bostonzest

Tag: 2015

  • What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick’s Day) and What’s Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?

    This year, Evacuation Day (which most people admit is just an excuse for Saint Patrick's Day revelry) falls on a Tuesday – March 17th. City and state workers in Suffolk County no longer have this as a holiday. City Hall and the State offices in Suffolk County will be open. But, because of the parade and the drinking of the green beer, there will be a few adaptations around the city.

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    I do know that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the event to come to Boston. Questions about where to stay, which Irish Pub to visit, and how to get around the city have popped up over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. It looks like visitors are coming here from all over the country and especially from Ireland.

    Do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day?

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    About your holiday questions …

    According to the Secretary of State's website,

    "Evacuation Day – March 17th
    (Suffolk County only, state and municipal offices are open)"

    The day is not listed on Boston's list of holidays. Therefore, there's no change in parking regulations or trash pick up.

    • Update: 03.10.15 As Kate from Boston on Budget pointed out in her comment below, some years the city has tweeted out free parking notices on this holiday. We'll update with details if we find that happens. 
    • Here's the official word on that:

    Screen Shot 2015-03-17 at Tuesday, March 17, 201512.54.24 PM

    Basically, everything is open. But, in the past, the city has asked South Boston liquor stores and bars to cut off sales early. There has been no announcement regarding this that we could find this year.

    Some MBTA routes in South Boston will be changed because of the parade.  Download MBTA St Patrick's Day Parade schedule.

    We'll update as press releases come out from around the city.

    Update 03/13/15:

    Here's a link to and text of the City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

    "The City of Boston’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015, in South Boston. The parade will begin at 1 PM on West Broadway at Dorchester Avenue, will continue to East Broadway, and end at Farragut Road.

    View Map of Route

    The St. Patrick’s Day Road Race will also take place in South Boston on Sunday beginning at 11 AM.   Runners will proceed from West Sixth Street at F Street onto Dorchester Street, right onto East Broadway, down and around the Farragut Statue at Day Boulevard, to East Broadway, right onto West Broadway, left onto E Street, left onto West Sixth Street, ending at the Boys and Girls Club at #230 West Sixth Street.

    To accommodate the two events, staging/dispersal and clean-up, drivers should expect the following roads to be closed to vehicular traffic. Streets effected by the parade will close no later than 12 PM and streets effected by the road race will close no later than 10 AM.  

    • Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to Farragut Road
    • On intersecting streets from Dorchester Avenue through Farragut Road, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broadway
    • Dorchester Avenue, in the vicinity of Gillette Park and Andrew Square
    • Old Colony Avenue, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street
    • Farragut Road, from Columbia Road to Shore Road/East First Street
    • All race route streets while the runners make their way to the finish line

    Due to a combination of snow and Resident Parking Only restrictions, parking in the neighborhood is limited. Additional parking restrictions that will be implemented temporarily to support Sunday’s events are as follows.

     “Tow Zone, No Stopping, Boston Police Special Event Sunday”

    • Dorchester Avenue: Both sides, from Gillette Park to Old Colony Avenue (Staging Area)
    • Old Colony Avenue: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to C Street (Staging Area)
    • West Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Avenue to Dorchester Street
    • East Broadway: Both sides, from Dorchester Street to Farragut Road
    • Farragut Road: East side (park side), from Columbia Road to Shore Road /East First Street (Dispersal area)
    • West Sixth Street: Southwest side, from Dorchester Avenue to F Street
    • F Street: Southeast side (odd side – Boys & Girls Club side), West Sixth Street to Bowen Street

    People coming into Boston to attend these events are kindly asked to take the MBTA.  Information on service may be found at www.MBTA.com.  For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip rather than a one-way ticket."

    Related Posts:

    Irish Breakfast at the Squealing Pig

    Matt Murphy's Pub Saves the Day

    What's on your Amazon shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     


    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • Snow, Freeze, Thaw, Freeze, Snow in the Back Bay

    It has been a very photographic February with the cycle of snow, freeze, thaw, and freeze we've endured. Ed said it was as if Mother Nature wanted to add a fresh coat of makeup to the snow piles so they wouldn't look dirty. 

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    Icicles added a touch of frosting to the Victorian townhouses along Commonwealth Avenue.

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    On Newbury Street, some took on the look of waterfalls.

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    On Boylston Street, the stonework and icicles set off one another beautifully.

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    Here's a view of icicles from inside one of the glass crossovers at Copley Place.

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    Bacchante does not seem to mind the snow at all and just continues to dance in the Courtyard of the Boston Public Library.

    As much as we may complain about the endless snow and cold, it's hard to resist photographing the way it changes our neighborhood. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

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  • What’s Open or Closed on Presidents’ Day in Boston 2015 & MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More

    Here’s a rundown of what’s open and what’s closed in Boston on Presidents’ Day and the MBTA schedule changes, plus information on Boston trash pick-up and parking information for February 16, 2015. 

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    We publish these resource pages early to assist you in planning your holidays. We’ll keep updates coming as new information is published. Follow us on Twitter to learn about updates.

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets:     Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: 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.

    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. In recent years, we’ve noticed some banks keep some branches open at unexpected times so check with your own bank.

    Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

    This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon. You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way. 

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

    Boston Recycling and Trash Collection:

    “Presidents’ Day Week,

    Monday, February 16, 6am – Saturday, February 21, 2015, 6pm

    DETAILS: “No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

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

    Here’s the source of the recycling and trash information.


    MBTA Schedule for Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2015

    Update 02/15/15 6:30 PM Here is an update from the MBTA:

    “The MBTA will provide a limited schedule of rail and bus service on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, 2015.” As detailed” “… at mbta.com/winter, the MBTA will operate services on the Blue, Green, Orange and Red Lines at underground stations, although the Blue Line will operate to Airport Station.

    Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule, while buses will run on a modified Saturday schedule, with certain routes not operating as detailed below. The Silver Line will operate on a weekday schedule.”

    For a short time before the holiday, a complete list of schedule changes with appear at this link.

    Briefly:

    • Blue, Orange, Red, and Green Lines will operate a Saturday schedule and there will not be late night service.
    • Silver line will operate a weekday schedule.
    • Commuter Rail trains will operate a Saturday schedule. 
    • Buses and trackless trolleys will operate a Saturday schedule. Check this link for bus routes that will not operate. (Note: this link will only work up until the holiday.)
    • Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown Boat Service will operate a regular weekday schedule.
    • THE RIDE will operate a Saturday schedule, but contact your local RIDE contractor for details.

    For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com. 

     

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

     

  • What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page- Updated for winter of 2019-2020

    Here's a page of information with links to more details on what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency. Updated for winter of 2019-2020.

    Beginning in 2021, we are no longer supporting this page with updates. Feel free to try some of the links below or search for "city of Boston snow"

    Here is where the city of Boston information is posted. You can check this link for other information. We will post updates as we receive them.

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    General Information You Need to Know about Any Snow Emergency

    • Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
    • Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
    • Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.   
    • Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
    • Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
    • Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms.  Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection.

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    City of Boston Snow Information

    Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city has set up a "Winter in Boston" page with the latest information on things like declared snow emergencies, parking bans, trash schedules, school closings, etc.

    Before The Storm

    If you haven't already done it, click over and sign-up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

    Adopt a Hydrant – Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

    If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

    Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

    And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

    Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

    Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

    With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

    "DO
        * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
        * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
        * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise, you will be subject to standard parking rates.
        * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
        * Follow winter weather driving tips.

    DON'T
        * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
        * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
        * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
        * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
        * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

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    If Your Car Is Missing

    There are off-street parking spaces available to residents during the storm. 

    Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

    Here's the Information on a Map Page

    Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $15.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

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    Digging Out

    Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

    If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

    Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
    In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

    There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

    In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

    Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

    Main number: 617-635-3050

    24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

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    French Toast Alert System & Best Local Coverage from Universal Hub

    If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

    On a more serious note, we turn to Universal Hub for the best local information on what is going on around the city during breaking news events. Adam and his Universal Hub community are often far better sources of information than much of the Boston broadcast media. 

    Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

     

    "Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8 

    Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8 

    Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.  

    Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.  

    City Employees: Essential Personnel only  

    Parking Meters: Normal rules apply  

    Tow Lot: Normal Hours 

    Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule 

    City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11 

    City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11  

    MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.  

    Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.  

    Other/Special Events*: N/A 

    *The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2008-2015 Ed & Penny Cherubino

  • National Cheese Lover’s Day – Tuesday, January 20, 2015

    The Massachusetts Cheese Guild sent us a reminder that today is National Cheese Lover's Day. The BostonZest team is made up of cheese lovers, so today is a day for us! We even have a separate category, Food: Cheese for our cheese coverage.

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    Because we live a freelance lifestyle, we often eat our main meal of the day in the afternoon and enjoy a plate of cheese with a bit of something else and a glass of wine for our evening bites.

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    We also find ourselves shopping for great cheese in Boston's wonderful ethnic markets. Above is a collection of foods we purchased in Watertown's Middle Eastern neighborhood. A trip there will always include string cheese and feta. 

    Smith’s Country Cheese at the Brookline Farmers Market

    Smith’s Country Cheese at the Brookline Farmers' Market
    Crystal Brook Farm goat cheese lunches at the Copley Farmers' Market-800wi

    Crystal Brook Farm goat cheese lunches at the Copley Farmers' Market

    We love supporting Massachusetts cheeses at area farmers' markets. Both of those above are members of the Massachusetts Cheese Guild. Here's a link to the other local cheese artisan producers who have joined to provide mutual support and education about our state's cheese products.

    Artisan Cheese Trail

    The guild also has created their Artisan Cheese Trail, a map for you to explore the possibilities in person. We highly recommend that you pop over and explore the guild's site. You'll find cheesemakers to visit from Westport to Williamstown and beyond.

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    Explore New Cheeses

    One of the truly great things about cheese is that a good shop will let you taste a bit before you buy. If you avoid the precut and shrink wrapped, you will not have to be afraid to try a new cheese.

    You might discover that there are some blue cheeses you love and some you don't. We had that happen with a friend who didn't think he'd like the blue cheese his partner adored. Until our cheese tasting adventures put one on his plate with a slightly different flavor note. 

    If this day speaks to your soul, set out from here to explore more Massachusetts Cheeses in particular, and different cheeses from your current favorites in general.

    Here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

    What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar photo courtesy of Cabot Cheese.

  • 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. 

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    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?

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

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    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.

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

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

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

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

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

     

    Convenience Stores: Open 

     

    Supermarkets: Open

     

    Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose


    Liquor Stores: Open

     

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

     

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

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

     

    Mfa MLK open house

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling: The City website says,

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

    "No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End

    Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

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

    Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

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

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

    Here is what they did last year:

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

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

     

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

     

       

     

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

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  • Notes on a New Year’s Eve Toast with Bollinger Rosé

    We couldn’t let New Year’s Eve get too far out of sight without some quick notes on the spectacular bottle of Bollinger Rosé Champagne that helped us ring in 2015.

     

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    This champagne was even lovelier than we’d remembered from our December tasting. Here are some thoughts:

    •  nicely balanced with just enough Pinot to accompany our pâté mousse truffée … 
    •  the wine matched well with aged cheddar, each enhancing the other …
    •  even chicken parmigiana bites couldn’t trip up this sparkler …
    •  we dared to pair these blushing bubbles with a moist chocolate cupcake … yes!

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    • for us, this Bollinger was at its best when not over-chilled …
    • we allowed it to warm in our glasses …
    • drank it through temperatures from chilled to room and found our sweet spot …

    Speaking of sweet, we loved photographing this bottle. Bollinger gave it a label redesign recently, and we’re making it an early leader for our “Most Enchanting Empty Bottle Award of 2015.”

    Are you ready to join our Sparkling Resolution movement?

     

    More About Our Sparkling Resolution     

     

    Check Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List  (It will include this one, so be sure to scroll down.)

     

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Ed Cherubino  

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  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2014 – 2015 plus Parking, Trash & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2014 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2015.

    This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:

    What's Open in Boston New Year's Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More

    What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!

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    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, 2015 – New Year's Day

    Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration: 

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2014 and New Years Day Brunch 2015 in Boston.

    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 the ad…

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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: Here's the announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule:

    "Monday, December 29, 2014 – Saturday, January 3, 2015

    Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday December 29th, 30th, and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.

    Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.

    Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Thursday, and Friday.

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

    MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day …

    The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.) 

     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2014
    • The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m. 
    • The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule
    • The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.
    • Buses, trackless trolleys, and Express buses will run on a regular weekday schedule 
    • Boats:  will operate a regular weekday schedule
    • The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014
    • The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule
    • Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule except Needham which will not operate.
    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
    • Boats will not operate
    • The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
    For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © iStockphoto 

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  • Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2014 & New Year’s Day Brunch 2015

    Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

    This is an outdated post. Click below for the link to:

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

    And, this year we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2015 with friends and family around a brunch table.

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    We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.

    • Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
    • Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
    • Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration? 
    • Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more your style?

    We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like. 

    Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants. 

    You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

    The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

    We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.

    We Do Recommend!

    There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.

    • Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list. 
    • Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
    • Coppa Enoteca will close from 3-5 on the 31st to prepare for a three-course Chef's menu – $55 per person.
    • Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
    • Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
    • Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves. 

    Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

    New Year's Day Brunch

    Here is a list of brunches from the members of Boston Chefs. Our pick from this list would be Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel. 

    Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations. 

    • Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day. 
    • Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang. 
    • Island Creek Oyster Bar will be open with their great brunch menu.

    To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates. 

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo: iStockphoto.com

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