Safari #54: Somerville Open Studios

Neon arrows gingerly direct. Telephone poles and stoops tether orange balloons. A stake in the ground opens a door.

I walked through many open doors this past weekend at the Somerville Open Studios. If you're not too familiar with Somerville, the open studios are like a welcome mat - both to the city (still a fairly new safari spot for this traveler) and to the many artists who live and work within its boundaries. There is no better introduction to Somerville than to plan a trip to the studios.

To some, studio events imply making a purchase. While it's true that many artists are hoping to sell their work, the open studios are an opportunity - both for you and the artist.

The feelings and conversations that art can evoke are priceless.

If you decide to attend the Open Studios next year, here are some tips to help plan your day:

• Visit the Website. The site is more than just a little comprehensive - it has everything you will need for your visit. Even though the event has passed, you can still get information about the artists.
• Start on one End and Finish on the Other. We started our art crawl in Union Square and headed towards Davis Square over the course of the day. It was the perfect way to stop into individual homes and collectives. Pick spots for beverages and food along the way, and you've got a whole day planned.
• Don't Feel Like Walking? Take the Trolley. That's right folks - those of you who are less inclined to walk can always use the free trolley service. If you're more like me, you'll definitely enjoy walking around the neighborhoods. As a matter of fact, I stumbled onto Prospect Hill Park for the first time, and I loved it! Check out the fort and the view of Boston from the top.

Safari #53: Bacchanalia Comes to Boston

And what a riot it was.

Second Glass, an organization that makes wine accessible to all, brought the wildly popular Wine Riot back to Boston this past weekend.  The event leaves all pretension at the door and encourages rioters to simply taste, enjoy, and have a great time.  My first ever was a smashing success thanks to good company, great wine, cheesy noshes, and free bottles of water (well played, Second Glass, well played).

I had to laugh while standing at one sampling tables in the presence of two wanna-be sommeliers; as they were sniffing, aerating, sipping, and spitting their wine, the host simply said, "Look, just drink it."

That's all you need to know.

If you're thinking of hitting Wine Riot in 2013, here's a few tips:

• Buy Your Tickets Early.  Sign up on the website or follow SecondGlass on Twitter to learn when the riot is coming back to town.  If you're early enough, you can also get a discount.
• Download the Mobile App.  The mobile app is fantastic because it keeps track of the wines you've sampled and helps you find local places to purchase your favorites.

*Wine Riot logo kindly borrowed from http://secondglass.com/wineriot

Safari #52A - Picklebacks

I couldn't help myself.

I recently went back to NYC and this time, I decided to focus on Brooklyn and the outdoor version of the Brooklyn Flea Market in Williamsburg.

After exiting the Metro and walking through the Bedford Avenue area, I found myself near the Brooklyn Brewery.  Thirst and ready for a pint, I decided to head inside.  Unfortunately, it wasn't open, so I headed next door to The Whiskey.

After an enjoyable conversation with Peacock, the well-known and friendly bartender, he asked me if I wanted a 'pickleback'.  I hesitantly said yes, and before I knew it, I had a shot of whiskey and a shot of pickle juice waiting for me.  It was unexpectedly tasty - and a Brooklyn original.

What's one of the most original things you've had lately?

*Image kindly borrowed from http://whiskeybrooklyn.com/

Safari #52: Outside These City Streets

Sometimes I wonder what urban safaris in other cities would feel like - walking out of the door, choosing a path you've never been down, and finding something amazing. 

I've always wanted to try it while visiting New York City, and this time, I did just that. With 5 boroughs, your imagination can run wild. If you're up for an adventure in a city that is fairly close to home, take a few notes from my most recent trip.

p.s. If you try any of the below, some might just confuse you for a local.

Shop Unique
If you're looking for more flavor than usual, try visiting one of the many public flea markets starting in the early spring.

• Hell's Kitchen Flea Market - As my bus entered the city, we passed a smiling, pitchfork wielding devil.  It didn't take much for him to entice me.  After dropping my bags off at the hotel, I walked back towards the market.  Inside, I found unique handicrafts, vintage clothes and accessories, and tons of local hipsters looking for the next cool buy.
• Brooklyn Flea Market* - I visited the winter home of the Brooklyn Flea at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn. Check out this market simply for the atmosphere - an old bank with immense vaulted ceilings embraces a maze of vendors of all kinds. The prices may be a little higher than you're expecting for a flea market, but you'll waste no time with the jewelers. My spoon ring and steam punk cufflinks (a gift for a new friend) were well worth the Subway ride. Watching the Brooklyn bridge unfold from my subway car window was exciting. When the weather warms up, the markets move outdoors.

Neighborhoods? Try the LES 

The next time you visit NYC, concentrate on one neighborhood to spend the day exploring. This time, I chose the Lower East Side - and I'm SO glad I did. From the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, cheap eats and local landmarks, the LES was a super cool place to be. Here are some spots I recommend checking out:

• Orchard Street Pedestrian Mall - a great street for perusing and finding something unique to commemorate your visit.
• 76 Orchard Street & the Tenement Museum - the LES has a vibrant history and truly reflects the diversity that is New York City. If you had relatives enter the United States through Ellis Island, chances are that they came through the LES. Full of tenement housing at the turn of the century, the LES was a microcosm of the world. Today, you can visit the Tenement Museum and learn more about early immigrants and their lives in NYC.
• Prosperity Dumpling in Chinatown. As I was standing in line waiting to pick up 5 dumplings for $1 (yes, $1), a couple approached me and asked, "Why are you standing in this long line? Is there something here we don't know about?" Yes there is . Wait patiently in line to find out.
• Next time. What's left on my LES bucket list? Katz's Deli and the Hester Street Fair.

What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC?

*Image of Hanson Place kindly borrowed from http://www.brooklynflea.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Hanson-Panorama.jpg

Safari #51: How Sweet It Is

Maple syrup reminds me of two things - the arrival of spring and Buddy the Elf.

This year, thanks to warmer temperatures, local and regional farms have started the syruping process earlier than usual. I recently visited Natick Community Organic Farm in Natick, MA to learn more about making maple syrup.

Did you know that early Native Americans made syrup? Our tour included demonstrations of how Native Americans and early colonial settlers made maple syrup.  

We also had an overview of the sap gathering process (pictured left).  The tour ended at the farm's very own maple shack where the sap was boiled. Billowing maple scented steam filled the shack and our nostrils.

 I couldn't help but long for a short stack.  Mmmm.

My tips:

• Be a Sweetie - Buy local maple syrup this season and support your local maple producers. The spring is a great time to take a road trip and visit a farm. 
• Check out Natick Community Organic Farm - Syruping events take place through the month of March and cost $6. If you can't make it for syrup related events, try visiting the farm during the growing season, buy farm fresh food, and visit the animals (cows, sheep, goats, and BUNNIES).

What do you like to put maple syrup on?

Safari #50: What the Pho?

Pho, pronounced "Fa", is a Vietnamese soup known for its savory broth and rice noodles.  Better than your Mom's chicken soup, Pho is a wonderful gateway into Vietnamese cuisine and culture.  If you haven't tried it yet, let this post inspire you to get out and try some.

If you're wondering where to go, look no further than Boston's own "Little Saigon" located in the heart of Dorchester's Fields Corner neighborhood where Vietnamese restaurants, shops, and businesses abound.

My safari took me to Pho 2000 (198 Adams Street) where, according to rumor, the best Pho in town is served. You can garnish your Pho with bean sprouts, freshly squeezed lime juice, thai basil, and cilantro.  Other accompaniments include fish or Sriracha sauce.  Pho 2000 is easily accessible via the Fields Corner T station (only a few blocks away).  A 2-hour public parking lot is also located directly across the street.

While you're sampling Pho, try some of these other activities in Dorchester:

• My DOT Tour - visit historical spots around Dorchester including Fields Corner and the Municipal Building.
• Franklin Park - if you're really up for an adventure, head to Franklin Park for a stroll and picnic.  If you're really feeling adventurous, get Vietnamese to go and eat in the park!
• The James Blake House - Visit the oldest house in the state of Massachusetts.  I had no idea!  It's a few T stops before Field's Corner.

Have you tried Pho?  Which is your favorite place?  Share in the comments below - I'd love to try your place!

Special thanks to the @EvolvingCritic and @Jenlightenment for joining me!

In Search of Potica

I'm an Ohio-bred, Boston transplant who's been living in the area for nearly four years.  Periodically, I make trips home to visit my family.  Every trip is good, but this one was extra special.  Why?  Because of something called Potica.

Pronounced 'po-teetz-sa', it's a Slovenian nut roll.   Layer after layer of pastry dough is brushed with butter and spread with a nutty mixture.  It's then rolled up and baked till golden brown.  It's delicious, and a treat that always reminds my mother of her childhood.

My mother, who is of Slovenian decent, wanted to take a trip to far east side of Cleveland to visit an old Slovenian neighborhood to buy sausages and of course, potica.  Our trip eventually led us to Joe Zuzak - owner of R & D Sausage.  Joe welcomed us with open arms and couldn't have been happier to provide my mother with her favorite treat.

Sometimes it's the reminders of home and childhood that bring us comfort when times are difficult.  My mother, who is now in remission from a 2 year battle with cancer, was thrilled to be able to leave the house and head out in search of potica.  And I was happy to be with her.

What foods remind you of home or your cultural heritage?

*Special thanks to Joe Zuzak, owner of R & D Sausage located on 15714 Waterloo Road in Cleveland, Ohio.  For hours and other information, call (216) 692-1832.

*Image kindly borrowed from 30 Days of Decadence.