BostonZest

A July 1, 2024 Toast to the Franco Family with a Glass of Nino Franco Rustico

This month, we'll raise a glass of Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG to the Franco Family. Over the past century, they have elevated Prosecco to new levels of sparkling wine greatness.

Just as other winemakers worldwide deserve to be called heroes for the efforts they have made to raise the standard of their particular wines, the Franco family has created a line of sparking wines of superior quality.

They say, "Nino Franco's Proseccos live on imagination."

As for the secret that gives their wines something special that is hard to describe, They say:

"The truth is contained in the personalities of Primo and Silvia Franco who alchemically merge with the mystery of the terroir, linking man, nature and wine in a continuous flow of exchanges and revelations."

"Before being sparkling wines, they are mental snapshots generated by the experience and imagination of their authors. They are the result of tastings, acquaintances, advice and, why not, accidents along the way. In Nino Franco's labels, Primo's passion for architecture, Silvia's search for beauty, and the taste for a Prosecco shaped by the personality of its vineyard, which does not hide its complex character but expresses the constant tension towards the search for an absolute: 'the wine you would like to drink', reverberates."

This is one of our favorite wines. It's our house sparkler, always on hand for any meal or celebration. We often raise a glass to toast the warm, friendly family who produce it.

Here are Primo, his daughter Silvia, her mother and his wife Annalisa. Silvia is the fourth generation of the Franco family to add to the growth of excellence in wines from Valdobbiadene. We have corresponded with Silvia for many years and were happy to meet her when she came to Boston.

In the photo above, Silvia was signing a bottle of Rustico for us to have on the evening they celebrated their 100th anniversary. While they raised their glasses at the vineyard, we opened that bottle and raised our glasses here.

Trying wines from different places, made with various 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 at Gordon's for $30.99

 

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

Into the Woods with Your Sunday Dog

We all have favorite forms of recreation with our dogs. Ours happens to be long walks on a beach and seaside vacations. But, we realize that for some of you, a long hike or camping in a the woods is the way to go. Knowing that, we’ve done some research on that topic and will share what we’ve learned.

Occasionally, friends can tempt us to take a quick walk in the woods. However this was at Halibut Point where we knew our beloved ocean views were just a few steps away. 

Are Dogs Welcome?

The first task is to locate hiking trails where dogs are welcome. When people ask about this, we always point them to the Trustees of Reservations. They have clear guidelines on their website www.thetrustees.org where you can select "Dog Walking" after choosing options on this page to help you choose a place where you and your dog are welcome.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation (DCR) has made a start on helping residents find dog-friendly spots in the state’s park system. They now have one webpage that outlines the dos and don’ts for enjoying state property with your dog. Unfortunately the don’ts and “no dogs allowed” list is far longer than the places where we are welcome.

For those of us in the Boston area, the list of places where dogs are NOT allowed, on or off leash, include: City Square Park in Charlestown, Boston Harbor Islands, DCR buildings (administrative offices, visitor centers, restrooms), all DCR playgrounds, all DCR parking areas and all DCR coastal beaches and designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15, unless otherwise posted.

The look of total enjoyment on Gunner’s face is reason enough for a day in the woods. (Photo courtesy of http://indirectimages.weebly.com/)

What Are the Rules?

The basic rules of dog etiquette: keeping your dog under your control even if off leash; picking up dog waste; preventing your dog from harassing people, wildlife, or other dogs; and doing as little damage to the area as possible will serve you well in woodlands.

You will also have to check specific rules for the property you visit. Some trails may be open to your dog while others are not, and there may be special date restrictions or wildlife warnings. For example, the Blue Hills Reservation comes up on many searches for dog-friendly hiking in Massachusetts. Before you go, you should be aware that the state site map warns, "The reservation boasts a rich variety of plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Timber rattlesnake and Eastern copperhead found nowhere else in the Boston area."

We really miss our little pal Swiffer but can't resist sharing this photo from a happy day we spent with him years ago.

Special Precautions

Naturally you’ll want to be sure you and your dog are healthy and up-to-date on disease prevention before you set off on a woody adventure. You’ll also want to make frequent and complete checks for ticks along the way.

Since you may be away from resources, you should add a few dog specific items like self-adhering bandages and a tick removal tool to your first aid kit.

Special Places

Here again we recommend turning to the Trustees. They even have a smartphone app to keep information about your destination in the palm of your hand. You can begin by finding properties near you via GPS.

Suppose you choose World’s End in Hingham to visit. The overview page on the app has a paw print to show that dog walking is allowed.

You can get directions to the location by car or public transportation, other activities the site offers, details on facilities, and a description of the place. Finally, you can pull up a map of the trails. It’s everything you need for a great adventure with your pup right on your phone.

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

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

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

Dog Friendly Places from the Trustees of Resevations

Looking for a place to go for a great walk with your dog? Click over to this page on the Trustees of Reservations site. Choose "Dog walking" as your activity and select the other options that are right for you. The result will be a list of very special places that welcome responsible dog folks and well-mannered pups.

From our files of wonderful memories, here are four of my favorite males heading into Halibut Point Reservation back in 2008. We had a wonderful day there and it's good to look back at the photos and remember a fine dog with a big heart.

Westies love climbing on rocks!

Here's a piece they prepared on Tail Wagging Destinations.

Dog-friendly places alone are a reason for Sunday Dog readers to head straight for The Trustees site to join or renew their memberships. We did and now will not only have all these places to visit, but also will be the first to know about the events at the Boston Public Market that are managed by this same group. 

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

 

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2008 Penny Cherubino 

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Provincetown Is Ready for Halloween

Once upon a time, Provincetown closed up shop after Labor Day. These days, Halloween is a big weekend in that town at the tip of Massachusetts. Decorating had already started when we were out there.

Somerset House Inn always has a bit of seasonal bling on display for us to enjoy on our walks around town. They went all out for this weekend so we wanted to reward their efforts by making them and our favorite Cape Cod destination our Friday Link. Here's a link to what's going on in Provincetown this weekend.

At the famous "Purple House," as one friend calls the Somerset House Inn, the front stairs were lined with cats and pumpkin lanterns.

And the front yard had turned into a spooky graveyard ...

... complete with "once-were-rats-creatures" ready to nibble at whatever they could find. 

The locals were hoping for great weather and a busy weekend and, right now, it looks good for them to get their wish and wind up the season with a bit of extra cash from all those who see this as a natural place to dress up and celebrate!

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

Provincetown Is a Dogtown

One of the things we love about Provincetown is that it is a dogtown. We enjoy watching and meeting the dogs that are welcomed by this small town at the end of the land.

You'll see them in packs like this band of Bulldogs.

You'll see them in pairs like these Corgis – a popular breed with the locals.

They come large enough to invite stares from passersby.

Some are moving right along as they help run errands.

 

Others want everyone to slow down so they can stop and smell the flowers.

Some are visiting while others hold full time jobs as greeters at local businesses.

Some like this young pup have favorite businesses they can't wait to enter. Fortunately, many shops welcome dogs, but we always ask.

And, almost every Provincetown dog loves a good beach walk. 

We highly recommend this lovely place for a fall escape. Each year, more places stay open for a longer season. Here is a link to some dog friendly spots from the wonderful folks at Pilgrim Bark Park. 

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

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

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Sailing onto the Mooring

The man at the tiller of this lovely little catboat did a picture perfect job of sailing onto his mooring in Provincetown Harbor.

This was one of our team photos. Ed spotted the picture and I had my camera at the ready. This was taken a few days after a storm and those streaks you see floating in the water are seaweed that was washed ashore.

We've just returned from a period of rest and relaxation in this town on the tip of Cape Cod. We highly recommend visiting in the slower months when the quiet is deep and the light is a photographer's dream.

Prints and merchandise with this photo are available from our gallery.

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

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National Cheese Lover’s Day – Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The Massachusetts Cheese Guild sent us a reminder that today is National Cheese Lover's Day. The BostonZest team is made up of cheese lovers, so today is a day for us! We even have a separate category, Food: Cheese for our cheese coverage.

Because we live a freelance lifestyle, we often eat our main meal of the day in the afternoon and enjoy a plate of cheese with a bit of something else and a glass of wine for our evening bites.

We also find ourselves shopping for great cheese in Boston's wonderful ethnic markets. Above is a collection of foods we purchased in Watertown's Middle Eastern neighborhood. A trip there will always include string cheese and feta. 

Smith’s Country Cheese at the Brookline Farmers' Market

Crystal Brook Farm goat cheese lunches at the Copley Farmers' Market

We love supporting Massachusetts cheeses at area farmers' markets. Both of those above are members of the Massachusetts Cheese Guild. Here's a link to the other local cheese artisan producers who have joined to provide mutual support and education about our state's cheese products.

Artisan Cheese Trail

The guild also has created their Artisan Cheese Trail, a map for you to explore the possibilities in person. We highly recommend that you pop over and explore the guild's site. You'll find cheesemakers to visit from Westport to Williamstown and beyond.

Explore New Cheeses

One of the truly great things about cheese is that a good shop will let you taste a bit before you buy. If you avoid the precut and shrink wrapped, you will not have to be afraid to try a new cheese.

You might discover that there are some blue cheeses you love and some you don't. We had that happen with a friend who didn't think he'd like the blue cheese his partner adored. Until our cheese tasting adventures put one on his plate with a slightly different flavor note. 

If this day speaks to your soul, set out from here to explore more Massachusetts Cheeses in particular, and different cheeses from your current favorites in general.

Here are other posts from our Cheese Collection!

What's on your Cheese shopping list? Here are some great books about cheese. These make wonderful gifts for a cheese lover. And, when you shop Amazon from here, they put some coins in our tip jar.

 

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar photo courtesy of Cabot Cheese.