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Great Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Posted by Suzie Canale on Mon, Jun 11, 2018

IMG_3412-991348-edited-167883-edited

Across the United States, we will be celebrating a time old tradition of celebrating our fathers for everything they do.  Recognized on June 17, 2018, families everywhere will be doting on dad, trying to convey the message of thanks and love he so much deserves.  While some people have their own traditions that they stick to year in and year out (ties, chef’s apron and barbecue paraphernalia), others are always looking for fresh ideas in the gift department that might surprise the lucky recipient.  Father’s Day gifts can be a tough order to fill and many find themselves in a rut of gifting boring and useless presents that are really not needed. While a simple card does go miles in the recognition department, I understand this common conundrum and have therefore whipped up a list of items you may have never thought of in the past.  If you have a true winner that never fails-stick with it (no need to fix something that isn’t broken) but if you are chuck out of thoughts, maybe one of these Father’s Day presents might spark your interest? Remember, the most important present you can give any father is a phone call or visit but if you’d like to bump it up a notch, this list is worth the peruse!


Top Father’s Day Gifts for Dad



steak


  1. Gift Cards to his favorite store.
  2. A lunch out to his favorite restaurant.
  3. A New Grill
  4. A bouquet of Flowers (See previous blog).
  5. A date on the golfing green with his greatest kid.
  6. CAKE!  Chocolate covered mousse cake if you really want to dazzle him!
  7. Gardening supplies or perhaps his favorite plant to add to his bed.
  8. Shaving Kit
  9. Passes to a nearby car wash.  Dads love that sort of thing.
  10. A new board game you can play with one another.
  11. A DVD Box Set He Loves Watching
  12. A bottle of his favorite wine/a 6 pack of his favorite beer
  13. A select steak from a premium butcher
  14. A Fishing Pole
  15. Baseball Treasure Trading Coins

Tags: Father's Day, Steak, June, Baseball Treasure

The Top Gifts for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Jun 04, 2016

While father's day could never hold a candle to mother's day, the holiday is still a great chance to show the dads out there how much they are appreciated. While my sons' love remains my greatest gift, the gifts below are great symbols to share love and appreciation.

fathersday4

Red Meat: we tend to get in touch with our inner caveman as we spark up the grill and indulge in burgers, dogs, chops, sausages, ribs and steaks. I have yet to find a better butcher than Butcher Boy Market in North Andover, MA. My recent favorite is their two pound bone-in sirloin. 

fathersday3 Red Wine - I drink red wine. I drink red wine a lot and have found some great bottles for under $20, but when I splurge the best wine I have ever had is from Drew Bledsoe. Yes, #11 Pats QB. HisDoubleback Cabernet is hands down the best red wine I have ever had.

 

 

 

 


Baseball Cards -
 specifically, the 2016 Topps Archives Series. These cards include past and current stars, along with throwback designs and special autographed inserts. 

 16_Topps-Archives-Baseball_Page_6.jpg

 Books - sticking with my favorite sport and one of my favorite pursuits. Buy him a book.Not sure which one, Veeck as in Wreck by baseball hall of famer Bill Veeck is one of the greatest books on baseball and marketing I have ever read. I am now reading it for the fourth time.fathersday2

Gardening - of course, I would be remiss if I did not suggest the spectaclar hibiscus that we have at Exotic Flowers. 

hibiscus

Tags: Baseball, Bill Veeck, Father's Day, Steak, Wine, Baseball Hall of Fame, #EXFL

Plan Your Father's Day Cookout Menu

Posted by Suzie Canale on Wed, Jun 17, 2015

Father’s Day Barbecue

 

It’s time to fire up the barbecue- Father’s Day is here!  The big guy will be celebrated on Sunday, June 21st and let’s face it, all you have to do is light some coals on the grill and he’s pretty much satisfied.  Make sure you skip the lean diet food such as salad, greens and fresh fruit.  You can pretty much count on the fact that all he’s really interested in is a smoldering, juicy slab of beef cooked perfectly to his satisfaction.  Favorite cuts likely to be most popular this holiday are baby back ribs, three inch thick pork chops and teriyaki wings that can be seasoned and sauced just about any way dad likes them.  You’re going to want to buy in bulk, too since Father’s Day is meant to be a buffet of indulgence.  Things could get kind of complicated if you haven’t made a decision on your barbecue grocery list or destination so here are a few choice ingredients and locations that always tops my list each June!

 fathersday4

What You’ll Need

It’s time to grab your beef so dig in and buy his favorites!

Select three options:

Baby Back Ribs                            Sausages                       Pork Tenderloins

Three-Inch Thick Pork Chops         Teriyaki Wings                Marinated Chicken

Lemon Infused Salmon                 Strip Sirloin Steak           Cowboy Steak

Split Roast Chicken                     Chicken Legs                  Fillet Minion

Swordfish Kabobs                       Steak Tip Kabobs             Jumbo Shrimp

 franklin-bbq-brisket

                   photo credit: bonappetit.com

It’s time to get rubbing with marinades, seasonings and sauces!

Select four options:

            Lemons                                         Garlic Rub                     Memphis Rub

            Smoked Salmon Brine                    Pork Brine                     All Purpose Meat Rub

            Chicken Marinade                          Balsamic Vinaigrette       Barbecue Sauce

            Hot Wing Sauce                             Asian Marinade Sauce    Mango Sauce

            Relish                                           Applewood Sauce           Sweet Maple Marinade   

 

Since he’ll need to eat something with his barbecue to balance things off, try grabbing a

couple of his more preferred vegetables.  Now remember, you don’t want to

take away any attention from the grill, just compliment it with some color and freshness.

Select two options:

            Tomatoes                                      Asparagus                       Broccoli

            Cucumber                                     Onions                            Carrots

            Spinach                                        Green Beans                   Mushrooms

 

Now that you’ve mapped out your list, here are a few places that serve the best choice cuts in Massachusetts!

Select 1 option-that’s all you’ll need!

 

                        Butcher Boy                                     Butcher Shop Market       

                        1077 Osgood Street                                  782 Adams Street

                  North Andover, MA 01845                      Dorchester Center, MA 02124

 

          Bucciarelli's Butcher Shop & Deli

                         147 Bridge Road

                  Salisbury, MA 01952

Tags: Father's Day, Steak, Chef, cooking, #EXFL

The Top Gifts to Give for Father's Day

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Jun 08, 2015

While father's day could never hold a candle to mother's day, the holiday is still a great chance to show the dads out there how much they are appreciated. While my sons' love remains my greatest gift, the gifts below are great symbols to share love and appreciation.

fathersday4

Red Meat: we tend to get in touch with our inner caveman as we spark up the grill and indulge in burgers, dogs, chops, sausages, ribs and steaks. I have yet to find a better butcher than Butcher Boy Market in North Andover, MA. My recent favorite is their two pound bone-in sirloin. 

fathersday3 Red Wine - I drink red wine. I drink red wine a lot and have found some great bottles for under $20, but when I splurge the best wine I have ever had is from Drew Bledsoe. Yes, #11 Pats QB. His Doubleback Caberbnet is hands down the best red wine I have ever had.

fathersday1Baseball Cards - specifically, the 2015 Topps Archives Series. These cards include past and current stars, along with throwback designs and special autographed inserts. 

 

fathersday2 Books - sticking with my favorite sport and one of my favorite pursuits. Buy him a book.Not sure which one, Veeck as in Wreck by baseball hall of famer Bill Veeck is one of the greatest books on baseball and marketing I have ever read. I am now reading it for the fourth time.

drones

Drones - for the gadget minded, know what everyone is talking about and fly your very own drown. I am personally waiting for the Millennium Falcon version.

 

Gardening - of course, I would be remiss if I did not suggest the spectaclar hibiscus that we have at Exotic Flowers. hibiscus

Tags: Baseball, Bill Veeck, Father's Day, Steak, Wine, Baseball Hall of Fame, #EXFL

Romantic Reservations - Valentines Day Restaurants in Boston

Posted by Suzie Canale on Sat, Jan 31, 2015

Bostonians are already booking their romantic dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day and are wondering what are the hotspots for February 2015?  If you’ve begun the search, you already know that there are a ton of options available to you, which can be like finding a needle in a haystack.  Not to worry there’s an easy way to find your perfect dining locale by asking yourself a few questions first.   What type of ambiance do you desire?  Which variety of cuisine are you hoping to eat?  What is your meal expenditure?  Are you looking for entertainment during your date or maybe a quiet and secluded environment?  These are important issues when designing a successful Valentine’s Day experience and will provide you with the useful information needed to make the correct choices.  For me, I prefer Italian food or fish rather than steak house menus and love a candlelit room but dislike it when you can barely see the person across from you.  (Last week I actually went to a restaurant where it was so dark, I couldn’t find my way out of the bathroom.)  So it might be wise to get a good feel for your partner’s tastes before booking a table.  Check out these Bean Town eateries that have always made my Valentine’s Day list and see if they are the right fit for you and your sweetheart!

 capital_grille_boston

Capital Grille

250 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

(617) 928-1400

 

This has been one of my haunts since moving into the city and I can honestly say that you almost can’t go wrong with anything ordered off the menu.  Although yes, it’s a steakhouse, they offer a variety of other delicious dishes including plank salmon and seasonal halibut with heirloom tomatoes.  The sides are incredible as well, specifically the sautéed spinach, mashed potatoes and frites.  I also highly recommend the Caesar salad and French onion soup that are definitely the best Ive tasted anywhere in Boston.

 LOBSTER_AT_TOWNE

Towne Stove and Spirits

The Shops at the Prudential Center

900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115

(617) 247-0400

 

This is a great place to go because its location is directly next to the Prudential Center where there is an abundance of shopping and live entertainment including jazz music, piano bars and dance clubs.  The food is pretty good too where they offer a wide variety of gourmet induced cuisine such as their lobster pizza.  The chef prepares several shellfish concoctions including shrimp and lobster but allows a healthy selection of steak, poultry and duck for you meat lovers out there.  This is the place for you if you’re an adventurer in the kitchen and it’s likely that you’ll appreciate their interesting spin on popular restaurant dishes. 

suzie__ricky_canale Suzie and Rick Canale January, 2015 Chestnut Hill MA 

 

Tags: Steak House, Towne, Steak, Restaurants, Valentines Day

Favorite Summer Foods from Exotic Flowers in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jul 08, 2014

clam bake resized 600
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.
baby back ribs resized 600
StkSalad resized 600 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 salad. smores resized 600And of course why finish off your meal with smores ?

Tags: Steak, Barbecue, Seafood, Dessert, Boston Florist Staff

The Exotic Flowers in Boston Father's Day Gift Guide

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jun 03, 2014

Father's Day is Sunday June 15th. 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.
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  • 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.
Fathers Day Gift
bean radio resized 600
  • The mini solar emergency radiofrom 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.
fathers day steaks
  •  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. 
fathers day gifts boston resized 600
  • 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 PlanterThis delightful planter bustles with lovely flowers and long-lasting garden plants. With so much to offer, it'll make the days of summer brighter.
boston childrens book
What better way to celebrate father's day than reading your children a book. This is one of the best memories you can ever share with children, a father reading to their child.

Tags: Baseball, Father's Day, Steak, Exotic Flowers Employees, Red Sox

Days of Wine & Roses Vol. 1 via Exotic Flowers in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jul 19, 2011

Rare Steak

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.

wine and roses in boston resized 600For 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. wine and roses in the boston area resized 600Throughout 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.

Tags: Steak, Wine, Roses

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