Best Brunch and Breakfast in Chelsea

Looking for a new brunch hotspots to try near you? We have picked some of our favorite places to try around you! No matter what your favorite breakfast food is, we are sure to have it covered in these suggestions. So grab the family and head out for a taste of your town in these yummy brunch spots!

Chelsea City Café

The Chelsea City Café is known for more than just its wide variety of coffee and couple owned restaurant. With a quaint bookshop feel, this place is waiting to be found for your next adventurous breakfast. Pop in on a random Sunday and you may even get to hear the local live jazz quartet with your cooked to order meal! Not a coffee drinker? Chelsea Café is a perfect place for tea drinkers as well, with tons of options to brew in your own pot! This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Dempsey’s Breakfast and Lunch

Missing that local diner feel to a good brunch? Dempsey’s is sure to meet all of your expectations, especially when the check comes out! You are definitely getting more than you are paying for at this local favorite. From eggs benedict to waffles loaded with your favorite treats including their famous Reese’s and Oreo pancakes, the menu is bound to have any and all of your go-to breakfast items available. Dempsey’s is also known for their plethora of muffins baked fresh every morning. Even your pickiest eater will be satisfied after a visit here!

Weekly Recipe: Dirty P’s Garlic-Ginger Chicken Thighs

After a long day at work the last thing you want to do is prep your food and wait for it to cook! With this chicken dish you can prep the night before. All you have to do the night of it throw it on the grill by the pool and eat up. If you make this chicken dish share the final product or a picture of yourself grilling with us on Instagram or Facebook  with the hashtag #MakeItMonday and maybe you will see your cooking skills featured!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds skin-on, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh tangerine or orange juice
• Freshly ground pepper
• Vegetable oil, for the grill

Directions: 
Combine the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, juice and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. 

Seal and shake to coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
Preheat a grill to medium high and oil the grate.

Grill the chicken skin-side down until marked, 5 to 6 minutes.

Flip and continue to grill until cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Easy-to-Grow Edible Plants

Now that spring is here, you finally have an inspiration to begin those decorative and productive home projects. So why not start with something that will give back to you in so many ways? Home gardens are easier than you think, and we are here to help you add some freshness to more than just your living space. Whether your taste runs to fruit plants or herb gardens, you don’t need a lot of earth to add a tasty element to your apartment. Spice up your meals with a selection of home-grown edibles that are so fresh, they’re dirty!

  

 Strawberry Plants

Strawberries are surprisingly easy to grow. If you are looking to start a garden, begin with a small pot of these luscious fruits, purchased with bare roots. The tendrils will start to leaf within a couple of weeks after putting them in the ground. Water them daily but make sure they don’t just sit in water. If you notice any decay or fungus, remove those branches immediately to prevent harmful spread. Once the berries are ripe, pick them, ripe and juicy, for your entire family.

Basil Plant

A basil plant is the perfect outdoor growing option. Easy to grow and care for, basil usually is watered every other day. Make sure not to water too much or too little. Monitor the bright green -- not yellow -- and the moist -- not limp -- leaves as the best indicator of correct watering. Planting environment should be fairly warm with lots of sunlight. For a growth spurt, pick off the big, top leaves, which never taste as good anyway. Basil is an easygoing plant  with fabulous flavor that will add lovely greenery to your apartment.

Grape Tomatoes 

This versatile fruit -- that’s right, not a vegetable, because it has seeds -- is the perfect addition to any summer meal. If you have hooks on your patio, the grape tomatoes make beautiful hanging plants. If not, you can always stick to a traditional ground pot. Take care the plant is well watered, saturated enough to reach the deep roots. Tomatoes love light so place them where they can bask in it most of the day. It will take a couple of weeks for your tomatoes to mature. Picking time is best once they turn red. Any earlier and they can tend to dry out while they mature, even if on a sunny windowsill.

Weekly Recipe: Marathon Monday Asparagus-Goat Cheese Pasta

It’s Marathon Monday and we’re celebrating here at Parkside Commons! Whether you’re cheering on the runners at the finish line in Boston or following the elite on television, it’s one of the most exciting days of the year. 

Since runners are loading up on carbs, we thought it would be appropriate for our weekly recipe to include a must-have pre marathon meal, PASTA! If you try this out, be sure to share a photo on our Facebook or our Instagram! 

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 1/2 pound thin spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 14 1/2-ounce can chicken broth
• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat a large pan of lightly salted water to boiling over high heat. Peel the asparagus stalks and trim the ends. Cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces.
2. Blanch the asparagus in the boiling water for 3 minutes or until bright green and crisp-tender when tested with a small knife. Remove with a slotted spoon and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
3. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the label directions until al dente. Drain.
4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour.
5. Add the broth and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Blend in the goat cheese and lemon peel.
6. Toss the spaghetti with the asparagus, sauce, and half the Parmesan. Serve with pepper to taste and the remaining Parmesan.

Run Boston!

The warm weather has finally arrived in Massachusetts! That means you are no longer stuck running in place on a treadmill at our gym! Spring is the perfect time to run outside with warm temperatures with a slight breeze that make your runs that much more enjoyable. With the upcoming Boston Marathon in five days, we know Massachusetts has running on the mind. 

For those of us who aren’t ready to take on 26.2 miles though there are smaller races around the Boston Area that you can participate in! So venture out of Parkside Commons and check out this list of races that’ll get you outside and maybe help you take on the Boston Marathon next year!

iChase the Cure 5K for Kids' Brain Tumors 2014

This 5K is Saturday, April 19, 2014 @ 12:00 PM on the DCR Charles River Esplanade. There will be balloons, prizes, music, food and more! All proceeds go to the PLGA Foundation, d.b.a. A Kid's Brain Tumor Cure. So enjoy the warm weather and run along the Esplanade for a great cause! 

Freedom Trail Run

The Freedom Trail Run is a unique and active way to tour Boston's historic Freedom Trail! This 5k running tour will show you the sites in an up-close and detailed way that's unlike any other running trail! The trail passes some of America's most important historical landmarks where you can stop by and explore. This 5k is like an educational run! What better way to celebrate the Boston Marathon by running through its history. You can register for any day before the Boston Marathon if you want to here.

Newtown Heartbreak Hill Road Race

For people looking for a shorter run check out the one mile race up and down historic Heartbreak Hill. It’s Saturday, April 19, 2013, 12:00 noon -3:30 pm with a free pasta/pizza party. Registration ends the 17^th so hop on this chance to run the historic Heartbreak Hill with friends and family before the Boston Marathon.

We hope you register for one of these races and get outside to run with this perfect spring weather. If you do end up running one of these races or even the Boston Marathon share your images with us! We would love to feature the awesome runners of Parkside Commons on our social media! 

Weekly Recipe: Spicy Pasta with Tilapia for a Twist on Dinner

Spring is here and that means your food pallet should match the weather.  Warm, light, and flavorful dishes are what you need as the temperatures rise. With this dish of Spicy Pasta with Tilapia you will experience a twist on spaghetti with lots flavors and a healthy twist. If you are interested in making it here’s what you need and how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound tilapia fillets, cut into small chunks
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 28 -ounce can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for topping
• Kosher salt
• 10 ounces multigrain spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Toss the tilapia, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic starts to soften, about 30 seconds. 

Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs.

When the pasta is almost done, add the tilapia to the skillet with the tomato sauce and simmer, stirring gently, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. 

Stir in the parsley and the remaining 1/4 cup basil; season with salt. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Divide among bowls and top with more basil and enjoy!

So next time you are thinking of making spaghetti consider taking it to the next level. With herbs and tilapia you can enjoy a healthy flavorful meal, even in the springtime. If you try making this dish share it with us on Instagram with the hashtag #MakeItMonday or on Facebook and maybe you will see your finish product shared!

Thank you to our friends at Food Network for this delicious recipe! 

Best Foodler Options for Delivery to You at Parkside Commons

Hard work weeks and lazy weekends can often add up to a lack of desire to cook. When you’re happier to keep your spacious kitchen clean and instead order takeout via Foodler. For those of you who don’t already know Foodler, here is how it works. The set-up allows you to order delivery or takeout online or through an app. You simply enter your address and Foodler will inform you of what pizza, Chinese, sushi, Indian and other nearby restaurants will bring food to your door. You can also earn points that accumulate for discounts, free food, gift cards and Foodler merchandise. Here are some of the best restaurants that offer Foodler service near Parkside Commons and some of the favorite dishes people order.

The Square Deli
The Square Deli in Everett is one of the city's best kept secrets. You can choose from classic submarine, delicatessen style, or specialty sandwiches and wraps. The Square Deli also offers a family-style menu, which allows you to relax while they do the cooking that will feed a family of five for under $25. One of the extra perks from the Square Deli is that you can get triple points every day you order and even get 10 percent off every order over $20. How can you say no to delicious sandwiches and those deals? 

Blue Fuji
Blue Fuji is one of the healthful restaurants in the area, preparing organic ingredients in specialty dishes at low prices. Blue Fuji, which focuses on Asian cuisine, also comes with a super deal of triple Foodler points Monday-Thursday and Sunday. Fan favorites include crabmeat rangoon, peking raviolis and Alaskan hand rolled sushi. So next time you have a craving for Chinese or Japanese dishes, use Blue Fuji through Foodler.

Restaurante Montecristo
Restaurante Montecristo offers Mexican food with a popular twist: breakfast. Best bets include the Mountain Dish, made with beef, egg, plantains, pork, rice, beans and salad, or the Pupusas, a Salvadoran stuffed flatbread. The Latin American restaurant also offers triple points when you order through Foodler and $5 off an order of $40 or more. The next time you are craving south of the border dishes or want breakfast in bed with a spicy flair, check out Restaurante Montecristo. 

Joti Palace
Joti Palace serves a variety of authentic Indian specialties, comprising a menu full of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes. Plus FREE delivery. Enjoy a variety of house entrees such as the most popular order from Foodler, saag paneer, a spicy spinach prepared with homemade cheese. Joti Palace also serves flavored breads baked in-house. Indian cuisine confects vegetables in new, surprisingly delicious varieties, but, of course, specializes in mild to very hot lamb and beef as well. To top off the alluring menu, Joti Palace offers 25 percent off a $20 or more order. [MINIMUM?]

So next time you feel too tired to cook or crave a cuisine not in your pantry, order from one of these fine establishments. Also check out other eateries that deliver to Parkside Commons by going to Foodler.com. Tons of edible options await you with Foodler. And you can earn while you eat. Bon appetit!  

Perfect Plants to Spruce Up Your Home

The weather is finally warming up and that only means one thing: Spring has sprung.  From cleaning to redecorating, the change in weather is sure to spark your motivation to update your apartment. One of the easiest ways to add some life to your space after the dreary winter is by taking a hint from the outdoors. Low-maintenance plants will liven up any room in your apartment and finally let spring in! Here are some plants that require minimal light and are even proven to improve air quality.  Indoors or outdoors, plants help the environment, your health and well-being and, of course, your décor.

Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is a staple in most home offices or living rooms. It provides a full bodied plant without requiring lots of sunlight. Places with natural lighting and even artificial lighting are the perfect medium for this plant. You want to make sure to water the plant moderately and allow some drying in between waterings. If it becomes too dry, the leaves will yellow and drop. However, one of the best effects of this plant, besides the natural look it will bring to your apartment, is the filtering out of toxins and air pollutants in your space! This plant will give your place a fresh look, while also freshening up the air.

Warneck Dracaena

Looking to fill up some space in your apartment? The Warneck Dracaena is an ideal plant for the indoors and grow tall to fill up that empty corner you have been hiding. Watering regularly isn’t as necessary, but they do prefer more humid conditions. Make sure the soil is usually damp and can even be a little drier than other plants. This is the perfect plant for a living room or entry-way, because it combats pollutants associated with varnishes and oils. This striking houseplant is sure to make a statement anywhere in your apartment and even add a little life to the dead space.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is one of the most popular houseplants because of its beautiful white blooms and forgiving nature. It requires little light and only weekly waterings. Although it is easy to care for, beware of yellow leaves, an indicator that your plant is getting too much light. As a decorative addition to your home, this lily provides an elegant accent to any style and wall color. The plant even topped NASA’s list of best plants to remove unwanted houseguests like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. This lily is sure to bring peace and style to your space.

Looking to add greenery to your home? Check out these local stores for different houseplants. Even if you’re just looking for tips and advice on starting your home garden or plant maintenance, they can help with any questions. With the weather finally improving, plant-browsing is a perfect weekend activity. Jump into spring with these plant ideas and get your apartment on the right track for summer.

Niche Urban Garden Supply
619 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02118

Phone number (857) 753-4294

Ricky's Flower Market
238 Washington St
Somerville, MA 02143

Phone number (617) 628-7569

Weekly Recipe - Shrimp Wrap with Melon-Cucumber Relish

We’re excited that we seem to be moving past the cold season as we finally begin to feel the warmth of spring! Every Monday we’ll be sharing one of our favorite recipes for you to try – and we’re thinking this alternative sandwich will be the perfect way to celebrate warm weather! Let us know what you think in the comments below! 

Shrimp Wrap with Melon-Cucumber Relish

What You’ll Need:

1 pound(s) medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/4 cup(s) fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon(s) salt

1 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper

1 teaspoon(s) cumin

1/4 teaspoon(s) cinnamon

2 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil

4 10-inch sandwich wraps, such as flour tortillas or lavash

1/4 cup(s) Curry-Dijon Mayonnaise

1 cup(s) Melon-Cucumber Relish

How It’s Made:

Saute the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss shrimp with cilantro, salt, pepper, cumin, and cinnamon. In a large skillet over high heat, heat oil. Add shrimp to the hot oil and saute, stirring occasionally, until cooked through -- 3 to 4 minutes.

Assemble the wraps: On a clean work surface, place 4 wraps and spread 1 tablespoon of Curry-Dijon Mayonnaise on each. Place 4 to 6 shrimp on each wrap. Top the shrimp with 1/4 cup of Melon-Cucumber Relish and fold the wraps into sandwiches.

How To Make the Melon-Cucumber Relish

2 cup(s) (about 1/4 melon) seedless watermelon, cubed

1 1/2 cup(s) (about 1/2 melon) cantaloupe, cubed

1 1/2 cup(s) (about 2 medium) kirby cucumber, diced

2/3 (about 1 small onion) red onion, minced

1/3 cup(s) (about 1 large stalk) celery, minced

1 tablespoon(s) jalapeño, minced

1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 cup(s) cider vinegar

1 teaspoon(s) salt

Make the relish: In a medium nonreactive bowl, place the watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, red onion, celery, jalapeño, and cilantro. Sprinkle vinegar and salt over the relish and gently toss. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

How to Declutter Your Apartment this Spring

Spring is upon us -- even if the weather isn't fully cooperating -- and that puts spring cleaning on the mind here at Parkside Commons. It’s time to clear out the clutter you've accumulated and bring new life to your apartment. With these tips you can eliminate the stress of a messy apartment and approach the upcoming warm months with a renewed outlook!

Set a Date

In order to successfully declutter your apartment, you need to set a mindset and get it done. Along with this you need to set a date. Otherwise, you will find yourself saying, “I’ll do it next weekend” every weekend. If you don’t finish in one day that’s fine, but create a to-do list to help you keep track of what you still need to accomplish. Once you start to see your hard work paying off you’ll want to complete the whole apartment!

Use Wall Shelves

Clutter often builds from the floor up. To eliminate the mess, move the clutter from under your feet onto your walls. Shelves not only help create a neat place to store what was underfoot, but can also serve a dual purpose, providing a decorative additions to your apartment. Try colorful or unusual shapes to add extra style to your rooms and start seeing your floor again!

Tackle Your Closet

Fashion trends come and go therefore they have an expiration date in your closet. Apply the golden rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, you’re finished wearing it. You can even do “The Hanger Test.” Turn all hangers in one direction and once you wear an item turn the hanger the other way. If after a couple months a hanger hasn’t been switched it’s probably an indication for you to get rid of that item. By clearing out your closet you add space for new purchases and can also provide donations for Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Looking at a clarified closet can also make picking out an outfit in the morning that much more enjoyable!

Fill a Trash Bag

The single best way to declutter your apartment is to remove all trash  It’s surprising how much extra unnecessary stuff can gather in corners and closets around your home. Set a goal to fill one trash bag. Go through your kitchen, bedroom, and living room and remove any items that can be classified as trash. After tossing all that clutter, you’ll feel brand new!  

Invest in Containers

Containers are necessary when it comes to organization. Having an assigned place for everything in your life will instantly help declutter your apartment. Once you have your containers and organization tools assign a location for each item in your apt. Not only will this help declutter but will also help you maintain a neater, easier-to-clean home.

Take on Junk Drawers

Junk drawers often become a feeding ground for clutter. Usually you end up throwing anything that doesn’t have a designated location into these drawers and the disorder continues to grow. Take the drawer out and empty it on a table. Then sort the drawer into three piles:

1. Stuff belongs in the drawer

2. Stuff that belongs elsewhere

3. Trash

Once you have these three piles sort what you want to put back in the drawer and find locations for the other items. This task could be accomplished as you cook dinner or are catching up TV and will make your life a lot easier when you need to find something.

With these simple tips you can transform a cluttered apartment into an organized home. Start planning today and let the spring cleaning begin. You will be glad you did when the warm weather comes and our pool is open!