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Happy Friday and happy Cinco de Mayo! Look this radio boston demonstration on how to make your own corn tortillas. So listen this Here now segment on what makes a great taco for fun stuffing ideas, from simple beef and cheese to, yes, asparagus.
Go out to dinner? Check out Eater Boston’s list of the 14 best tacos in the area.
Now, to the news:
Speaking of dining out, here’s something to wag your tail for: Soon you will be allowed to bring your dog(s) to certain beer gardens and patios in Boston. Mayor Michelle Wu announced a new policy yesterday that allows restaurants to set up “dog-friendly spaces” outdoors starting June 1.
- Getting closer: The program is dependent on individual restaurants requesting it, so it does not automatically mean that you will be able to bring your dog to all patios. It’s a good idea to check first.
- zoom out: Massachusetts state law has conceded to FDA regulations prohibiting live animals anywhere on restaurant premises. But last week, the FDA changed those rulessaying that domestic dogs are fine in outdoor dining areas, “where approved”.
- Behave well: Wu’s office shared a list of guidelines for dog owners in any of the new pet-friendly spaces. They include:
- All dogs must be kept on a leash or in a pet carrier at all times.
- Dogs are not allowed to eat from the bowl.
- Dogs are also not allowed to sit on the table or chairs. (Editor’s note: Boo!)
- Consider bringing your dog a disposable water bowl.
- what are they saying: Wu’s office said the change is in response to growing interest from the community. “Residents and small business owners have been eager for four-legged family members to be able to enjoy our outdoor spaces, too, so we’re happy to make this regulatory change allowing dogs on outdoor patios. and beer gardens,” Wu said.
Prepare for the first weekend MBTA service detour of the month. Starting tonight through Sunday, the Silver Line will be rerouted to street level around Courthouse Station due to construction. And downtown Red Line service will be replaced by shuttle buses between Park Street and JFK/UMass on Saturdays and Sundays.
On a related note: I wonder what happened supporting the extension of the Somerville Community Trail along the Green Line? The MBTA recently said the 2-mile project won’t open until mid-June, pushing the limits of the loosely worded “spring” opening schedule.
- But why? A bike lane looks simple enough compared to the rest of the massive Green Line Extension project. As State Representative Mike Connolly explained in a detailed Twitter thread yesterday, security and accessibility issues have forced teams to redesign, and even redo, parts of the trail. (Also has lots of photos.)
A bigger, boozier Trader Joe’s is coming to Boston’s Back Bay. The city’s Licensing Board voted yesterday to approve a liquor license for a new 16,512-square-foot Trader Joe’s at 500 Boylston St. near Copley Square, just blocks from Back Bay’s existing TJ’s.
maybe not quite beach time this weekendBut that’s not the only thing keeping residents away. WBUR morning edition reports that if you don’t live on the New England coast, getting a spot on one of the region’s beaches can be difficult and expensive.
PS: Do you know which Boston neighborhood was left out of the city’s cookout program this year? So take our Boston News Quiz to see how you stack up against other WBUR readers.