Many people are nervous when asked to do something creative. Some turn to friends for support; others to a little bit of liquid courage. At The Paint Bar in Newton (www.paintbar.com), both are in abundance and near at hand, making the creative process comfortable and fun!
Stories
La Morra of the Story – Culinary couple celebrate 10 years together (Originally published 12/14)
In our supportive community, it is still commonplace for a bride and groom to be “set up” by members of their loving families. What may not be so common, however, is for the married couple to go into business together. Even rare still is for both the marriage and the business to be going strong after a decade. There is a great section on their site which you can see once you visit their website.
Such is the story, however, for Jen and Josh Ziskin, co-owners of Brookline’s popular Italian eatery La Morra (www.lamorra.com).
Vegging Out – Newton woman makes healthy food fun! (Originally published 7/13)
As any parent knows, encouraging children to eat what is good for them can be a challenge. As any good guest knows, so can choosing an appropriate house gift for friends and relatives.
Fortunately, there is now help for both, thanks to Newton entrepreneur Lauren Brooks, creator of Crudite Creations (www.cruditecreations.com).
Bringing the Buzz to Harvard Square – Restaurateur Jack Bardy finds a new Hôtel
Boston’s South End has long been known for two things- great art and great food. With its bevy of theatre and gallery spaces and its Zagat’s-busting list of award-winning eateries, it is a great place for a date or a destination.
In 2007, the board of the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) were trying to find a new use for what had once been the loading docks of the Boston flower market (now the Cyclorama). They needed to bring in the right team to add a bit of spark to an underdeveloped underground space.
Fortunately, they did not have to look far.
Tsimmes con salsa – Steve Peljovich brings Cuban flavors to deli favorites (Originally published 1/15)
With all that is happening there these days, anything related to Cuba makes for a hot dish.
Fortunately, we in the Boston area have been able to get hot Cuban dishes for some time, thanks to Steve Peljovich, owner of Michael’s Deli in Brookline (www.michaelsdelibrookline.com).
Talking Turkey- In Hebrew! – Thanksgiving has Jewish roots and recipes (Originally published 11/14)
Though many have put their lulav and etrog away, the spirit of Sukkot lingers. In fact, many see a relationship between the Feast of Booths and America’s harvest feast. Some note how Pilgrims read both the Old and New Testaments. Others observe how many who first accepted Washington’s 1789 proclamation that the third Thursday in November be devoted to “rendering unto [G-D] our sincere and humble thanks” were Colonial Jews. Some even suggest Pilgrims lived among religiously tolerant Sephardic Jews in Holland before continuing to the New World.
Regardless of which story you believe, it is easy to see the link between the Jewish harvest festival and the secular American one. Perhaps that is why so many want their table to be as kosher on Thanksgiving as on any other night.
Fortunately, our area has many places to partake of a pareve Pilgrim-y platter.
A Sweet Treasure – Robin’s Candy offers treats for Chanukah and every day (Originally published 12/14)
Most children grow up in responsible homes where candy is only offered as a special treat. As the granddaughter of the owners of a popular candy shop in New York, Robin Hefland grew up literally surrounded by candy. Spending many delicious days taste testing and getting to know some of the all-time classic candies, she also learned what it took to make customers happy, even without sugar in their systems.
Years later, as the owner of Robin’s Candy (www.robinscandy.com), Helfand continues to bring those familial lessons and delicious treats to friends across the Commonwealth and around the world.
Announcing Davio’s VIP Playoff Raffle
Win a complete VIP Patriots experience including 4 tickets to the AFC Divisional home game, dinner with former Patriot offensive lineman Matt Light at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse and more!
https://www.netraffle.org/raffle/index.php?rid=818 Continue reading
All Aboard for Dinner: Spirit ships make any meal seaworthy (Originally published 9/14)
Dining aboard the ships of Boston’s Spirit Cruises (www.spiritcruises.com) is reminiscent of the Golden Age of air travel.
Beautifully-appointed surroundings.
Breathtaking views.
Attentive personal service.
A surprisingly expansive menu.
And, of course…a safety lecture.
Just Like Nannie Used To Make…And Still Does! (Originally published 7/13)
For generations, Johnny’s Luncheonette in Newton Centre (www.johnnysluncheonette.com) has been serving some of the best comfort food to some of the savviest clientele this side of Jack & Marion’s.
It may be small wonder, then, that for their newest menu additions, they went back a few generations to the food that inspired them.