Tag: Philadelphia

Pouring from On High to Toast July with Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis Rose

Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis Rose is comfort food for us. (Yes, wine is food!) Since this frizzante wine comes from the Basque Country and because of the area's climate and soil conditions it fits our 2020 year of terroir, we are featuring it this month

We are longtime fans of Txakoli wines. We discovered them many years ago at Jose Garces restaurant Tinto in Philadelphia. On our return, Howie Ruben of Bauer Wine & Spirits ordered it for us and kept us supplied with this summertime favorite.

Then came Select Oyster Bar where we found a new wine mentor Michael Serpa who shared our love of Txakoli. He educated us about the speed pourers that made pouring this wine on high to activate the bubbles a bit easier.

If you would like to learn more about the terroir and special way the grapes for Txakoli are grown, here's a video of chef and humanitarian Jose Andres visiting a vineyard from his TV series Made in Spain.

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 purchased our bottle at Bauer Wine and Spirits for $22.00

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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.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015- 2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 1, 2020
No Fooling! Our April 1st Toast Will Be with a Glass of Artomaña Txakolina
Why Artomaña Txakolina? We wanted to pick a wine that would be fun and a bit of a surprise for our toast to April 1st. Txakolinas are just that. These wines from the Basque region are light, lively, low-alcohol, food-friendly, and the tiny supply that reaches our shores usually shows up this time of year.

We scanned our wine rack and grabbed a bottle we had picked up somewhere in our travels. As we tried to remember where, that star on the label brought back a special memory. We think this is the first Txakolina we ever tasted many years ago at Tinto in Philadelphia. This was before Chef/Owner Jose Garces was well known. If he's as gracious to his guests these days as he was to us back then he will always be a success.

We'll add him to our toast as we pour a glass of this wine from on-high with the help of our special Txakoli pourer.

Tidbits you might want to know if you'd like to try this wine:
- In the Basque language TX is pronounce CHA, so this wine is pronounced “chah-kuh-leena.”
- And, if your server is in the know, the wine will be poured from high above the glass to aerate it and activate the fizz.
- Finally, that glass may be a large tumbler rather than a stemmed wine glass.
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: ©2019 Penny & Ed Cherubino
April 1, 2019
No Fooling! Our April 1st Toast Will Be with a Glass of Artomaña Txakolina
Why Artomaña Txakolina? We wanted to pick a wine that would be fun and a bit of a surprise for our toast to April 1st. Txakolinas are just that. These wines from the Basque region are light, lively, low-alcohol, food-friendly, and the tiny supply that reaches our shores usually shows up this time of year.

We scanned our wine rack and grabbed a bottle we had picked up somewhere in our travels. As we tried to remember where, that star on the label brought back a special memory. We think this is the first Txakolina we ever tasted many years ago at Tinto in Philadelphia. This was before Chef/Owner Jose Garces was well known. If he's as gracious to his guests these days as he was to us back then he will always be a success.

We'll add him to our toast as we pour a glass of this wine from on-high with the help of our special Txakoli pourer.

Tidbits you might want to know if you'd like to try this wine:
- In the Basque language TX is pronounce CHA, so this wine is pronounced “chah-kuh-leena.”
- And, if your server is in the know, the wine will be poured from high above the glass to aerate it and activate the fizz.
- Finally, that glass may be a large tumbler rather than a stemmed wine glass.
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: ©2019 Penny & Ed Cherubino
April 1, 2019
Get Ready for Amtrak’s “All Aboard” for Dogs & Cats

It was just a couple of weeks ago when we asked you to "Lend Your Support to Allowing Dogs & Cats on Amtrak." The good news is that the bill we asked you to support has passed. While the bureaucrats slowly set up the program, you can get your companion animals ready to be great passengers.

Train on Local Trains

Our Poppy is a subway pro. We take her on the MBTA often enough to keep her acclimatized to the noise, crowded conditions, and movement of the trains. But, as someone who has ridden trains along the Northeast corridor, I know that the motion of those trains is not exactly the same as subway sways.

Commuter rail photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

Under MBTA pet guidelines, your dog or cat is already welcome aboard the Commuter Rail. Pick a destination where you and your dog can have some fun and plan a day trip this spring.

How about Salem as a first trip? It's a fairly short, half hour ride with lots to do when you get there. (In summer, there is also a ferry to Salem which can be a great way to get a dog ready for boat rides.)

If that works out, you could try Newburyport for the next destination – it takes a little more than an hour to reach and should be a good test.

It would be a good idea for us to get Poppy used to riding in her Sherpa Pet Carrier because we usually travel off-peak on the subway and can hold her in a lap or in our arms.

CapeFLYER Is Pet Friendly

If a trip to Cape Cod is more to your liking, you and your dog or cat can ride the CapeFLYER to one of its stops, once the train resumes for the summer season. Pets ride free aboard this popular service. And, I have to wonder if the pet option is one of the reasons it was an immediate success.

Acela photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

New York, Portland, and Philadelphia Here We Come!

Once we are allowed to take Poppy with us, we'll be on board for three of our favorite car-free destinations: New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, Maine.

Downeaster photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

The Downeaster to Portland should be one of the first test routes considering how dog-friendly that city happens to be. And, we look forward to spending more time in New York and Philadelphia.

Where will you go by train with your favorite companion animal?

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

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!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto for the traveling dog image. Trains are courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism used under this creative commons license.

March 8, 2015
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
Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

Sometimes we gather food to recreate a happy memory. A recent Basque themed supper did just that.

We fell in love with Basque food in Philadelphia back in 2007. Preparing for the trip, Penny had scoured the area’s Chowhound boards and booked a table at a new restaurant called Tinto. As we’ve said so many times since then, “If we’d had a week in Philadelphia, we would have eaten at Tinto every night.”

Wine, cheese, ham, olives, and bread combine for supper with terroir!

We love grazing on small plates. At Tinto, those small plates were perfect gems. When we want to bring back some of those memories, we stop at a place like Formaggio Kitchen and tell the staff we want a Basque experience. They will then lead us to the flavors of the region.

The rosey Jamón Serrano seems to call out for a Txakolina Rosé like the one above from Ameztoi. We like both their rosé and their crisp, thirst-quenching white. If you haven’t discovered Txakolina, summer is the time to introduce it to your personal wine list.

The cheese is from the French Basque side of the Pyreness, Ardi-Gasna Pardou. It’s a rich, aged sheep’s milk variety with an edible rind and proper, sheepy punch.

Some good bread and olives filled out our tray. The flavors share the terrior of the region. You might want to return to a different region of Spain, to Turkey, or to Paris. Gather the best of what Boston has to offer from your favorite place and make yourself a supper filled with memorable flavor.

What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

A Rosé Amongst the Thorns

Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

Happy Summer: We Declare Rosé Wine Season Open!

August 7, 2012
Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

Sometimes we gather food to recreate a happy memory. A recent Basque themed supper did just that.

We fell in love with Basque food in Philadelphia back in 2007. Preparing for the trip, Penny had scoured the area’s Chowhound boards and booked a table at a new restaurant called Tinto. As we’ve said so many times since then, “If we’d had a week in Philadelphia, we would have eaten at Tinto every night.”

Wine, cheese, ham, olives, and bread combine for supper with terroir!

We love grazing on small plates. At Tinto, those small plates were perfect gems. When we want to bring back some of those memories, we stop at a place like Formaggio Kitchen and tell the staff we want a Basque experience. They will then lead us to the flavors of the region.

The rosey Jamón Serrano seems to call out for a Txakolina Rosé like the one above from Ameztoi. We like both their rosé and their crisp, thirst-quenching white. If you haven’t discovered Txakolina, summer is the time to introduce it to your personal wine list.

The cheese is from the French Basque side of the Pyreness, Ardi-Gasna Pardou. It’s a rich, aged sheep’s milk variety with an edible rind and proper, sheepy punch.

Some good bread and olives filled out our tray. The flavors share the terrior of the region. You might want to return to a different region of Spain, to Turkey, or to Paris. Gather the best of what Boston has to offer from your favorite place and make yourself a supper filled with memorable flavor.

What’s on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

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

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

A Rosé Amongst the Thorns

Food Tips for Shakespeare on the Common

Happy Summer: We Declare Rosé Wine Season Open!

August 7, 2012