Tag: New York

We’ll Toast July 2023 with Dr. Konstantin Frank’s 2018 Brut Rosé

We're staying near home with our choice of an American wine for July 2023. This month we'll toast with and enjoy the memories brought to us by Dr. Konstantin Frank's 2018 Brut Rosé. This groundbreaking vineyard is in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Wines usually remind us of the people we have shared them with or the wine mentors who taught us about them. In this case, that would be our friends David and Peter. The first time we heard about Dr. Konstantin Frank and his wonderful wines was soon after we met them and discovered we shared a love of food, wine, and sharing great food experiences.

A Finger Lakes wine also reminds us of trips to Limerock Speedway in Caledonia, NY. There was a time when we drove a mid-engine sports car and were autocross and auto racing fans and would make the trip to this area to enjoy the schedule of events at this track. If you're planning a trip to this delightful area in the fall-foliage season, consider adding visits to both the Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard and Limerock to your itinerary.

About Dr. Konstantin Frank's 2018 Brut Rosé

The vineyard describes this wine:

"Our Brut Rosé is a blend of 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier. The grapes are hand harvested and very lightly pressed. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle for a minimum of 30 months in our historic underground cellar.

Seductive and shimmering, the light rosé color pulls you into its fragrant fruitiness. Strawberries and tart cherries circled by mouthwatering shale minerality completes this sunny and sophisticated wine.

Perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Pair with oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, fried foods, egg dishes, sushi, popcorn, or seafood-based Chinese dishes."

Wine Enthusiast gave this wine a score of 90 saying:
"A perfumed, creamy and silky sparkling rosé with delicate raspberry and strawberry aromas and a hint of candied orange. Flows gracefully over the palate, the mousse very neatly matched with the creaminess from lees contact. The finish is very clean, in spite of a hint of sweetness. Drink now."

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes and produced by different methods, adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

We purchase our bottle from the vineyard for $31 after a 6-bottle discount. Sadly, we have to inform you that this wine is currently sold out.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2023 Penny Cherubino

July 1, 2023
We’ll Toast Friends with a Dr. Konstantin Frank 2019 Sparkling Riesling Nature

This month we’ll raise of glass of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard’s 2019 Sparkling Riesling. We can thank our friends David and Peter for introducing us to this family vineyard from the Finger Lakes region of New York. We also have to thank them for educating Penny about dry Rieslings. She had always avoided this varietal after trying a few versions that were too sweet for her taste. You can learn a lot about wine by sharing it with friends.

Recently the Washington Post featured Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard in Dave McIntyre’s article “This 60-year-old winery changed the way America grew grapes.” One of our toasts from this bottle will honor Ukrainian refugee Konstantin Frank for his contributions to winemaking and the education of wine consumers in this country. Another toast will be to the third and fourth generation of his family who operate the winery today.

A second nudge to place an order from this vineyard came when we spotted their dry Riesling on the menu at the Dubliner, where we’ve enjoyed this selection by the glass while lunching with friends.

Here’s what the winemakers say about their Sparkling Riesling Nature 2019.

“Our Riesling Nature is 100% Riesling from our estate vineyards on Keuka Lake. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle for a minimum of 24 months in our historic underground cellar. The wine is finished without any additional dosage creating a very dry wine.”

“Toastiness comes first, with prominent fruit flavors of crisp red apple, lemon curd, and ginger come to meet up. Driven by its freshness and austerity, the creamy mouthfeel balances the dry, crisp, and bright green apple flavors.”

We purchase our bottle directly from the vineyard for $34.99.

We were pleased with every aspect of the transaction. They were offering a quantity discount, so we added three bottles of the dry Riesling and two more of their sparkling wines. The cost of shipping was reasonable. The packaging was sturdy, and our wines arrived promptly as promised.

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post : Join Us as We Toast…

A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2022 Penny Cherubino

September 1, 2022
We’ll Toast Friends with a Dr. Konstantin Frank 2019 Sparkling Riesling Nature

This month we’ll raise of glass of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard’s 2019 Sparkling Riesling. We can thank our friends David and Peter for introducing us to this family vineyard from the Finger Lakes region of New York. We also have to thank them for educating Penny about dry Rieslings. She had always avoided this varietal after trying a few versions that were too sweet for her taste. You can learn a lot about wine by sharing it with friends.

Recently the Washington Post featured Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard in Dave McIntyre’s article “This 60-year-old winery changed the way America grew grapes.” One of our toasts from this bottle will honor Ukrainian refugee Konstantin Frank for his contributions to winemaking and the education of wine consumers in this country. Another toast will be to the third and fourth generation of his family who operate the winery today.

A second nudge to place an order from this vineyard came when we spotted their dry Riesling on the menu at the Dubliner, where we’ve enjoyed this selection by the glass while lunching with friends.

Here’s what the winemakers say about their Sparkling Riesling Nature 2019.

“Our Riesling Nature is 100% Riesling from our estate vineyards on Keuka Lake. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle for a minimum of 24 months in our historic underground cellar. The wine is finished without any additional dosage creating a very dry wine.”

“Toastiness comes first, with prominent fruit flavors of crisp red apple, lemon curd, and ginger come to meet up. Driven by its freshness and austerity, the creamy mouthfeel balances the dry, crisp, and bright green apple flavors.”

We purchase our bottle directly from the vineyard for $34.99.

We were pleased with every aspect of the transaction. They were offering a quantity discount, so we added three bottles of the dry Riesling and two more of their sparkling wines. The cost of shipping was reasonable. The packaging was sturdy, and our wines arrived promptly as promised.

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

Related Posts:

Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post : Join Us as We Toast…

A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2022 Penny Cherubino

September 1, 2022
Another Kind of Parking Space Saver…

Is a car stored in a parking space another type of space saver in use in Boston?

Obviously, these people didn't shovel out these resident parking spaces. But, they are the only ones who can use them. Some of these spaces will be tied up for a long time, a few until the big melt takes care of all that snow.

At first, I thought that yellow paper stuck to each car was a parking ticket for not clearing the resident sticker. But, it was actually an offer to clear the car by a snow removal service.

Yesterday, Universal Hub reported that, "The city has agreed to a request from South End neighborhood groups to completely ban the practice of space saving after winter storms."

That kicked off another storm of comments about this very touchy subject.

Update: After I posted this Adam over at Univeral Hub created a new post, How come Boston doesn't charge for residential parking permits?That had brought out even more opinions on this topic. Welcome to all of you who landed here from that story.

I don't own a car so this issue doesn't really impact me. But, it did make me curious about what other cities charge for resident parking.

Philadelphia recently increased the cost of their residential permits. (Click here for full information.)

The annual fee for a permit is per household:
1st vehicle permit $35.00;
2nd vehicle permit $50.00;
3rd vehicle permit $75.00;
4 or more vehicle permits $100.00 each.

San Francisco charges $109 annually for a resident permit. (Click here for full information.)

Washington DC charges residents $35 a year and students $338 a year. (Click here for full information.)

New York doesn't have a residential parking program, but they do have the infamous alternate side parking regulation that means that on some streets cars have to be moved each day.

Update: One of the commenters over at Universal Hub mentioned Cambridge.

Cambridge MA charges $25 for resident parking permits unless you are age 65 plus or have a disability plate or placard (Click here for full information.)

Is it time to take a fresh look at the Boston residential parking program?

Would you get rid of one or more cars if you had to pay for a resident parking permit?

Would year-round street sweeping, that would allow public works to clear snow to the curb on street sweeping days, be a good idea?

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

February 13, 2014
Another Kind of Parking Space Saver…

Is a car stored in a parking space another type of space saver in use in Boston?

Obviously, these people didn't shovel out these resident parking spaces. But, they are the only ones who can use them. Some of these spaces will be tied up for a long time, a few until the big melt takes care of all that snow.

At first, I thought that yellow paper stuck to each car was a parking ticket for not clearing the resident sticker. But, it was actually an offer to clear the car by a snow removal service.

Yesterday, Universal Hub reported that, "The city has agreed to a request from South End neighborhood groups to completely ban the practice of space saving after winter storms."

That kicked off another storm of comments about this very touchy subject.

Update: After I posted this Adam over at Univeral Hub created a new post, How come Boston doesn't charge for residential parking permits?That had brought out even more opinions on this topic. Welcome to all of you who landed here from that story.

I don't own a car so this issue doesn't really impact me. But, it did make me curious about what other cities charge for resident parking.

Philadelphia recently increased the cost of their residential permits. (Click here for full information.)

The annual fee for a permit is per household:
1st vehicle permit $35.00;
2nd vehicle permit $50.00;
3rd vehicle permit $75.00;
4 or more vehicle permits $100.00 each.

San Francisco charges $109 annually for a resident permit. (Click here for full information.)

Washington DC charges residents $35 a year and students $338 a year. (Click here for full information.)

New York doesn't have a residential parking program, but they do have the infamous alternate side parking regulation that means that on some streets cars have to be moved each day.

Update: One of the commenters over at Universal Hub mentioned Cambridge.

Cambridge MA charges $25 for resident parking permits unless you are age 65 plus or have a disability plate or placard (Click here for full information.)

Is it time to take a fresh look at the Boston residential parking program?

Would you get rid of one or more cars if you had to pay for a resident parking permit?

Would year-round street sweeping, that would allow public works to clear snow to the curb on street sweeping days, be a good idea?

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

February 13, 2014
Another Kind of Parking Space Saver…

Is a car stored in a parking space another type of space saver in use in Boston?

Obviously, these people didn't shovel out these resident parking spaces. But, they are the only ones who can use them. Some of these spaces will be tied up for a long time, a few until the big melt takes care of all that snow.

At first, I thought that yellow paper stuck to each car was a parking ticket for not clearing the resident sticker. But, it was actually an offer to clear the car by a snow removal service.

Yesterday, Universal Hub reported that, "The city has agreed to a request from South End neighborhood groups to completely ban the practice of space saving after winter storms."

That kicked off another storm of comments about this very touchy subject.

Update: After I posted this Adam over at Univeral Hub created a new post, How come Boston doesn't charge for residential parking permits?That had brought out even more opinions on this topic. Welcome to all of you who landed here from that story.

I don't own a car so this issue doesn't really impact me. But, it did make me curious about what other cities charge for resident parking.

Philadelphia recently increased the cost of their residential permits. (Click here for full information.)

The annual fee for a permit is per household:
1st vehicle permit $35.00;
2nd vehicle permit $50.00;
3rd vehicle permit $75.00;
4 or more vehicle permits $100.00 each.

San Francisco charges $109 annually for a resident permit. (Click here for full information.)

Washington DC charges residents $35 a year and students $338 a year. (Click here for full information.)

New York doesn't have a residential parking program, but they do have the infamous alternate side parking regulation that means that on some streets cars have to be moved each day.

Update: One of the commenters over at Universal Hub mentioned Cambridge.

Cambridge MA charges $25 for resident parking permits unless you are age 65 plus or have a disability plate or placard (Click here for full information.)

Is it time to take a fresh look at the Boston residential parking program?

Would you get rid of one or more cars if you had to pay for a resident parking permit?

Would year-round street sweeping, that would allow public works to clear snow to the curb on street sweeping days, be a good idea?

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 Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

February 13, 2014
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012