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  • What’s Open in Boston for New Year’s Weekend and MBTA Schedules 2011-2012

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    This is an outdated post.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

    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

    Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration: Where to Dine on New Year's Eve weekend 2011-2012 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 this message…

    Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and helping to keep the information flowing your way.


    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.

  • Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    IMG_4246 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-kentucky-bourbon-barrell-beer-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    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.

    IMG_4249 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-kentucky-bourbon-barrell-beer-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    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.

    This beer is so good, it could be dessert!

    Do you have a beer lover on your holiday gift list. How about something from Amazon's collection of beer glasses

     

    Details:

    Sweet Cheeks

    www.sweetcheeksq.com

    1381 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 (map)
    phone: 617-266-1300 
    email: info@sweetcheeksq.com

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 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 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.

  • Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

    IMG_4253 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-pork-cheeks-ribs-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looking for porky goodness? We found it last weekend at Sweet Cheeks in the Fenway. We had to pick up an item at the Landmark Center, so we checked our "restaurants to try" list for that area and decided on lunch at Sweet Cheeks. Smart move!

    IMG_4241 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street=boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino     IMG_4285 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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    We grabbed two seats at the bar and put ourselves in the very capable hands of Rich who guided us through our meal, and saw that our every wish was granted two seconds before we thought of it. Phenomenal food with fantastic service. This is our kind of place. 

    IMG_4256 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-pulled-pork-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The menu calls for decisions. Ed was too hungry to make many of those, so he went for the pulled pork sandwich on a bulkie roll (rather than Texas Toast) and added a hot side of collard greens. They were served in the blue mug.

    IMG_4263 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-pulled-pork-sandwich-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a close up on that pulled pork.

    IMG_4250 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-ribs-beans-farm-salad-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Penny went for the tray of ribs and chose her hot side as BBQ beans, and her cold side as the farm salad. There were also two slices of white bread and a pickle pile on the tray.

    If this photo is not one of her best, it's because the aroma of those ribs were a serious distraction, and she was trying to hand the camera off to Ed so she could pull that pork off those bones. Ahhhhh! Smoky, sweet, salty, pork candy.

    And, that salad! As those of you who follow BostonZest know, Penny is not a salad person. She seldom orders one, but this promised brussel sprouts and she does love spouts. It was a delight and might be a side she would return to Sweet Cheeks for, even if they didn't have all that incredible BBQ.

    IMG_4273 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino   IMG_4281 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

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    It may be dangerous that this place is within walking distance of our home. Having Marshall's Fenway Farm Stand a few doors away will only add to our excuses for a replay. We're already planning a table for 8 to fill one of the big hightops and to try the rest of the menu.

     IMG_4286 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino   IMG_4287 - Version 22011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    IMG_4283 - Version 42011-12-10-sweet-cheeks-boylston-street-fenway-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This is a Fenway spot, so get out there and enjoy it before baseball season has many of us staying away from anything in this area. Make it a winter of warm, wonderful BBQ from Sweet Cheeks. 

    Tomorrow, Ed will tell you about his beer and how it matched both meals right down to dessert. If you came in later, here's that post:.)

    Here are a few follow up visits to Sweet Cheeks Q:

    Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

    Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

    Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

    We try to direct you to delicious. If you enjoy the places we recommend, you can thank us by beginning all your Amazon shopping right here. Just click on any Amazon item or link (like this one), and they will put a few coins in our tip jar for every item you buy. 

    Details:

    Sweet Cheeks

    www.sweetcheeksq.com

    1381 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215 (map)
    phone: 617-266-1300 
    email: info@sweetcheeksq.com


    Words:  Penny & Ed  Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Sunday Dog, Featuring “The Amazing, Cian!”

    DSC_4742 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Presenting the “Amazing, Cian”– the Welsh Terrier who can read minds!

    DSC_4662 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "You’re thinking, 'What a cute little guy.' Right?"

     

    Besides meaning “amazing,” Cian (KEE-in) is Gaelic for “ancient.”

    DSC_4676 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    “What’d You Call Me?"

     

    Whoa! Down Boy! You’re not quite two, so there’s no way anyone could think you’re ancient. But, your breed, is!

    DSC_4666 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    “I don’t have to listen to this!"

     

    Born on St. Patrick’s Day 2010, this not-so-ancient Welsh Terrier, full name Cian Finn (in honor of his person’s dad) is said to be “the oldest existing dog breed in the UK.”

    While originally raised as a hunter, today’s Welsh Terrier is more at home in the show ring and looking “extremely” handsome just posing for his adoring fans.

    DSC_4700 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    "Ya know, I think I’m starting to like this guy.”

     

    Cian’s favorite toy is “any ball.” He plays fetch, knows: rollover, paw, heal, and halt.

    This energetic terrier likes people & dogs but HATES SKATEBOARDS! And, he isn’t a big fan of delivery guys wheeling “big” hand trucks either.

    DSC_4730 - Version 22011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Besides being very protective of his person, this pup has learned that good things are often hiding inside stuff, so you always have to sniff out the treats.

    DSC_4770 - Version 32011-11-29-cian-welch-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    "Found it! My favorite cookie!"

     

    Thanks for being our Sunday Dog, Cian. You are truly “amazing.”

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

    Time to get ready to take our dogs out in Boston's winter weather. We recommend tucking those toes into Pawz dog boots. They're Maggie tested and BostonZest approved. Miss Maggie also has pals who prefer Musher's Secret. That's another way to protect paws from salt and ice damage.

       

    Details:
    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 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 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.

  • Make Way for Penguins!

    DSC_5327 - Version 22011-12-06-make-way-for-penguins-beacon-street=boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Across Beacon Street from the Public Garden is this holiday gathering of penguins. They are marching across the front yard of a home that always adds some whimsical, seasonal interest to their garden and window boxes.

    DSC_5324 - Version 22011-12-06-make-way-for-penguins-beacon-street=boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The ducks in the window boxes must have a closet inside for their ever-changing wardrobe.

    DSC_5337 - Version 22011-12-06-make-way-for-penguins-beacon-street=boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We always make a point of stopping to enjoy the witty fun at this address. 

     

    It's not too late to get a great deal at Amazon!

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Gibson House Museum Holiday Open House

    The Gibson House Museum Holiday Open House is our Friday Link. The staff and volunteers have decorated the house in appropriate Victorian style. On Sunday, December 11th, they are opening their doors to friends and neighbors from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission will be free for this event.

    They invited us in while they were decorating, so we could give you a sneak preview.

    DSC_5073 - Version 32011-11-30-gibson-house-holiday- 2011-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
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    If you can't make the open house on Sunday, or if you have a holiday guest who would love to see what the homes in the Back Bay looked like a hundred years ago, you can take a guided tour of the Gibson House. And if you do that while the decorations are in place, you'll have a bonus dose of holiday spirit at no extra charge!

    We hope you've enjoyed another year of recommendations and tips from BostonZest. If you have, you can support the site by using links like this to start your Amazon shopping from here.


    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • New Cat in Town…

    What makes a small local shop special? Sometimes it's something quirky. Remember when every bookstore had a cat? Well, we know one wine and spirits shop that shares its space with a frisky, flurtatious feline.

    If you'd like to meet Sofia, stop into Bauer Wine & Spirits on Newbury Street, where this new kitten is establishing her territory and settling into a new home.

    IMG_4143 - Version 22011-12-01-sofia-bauer-wine-italian-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Miss Sophia, who reminds us of another star by the same name, spends some of her time near the wines of Italy pointing out the best-of-the-best from that region.

    IMG_4147 - Version 22011-12-01Sophia-cat-wine-shop© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Faced with the unexpected presence of paparazzi in her home, she tried to play it cool.

    IMG_4151 - Version 32011-12-01-sofia-bauer-wine-italian-wines-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    But, I promised if she'd give me her prettiest pose, I wouldn't publish the photos of her chewing on the Christmas tree. 

    If you're looking for local beer, cider, wine, or spirits for your holiday table or as a holiday gift, check out this video with Howie Rubin, one of Sophia's co-workers at Bauer. He runs down a few of the many local beverage choices we have available from New England producers.

    What's the easy way to get a Cat Condo or Cat Activity Tree? Order it on Amazon, and they'll deliver it to your door. Sophia has one that she loves!

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photos: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Where to Dine On New Year’s Eve Weekend 2011-2012 in Boston

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    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

    Time to make your reservations for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day dining in Boston.

    New Year's Eve, this year, is on a Saturday night and the New Year's holiday will officially be celebrated on Monday, so you have a long weekend to dine and enjoy the Boston restaurant scene.

    Tell us what you plan to do and share some of your best New Year's Eve Dining experiences in the comment section. 

    What's your goal in finding a place to dine in Boston on New Year's Eve 2011? Are you looking for a place to ring in 2012 with a happy crowd? Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?

    We fall into the food-loving quiet celebration group, and we'll tell you about some places where that's possible. Plus, we'll give you links to find the places where you can celebrate in a more organized fashion.

    Everyone can begin at Open Table. They have a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants. Sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates. 

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

    On the Boston Chefs site, there's a list of member restaurants with details about their menu offerings for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. There are plans for some great brunches on the 1st and that can be a wonderful time to gather friends to toast the start of 2012.

    • East Coast Grill is always fun. On New Year's Eve they plan, "a special heaven or hell prix fixe dinner menu." On Sunday they're offering a three course prix fixe brunch.
    • Either Toro or Coppa would also be a wonderul choice to start the new year with great food. Both have special menus for the 31st, and bunch and dinner on the 1st. Both should be lively.
    • The team at Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge really knows how to throw a party. Their New Year's Eve Fete will be a four-course holiday menu followed by a New Year's Brunch and dinner the next day.
    • Hamersley's Bistro was the site of one of our most memorable New Year's Eve celebrations. They say, "We are offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $125 per person with a champagne toast included at dessert time. Ring in the New Year at Hamersley's!"
    • La Morra in Brookline– chef Josh Ziskin says, "La Morra will serve an exquisite 4-course traditional Italian meal with options for each course for $85 and a wine pairing for an additional $45 per person."
    • For a more quiet, refined evening, try Clio, Meritage, or L'Espalier.

    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.

    Make supporting websites you use to gather information, like BostonZest, one of your 2012 resolutions. Some folks blog for fun, while for others it's a way of earning a living. By clicking over to Amazon from here, when you plan to shop, you'll pay us for our work. 

    Details:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photo: iStockphoto.com

  • What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Weekend and MBTA Schedules 2011

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    You have reached an old post. Here's the 2014 Information!

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2011 and on Monday, December 26th when the holiday is officially celebrated in Massachusetts. Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve as well. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

    Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

    Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Boston 2011.

    Convenience stores:  Some will be open. Check for special hours.

    Supermarkets: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Retail stores: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"

    Liquor stores: Closeddue toMassachusetts "Blue Laws"  both on Chrismas Day, December 25th and on Monday, December 26th.* (Here's the official word on that!)

    *Note: Update 12.9.11- a bill is moving through the Massachusetts legislature that could change this December 26th closing of liquor stores. See a well-reported story about that in the Salem News. Check back here for updates to this status.

    Update 12.18.11- According to Boston.com this bill is has passed the house and senate and has been sent to the Governor.

    Update 12.21.11- Liquor stores may open on Monday, December 26th, if they choose. The Governor has signed the bill allowing this to happen.

    City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

    Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. The Tow Lot will be open Monday – Friday 7am-10:30 pm, Saturdays 9 am- noon, and it is closed on all city holidays. That means it's closed on the 26th. (I would also call before going on Christmas Eve.) 

    Boston Trash Collection: The city says, "Trash & recycling collection will be delayed by 1 day for all neighborhoods."

    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.

    (MBTA information after this message.)

    If BostonZest helps you by delivering information you need and use, consider helping us by starting all your Amazon shopping from here. Just click on a link like this or an Amazon ad, and you'll be transported to their site. They pay us a small commission on anything you buy on that shopping trip.

    Here's the MBTA Christmas Weekend Service Schedule. (Updated 12.21.11) The MBTA says…

    "Sunday, December 25, 2011 – Christmas Day

    • Blue, Orange, Green, and Red Line trains, buses, and trackless trolleys will operate on a regular Sunday schedule.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular Sunday schedule except the Mount Wachusett Ski Trains to and from Fitchburg, which will not operate.
    • Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will not operate.
    • Hingham, Quincy, and Hull commuter boat service will not operate.
    • THE RIDE Service will operate on a modified holiday schedule.

    Monday, December 26, 2011 – Christmas Observed

    • Blue, Orange, Green, and Red line trains, buses, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will operate on a regular Weekend schedule.
    • Hingham and Hull commuter boat service will not operate.
    • Quincy ferries will operate on a 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: © 2011 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Holiday Pops 2011– Where to Dine and Park!

    Readers and friends who have tickets for one of the Boston Pops Holiday Concerts are already asking, "Where can we dine around  Symphony Hall?" And, once the conversation is open, it's followed by, "Where can we park?"

    Please add your favorite spots for dining and parking around this area in the comments below. And, if you try one of our suggestions, let us know how it worked for you.

    HolidayPops2011-12-02Photo courtesy of Boston Pops (Photo Credit: Stu Rosner

    Here's our primer for a great visit to the BSO or Boston Pops at Symphony Hall.

    We say, make dining and parking a joint decision. Our first suggestion is always to leave the car at home or at a park & ride and take the MBTA to the concert. 

    But, if you must have a car at hand, the Prudential Center is our favorite parking place to recommend in the city. It has its own exit off the Mass Pike. It's connected to mass transit, has taxis available at the doors, and there's a great choice of dining options within the complex. And, best of all, Google estimates that Symphony Hall is a 6-minute walk down Huntington Avenue. (map)

    Prudential Options

    For wonderful food and great service at a reasonable price, we send friends to Sel de la Terre on Boylston Street for pre-concert dining. If you're driving, simply enter any Prudential parking area or use the restaurant's valet parking service. 

    You could even return for dessert and post-concert conversation and then have the valet bring the car around. Please, call the restaurant to confirm the details, especially if you're reading this months from now.

    If a splurge is on the menu, L'Espalier is right next door and shares that valet service. If a mini-splurge is more in line with your budget, reserve a seat in their Salon for a glass of wine and a bite before the concert, or dessert and a cheese course after. Both restaurants are accessible from inside the Prudential Center via the Mandarin Hotel.

     

    Newbury Street

     

    Park at the Pru and dine on Newbury Street. After dinner you can even walk to Symphony by reentering the Prudential Center and making part of your walk to the concert through their climate controlled corridors.

     

    Since we walk all over the city, we would consider a few of the restaurants on Newbury close to symphony. La Voile is a great choice for French Bistro food. 

     

    And, we love to stop into Tapeo for a few tapas at the bar or a table full of choices to share with a group of friends.

    Another Great Choice is Brasserie JO

    We also recommend that concert goers consider a Boston gem that's often overlooked– Brasserie JO at The Colonnade Hotel. This place always comes through with French flair, great service, and a good meal. It's also a short walk on that same map, because it's across from the Prudential Center. 

    Ethnic Options for less formal dining. 
     

    If you want an ethnic meal or a quick bite before the show, we have a few favorites to recommend.

    • Moby Dick – our friend Francine Crawford pointed us to this little gem. It's one of her favorite pre-concert spots.
    • Pho Basil on Massachusetts Avenue does Thai and Vietnamese food and pleases us with both cuisines. Here's a post on some of the dishes we really enjoy at Pho Basil.
    • Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is across the street from Symphony and is fun and delicious. But, give this choice a bit more time. The pace of this cafe's warm hospitality and made-to-order food is a bit slower than many places. They also have wonderful coffee and a selection of desserts for after the show.
    • India Samraat on Massachusetts Avenue between Commonwealth and Marlborough is a bit further away but still within walking distance, especially if you park near Newbury Street. This is a restaurant we enjoy sharing with friends. 
    • Chili Duck, right across Boylston from the Pru, is a hidden gem and another great spot if you're meeting the gang.

    Other resources and opinions:

    "Where to dine for Symphony?" is a question routinely asked of the crew over on Chowhound's Boston board. Here are a couple of recent conversations with some options that we haven't tried yet.

     

    Here are maps to help you find more options.

    Other parking around Symphony Hall


    Other restaurants around Symphony Hall

     

    If this type of information is helpful to you, consider saying thank you by starting your next Amazon shopping trip from here. They have the things you want including Boston Pops music and a full line of MP3 Downloads


            

    Details:
    Symphony Hall
    301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4557 (map)
    (617) 266-2378

    www.bso.org‎

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo: Courtesy of the Boston Pops (Photo Credit: Stu Rosner)