bostonzest

Tag: Central Square

  • Seasonal Farmers Market Opening Dates 2019 Summer to Fall

    Here is our round up of the summer farmers markets opening dates around Boston. We visited the Copley Market's opening day today and it reminded us to share this list with our BostonZest readers.

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    Early in the market season, we enjoy dishes like “Asparagus Two Ways.” Here it is roasted and starring in a simple salad of shaved asparagus, fennel, and capers.

    Boston Public Market News
    The Boston Public Market (BPM) headquartered at 100 Hanover Street, will have outdoor markets in three locations. In addition to their popular Dewey Square market (near South Station) they will have a market on City Hall Plaza and in the Seaport.

    20100518DSC_5617 - Version 2

    What Is There to Buy at Early Markets?
    You can expect a selection of storage, greenhouse, and hoop house produce at early farmers markets: mushrooms, potatoes, scallions, spinach, lettuce, and greens. In June we can hope to see strawberries, asparagus, beets, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, peas, and radishes.

    Naturally we’ll also be offered meat, poultry, seafood, maple syrup, honey, dairy, cheese, and eggs which are not seasonal in the same way as plant-based goods.

    DSC_4672 - Version 22012-05-15-copley-square-farmers-market-opening-week-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here are opening dates for the 2019 area seasonal markets:

    Boston Public Market: Open daily, year-round 

    May Markets
    South End/SoWa: Open Market: May 5th (Sundays)
    Copley Square: May 10th (Tuesdays & Fridays)
    Egleston Jamaica Plain: May 11th (Saturdays)
    Central Square, Cambridge: May 13th (Mondays)
    Boston Public Market at Dewey Square: May 14th (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): May 15th (Wednesdays)
    Davis Square, Somerville: May 15th (Wednesdays)
    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): May 18th (Saturdays)
    Union Square, Somerville: May 18th (Saturdays)
    Boston Public Market at City Hall Plaza, May 21 (Tuesdays)

    June/July Markets
    Roslindale/Adams Park: June 1st (Saturdays)
    Boston Public Market at the Seaport (85 Northern Ave.) June 5th (Wednesdays)
    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: June 6th (Thursdays)
    Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge: June 11th (Tuesdays)
    Charlestown: Thompson Square at Main & Austin Street, June-October (Wednesdays)
    East Boston/Central Square: July 3rd (Wednesdays)

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our Fresh & Local newspaper columns.)

  • Boston Area Spring-to-Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their outdoor spots. These dates are for the 2017 spring-to-fall season. This will now be a permanent resource page on this topic so bookmark it and come back when you need the information and we'll update it as we have new information.

    IMG_9815 copy

    First, The News!

    With the Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street) established as a permanent, indoor, year-round stop for shoppers to support local food growers and producers, the Boston Public Market Association will not be running a seasonal farmers market along the Greenway adjacent to their indoor location this year. They will focus on supporting the vendors at the BPM and their Dewey Square farmers market location.

    Again this year there will be a second day for the South End/SoWa Farmers Market on Harrison Avenue. You can shop for local food at this popular venue on both Saturdays and Sundays. Neighbors have expressed concerns about the popularity of this market and the second day of the market was in question for a short time.

    As shoppers we can help with this situation by being considerate of the market neighbors. If you can walk to the market, please do so. The Silver Line runs nearby Harrison Avenue so the MBTA should be your second choice. If you do come by car, be aware that traffic and parking are difficult not only for you, but also for the folks who live there. This same is true of any farmers market you visit.

    May Markets

    Boston Public Market: Open daily, year-round 

    South End/SoWa Open Market: April 29th (Saturdays & Sundays)

    Egleston Jamaica Plain: May 6th (Saturdays)

    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): May 7th (Saturdays) 

    Copley Square: May 12th (Tuesdays & Fridays)

    Union Square, Somerville: May 13th (Saturdays)

    Central Square, Cambridge: May 15th (Mondays)

    South Station/Dewey Square: May 16th (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

    Davis Square, Somerville: May 17th (Wednesdays)

    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): May 17th (Wednesdays)

    June Markets

    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: June 1st (Thursdays)

    Roslindale: June 3rd (Saturdays) 

    Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge: June 6th (Tuesdays) (no market 7/4, 8/22 & 29, 10/24)

    Oak Square, Brighton: June 7th (Wednesdays) 

    Dorchester/Ashmont/Peabody Square: June 23rd (Fridays)

    Allston/Harvard Farmers Market: June (Fridays) (Not confirmed)

    Allston Village, 500 Cambridge St: June (Saturdays) (Not confirmed)

    Cambridgeport: June (Saturdays) (Not confirmed)

    Boston Medical Center Shapiro Lobby, 840 Harrison Avenue: June (Thursdays)

    Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: Mid-June (Thursdays) 

    July Markets

     Charlestown: Thompson Square at Main & Austin Street: July (Wednesdays)

     East Boston/Central Square 209 Summer Street: July (Wednesdays)

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

  • Boston Area Spring-to-Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their outdoor spots. These dates are for the 2017 spring-to-fall season. This will now be a permanent resource page on this topic so bookmark it and come back when you need the information and we'll update it as we have new information.

    IMG_9815 copy

    First, The News!

    With the Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street) established as a permanent, indoor, year-round stop for shoppers to support local food growers and producers, the Boston Public Market Association will not be running a seasonal farmers market along the Greenway adjacent to their indoor location this year. They will focus on supporting the vendors at the BPM and their Dewey Square farmers market location.

    Again this year there will be a second day for the South End/SoWa Farmers Market on Harrison Avenue. You can shop for local food at this popular venue on both Saturdays and Sundays. Neighbors have expressed concerns about the popularity of this market and the second day of the market was in question for a short time.

    As shoppers we can help with this situation by being considerate of the market neighbors. If you can walk to the market, please do so. The Silver Line runs nearby Harrison Avenue so the MBTA should be your second choice. If you do come by car, be aware that traffic and parking are difficult not only for you, but also for the folks who live there. This same is true of any farmers market you visit.

    May Markets

    Boston Public Market: Open daily, year-round 

    South End/SoWa Open Market: April 29th (Saturdays & Sundays)

    Egleston Jamaica Plain: May 6th (Saturdays)

    Jamaica Plain (677 Centre Street): May 7th (Saturdays) 

    Copley Square: May 12th (Tuesdays & Fridays)

    Union Square, Somerville: May 13th (Saturdays)

    Central Square, Cambridge: May 15th (Mondays)

    South Station/Dewey Square: May 16th (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

    Davis Square, Somerville: May 17th (Wednesdays)

    Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA): May 17th (Wednesdays)

    June Markets

    Brookline/Coolidge Corner: June 1st (Thursdays)

    Roslindale: June 3rd (Saturdays) 

    Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge: June 6th (Tuesdays) (no market 7/4, 8/22 & 29, 10/24)

    Oak Square, Brighton: June 7th (Wednesdays) 

    Dorchester/Ashmont/Peabody Square: June 23rd (Fridays)

    Allston/Harvard Farmers Market: June (Fridays) (Not confirmed)

    Allston Village, 500 Cambridge St: June (Saturdays) (Not confirmed)

    Cambridgeport: June (Saturdays) (Not confirmed)

    Boston Medical Center Shapiro Lobby, 840 Harrison Avenue: June (Thursdays)

    Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle: Mid-June (Thursdays) 

    July Markets

     Charlestown: Thompson Square at Main & Austin Street: July (Wednesdays)

     East Boston/Central Square 209 Summer Street: July (Wednesdays)

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

  • Where to Pick Up Take-Out for Summer Events Like Shakespeare on the Common

    Tonight is opening night for Shakespeare on the Common, so it seems like the perfect day to update great places for take-out food for events or a picnic. 

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    Back Bay

    Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they have 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!

    flour bakery + cafe has locations in the Back Bay, South End, Fort Point near the Waterfront and Harbor Walk, and in Central Square Cambridge. While you might be thinking about an all dessert picnic, remember they make great meals as well.

    Thinking Cup at 85 Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the Esplanade and just a couple of blocks from the Public Garden. They offer 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. 

    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 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 H-Mart in Central Square has a Food Court making it a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8741942970b-800wi

    We highly recommend Panificio's gazpacho.

    Beacon Hill

    Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat, but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. 

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

    Boston Common

    There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find trucks 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.

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    We will make a special trip to the Greenway for the Jamaican Patties from Jamaica Mi Hungry.

    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.

    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. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Stage photo courtesy of Shakespeare on the Common © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Where to Pick Up Take-Out for Summer Events Like Shakespeare on the Common

    Tonight is opening night for Shakespeare on the Common, so it seems like the perfect day to update great places for take-out food for events or a picnic. 

    10547387_10152274488011238_8067952550106488889_o

    Back Bay

    Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they have 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!

    flour bakery + cafe has locations in the Back Bay, South End, Fort Point near the Waterfront and Harbor Walk, and in Central Square Cambridge. While you might be thinking about an all dessert picnic, remember they make great meals as well.

    Thinking Cup at 85 Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the Esplanade and just a couple of blocks from the Public Garden. They offer 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. 

    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 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 H-Mart in Central Square has a Food Court making it a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8741942970b-800wi

    We highly recommend Panificio's gazpacho.

    Beacon Hill

    Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat, but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. 

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

    Boston Common

    There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find trucks 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.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d1f196b3970c-800wi

    We will make a special trip to the Greenway for the Jamaican Patties from Jamaica Mi Hungry.

    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.

    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. 

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Stage photo courtesy of Shakespeare on the Common © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Market Report: Boston Area Spring to Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates 2016

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their outdoor spots. Our Friday Links today will take you to your favorite markets for the 2016 spring to fall season.

    Stillman's stand CHE_0151 copy

    On the day I took this photo, I learned that the Stillman stand at the Boston Public Market would be expanding around the corner!

    First, The News!

    This year there will be a second day for the South End/SoWa Farmers Market on Harrison Avenue. You can shop for local food at this popular venue on both Saturdays and Sundays this season.

    The Boston Public Market now serves Bostonians as their primary year-round farmers market. Beginning on July 18th, this local food marketplace will be open 7 days a week – an increase from the current 5 days.

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations:

    May Markets

    June Markets

    July Markets

    September Market

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • Market Report: 2015 Summer Farmers Markets “One Every Day of the Week”

    We are so happy that the Copley Square Farmers Market is open for the season. That's the home market for the BostonZest team and where we pick up lots of news from the farms. But, we also receive press releases, newsletters, and correspond with farm friends year-round to gather news for readers like you.

    Today, we'll tell you about the "One Every Day of the Week" farmers market campaign over in Cambridge.

    Farmers_markers_poster_summer_2015 copy 2

    For years, we've pointed out that if you live in the central area of Boston, you have access to a farmers market seven days a week. The City of Cambridge has made a campaign of that fact to support the fresh, local food producers. If you'd like a copy of the poster, you can download one here. Download Farmers_Markets_poster_summer_2015

    If the option for a particular day is not within walking distance from your home, it will be easy to reach by public transportation. That makes for a very lively, fresh, local food scene in and around Boston.

    Since we shop at many area markets, we took the idea and information from Cambridge's poster and added the other markets we frequent.

    • Sunday: Charles Square, Cambridge
    • Monday: Boston Public Market, Blackstone Street and Central Square, Cambridge
    • Tuesday: Copley Square, South Station/Dewey Square, and Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge
    • Wednesday: Boston Public Market, Blackstone Street; Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA); Davis Square, Somerville; and Charlestown
    • Thursday: South Station/Dewey Square, Kendall Square (500 Kendall Street), Brookline/Coolidge Corner, Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle, and East Boston/Central Square
    • Friday: Copley Square and Charles Square, Cambridge
    • Saturday: Union Square, Somerville; Cambridgeport, Cambridge; Roslindale/Adams Park; and Egleston, Jamaica Plain

    For exact dates, maps, and other details on these markets check our post:

    Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

    We'll do our best to keep you informed with a series of Market Reports throughout the season. And, we welcome your tips and suggestions. 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.

    Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers Market posts.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • Market Report: 2015 Summer Farmers Markets “One Every Day of the Week”

    We are so happy that the Copley Square Farmers Market is open for the season. That's the home market for the BostonZest team and where we pick up lots of news from the farms. But, we also receive press releases, newsletters, and correspond with farm friends year-round to gather news for readers like you.

    Today, we'll tell you about the "One Every Day of the Week" farmers market campaign over in Cambridge.

    Farmers_markers_poster_summer_2015 copy 2

    For years, we've pointed out that if you live in the central area of Boston, you have access to a farmers market seven days a week. The City of Cambridge has made a campaign of that fact to support the fresh, local food producers. If you'd like a copy of the poster, you can download one here. Download Farmers_Markets_poster_summer_2015

    If the option for a particular day is not within walking distance from your home, it will be easy to reach by public transportation. That makes for a very lively, fresh, local food scene in and around Boston.

    Since we shop at many area markets, we took the idea and information from Cambridge's poster and added the other markets we frequent.

    • Sunday: Charles Square, Cambridge
    • Monday: Boston Public Market, Blackstone Street and Central Square, Cambridge
    • Tuesday: Copley Square, South Station/Dewey Square, and Harvard University Farmers Market, Cambridge
    • Wednesday: Boston Public Market, Blackstone Street; Cambridge Center (Kendall MBTA); Davis Square, Somerville; and Charlestown
    • Thursday: South Station/Dewey Square, Kendall Square (500 Kendall Street), Brookline/Coolidge Corner, Mission Hill/Roxbury, Brigham Circle, and East Boston/Central Square
    • Friday: Copley Square and Charles Square, Cambridge
    • Saturday: Union Square, Somerville; Cambridgeport, Cambridge; Roslindale/Adams Park; and Egleston, Jamaica Plain

    For exact dates, maps, and other details on these markets check our post:

    Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

    We'll do our best to keep you informed with a series of Market Reports throughout the season. And, we welcome your tips and suggestions. 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.

    Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers Market posts.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

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

  • Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their summer spots. Our Friday Link today is will take you to your favorite markets.

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations. 

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino  

  • Market Report: Summer Farmers Markets Opening Dates 2015

    Pull out your calendars and mark the dates when you can go and see our Boston area farmers market friends at their summer spots. Our Friday Link today is will take you to your favorite markets.

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino copy

    Here are the opening dates for some of our favorite markets. The links are to maps of the locations. 

    If you have confirmed dates for your favorite farmers market, please tell us in a comment or send us an email and we'll add it as an update to this post.

    We use and highly recommend a Rolser Shopping Trolley for your farmers market visits. It stands on its own and can haul your purchases over city sidewalks without a problem.

    See our review of The Boston Homegrown Cookbook: Local Food, Local Restaurants, Local Recipes. It's full of chefs, farmers, and food producers you know, and we highly recommend it. Remember, always click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     

        

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino