Boston + New England Archives - Page 22 of 32

Choose New MBTA Train Design

July 30, 2020October 27, 2015 by Lisa Johnson

Have you voted yet? I just did! The MBTA has invited the public to vote on the design of the new line of subway trains for the Orange, Green and Red Lines. The image to the left was my choice for the Red Line.

Although, after last winter, my main concern is more whether the trains will run on time or even run at all. The design is secondary, but it is nice to be able to provide some input. According to the website, we will have to wait a bit to see the new trains though.

Delivery of the first of 152 new Orange Line cars is set to begin in 2018. The first of 24 new Green Line trolley cars will be delivered in 2017, and the delivery of the first of 132 new Red Line cars is scheduled to start in November 2019.

It’s rather disappointing that the Red Line trains will be the last be delivered, since that’s the one that I use most often. And the one with the most problems. At least in my view. Oh well….

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Screenshot Image: SurveyMonkey

Harvard University Dining: Meatballs Inspired by the Art of Corita Kent

July 30, 2020October 22, 2015 by Lisa Johnson

Back in January, I wrote a post about a Corita Kent art exhibit in Pittsburgh. Those of us in the Boston area know her work from the bright colors on the gas tank by the expressway. But her art extends far beyond that.

Last month, a new exhibit of her work called, “Corita Kent and the Language of Pop” made its debut at Harvard Art Museums. The exhibit does not end until ~~May 8, 2016~~*, so we have time to plan to see it — for those of us who are local or even if you are planning a trip to the Boston area. I will definitely make my way over there!

As a celebration of the exhibit, last week Harvard University Dining Services hosted a Corita Night in the dining halls. They asked, “what would happen if food and art collided?”

The Harvard Gazette reported that Chefs answered the question by creating meatballs inspired by her image “song about the greatness,” which was used in a DelMonte ketchup ad and reads “Makes meatballs sing.”

Luke Parker, Winthrop House’s senior chef, drew on his love of spice and dished out Thai chicken meatballs seasoned with curry, lemongrass, and coconut milk. …

Over in Leverett House, chef Kathleen Smith drew on her travels in Mexico — and her Mexican boyfriend — to create the night’s menu. Her albondigas came drenched in a spicy chipotle sauce.

Sounds like a delicious menu and shows how Corita Kent‘s art is timeless and continues to inspire us all.

*Updated 4/3/2016* I was just watching a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about Corita Kent and realized that I got the dates wrong on this post. Unfortunately the exhibit at Harvard ended in January and I missed it again! Ugh! Well, if you are near San Antonio, you do have until May 8th to see it.

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Image Credit: song about the greatness, © Courtesy of the Corita Art Center, Immaculate Heart Community, Los Angeles, Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Margaret Fisher Fund.

Nourish Your Soul: Free Samples at Copley Square Monday, September 28th!

July 30, 2020September 27, 2015 by Lisa Johnson

Do you like fresh and nutritious juices and smoothies? Well, you’re in luck!

Boston’s first cold-pressed juicing shop, Nourish Your Soul, is opening a third location upstairs at Healthworks Back Bay (441 Stuart Street, Boston) in the heart of Copley Square.

Joining South Boston (15 Channel Center Street, Boston) and West Medford (17 Playstead Road, Medford), the new Back Bay location will be Healthworks’ primary café and is open to the public.

Also, for the first time, Nourish Your Soul will offer breakfast and lunch items, in addition to cold-pressed juice, made-to-order smoothies, cold-brewed coffee and snacks.

Susan Cabana, the company’s founder, is also a health and wellness expert. Her personal story is quite compelling.

At age 37, she was suddenly widowed and left alone to raise her three young daughters. Then she lost her job. She explains how she started to heal herself and founded her business along the way.

I started running and then found yoga. It was on my yoga mat when my teacher asked the question, “What would you do if you had no barriers or fears?”

In that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career of helping people heal themselves through a healthy lifestyle that includes food, movement, meditation, gratitude, and, of course, juice.

The biggest transformation in my life was adding one green juice a day. Nourish your Soul is more than just a juice & smoothie shop. Each juice and smoothie we create heals and nourishes the body.

At Nourish Your Soul, we empower individuals to achieve optimal health and happiness one breath, moment, and sip at a time.

Most of us are trying to find ways to live happier and healthier lives. Yoga, meditation and eating healthy all resonate deeply with me. Nourish Your Soul sounds like a wonderful place to regroup, refresh and nourish yourself. I’m looking forward to trying many of their offerings. For people into cleanses, they have those too.

If you’d like to try some free samples, head over to the new location in Copley tomorrow 5pm – 7pm for their Grand Opening. Also, enter for a chance to win giveaways like cleanses and gym membership discounts!

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Photos courtesy of The Moxie Agency.

Hanson Farm + Sugar Hill Dairy in Bridgewater, MA

July 30, 2020September 23, 2015 by Lisa Johnson 2 Comments

The last few days have felt like fall and now it’s official. Autumn arrived today. While summer is probably my favorite season, there is a definite beauty to fall and a certain coziness that comes with a bit of chill in the air.

Last week, my mom and I enjoyed one of those precious last days of summer by visiting Hanson Farm, which is about 25 miles south of Boston in Bridgewater. The farm has a dairy, so we decided to treat ourselves to some ice cream.

My mom had the frozen pudding, which she said was the best that she has had in years. I couldn’t pick just one, so I combined some seasonal favorites, apple crisp and pumpkin patch. They were delicious! Besides the wonderful flavors and texture, the portions are big, so a small ice cream was still a lot.

If you’re in the area, stop by and enjoy some scoops at Hanson Farm!

Dîner en Blanc: Boston

July 30, 2020September 12, 2015 by Lisa Johnson

Despite the rain and the big football game, this past Thursday evening, more than 1,500 people showed up for Boston’s annual Dîner en Blanc. I remember hearing about it a few years ago and being absolutely enchanted by the idea and the stunning photos.

However, I’ve never actually been to the event. I like the idea more in theory than in practice. You must dress up completely in white. I don’t have a suitable outfit for the occasion and would need to buy one to attend. It hasn’t been a priority purchase to happen.

Also, you need to be very spontaneous. The location of the dinner is a secret. You find out at the last minute and then quickly make your way there carrying all that you’ll need for your meal.

I like a bit more of a heads up. But that’s just me. Lots of people in Boston and all over the world have a great time at this event. Luckily I was given some great pictures to share with you. It does look like a good time.

Dîner en Blanc was started more than 27 years ago in Paris by François Pasquier with just a small group of friends. The Boston event took place at City Hall Plaza.

“Originally, we had planned for the dinner to be set up on the wide steps of the Plaza, with the band and DJ completely outside,” said Bryer Davis, co-host of Dîner en Blanc – Boston. “But as the weather worsened throughout the day, we knew we had to make a late call. Thanks to the incredibly helpful team at City Hall and our tireless volunteers, we moved last minute under the cover of the City Hall courtyard. It turned out to be the perfect spot for Dîner en Blanc and was better than we ever imagined!” The White Heat Swing Orchestra got the party started and welcomed guests as they arrived.

Then everyone started decorating their tables and setting up their elegant picnics, while enjoying wine and champagne. It looks like guests were quite creative with their table settings and enjoyed some very good food.
Dinner started with the traditional waving of the white napkin. Each guest received an LED sparkler, and the party twinkled with tiny lights as guests headed to the dance floor, where they danced to the musical stylings of DJ Nixx.

If you didn’t get to attend this year, there’s always next year. Just get your white outfit ready!