BostonZest

Tracking Fall Foliage with Yankee Magazine

Timing your trip to see autumn foliage in New England takes a great information source. We recommend Yankee Magazine's fall foliage site Yankee Foliage.

Do you have a favorite spot to see the fall colors? Share with the rest of us in the comment section below. 

Here's what the map on their home page looked like earlier this week. As you can see, there were already spots with peak color. But, don't go by this map, click over to Yankee, where the information is live, and the map changes every 15 minutes as foliage reports come in. You can also click to see some of the reports. 

The site is more than the map. They offer favorite towns for foliage, driving routes to see the best of the best, a foliage blog you can follow, and even a foliage podcast.

Ready for a daytrip or weekend of leaf peeping? The Sibley Guide to Trees will be a great help in learning more about the trees you are seeing. We love this book!

 

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screen Shot from Yankee Foliage

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

Bacon, Parsley & Tomato Bites

Here's a new twist on the classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich. I'm calling them BPTBs– Bacon, Parsley, and Tomato Bites.

If you decide to test this recipe, let us know how you liked it, and share your ideas for variations on this theme in the comment section below.

'Twas the night before market and the supplies were runnin' low. We had one perfect tomato, the last of a generous friend's gift from her garden. (Thank you Margaret!)

The lettuce bin was empty. The resident bread-a-holic had left two 4-inch ends from a Nashoba Brook B & R baguette. (Why two ends? This explains...)

I did have some bacon and parley and began an assembly that proved to be absolutely delicious and ridiculously easy. Even if you only cook with a microwave, you can impress guests with this dish.

I microwaved the bacon between paper towels until done to my idea of perfection.

While that cooked, I cut the baguette into thin slices, arranged those on a serving plate, drizzled them with good olive oil, added a light grind of black pepper, and a few shakes of dried oregano.

Next, I sliced that perfect, meaty, juicy tomato and cut pieces to fit the bread. I snipped the bacon strips into small pieces and added some to each little pile. Then, came one more shake of oregano, another light grind of pepper, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a tiny finishing drizzle of olive oil. (I didn't add salt, because this bacon was salty enough. Taste yours and decide.)

It looks a bit like a bacon and tomato pizza. But, it's quicker, easier, and lets the stars of the season shine through. It's a perfect way to enjoy the local tomatoes we only have around for a few wonderful weeks each year.

When we emptied the plate, Ed warmed a frozen nann and used it to sop up the tomato juice, seasoning, and olive oil that remained.

Do you ever serve appetizers as your entire meal? Have you ever thrown an appetizer party? Here are collections of ideas and recipes for doing just that.

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

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

Staff Meal - Food Truck Tracking

Staff Meal is a food truck with a glowing reputation among Boston's food lovers. Chowhound Digest said, "First of all, the truck itself is a little low-profile; several hounds were nervous approaching it, thinking it might be a catering truck for the businesses..."

Update for the Spring 2013 Food Truck Season: The Staff Meal Guys have traded the truck for a Pop up Schedule. So the Staff Meal truck won't be on 2013 schedule.

We say, Don't be afraid! There's good stuff in that simple white truck.

Have you tried the food at Staff Meal, yet? If so, share what you had and what you thought in our comment section.

Truck Description: Simple White Truck with small red signs. 

Chef Team: Adam Gendreau and Patrick Gilmartin

What’s on the Menu: They take sandwiches and snacks into a new realm. (Steak Bomb, Hot Dog Arepas, Pig's Feet Bibimbap, steamed buns with Chinese Sausage, Headcheese Sandwich) They feature snacks at $4 to let you try flights of culinary creativity like Foie Gras Baklavah!

Drinks: Their sign says, "All drinks in the cooler for $1.00"

Click on any image for a larger view.

We had: The Steak Bomb– steak, cheese, and hiding underneath is salami and roasted peppers. The Hot Dog Arepas– like a polenta and hot dog pancake with carmelized unions in place of fruit. Steamed Buns with Chinese Sausage and a side of fried rice. (Love the texture of the buns!) 

They say: "What is Staff Meal? Staff Meal is a meal prepared by restaurant staff, for the restaurant's staff. We like to think we've made some pretty tasty staff meals over the years and we'd like to share those meals with everyone."

Nice Touch: They make it your way. When we wanted to leave off the mayo, they were happy to do it.

Philosophy/Mission: Their new t-shirts say, "Staff Meal Says Relax."

History: They met while cooking at Rialto and have brought you food at other fine dining restaurants like: Bravo and Bistro du Midi. Adam Gendreau is an experienced butcher, so meat and nose-to-tail menus are also coming off this truck. (Thanks to Grub Street Boston for this background.)

Regulars say: When Boston food critic and trusted food scout, MC Slim JB tried their Chinese wrap he said, "It was so good I immediately went back and got a second one. That doesn't happen very often." (That quote is from the Chowhound Boston Board.) He also reviewed Staff Meal for the Boston Phoenix.

Did you know? After hurricane Irene, this truck was held prisoner by a big tree. They also do private events (Yes, your very own food truck for your birthday!) and catering, too.

Order and Pick up routine: Step up and order, and they'll prep it and hand it back. No fancy computers or iPhone systems onboard.

Payment: Cash

Website: www.staffmealboston.com

Twitter: @staffmealtruck

Facebook: Staff Meal

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Important Food Truck Tracking Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Want some background to get ready for Staff Meal's nose-to-tail cooking?

The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating will help you learn what you want to know.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Penny  & Ed Cherubino

Cleaning Litter Out of the Car, Onto a Boston Street

I watched this woman methodically clean out all the food, litter, and junk in this car onto the street in Boston. When she saw me taking her picture, she yelled that she was going to clean it up. 

Yes, I'll just bet she picked up all those bits of crackers, snack food bags, and all the other litter she was dumping on the neighborhood. 

Do you love outlet shopping? Amazon has a big outlet Department! 

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

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

Copley Square: Where to Find Food Trucks

As these rolling restaurants expand their reach and numbers throughout the Boston area, we’re Food Truck Tracking– checking out some of their favorite nesting spots, and what you’ll find when you get there. -The BostonZest Team!

Copley Square

Location: Copley Square, Boston MA, what you'll find in the square and nearby. ( map )

MBTA LINK: Green line: Copley Square, Orange Line & Commuter Rail: Back Bay Station, Buses

More info @: The City website has a Boston Food Truck locator map and schedule.

How many trucks?: There are parkings spaces for three trucks in the Copley Square area.

• On the Boylston Street side of the Boston Public Library
• On the northwest corner of Clarendon Street at Boylston
• On Stuart Street near Dartmouth and the 100 Clarendon Garage.

(Click on any photo to popup a larger version!)

 

Who's here: This busy location has a roster of trucks rotating in and out of the parking spaces throughout the day. Roxy's Grilled Cheese, Mobile Home, The Dining Car, Redbones Barbeque, Bon Me, Staff Meal, Grilled Cheese Nation, and Kick✩ss Cupcakes.

What we had: We spend a lot of time at the library (researching articles for all of you) and around Copley, so we've tried all these trucks. 

Hours: Trucks are scheduled for: Morning (before 10 am), Afternoon (10 am to 3 pm), and Evening (after 3 pm.) You should check-in with the specific truck to confirm when they will be serving.

 

Tips: Lunch time is naturally busy, and menu items do run out on the trucks. If you have your heart set on a specialty item, get there early. But, many of these trucks also have great snacks on board, and some of the most refreshing drinks we've tasted in years. So stop by even if you aren't looking for a meal, or if you want a little something to share with a friend.

 

Where to Eat: In fine weather you can grab a bench in Copley Square Park or sit on the steps of the fountain. Our favorite stop is at one of the tables in the Courtyard of the library. It's one of the loveliest spots in Boston. The steps of the Boston Public Library offer lots of seating options, if you can manage to stay upwind of smokers.

Restrooms: The most public ones are in the Boston Public Library, and there's a coin operated City Toilet in front of the Library on Boylston Street near the corner of Exeter Street. This is an area where there are restrooms in a good number of businesses and shopping centers. Here's a link to the Universal Hub Restroom directory for the area with those listings.

Bonus points for: Copley offers street food at a second level. There are push cart vendors in the park. And, on Tuesdays and Fridays, from Mid-May to Thanksgiving, you can add the offerings at the Copley Farmers' Market to the menu– sandwiches from Iggy's, picnic lunches from Crystal Brook Farms, Sofra items from Sienna Farms, and all those wonderful baked goods.

For more of our Food Truck/Street Food coverage: click here. Or, anytime you visit BostonZest, you can click on the "Food Truck/Street Food" tab at the top of the page.

Link: Boston Food Truck Location Map 

Did you know you can buy groceries from Amazon? Have them ship what you need, and have more time to check out food trucks.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photography: © 2011 Ed & Penny Cherubino

Staff Meal

Sunday Dog Brings Florida Sunshine to Boston!

If you think our recent string of beautiful, sunny days has been random, then it’s time you met this Florida girl. I know, how could such a lovely, little, brown-eyed beauty possibly possess such amazing powers?

First of all, look at that face. No, get closer to your screen...click on her image to enlarge it. That’s it. Now... let’s be honest, what sentient life form could deny this creature anything? So, when it comes to controlling the weather, who or what wouldn’t obey her every command?

We met this captivating Miniature Schnauzer last weekend in the Public Garden (I was so distracted by her charms, that her name escapes me). She was sitting on the lap of one her people, trying to stay warm. What was “hot and muggy” by New England standards, felt like the Arctic Circle to this one year old. Despite living in Florida, she has a wardrobe to ward off the chill and looks great in a turtleneck.



We left our Sunday Dog to continue her people watching in the park with a thank you for having let us watch her– she loves the camera.

And, as I bent down to say goodbye, this little charmer gave me a big kiss.

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

Do you travel with your dog? Here are some great canine travel items from Amazon!



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

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

Some Cars are More Fun, And They Know It....

The owner of this Fiat 500 chose a great license plate for this fun little car. 

Related Posts - More Eye Candy for Car Lovers:

Cute Little Francesca!

It's Yellow! More Eye Candy

Weekend Eye Candy

Thanks to all our readers who use our links to start their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you any more but does support our work here at BostonZest.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2011 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. We welcome comments from the people, places, and services we cover, as long as it doesn't become an ad.