Tag: North End

  • Duchess Poppy Welcomes New Boston Dogs with What They Need to Know!

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Lately, I've been sniffing up with a lot of new members of the Boston Canine Court. So I thought I might let them, and the rest of the dogs who are new to Boston, know what they should put on the to-do list of their human servants.

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done on line.

    Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, growl at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

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    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And, it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going in a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Duchess Poppy Welcomes New Boston Dogs with What They Need to Know!

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Lately, I've been sniffing up with a lot of new members of the Boston Canine Court. So I thought I might let them, and the rest of the dogs who are new to Boston, know what they should put on the to-do list of their human servants.

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done on line.

    Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, growl at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And, it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going in a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Father’s Day Dining 2015 In & Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015.

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    For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

    Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list

    Boston Chefs has a special list from their members

    Update 06/18/15: Eater Boston has prepared of list of places to consider. 

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    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)

    Our Picks:

    Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there. 

    Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here’s more on what we’ve enjoyed at Row 34 …

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    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

    If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season’s Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 21st. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn’s Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn’s courtesy of Hidden Boston.

  • Father’s Day Dining 2015 In & Around Boston

    Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2015.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401538f001527970b-800wi

    For Father’s Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

    Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What’s more, you can just click through and reserve from this list

    Boston Chefs has a special list from their members

    Update 06/18/15: Eater Boston has prepared of list of places to consider. 

      6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7753353970b-800wi

    Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu if that would make it a good choice.)

    Our Picks:

    Select Oyster Bar is a new option this Father’s Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we’ve enjoyed there. 

    Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

    SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

    Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn’t Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And, match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

    Here’s more on what we’ve enjoyed at Row 34 …

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73d849d99970d-800wi

    Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

    Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here’s one of our favorite menu items.

    If you’d like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season’s Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can’t be together on the 21st. Here’s what we wrote about that burger.

    Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

    Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

    Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

    Coppa- A First Look

    Evelyns

    Photo of Evelyn’s Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

    Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn’s Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

    And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn’t shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

    Details:
    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn’s courtesy of Hidden Boston.

  • March 19th Is Zeppole Day!

    When it comes to Saints' Days, March 19th, Saint Joseph's Day has corned beef and cabbage and green beer beaten by a mile with a great Italian pastry, Zeppole or Zeppole di San Giuseppe. Some bakeries will keep selling these until Easter but check before you make a special trip.

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    Many of the delicious Zeppole we've found in Boston (like the one above from Modern Pastry in the North End) are big enough to share. 

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    Photo by Kyle Bruggeman, Nebraska News21 used under this creative commons license.

    When we lived in Providence, we would buy much smaller Zeppole by the dozen like donuts (which is sort of what they are) from Federal Hill bakeries. 

    Here's a video that shows one way these little beauties are made. This smaller, baked version is the style that Penny, a native Rhode Islander, first knew. Today, we both enjoy the giant Boston-style and are most willing to get out and try your favorites if you'll let us know where to find them.

    What is your source for Zeppole and what style do you love? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll add your suggestions to this post as an update.

    And, if you want to know more about the history of this pastry, I refer you to one of my favorite food writers, Clifford Wright. I'd rather call him a food scholar. His cookbooks are amazing reference manuals.

    Related Posts:

    Zeppole from Modern Pastry

    It's Zeppole Season!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino and as credited

     

  • What’s Happening Around Boston in March 2015

    Time to start a new month of information to share with visitors and locals. What are your favorite March activities in Boston? This year, I think watching snow melt will be high on the list of many Bostonians.

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    (Photo by Raymond Larose used under this creative commons license be sure to check his photography blog.)

    On Sunday, March 1st, head to Chinatown for the Lion Dance celebration from 10am to 5pm. That's always fun and most of the businesses in that neighborhood are small family run places that could use our support. What's more, you can be entertained, feast, and do your grocery shopping in one afternoon.

    March Tips on Trip Advisor

    Over on the Boston Trip Advisor Forum, Destination expert, forgotmypword started a conversation on this topic back in December when someone asked about hotel rates this month.

    "St Patrick's Day (March 17) is a popular time to visit Boston. The parade is the 15th. On top of that, there is a large convention. The Seafood Expo/seafood processors convention is from the 15th-17th and is expecting 18,000 attendees."

    And, I've begun my monthly topic about, What's Going on in March 2015 Around Boston. As the regular volunteers who answer questions on that space share their ideas, you will find topics that we never cover on BostonZest and things to do that are beyond our interests.

    IMG_8047 - Version 22015-02-24-lexox-back-bay-boston© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Do you remember Diamond Jim's Piano Bar at the Lenox hotel? It will reappear for one weekend in March.

    Who are all these People? (or, Conventions in Town in March)

    Here are the numbers on conventions and large meetings that will impact hotel prices and in some cases make dinner reservations harder to find in certain areas of the city.

    From March 12th -14th, a meeting will be held at the Hynes with 6,000 in attendance. But the rest of the big events are out in the Seaport district and won't be noticed by most locals and visitors except in restaurants.

    From the 15th -17th, 18,000 visitors at BCEC and the 28th to the 31st there are two events in that area with a total of 18,000 attendees.

    If you need a restaurant reservation for those dates, make it now. 

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    March Events

    There is always a lot of information about St. Patrick's Day in Boston but in the North End, St. Joseph's Day, March 19th is important because all the bakeries make Zeppole di San Giuseppe in honor of the day. These are delightful fried pastries filled with cream and cherries. Seen above is our favorite at Modern Pastry.

    You could go from Modern to Maria's and so on down the streets tasting different versions. These are also made by bakeries throughout the area this time of year. Please share your favorite spots for Zeppole.

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    The parade is on Sunday the 15th. This is one day when we avoid using the MBTA since it's usually full of people going to and from that event. 

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    Sometime during the month, you could support an Irish Pub by enjoying an Irish Breakfast. The one above is from Sonny's Pub in Adams Village. 

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    Or, you can buy Irish soda bread from an area bakery. It Looks like we're going to have to do a lot of walking this month with all these seasonal offerings. You can honor the Irish while you walk. Here's a link to the Irish Heritage Trail.

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    Your Turn

    We hope you'll join in and make this a conversation here. Add your comments below or follow us on Twitter and send your ideas to us there. Just put @BostonZest in your message and we'll get it.

    Who's next?

    What are your favorite March pastimes?

    What events are you planning to attend this month?

    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: © 2011-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino or as marked below photo

  • North Bennet Street School Open House in Their New Facility

    We've told you about the open houses held at North Bennet Street School in the past. This Boston treasure trove is a place that turns dreams into reality. We have November 14 & 15 marked on our calendars because we can't wait to see the new facility at 150 North Street.

    North_bennett_open_house_066

    They say:

    "Aspiring furniture makers, bookbinders, carpenters, jewelry makers – or those merely curious about the process of making beautiful things by hand – are invited to a special behind-the-scenes look at one of America's oldest schools of craftsmanship during a two-day open house at North Bennet Street School’s new facility at 150 North Street in Boston's historic North End."

    North_bennett_open_house_095

    We say:

    This is a great way to spend some time meeting people who have gone after their dreams. Who knows, a door may open for you and you'll become a student. Or, perhaps you'll decide to explore one of the fine crafts they teach at a workshop or short course.

    Or, you may decide to put someone's feet on the path to their dream with a North Bennet Street School gift certificate as a holiday gift.

    North_bennett_open_house_198

    Everything You Need to Know to Visit

    As always, when the school provides us with information for an upcoming event, they think of all the little details that make it easy for our readers to get there and enjoy their visit.

    Who: North Bennet Street School

    What: Annual Open House and Open Studios

    Where: 150 North Street, Boston, MA 02109 (North End, just off the Rose Kennedy Greenway) 

    When: Friday, November 14, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

    Cost: FREE

    Handicap Access: Yes

    Parking: Limited street parking (metered) and discounted parking at the Parcel 7 garage – http://www.nbss.edu/about/the-boston-area/visit/index.aspx#  

    Nearest T stop: Haymarket (Orange, Green lines)

    Directions: via Google maps – http://goo.gl/maps/97sY4

    More Open House details: www.nbss.edu/openhouse

    More about NBSS full-time programs and workshops: http://www.nbss.edu

    Contact: 617-227-0155 and admissions@nbss.edu

    North_bennett_open_house_120

    What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your arts & craft needs, and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: by Maureen Cotton, Courtesy of North Bennet Street School

  • King Salmon at Neptune Oyster: A Best Bite

    On a June Monday afternoon, we slipped into Neptune Oyster with a meer half hour wait for two seats at the bar – another reason why June is our favorite month to be in Boston!

    IMG_0777 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-winde savor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We make a habit of checking the menu while we wait and seeing King Salmon cooked rare on the entrees made Ed's decision an easy one.

    IMG_0729 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed said it reminded him of a piece of black & blue tuna with a slight crust, tender – an almost sushi interior. 

    IMG_0719 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    A second indication of how much he was enjoying this fish … he wasn't eating his veggies, "They were prepared well (al dente), but I found myself ignoring them until I devoured every last morsel of salmon." But, rest assured, the plate went back to the kitchen wiped clean of veggies and sauce.

    IMG_0721 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    By 3 pm, there were a few walk-in seats available and the staff was taking a well earned moment to breathe. Ed was talking about ordering a second plate of King Salmon. It was that good. 

    IMG_0776 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-winde savor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The final word from Ed. "I always know that I’ve had a special dish when I keep thinking about it hours (or in this case days) after the meal."

    While King Salmon may not be on the menu when you visit Neptune, our advice is to try the fish that Chef Michael Serpa has decided is perfect to put on his menu that day. You may find yourself thinking about it for days to come. 

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

  • King Salmon at Neptune Oyster: A Best Bite

    On a June Monday afternoon, we slipped into Neptune Oyster with a meer half hour wait for two seats at the bar – another reason why June is our favorite month to be in Boston!

    IMG_0777 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-winde savor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We make a habit of checking the menu while we wait and seeing King Salmon cooked rare on the entrees made Ed's decision an easy one.

    IMG_0729 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Ed said it reminded him of a piece of black & blue tuna with a slight crust, tender – an almost sushi interior. 

    IMG_0719 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    A second indication of how much he was enjoying this fish … he wasn't eating his veggies, "They were prepared well (al dente), but I found myself ignoring them until I devoured every last morsel of salmon." But, rest assured, the plate went back to the kitchen wiped clean of veggies and sauce.

    IMG_0721 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    By 3 pm, there were a few walk-in seats available and the staff was taking a well earned moment to breathe. Ed was talking about ordering a second plate of King Salmon. It was that good. 

    IMG_0776 - Version 22014-06-23-king-salmon-neptune-oyster-winde savor-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The final word from Ed. "I always know that I’ve had a special dish when I keep thinking about it hours (or in this case days) after the meal."

    While King Salmon may not be on the menu when you visit Neptune, our advice is to try the fish that Chef Michael Serpa has decided is perfect to put on his menu that day. You may find yourself thinking about it for days to come. 

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

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

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

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

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

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    Fireworks Barges on the River

    Back Bay

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

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

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

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

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

    Cambridge Central Square

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

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

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

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

    Beacon Hill

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

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

    Boston Common

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

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

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

    Waterfront & North End

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

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

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

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

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

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