Never a dull moment

Underwater

We visited an exhibit at the public library of Boston map makers. Here is a map of Boston around 1835. The location of Nemo was still marshland. Another map around 1870 showed the area had been filled and our street appears. Bostonians love to dig.

An Otis Redding moment

Old and new

Taken from the courtyard of the public library.

Gadget Hound

Hello my name is Taylor and I am a gadget hound. I am not too seduced by clothes or cars, but my fingers shake over the "Buy It Now" button when looking at the latest toy drone or electronic gizmo.

As such, I am a fairly good resource on the subject does a product do what it says it can do. Most gadgets have a fatal flaw that is only discovered after a few weeks of use.

I am no audiophile, coming from a family who "forgot" to expose me to chicken pox as a child, having any music appreciation as a child is beyond hope. Nevertheless, as of late I have discovered background music is just as important as paintings on the wall for setting a mood. Sorry Mom.

Sonos offers wireless speakers at a premium price. Everything is controlled by your mobile device and different speakers can play different music. Setup is mom simple and the sound is great.

They come in a variety of sizes The smallest is fine for any room at Nemo. I know of 4 other people who have Sonos systems and they all would agree this product delivers. This product is Nemo Approved.

Spotlight: Vejigantes

Like El Rincon of Puerto Rican food.
Outstanding large portions of super flavorful food. Hard to find a dish that did not somehow incorporate plantains.

20 min home

And Dr. Bruisey transects the leads to my new heart monitor.
Clearly he is telling me I don't need it.

Spotlight: Tufts Medical center

Just around the corner from Nemo is a new spot for us. I don't think we will return, the wait staff was attentive and polite , but the food was no better than hospital food.

Red flashing beacon

... No Red Sox game tonight :(

Cauliflower Piccata

Chicken adobo

Marinate boneless chicken thighs in soy sauce for a few hours. Brown in a skillet with some onions. Add one can of Goya coconut milk and 3/4 cup cider vinegar. Cook until reduced by 1/2 and serve over rice and chopped scallions.

Sazerac

Here you go SJL19...

A personal favorite for many reasons, but I cannot generally recommend this classic.  I won't repeat the history of the cocktail here, as this is a better explanation and has the classic recipe.

I don't get all into chilling the glass and getting the shaker out nonsense. This drink was invented before the convenience of ice, and I bet was created many times at room temperature. My father always just kept the bottle of bourbon in the freezer.

Pour a dash of Pernod (or other licorice brandy) into a glass, swirl and discard any left over, you just want the smell, not so much the taste.

Add a dash of simple syrup or sugar.
Add 3-6 dashes of your favorite bitters. Mine is fee brothers from Rochester. The original calls for Peychauds, but the grocery store angustura will suffice.
Add 2 fingers or rye (classic), bourbon (my favorite), or cognac (original).
Garnish with a lemon or orange slice.

The above picture was taken at the Taj bar, who at one time made a great Saz, but the current bartender has changed it.

Its a bit medicinal, not too sweet, and its clear you are not having a foo foo drink.

No fuss bread

4 cups all purpose flour

some salt

some yeast

2 cups warm water.

Mix in a bowl. 

Cover. Let sit 24 hours.

Preheat large heavy pot in 450 oven

Dump wet dough onto a piece of parchment

Dust with flour and salt

Cook 30 min with top on, and 10-30 min with top off, depends on how hot your 450 oven in.

No fuss, no kneed, no worries

About Time

Nemo gives 4 thumbs and 6 paws up for the movie "About Time" a great valentines day movie.

Picture was taken in Beacon Hill, on our walk to see Parker.

Fur Control

ward 8

In the same periodic table column as a manhattan or old fashion, this Boston born cocktail has sadly gone out of style. Mixology legend says this drink was invented in the local restaurant Locke-Ober in the late 1890s. The restaurant has recently closed it's doors. I have dined there twice with my dad, as the crusty Classic French restaurant was one of his favorites.
2 oz rye.
1/2 oz orange juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
Maraschino syrup
To be honest I still prefer the sazerac from New Orleans.

Spotlight: Farm and Fable

This combination antique/kitchen store just opened down the street. On the corner where Coppa (calamari pizza) and polka dog (pet food) have the other corners.
It felt like walking into a familiar room, with pine floors and some very familiar platters. Of special note was the amount of copper cookware. A local copper smith makes beautiful and functional pans. Perhaps a Paul Revere descendent.

Inching closer...

Aretha is in the House

A tribute to the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin @ the beehive tonight. The performers of the play "The Color Purple" performed right next door.
Magical.

Another Boston Revolution

One of the first craft beers in the states, and still one of the best.

Cats stuck on roof

Not a math post