Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Aug 07, 2012
If you read the Exotic Flowers in Boston newsletter, blog,
our facebook page or even visit our store in Roslindale, you know that our floral staff loves food. Here are some photos of some of our favorite foods.
Nothing in New England like an authentic clambake which includes lobster, steamers, corn, potatoes and kielbasa. But if sea food is not your thing then how about barbecued ribs or a steak sald.
And of course why finish off your meal with smores ?
Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Jun 08, 2012
Father's Day is Sunday June 17th. Don't take your dad for granted. He appreciates being appreciated. Whether you buy him a card, a balloon or even a rose. Let your dad know how much you love him.
At Exotic Flowers in Boston, we currently have five full time fathers on staff. The dads at Exotic Flowers have put together a list of the gifts they would love receive this Father's Day.
- An antispasto fileld with tasty bites of olives, cheeses and salty meats is sure to please the men in your life. Throw in a bottle of red wine, an afternoon of the History channel and you have an event that rivals Super Bowl Sunday.
- The mini solar emergency radio from LL Bean. Hurricane season started June 1st. This is a must-have item for your dad's or husband's emergency kit, bedside stand or car. Or even if he just likes to listen to Joe Castiglione and the Red Sox in the back yard. Affordable, practical and comes from one of our favorite companies, LL Bean. Exotic Flowers in Boston has taken many pages from the LL Bean customer service program.
- They say a way to man's heart is through his stomach. While dad is listening to his new radio in the back yard. Why not pick him up a few thick ribeyes from Butcher Boy in North Andover. Of course, you do not have to leave Boston to buy beef, but Butcher Boy is the best in business.
- While your dad is in the backyard grilling his steaks and listening to the Red Sox, why not help beautify the yard. Many make the mistake of buying dad tools and plants for him to plant. Why not give him a break and have the staff at Exotic Flowers send our Mixed Summer Planter. This delightful planter bustles with lovely flowers and long-lasting garden plants. With so much to offer, it'll make the days of summer brighter.
- Rounding out our top five gifts might be the most nostalgic and best received Father's Day presents of all. How about a box of 2012 Topps Archives Baseball cards. " Archives features a mix of active players and retired greats in a mix of designs based on previous Topps base sets of the past. Hobby boxes have 24 packs with eight cards per pack. Each box is also said to contain two Fan Favorites autographs which include guys like Will Clark, Wally Joyner and Ron Kittle.
Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jul 19, 2011
Red wine, beautiful flowers and great red meat are some of my favorite things. When you can combine all three, you will not only have a memorable meal, but you will ignite all your senses. Let me walk you through a memorable meal that I recently enjoyed at The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. While you savor this meal, remember the key to a Great meal is company and decor as well. No meal would be complete without a flowers in the room or on the table.
For starters, a 2009 Byron Pinot Noir was poured to accompany my assortment of warm bread and focaccia. The dominant themes are dark berries, cherries, rose petal, red plum, brown spice and smoke. A great starter with an explosion of flavor.
To accompany my blue cheese and bacon wedge salad; a 2003 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche was chosen. This wine has an intense, deep ruby color. Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and currant. Bright fruit aromas mingled with sweet oak, dark chocolate, slight clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. A nice match with the flavors of blue cheese and bacon. Not quite the Byron, but enjoyable.
My next course featured medium rare Filet Mignon topped with lump crab meat accompanied by mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. For this decadent entree, a 2006 Chalk Hill Estate 2006 Cabernet was chosen. Wow this was a winner. Everything you'd want in a Cabernet. 
Throughout this meal, candles flickered in the twilight. Aromas wafted from the kitchen. Rose petals decorated the table as a tower of sunflowers loomed over room divider. With an incredibly satisifying meal, our waiter insisted on us experiencing the RL Buller Portly Gentleman Port to go along with a complimentary berry covered creme brule. Although we were stuffed to the gills, this pairing was heavenly.
Aside from the masterpiece of desert; this meal could easily be replicated in your Boston backyard. Start with flowers and plants from Exotic Flowers (we will pick flowers that do not interfere with the aroma of your food) for your decor; steaks from the Butcher Boy in North Andover; and wines from Gary's Liquors in Chestnut Hill. Pick some great music and do not forget the candle light. Of course pick some great guests, family and friends. Invite the kids, youthful enthusiasm is infectious.