They had soft shells on the list at New Deal yesterday. I didn't ask the price since I had not seen this post yet.
http://www.newdealfishmarket.com/

I seldom buy swordfish but they had the most beautiful steaks in the case. I couldn't resist. I know that many of you know just how fresh the fish is at New Deal but this compared favorably to sword I've had right off the boat. Fabulous dinner here last night.

And, there was a soft shell sandwich on the menu at Captain Marden's Cod Squad Truck on Thursday. A very good cook in our group had it and raved about it. It was on the special's board.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Blumie, That is one of my favorites too, unless he has the one with pieces of lobster with citrus on offer.

If you ever want a salad for dinner go to Rendezvous in Central Square. Steve Johnson is one of the few people who can tempt me with a salad that I did not make myself to my own standards.

From his simple salad to more complex arranged combinations he has a deft hand with this menu category.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Excellent idea. With the market options and 5 food trucks around it, it's a perfect place to meet for lunch.

I'm so happy I ran into a neighbor who was raving about the pickles. I think there are a couple of new vendors.

The pickles are from:
http://www.mainehomesteadfarm.com/
There is also Hickory Nut Farm, and Valicenti Organico on the list for this year.

I just returned from Copley. My purchases today were romaine, arugula from Atlas, Narragansett feta cheese, great spicy pickles from a new vendor, bread from Iggy's, almonds from Fastachi, and granola bars from Cooks.

Plus my lunch a spinach pie, babaganoush, and potato salad from Seta.

I also saw mushrooms, radishes, rhubarb, honey, lots of greens, plenty of plants- annuals, vegetable and herb starters. Stillman's had a good selection of meat.

Everyone was on hand but the produce is still light. Plenty of prepared foods and baked goods.

Happy to do a market report for you, Madrid! I'll take my camera and shoot a lot of photos.

On Twitter, @notifyBoston replied to my question and confirmed Tuesday, May 14th opening. The market also has the same info on their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/CopleySquareFarmersMarket

A couple of new vendors featured in the list they provided.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Bocco's Wine and Cheese is closer to the Back Bay.

http://www.baccoswineandcheese.com/

But, any cheese lover would be delighted with Formaggio's.

No need to go the internet route in Boston.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

The farmers' market is scheduled for opening on the 14th. Since this market is very much a center for community and signals a new beginning for the surrounding neighborhoods, you would hope the city could make a decision to freshen and move the memorial site, perhaps to the steps of the library, as another step in the healing process.

The farmers do have to pay to be there. I've never understood why a farmers' market is not considered a community service and welcomed with free space.

In spite of paying for the space they have been ejected for far lesser events, even in the heart of their growing season.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

The Brookline Winter market is still happening each Sunday and SOWA opens on May 5th complete with Farmers' Market.

Copley Square and the rest of the city markets begin opening mid-May.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Biryani Park now has a food truck in Boston.

It is not appearing on the City's site but it is on Hub Food Trucks list. http://hubfoodtrucks.com/

There it is scheduled: at the Navy Yard on Monday, Christian Science Center Fountain on Belvidere Street on Thursday, Kirby and Milk Street on Wednesday, Northeastern Opera Place on Saturday for Lunch.

Also Belvidere on, Tuesday and Friday for dinner.

I'll be working my way through the menu.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I love that one! And, Bob's Clam Shack in Kittery will also do it right if you ask.

The food trucks at Copley in front of the library and near the corner of Clarendon and Boylston street have not been able to use the spots they rented.

Today Stuart Street opened and Roxy, Boston Super dog (Speed's) and Mei Mei were there. Today's choice one of Gregg's great grilled pastrami sandwiches.

And, the food trucks at the Christian Science Fountain (Belvidere street) were allowed back in their spots today.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Neptune Oyster is my lifetime favorite-- so far. Hot buttered in my frist choice in lobster roll style, followed by cold with melted butter served on the side. I'm not a fan of Lobster Salad rolls with mayo, mix-ins or seasonings, but I did have a pretty good one made with crème fraîche once.

I also like the unmayo version at Jake's Seafood in Hull and at Evelyn's Drive in in Tiverton RI. I'll have to make a trip to my old summer place in the Narragansett RI area to find more great versions this summer.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I have many "once and done" experiences for many reasons from too loud to not a good value. But, I don't cover those places for my site or include them in my columns. There are too many good places to write about and recommend to waste words on the bad stuff.

I have responded to a request for opinions here about places I didn't like and have always tried to make it clear that it was a "one and done" for me.

My husband and I also write "first bite" pieces when something about a place makes it exceptional and we want to share. Again, we make it clear that this was our first visit.

I like to cook so we don't eat out 4 or 5 times a week. That means we always have a list of 50 places we want to try. Why go back to one that was just not right for us.

It is a matter of knowing who your food scout is. I'll follow MC to a new place because he has guided me to favorites over the years.

Others on Chowhound clue me on places to avoid because our taste and what is important to us in the choice of a restaurant are so opposite. Both are of value to me and others because we know enough about them to make an informed decision.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

It leaves out the greenway and the Cambridge and the Brookline.

Better coverage here of a larger area here:
http://hubfoodtrucks.com/

And, I use the Street Food Boston app to see who is at their location.
http://streetfoodapp.com/

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I'll add one more to check out. Visited the Boston Shuckin' Truck yesterday and saw a lot of Lobster Rolls handed over customers in the Financial District.

@BosShuckinTruck on twitter.

I don't eat mayo so I couldn't try one and I really prefer the RI style with mayo or butter on the side.

But, someone out there that likes mayo can test it.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I think it was Andy Pollack from Silverbrook Farm who first told me about Holy Basil. Here's the contact information for the farm.

http://silverbrookdartmouth.com/contact/

They can tell you if they have it and if they can get it to one of the winter farmers' markets (perhaps Brookline) for you.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I'm sure Prav speaks for many of us who wish you a the best possible result and a short wait to get out and about and reporting back on the dining scene again.

I've had a great asparagus stir fry at Mary Chung's but it was on the special menu so you might want to call ahead to check if they have it available.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

This is an excellent assessment. I shopped Market Basket Somerville this week. One of the things I noticed was that the produce section was more active and crowded that the prepared food aisles. What a nice thing to say about a customer base.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

It is possible that the Seaport District will make other parts of Boston better Chow destinations. If you take the people who choose restaurants for reasons other than food– harbor views, parking, being seen, heavy drinking, and getting on the highway fast out of the mix, we could see more restaurants on the city side of the Fort Point channel that are about the food.

Plus, it already looks like the Fort Point district is setting itself apart from the Seaport with the start of a community and some independent restaurants. That can be a buffer zone of sorts.

I don't think the Seaport is hurting the restaurants I care most about. The article says L'Espalier is growing. Quality still counts.

I think it's hurting the chains and the something for everyone places. A shake out in that sector, and the possibility of some local chefs moving into slightly bigger spaces could be a good thing.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I would trust an occasion like this to the team in Kenmore Square that operates Island Creek Oyster Bar, Eastern Standard and The Hawthorne.

Begin with an appetizer and cocktail at The Hawthorne and then move left or right depending on your choice of brasserie food or seafood.

I'm sure if you call them directly, explain the occasion, they could create an evening she will never forget.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Island Creek Oyster Bar consistently hits on all cylinders. You might add that to the list!

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

James Hook & Company on the Waterfront or New Deal in Cambridge.

I picked up some wonderful local crabs at New Deal last week. You should call ahead to be sure they have lobsters when you want them.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

You can check the Butcher Shop Market in Adams VIllage, Dorcester.

http://www.butchershopmarket.com/index.php

They make their own sausage. I'd call first.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

Doing a happy dance around the dining table! Major Back Bay score!

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

I have a trip to Boston Shaker on my to do list! They also have a rhubarb with some ginger... Be still my heart!

Thanks all

I just went through the Boston Globe archives to see if they ever mentioned it or had published the recipe. No luck but I did find the name of the last owner, Nancy Dini-Sullivan. She oversaw the final days until it closed in 1990.

Someone here might know someone, who knows someone...

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/