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Sunday Dog, Taco – Country Boy Discovers City Life!

For a country boy who’s spent his formative “months” romping in the open spaces of north central Massachusetts, Sunday Dog Taco is learning all about city life. This gorgeous, red merle, Australian Shepherd, originally from Ashburnham (about an hour west of Boston), is a very friendly one year old who loves other dogs.

This Aussie’s stunning coat is only surpassed by those captivating eyes– very useful for a any herding breed.

We met Taco as he was sniffing out the landscape…

A Little Bit of Country Right Here in the Big City!

Getting to know a new place always takes some time and can be a bit lonely in at first. Taco’s person told us that he loves doggy daycare and has met a number of dogs, which has been helpful.

Like most Australian Shepherds, this guy is full of energy and needs a lot of activity and stimulus. He loves to play and is always on the lookout for a new playmate.

Because Aussie’s are very intelligent and learn quickly, it’s no wonder they excel at search & rescue, detection, and as service dogs.

Taco got to know us quickly, letting us photograph him– almost posing at times. He loved getting the attention as much as we loved showering him with it.

We left our Sunday Dog with a goodbye pat as he greeted more new friends. I think our country boy is made for the city.

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

And, learn more about Aussies at Checkerberry Australian Shepherds.

Looking for a deal to check an item off your holiday list? Here's a link to the latest deals at Amazon.

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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.

December 4, 2011
Here’s to All Who Trim with Taste!

Here's a thank you toast to all those who spend time and money adding a bit of zest to the holiday scene. Think of the collective work it takes to make the city beautiful for the winter holidays.

If you see an outstanding bit of holiday cheer you'd like to share, add the address and a link to a photo, if you took one, in the comment section.

For our part, we give an extra tip of the BostonZest cap to those who show restraint and refinement in their decor. We love to see a well arranged window box like this one.

And, with the Garden Club of the Back Bay's Wreath Week coming up, we'll walk the Back Bay and Beacon Hill to admire the incredible work of that crew of volunteer decorators.

Get that last minute order in today, if they are not already sold out. Remember, as they explained here, "You may be able to visit our workshop at The First Lutheran Church of Boston, 299 Berkeley Street, December 5 – 8, and purchase a plain wreath, or a wreath with one of our amazing bows, but we cannot accept orders for fully decorated wreaths once we are at the Church."

Shopping AMAZON from here is a great way to say you appreciate the work we do every day, all year.

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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.

December 3, 2011
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Boston 2011
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UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

It's time to make your reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays.

If you have inside info on a local restaurant's plans or a favorite Christmas Holiday tradition, add it in the comments below!

What's open on Christmas Eve?

This year Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday night. A quick check of Open Table for a 9 pm reservation found far more restaurants open than I might have expected.

As with any holiday reservation ask what is being offered. Some places will present their normal menu, some will have a restricted prix fixe, and some will add special items inspired by the holiday. And, don't be surprised if a non-refundable deposit and credit card number are required to make a reservation.

Holiday Traditions

Our friend, Jackie Blombach and her husband always have Tea at the Taj on Christmas Eve. She calls it, "My Favorite two hours of Christmas!"

Traditional Feast

If you hurry and grab one of the spots at the table, you could indulge in the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes at Grotto and sister restaurant Marliave. (Both will also offer a limited menu in addition to the feast.) The Grotto website says:

"The Feast of Seven Fishes, a traditional meal served on Christmas Eve throughout Italy. The Feast dates back centuries and the common belief is that participating in the Feast will bring good luck and fortune in the year to come. Marliave and Grotto will once again be offering our version of The Feast of Seven Fishes. The Feast is served over three courses and utilizes the great abundance of seafood available to us in Boston… "

Need a Holiday Food Break?

If you need a break from the whole Christmas scene, you could wander through Chinatown and enjoy an alternative to the traditional holiday menus. And, if Chinatown isn't quite the fit for your gang, but you would like to nibble your way through an Asian feast, we suggest Meyers+Chang on Washington Street in the South End. Chef Joanne Chang is planning to add some special treats for that night but assures us we will be able to enjoy an evening of great Asian food.

What Boston Area Restaurants are Open on Christmas ?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons
- L'Espalier, Sel de la Terre (Back Bay) and Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
- Eastern Standard at the Hotel Commonwealth
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Taj Boston Cafe at the Taj Hotel
- Market by Jean-Georges at the W Boston Hotel
More information after these features from AMAZON.

If information like this is helpful to you, vote for more of it with your shopping dollars by beginning all your Amazon shopping at BostonZest. Just click on any Amazon link or ad and start shopping for what you want. It doesn't cost you anymore, but it pays for the work we do.

More information and reservations:

Here's Open Table's Christmas Day page but remember, you can go to their main Boston page and request a reservation for the 24th, 25th, or 26th and see the full list of options for the time you prefer.

Boston Chefs has set up recaps for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

Subscribe to the comment feed of this post or follow us on Twitter, and we'll notify you of updates. So far, the ChowHounds and Trip Advisor crews haven't had much to say on the topic, but we'll post links if a good conversation from one of these forums gets started.

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Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from 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.
December 2, 2011
Here’s to December, “May it be a lot like November!”

Our December Toast? Bring Back November! (at least the weather part).

We’re clinking flutes to welcome a new month, staying true to Our Sparkling Resolution and celebrating with an interesting and challenging wine, but in a good way.

We popped the bottle “cap” of our l’opéra des vins les années folles (“the crazy years”) and began what I’d describe as a festive pour that created a nice, frothy mousse which quickly fizzled. Peach blush in color, more pink than rosé, but still a sparkler.

As I raised the glass to my nose…well, lets just say it’s not a wine to be pre-judged by its, uh, bouquet. Not bad, just different. My advice, take a sip, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Light mouth feel with a good tartness and a medium finish. The red wine in the blend definitely stands out. We both liked it.

If you’re up for something different in a sparkling wine, try it. With a little luck, you’ll be able to open a bottle while sitting at an outdoor table on the deck wearing your favorite short-sleeved shirt.

Thanks to The Wine Bottega in Boston’s North End for helping us make another winning selection to ring in a new month.

Check out: Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Want a great wine mentor who's willing to teach you how to taste wine? How about one of the most respected woman in the field, Jancis Robinson! Here's her book, How to Taste: A Guide to Enjoying Wine. And, with holiday parties and celebrations coming up, check your wine glass inventory, we love Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Stemware Forte Collection.

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Words: Penny & 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.

December 1, 2011
Busy Bows in Copley Square

Spend a few moments watching or trying to photograph the wreaths on Trinity Church, and you understand why Copley Square has had it's own scooterdude sailing around the park.

I hope these bows are well attached, because they were really whipping around in the wind.

If and when winter arrives, remember to plan your walks in Boston around wind speed in Copley Square.

Are your boots ready for winter? If not, stop by Amazon's own shoe store, endless.com. And, by clicking over from here before you buy, you'll be supporting BostonZest because endless will put some coins in our tip jar. And, it's free shipping, free return, just like your other favorite shoe sites.

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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.

November 30, 2011
Boston Area Commencement Dates Spring 2012
This is an old post here is an updated page with the current information!

Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More.

With or without a Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the spring 2012 commencement ceremonies. We're running this a bit early, because so many readers have been making their way to last year's post.

Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 11th and 12th, and scarce May 18th through 21st when 11 schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 24th and MIT June 8th– each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2012 calendar.

If you know of a college or university graduation date that we missed, send us a comment.
Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning your Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you anymore but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

The perfect gift for a graduate!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: iStockphoto.com
November 29, 2011
Taza Chocolate For Great Gifting!

Isn't it fun to introduce friends and family to great local products like Taza Chocolate? What would Cyber Monday be without a sale? We had an email that Taza is on sale today. (20% off your entire order with details on their home page while the offer lasts.) Update: The sale is over but TAZA is still a great gift giving solution!

Our latest favorite flavor is the Ginger Chocolate Mexicano. But, we have to have some Salted Almond and Vanilla on hand. So, for a gift package, consider the Chocolate Mexicano Sampler. That way, if your giftee hasn't had the chance to taste Taza at an event, a farmers' market, on a factory tour, or at the retail shop in Somerville, they can still try a range of favorites.

There are more Cyber Monday Deals over on Amzon, and they last all week!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2010 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.

November 28, 2011
Tips on Caring for a Sick Dog
Taking care of a sick dog is not easy. We know because Miss Maggie Mae has been giving her devoted nursing staff a workout recently.

In the photo above, she was suffering from an upset tummy at a rental apartment in Provincetown. Fortunately, we had her little kit bag with all of her medications and a supply of Puppy Piddle Pads with us.

We were able to reduce the stress, for all three of us, by using a few strategies we've learned over the years.
1. Piddle pads can be used to prevent stains on furniture, floors, or carpets. We always use our own blankets and towels to protect rental home surfaces, but this time we added a layer of absorbent, disposable piddle pads. They made clean up quick and easy. And, by stacking them, we were able to quickly remove the soiled one and keep Maggie cleaner and more comfortable.
2. We also had a few washable moistureproof pads with us that we use on the seat of rental cars, Zipcars, and inside her dog crate. Whatever happens on the ride, from spilled water to wet feet, the car is protected. At home, they make good protection on sofas or our bed when Maggie isn't feeling well, and we want to keep her close.
3. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration. And, here's a link that shows you how to tell if your dog is dehydrated. Remember, dyhydration is always an emergency, but it's a situation that can be remedied quickly at an animal hospital.
4. Keeping a pet hydrated when she doesn't want to drink is always an issue, but you can buy unflavored Pedialyte at almost any grocery or drug store. We used a baby's medicine doser to put liquids into Maggie's mouth. Once there, she'd swallow them.
5. Tempting a finicky appetite can be hard. In recovery mode, most vets recommend a bland diet. We used poached chicken and rice. When our little girl refused even that tasty treat, we managed to get her eating with some baby food that contained just chicken and chicken broth.
Related Posts: Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Here are the specific products we use and a great reference book that we keep at home. It's actually by one of our Back Bay neighbors, veterinarian Jake Tedaldi, D.V.M.

OUT! Dog Training Pads with Moisture Lock, 50-Count is the best deal.

Washable Moistureproof Pads

What's Wrong with My Dog: A Pet Owner's Guide to 150 Symptoms and What to Do About Them

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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.
November 27, 2011