00 a.m. Rockport train.
OUTBOUND FROM SOUTH STATION
Providence Line:
12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Providence
Franklin Line:
12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Forge Park
Greenbush Line:
1:00 a.m. Departure to Greenbush
Middleboro/Lakeville Line:
1:10 a.m. Departute to Middleboro
Needham Line:
1:00 a.m. Departure to Kingston
Kingston Line:
1:05 a.m. Departure to Kingston
Worcester/Framingham Line:
1:00 a.m. to Worcester
Commuter Boat and Ferry • Inner Harbor Ferry will operate a normal Weekend schedule. • Rowes Wharf/ Hingham Shipyard and Logan Airport (Hull) will not operate. • Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf will operate on normal Saturday schedule.
THE RIDE will operate extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
Parking As a way to manage traffic volume, customers are urged to pay upon entering the parking garages.
Sunday, January 1, 2012 – New Year’s Day
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Inner Harbor Ferry and Commuter Boat services will not operate. • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Monday, January 2, 2012 – New Year’s Day Observed
• Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. • Rowes Wharf/ Hingham Shipyard and Logan Airport (Hull) will not operate. • Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf will operate on a Sunday schedule. • Inner Harbor Ferry will operate on Weekend schedule. • THE RIDE Service will not offer subscription service. Customers should contact their contractors for service information.
For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.
Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
If first impressions are as lasting as claimed, then we will definitely be regulars at Sweet Cheeks BBQ. While we’ve given you our Sweet Cheeks BBQ – First Look, I saved the “beverage” part of the meal for today.
I’m always ready to try a new beer, especially if the word bourbon is used to describe it. So, when bartender Rich told me about an ale that’s aged in bourbon barrels, I had to have one. I’ve been a bourbon-lover for years. But, that's certainly not a requirement for enjoying this brew.
My first sip of brilliant, amber-colored Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale from that mason jar was outstanding! Full-flavored, but not heavy, with hints of oak and vanilla. It complemented the entire meal, especially our butterscotch pudding dessert.
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 that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
items are on your schedule for 2012?
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hold up after winters of washing. Remember, if you're going to shop at Amazon, start from here, and they will reward us with a bit of BostonZest income.