Tag: Independence day

Local Corn? Native Corn? To Peel or Not to Peel? and Other Corn Questions

Sweet Corn from local farms is the only kind that we buy around here. Over on Chowhound there has been an interesting "Native Corn" discussion going on all month. This was triggered by the early appearance of sweet corn in the Boston market.

For our take on the subject, we're updating some information we ran back in 2010. What was true then is even truer today.

“Knee high by the Fourth of July” is a nice rhyme, but this year some farmers were actually able to bring their golden ears to market by Independence Day.

Early hybrid corn varieties not only extend the corn season, but also stay sweeter longer than the heirloom versions.

Great Varieties with Great Names
Ask about the variety of sweet corn a farmer is selling. That way you’ll begin to develop your own "favorites list." Look for these in local markets: Honey & Cream, Silver Queen, Sugar & Butter, Sundance, Sugar Buns, and Early Sunglow.

And, if you find one with “Mirai” in it’s name, grab it. It’s rare, but Penny says it’s one of the best she’s ever tasted.

To Tear or Not to Tear
One Cape Cod farm where we buy corn has a sign that reads, “Sweet corn 50¢ an ear, tear the husk and it’s $2 an ear.”

You don’t have to tear down the husk and make part of the farmer’s crop unsaleable to buy great sweet corn.

Look for corn that has moist, dark-brown, almost sticky silk and a husk that doesn’t feel dry. You can feel the kernels by pressing gently on the husk to determine if the ear is fully developed and plump.

Corn should not be peeled down until just before you’re ready to drop it into a steaming cook pot.

Do you have a sweet corn question? If so add your sweet corn thoughts or questions in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email. We'll talk to our favorite farmers and try to get an answer.

Related Links:

Cooking Sweet Corn: Microwave, Grilling, and Elote!
Penny’s Corn & Potato Salad

Penny’s weapon of choice for working with corn is her favorite Shun Santoku Knife. But, if you like gadgets, they make a lot of them for sweet corn.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2010 – 2015 Penny Cherubino

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July 23, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website, this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
What’s Happening Around Boston in Summer 2015 (July & August)

July and August are the high summer season in Boston. Most schedules for the many, many series of concerts, free movies, etc, cover both months. So we're combining them into one post that we'll feature for the next couple of months.

As usual, Penny has started a conversation about the summer over on the Boston Trip Advisor forum. If you click through to this link, you'll find contributions from a wide range of locals and visitors about his topic. We highly recommend you visit that conversation. It includes insights and tips on topics that are not in our areas of interest and that we don't cover.

Boston On Budget Provides Great Summer Lists

Kate from Boston on Budget has done a wonderful job of gathering free summer events into one place.

Free Music and Concerts in Boston This Summer!

Free Things to Do This Summer in Boston

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Events and Holidays in July and August

This year, July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website, this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks

Since some visitors and perhaps some new Bostonians are unclear on the location of our famous July 4th Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks display, it is on the Charles River NOT on the harbor and can be viewed from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Here is a link to the official site for the details.

Here is our resource page for the July 4th holiday:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Conventions

There are only three large conventions that might raise hotel prices and make popular restaurant reservations necessary. They are all out in the Seaport, so they will have less impact on the locals and tourist areas than they might if they were in the heart of the city.

July 11-13 (10,500 attendees)

July 27-29 (5,500 attendees)

August 17-19 (17,000 attendees)

Three of our Favorite Summer Happenings Are:

Shakespeare on the Common from July 22 – August 9:

The Landmarks Orchestra Concert Series from July 15th to August 26:

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Concert Series ongoing thru August:

Summer Food Traditions

Our summer food tradition is to treat ourselves to fried clams, steamers, and lobster rolls. We like our steamers small and our fried clams the big belly versions not strips. Or, we can be just as happy with a lobster feast like the one above from Wood's Seafood in Plymouth.

We are dedicated to the no mayo version lobster roll with hot butter and a squeeze of lemon. We're looking forward to the opening of Luke's Lobster on Exeter Street near the Boston Public Library in July as a great source of properly made Maine Lobster Rolls. Here's a link to check for updates on that happening.

What are your favorite places to go and things to do in summer in Boston? Do you have must-do treats, eats, and events?

Related Posts

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Luke's Lobster Weekend Pop-up: Lobster Roll Chronicles

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: © 2010-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 30, 2015
What’s Open on July 4th, 2013 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2013 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

We suspect that there will be new security measures that will change the way many of us have taken part in the July 4th celebrations. We will continue to update this post with links to new notices as they become available.

Update on Security Measures & Road Closures.

IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE 07.03.13: Here is a link to the City of Boston Street Closures and parking restrictions. Move your cars now!

There are two places to go for the latest on Security Measures and Road Closures.

The state's page on the topic where you can download pdfs of the information.

The official Boston's July 4th site's Event Information Page.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Update 07/01/13: From Eater Boston a great list of specific restaurants that are open or closed on July 4th. Thanks to Eater Boston editor, Rachael Leah Blumenthal for putting this together for all of us.

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

Liquor stores: Open

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

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices– often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page. Update: the city says the tow lot will be open on July 4th.

Here's a screengrab from www.cityofboston.gov. Click for a larger pop-up view.

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

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Thursday July 4, 2013, Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Thursday or Friday.

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

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston ( see the new access points at the links above)

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes- They say, "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

Details for the Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:

Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

June 18, 2013
What’s Open on July 4th, 2013 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2013 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

We suspect that there will be new security measures that will change the way many of us have taken part in the July 4th celebrations. We will continue to update this post with links to new notices as they become available.

Update on Security Measures & Road Closures.

IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE 07.03.13: Here is a link to the City of Boston Street Closures and parking restrictions. Move your cars now!

There are two places to go for the latest on Security Measures and Road Closures.

The state's page on the topic where you can download pdfs of the information.

The official Boston's July 4th site's Event Information Page.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Update 07/01/13: From Eater Boston a great list of specific restaurants that are open or closed on July 4th. Thanks to Eater Boston editor, Rachael Leah Blumenthal for putting this together for all of us.

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

Liquor stores: Open

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

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices– often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page. Update: the city says the tow lot will be open on July 4th.

Here's a screengrab from www.cityofboston.gov. Click for a larger pop-up view.

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

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Thursday July 4, 2013, Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Thursday or Friday.

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

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston ( see the new access points at the links above)

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes- They say, "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

Details for the Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:

Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

June 18, 2013
What’s Open on July 4th, 2013 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2013 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling and other useful links.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

We suspect that there will be new security measures that will change the way many of us have taken part in the July 4th celebrations. We will continue to update this post with links to new notices as they become available.

Update on Security Measures & Road Closures.

IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE 07.03.13: Here is a link to the City of Boston Street Closures and parking restrictions. Move your cars now!

There are two places to go for the latest on Security Measures and Road Closures.

The state's page on the topic where you can download pdfs of the information.

The official Boston's July 4th site's Event Information Page.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Update 07/01/13: From Eater Boston a great list of specific restaurants that are open or closed on July 4th. Thanks to Eater Boston editor, Rachael Leah Blumenthal for putting this together for all of us.

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

Liquor stores: Open

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

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices– often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page. Update: the city says the tow lot will be open on July 4th.

Here's a screengrab from www.cityofboston.gov. Click for a larger pop-up view.

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

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Thursday July 4, 2013, Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Thursday or Friday.

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

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston ( see the new access points at the links above)

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes- They say, "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

Details for the Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande Concert and Fireworks:

Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics but grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

June 18, 2013