For the Love of Chocolate

Posted on by Nichole S.

Maybe because Valentine’s Day is coming up….or maybe because we’ve had a gazillion feet of snow and it has been downright miserable out….either way, I’ve had chocolate on the brain.

Without getting all mushy or TMI on you, there’s something undeniably romantic (in my humble opinion) about chocolate.  Not like the average box of chocolates, but like a super yummy chocolate fondue spread, a chocolate martini, or some hot chocolate coffee liquor kind of dessert in a glass…or a crazy rich and decadent gourmet chocolate mousse.  That’s what I’m talking about.

And maybe a little bit of John Legend. Just saying. A girl can dream.

So, with that in mind, and while thinking about “Things to Do Over February Vacation” my mind traveled to hot cocoa.  Because honestly, insert my humble rude awakening,  hot cocoa with the kiddos is much more likely these days than any of the afore mentioned romantic types of chocolate indulgence.

So, on that note, I started to do some research as to where to find the best hot chocolate in Boston.  Why Boston, you ask?  Well, I also have a small love affair with getting over the bridge.  I LOVE living here on Cape Ann, but I also adore taking the boys into the city, flying by the seat of our pants, and making a day (or even better yet…a night) of it.

So, while looking around, I stumbled on a great little piece by Boston.com and figured “Why reinvent the wheel?”

Check this link out for some of the top spots to hunker down with a giant mug of chocolate!   

Some of the places look great for a day with the little ones….and some look like a perfect place to snuggle down for a while with a significant other for some quality time and warm fuzzies.  You choose.

One of the top spots listed is the Langham Hotel and its Cafe Fleuri.  Every Saturday from September to June they boast a Chocolate Buffet to shame all others.  It isn’t cheap…and reservations are a good idea…but what a fabulous alternative to tea with a little sweetheart….or a romantic date with a grown-up one.

Take your taste buds on a decadent trip across the globe with The Langham, Boston’s famous Chocolate Bar.
This season presents a new theme, the “World of Langham,” which pays homage to the upcoming 150th anniversary of The Langham, London. Featuring more than 100 chocolate dessert combinations, Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Pike feature chocolate dishes from Langham Hotels across the globe, every Saturday in the hotel’s Café Fleuri restaurant.

Stations with varying levels of chocolate intensity and flavors – from white to dark and everything in between – feature a never ending supply of desserts from every continent along with local classics from the past 25 seasons including Boston crème pie, whoopie pies, brulées, bread puddings and more. Action stations feature crepes, chocolate fountains, chocolate lava cake and ice cream sundaes as a contemporary jazz band sets the tone for the afternoon.

If anyone else has great, and more local, suggestions as to where to mug up for a Winter Treat, please share and comment!  There’s still several weeks to go and we need to make the most of it!  We’re in this together, friends.

iPhone Chronicles: From Inside Out

Posted on by Craig Kimberley

Blocked

Mount Kimberley

Mile High

Work from above

6ft High and Rising

No Access

Shout Out To Annisquam Landcare!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Pirates Lane snow Gloucester ©Kim Smith 2015Alex Sands and his Annisquam Landcare Crew have done an outstanding job clearing the Smith’s Cove Landing – Pirate’s Lane parking area! Duckworth’s is ready for business!

Snow Gloucester MA Pirate's Lane ©Kim Smith 2015©Kim Smith 2015
Pirates Lane Smith Cove Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2015

What the massive snowfall tells us about global warming from The Washington Post

Posted on by Marty Luster

 

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“You could treat this as ordinary weather, or, you could think about it in a climate context. Counter-intuitive though it may sound, the fact remains that — as I have noted previously — some kinds of winter precipitation could indeed be more intense because we’re in a warming world.” Chris Mooney

 

The entire article is well worth reading:

http://wapo.st/1Ag6gqF

IMPORTANT STORM UPDATE FROM MAYOR SEFATIA

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Gloucester and Essex County have been hit particularly hard since the snows began a couple of weeks ago. In the past 17 days, we have received a record setting 70 inches of snow. Not only has there been a lot of snow but it has been cold which has not allowed the snow to melt. The streets are lined with mountains of snow which makes getting around dangerous. We urge residents to exercise caution and take your time when travelling around the City.

The City has committed significant resources towards ensuring snow removal. We have deployed 25 pieces of City equipment and up to 75 pieces of contracted equipment as well as over 100 operators rotating through in shifts to clear snow. Our snow clearing efforts are ongoing and operating around the clock. We ask for your patience while we continue this endeavor.


I would like to say a quick word about the Gloucester DPW. These past few weeks have not been easy; the Director and his team have been working extremely hard. I would like to thank him and everyone at DPW for their incredible work and dedication to this City. Day-in and day-out they continue to do a tremendous job.

Working with Lt. Governor Polito, Senator Tarr and Representative Ferrante, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has agreed to provide the City with additional equipment to help clear snow.
The City also has secured a waiver on a limited basis to dump snow in the ocean from Secretary of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Mark Beaton. Those efforts will be coordinated through our Department of Public Works.
If there is any doubt as to the historic nature of these storms, Governor Baker announced today that he has called in the National Guard to assist with snow removal. The City has forwarded an expansive list of needs to Governor’s office and continues to work with them to meet those needs.

 

In the coming days, we will continue to widen the City streets and dig out the school and municipal parking lots.
We continue to maintain an aggressive snow removal plan while keeping the police and fire stations working and clear of snow.

On behalf of the City, I ask once again for your patience and understanding. Public safety is of the utmost importance. We are a strong community and together will get through this. Keep helping each other, checking on your neighbors and keep an eye on our seniors.

Thank you.

Sefatia Romeo Theken

Mayor

 

#GloucesterMA parking ban lifted

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Parking ban was lifted at 12 noon. All vehicles that utilized school and municipal lots for the ban MUST be removed immediately. Towing will commence at 315pm. Lots need to be cleared for school and municipal offices. Thank you for your cooperation.

Respectfully,

Leonard Campanello

Chief of Police

City of Gloucester, MA

Huge Shout Out To Annabelle’s Pet Care

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey – I just wanted to give a HUGE thank you to Christine, Mary, Karen, and Kelsea from Anabelle’s Pet Care. They gave my sweet old puppy, Mango, the most kind, compassionate care in the last months of her life while I was at work. Wanted all the GMG readers to know ANABELLE’S provides outstanding service!

Leslie Heffron

MASSACHUSETTS FROM MAYOR ROMEO THEKEN

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Gloucester and Essex County have been hit particularly hard since the snows began a couple of weeks ago. In the past 17 days, we have received a record setting 70 inches of snow. Not only has there been a lot of snow but it has been cold which has not allowed the snow to melt. The streets are lined with mountains of snow which makes getting around dangerous. We urge residents to exercise caution and take your time when travelling around the City.

The City has committed significant resources towards ensuring snow removal. We have deployed 25 pieces of City equipment and up to 75 pieces of contracted equipment as well as over 100 operators rotating through in shifts to clear snow. Our snow clearing efforts are ongoing and operating around the clock. We ask for your patience while we continue this endeavor.

I would like to say a quick word about the Gloucester DPW. These past few weeks have not been easy; the Director and his team have been working extremely hard. I would like to thank him and everyone at DPW for their incredible work and dedication to this City. Day-in and day-out they continue to do a tremendous job.

Working with Lt. Governor Polito, Senator Tarr and Representative Ferrante, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has agreed to provide the City with additional equipment to help clear snow. The City also has secured a waiver on a limited basis to dump snow in the ocean from Secretary of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Mark Beaton. Those efforts will be coordinated through our Department of Public Works

If there is any doubt as to the historic nature of these storms, Governor Baker announced today that he has called in the National Guard to assist with snow removal. The City has forwarded an expansive list of needs to Governor’s office and continues to work with them to meet those needs.

In the coming days, we will continue to widen the City streets and dig out the school and municipal parking lots. We continue to maintain an aggressive snow removal plan while keeping the police and fire stations working and clear of snow.

On behalf of the City, I ask once again for your patience and understanding. Public safety is of the utmost importance. We are a strong community and together will get through this. Keep helping each other, checking on your neighbors and keep an eye on our seniors. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Leonard Campanello

Chief of Police

City of Gloucester, MA