Try to find fresh basil in Boston during March, I dare you!  It’s no easy venture, and serves as quite the inconvenience as I regularly make Italian inspired dishes.  Farmers Markets are just coming into season, super markets neglect the finer foods for extended sell-by dates, and Sherman Market is just too far across the river.  So, what are you to do when your meal depends on that fresh flavor, and all you’re offered is Stop & Shops’ withering excuse of an ingredient? It might sound a bit crazy, but I recommend you check your local garage!

There is only one thing more refreshing than the taste of newly picked basil, and that’s the entrepreneurship that delivered it.  Marshall’s Fenway Farm Stand not only provides the freshest produce (obviously including basil), but serves as a great example of the opportunities provided by a recession.  With the help of Fenway Real Estate Developer Samuels & Associates, Bob Marshall was able to expand from his original Gloucester farm stand, and share his produce with Greater Boston.  Now located blocks from Yawkey Way in a repurposed garage, previously occupied by tire techs and industrial lifts, you will find a vibrant selection of farm fresh goods.  Milk sold in old-fashioned glass bottles, vegetables of every sort, marinated steaks, and pickled treats will have you forgetting your metropolitan home for a moment, and relishing in the flavors of the countryside.

Caleb Hutchings

A few months have passed since my hilarious bicycle accident in which I broke my collar bone.  Recovery has been slow, but I’m ready to jump back on the saddle.  By no measure would I suggest fragmenting any bones in my body would be of timely convenience, but with registration opening for Bike Not Bombs’ 2010 Bike-A-Thon, I have no complaints.

Those of us who know it, hold this JP nonprofit in high regard.  Bikes Not Bombs strives to promote peace, sustainability, and social justice through the recycling and reconditioning of used bicycles. BNB also trains and employs local teen youth within their workshops (under professional supervision) as a channel of personal/community enrichment.  The majority of donated bicycles are shipped abroad to business development initiatives and youth training programs throughout Central America and Africa.  This June 6th, BNB’s influence will be felt a bit more close to home.  The 2010 Bike-A-Thon will begin in front of the Stony Brook T stop in JP, and will be segmented into 15, 25, or 62 mile rides. Be sure to register for your spot to join hundreds of other cyclist for an awesome cause!

Caleb Hutchings

In France I would be described as a flâneur,”One who walks the city to experience it.” There isn’t much of an equivalent in English, so I refer to myself simply as an “urban adventurer.” Of these wandering adventures, my favorite would easily be those which result in food. My culinary expeditions have taken me all across the city to farmers markets in the North End, diverse grocery stores in the heart of Chinatown, and (believe it or not) former auto garages in Fenway.  Yet, my curiosity for bizarre cuisine peaked this past week during a short walk through Allston.

Tucked behind a RiteAid and a boarded/abandoned building (at least from Brighton Ave. where I found it) is Bazaar International Gourmet. Not only does the odd location eliminate the cart wielding chaos of the Trader Joe’s crowd, but after a few minutes of browsing fresh produce and imported goods, it will make you feel as though you’ve found hidden treasure. I consider the prized jewels of discovery to be the extensive variety of fresh cheeses, a deli that would make a vegan cry and a carnivore drool, and unique products ranging from mango juice to smoked goldfish. Add the fresh selection of vegetables, shelves full of imported beer, and aroma of freshly baked/cooked delights, and you have my new favorite culinary destination.

- Caleb Hutchings

P.S. Bazaar also has a location in Brookline, which is next on my list to visit.

For most of Emmanuel College students, Rescue is common knowledge. However, during some conversations I’m still receiving a blank stare when I reference this small Allston boutique.  For those of you in the know, please excuse the redundancy. For the rest of you, I believe you will appreciate this introduction.

If you have ever spent an afternoon scouring clothing racks in Marshall’s, Goodwill, or small second-hand boutiques, you know first-hand it is an uphill battle. Apart from a few hidden treasures, quality is usually lacking or the price tag is a bit overzealous. You will be happy to hear these frustrations can be avoided with a short T ride to Allston. Rescue is a small second-hand boutique which offers quality articles of clothing at very modest prices.  Everything from tweed blazers, leather jackets, shoes, outerwear, and an impressive inventory of plaid button downs are sold, bought, and traded. Turnover is pretty quick in this store, so many patrons visit often to take advantage of the best deals. However, if you hate the B-Line as much as I do or care to avoid the hassles of the 66, Rescue updates their Tumblr on the latest arrivals, and tweets some of their goods as well!

Twitter: @rescuerescue

- Caleb Hutchings

As you have noticed, it has been a little while since my last post. Late one night in the end of November, after great conversation and a reunion with an old friend, I hopped on my bicycle and began pedaling my way home. Now, normally I’m a pretty aggressive rider, especially on a motorcycle, but tonight I was taking a easy cruise back to my apartment. Within a block of my home, I turned to check my blind spot as a car came up close on me, and simultaneously hit a giant pothole. My front wheel went sideways, and I shot over my handlebars like I was Clark Kent about to take flight. (I didn’t). When I stopped rolling down the street, my feet were still on the petals, and my collar bone was in two pieces. I’ve just broken out of my sling recently, so I apologize for lack of posts.  However, this brings me to my next point: stop this persecution of my fragile bones, and clean up Boston just by snapping a picture with your iphone!

The City of Boston has released a Citizens Connect iPhone App which allows citizens to snap a picture of potholes, graffiti, or broken traffic lights, and send a notice directly to the city. Every message utilizes Geolocation to identify the address of each repair, and a tracking number is offered to ensure the issue is fixed promptly. Seems to be a great integration of community and city, now I just need an iPhone.

- Caleb Hutchings

P.S. (Full Disclosure) The collar bone picture isn’t actually mine. Didn’t have a camera on me in the ER.

I’ve been getting a LOT of questions about internships in the past few weeks. Although it is very late in the game for next spring, I thought I would write an early post for those who are preparing for summer. Below I have provided internship programs in Boston which would be my top picks. These include organizations I have interned for, small businesses I admire, and large agencies I would nearly die to get my foot in the door. Also, Emmanuel’s EC3 portal and the Boston Business Journal both have extensive lists of organizations categorized by industry. Be sure to check them out for companies that reflect your interests. I hope this helps your search, and PLEASE DO ADD to Saintly Advice’s list!

Google Cambridge: I had to get this one out of the way. The extreme competition for Google internships makes this a pipe dream for most, but of course it is the ideal opportunity for those who are qualified. I don’t think I need to explain why, if you don’t already know don’t bother applying.

Boston World Partnerships: I can personally vouch for this non-profit located in the financial district. Founded by Mayor Menino, BWP helps business leaders worldwide understand and access Boston’s competitive advantages. It as created a global network of Boston professionals, similar to a college alumni network. Through my internship at BWP, I had the opportunity to interact with many of these Connectors, and expanded my network in the Boston economy exponentially. I also participated in core strategy sessions, created original online content for BWP’s information rich website, and supported the management of the Connector body among a host of other projects. If you care for a introduction to this organization, come out their Open Mixers which are hosted once every month. The next Open Mixer is December 14th and it’s free. See you there!

Hubspot: When I said I would nearly die to get my foot in the door this is the place to which I was referring. Hubspot is not only the authority on inbound marketing, they invented the term! Apart from mastering SEO, content marketing, engagement, and website optimization, they are also pretty freakin’ cool. Every Friday at 4:00 they host HubspotTv live from their office in Cambridge. The video podcast is entertaining as it is informative, and even if it wasn’t their refrigerator stocked full of Harpoon would lighten your mood. Keep tab on the Hubspot team by following them on Twitter: @Hubspot, and follow this List of Hubspotters

Mullen: If you asked me what marketing agency I would like to work for there would be no hesitation in my answer: Mullen. There is too much to say to fit in this post, so I insist you follow the link to their website to understand my admiration for Mullen. I would also follow @EdwardBoches and @StuartFoster, as they guide you through the proper leverage of content marketing, engagement, and social media. If you are serious about marketing, this (Hubspot aside) is the internship I would be after. However don’t put all your internship eggs in Mullen’s basket, because with over 600 resumes accepted per semester, competition is fierce.

Hill Holiday: Hill Holliday is another large marketing agency with a location in Boston. Don’t let my bias for Mullen fool you, this is an amazing opportunity and just as competitive.

Arnold Worldwide: With these three agencies (Mullen, Hill Holliday, and Arnold) the breadth of this post really can not do any justice. I merely have to refer you to their site for the majority of the information, but then again I guess that’s the point of this blog. Take my word, you want this internship.

Street Attack: Tucked away above Whiskey’s bar on Boylston is one of my favorite smaller marketing agencies, Street Attack. I heard of SA before my stint at BWP, but while I was there I was hearing about their work almost every other day. I love the company first for their creative and demonstrated ability to leverage Guerilla marketing, WOM strategies, and influencer marketing to effectively brand their clients. Secondly, I love their corporate culture. They were nice enough to invite me over for a “meet and greet” this summer, and upon entering the office I realized everyone, for the most part, was sporting jeans and t-shirts. Now, I can’t remember if it was a Friday, I shouldn’t assume that’s an everyday dress code, but I thought is was an appropriate depiction of the priorities in the office. Creativity is paramount.

Connelly Partners: I wish I found this marketing agency before I graduated. I stumbled across their website while rolling down the BBJ’s local companies list, and have been kicking myself ever since. The agency has a creative but fun corporate culture, as demonstrated by the website’s intro and company facts. Yet, their work is no joke. An internship here will provide you insight into branding strategies, account service, and competitive analysis. I guess I’ll have to live vicariously through you!

The Castle Group: A renown Public Relations firm, the Castle Group offers what appear to be a very solid internship. The people I have met from the Castle Group have been very smart, creative and personable.

Boldfacers: One of my favorite startups in Boston has to be Boldfacers. Located near the Fort Point channel, Boldfacers does Boston a huge service by highlighting young entrepreneurs, influencers, and those who are in the know.  Definitely check out their website to read some of these inspiring stories, even if you aren’t looking for an internship. Lisa Piermont, Founder and Editor in Chief, is also a joy. She’s personable, funny, smart, and endlessly creative. Also, I didn’t see anything on the site about internships, but there is contact information. I met one of their interns last semester, and was immediately jealous. I mean come on, they have a swing in the office!

Onein3 Boston: Headed up by Devin Cole, offers Bostonians from ages 20-34 information on financial security, networking opportunities, and government resources available to the public. It is definitely one of the most valuable resources available to our demographic. To say that Devin is connected is like saying the ocean is damp. He’s the go-to guy for many in Boston, and an internship at Onein3 would grow your network incredibly.

- Caleb Hutchings

I rarely consider highlighting stores or restaurants which franchise beyond Boston’s limits for Saintly Advice. Although some of my favorite stores fall into this category (Trader Joe’s being one), I make few exceptions. In this case, my weakness for bread has me forfeiting my principles and praising a favorite establishment. You know it’s the reason you go to Bertucci’s, the only saving grace of Olive Garden, and I’m so obsessed with bread I actually have a loaf of lemon poppyseed in the oven as I write this post. But i digress…let’s get down to brass tacks:

When Pigs Fly bakes the most creative loaves of deliciousness Brookline has to offer. The flavors packed into each slice are only limited to the extent of their imagination. The combinations in Cherry Peach Hog Heaven, Mango Pineapple Raisin with Toasted Sesame and Ginger, and Orange Toasted Walnut and Cranberry are more than an excuse to pick up a $6 loaf. Evolve from your rudimentary Wonder bread or Pepperidge Farm, and be sure to stop into When Pigs Fly for some real sliced wonders.

- Caleb Hutchings

I love tradition. Now, before this post goes off echoing the screenplay of Fiddler on the Roof, I should probably clarify. I love when the best characteristics of a culture or time are preserved for future generations to experience. It’s the way your grandmother can bake the best creations you ever tasted, it’s the quality Harley maintains by still building bikes by hand, and it’s the celebrations that strengthen the fabric of every culture. One of my favorite activities is visiting local shops that model this definition of tradition by adhering to their time tested methods of service. Going on 77 years, I can think of no better example than Polcari’s Coffee.

Polcari’s Coffee has provided the Northend community with coffee, spices, pasta, nuts, and almost any ingredient you could imagine for the past 3/4 of a century. Located on Salem Street, my favorite street in all of Boston, you can avoid the constant battle for the sidewalk on Hanover, and the Mike’s Pastry mess that grinds your travel down the pace of molasses (which I believe Polcari’s also sells).

One step into Polcari’s and you’ll see why it is my favorite store. The walls are lined with jars full of exotic spices and coffees, while wooden bins on top of window sills hold masses of nuts and candy. Yet, the old general store style isn’t the only thing which has been preserved over time. You’ll swear the prices also froze 77 years ago, as most spices are only 50 cents an ounce. So, who man’s this store impervious to time and inflation? I can nearly guarantee you’ll be greeted by Bobby, as he’s been behind the counter for the past 22 years. Bobby is one of those guys who loves his job, and thus makes the experience even more enjoyable! Polcari’s might not include a matchmaker or a musician who perches dangerously on top of neighboring homes, but it has created a tradition of service in the Northend that all of Boston can appreciate.

- Caleb Hutchings

Full Disclosure: I am a former intern of MMC, but I dare you to find a more extensive list of delicious frugality!

Besides a hilarious and lovable staff, an adorable boutique, and a 5 year history of impeccable Public Relations, MMC possesses another attractive asset: the m.blog. Full of amusing observations, opinions on popular culture, and fashion speculations, the m.blog is sure to provide an entertaining read. However, the blog’s coverage of local culinary offerings is what has earned its spot on my Google Reader.

MMC’s Boston Recession Dining Deals post provides a long list of promotions offered by restaurants all across Metro Boston. Let’s be honest, if 50 cent tapas from Masa aren’t the silver lining on our present recession, I don’t know what is. (Well, besides $1 tacos from La Verdad.) Prixe-fixe dinners, discounted appetizers, and  free pizza on trivia nights are also included to ensure you stretch you dollar to its max! I would continue down the list, but Alyssa’s post on the best blueberry pancakes in town has me running out the door. I can already taste the maple syrup!

- Caleb Hutchings

Apart from the historical symbolism, higher education, innovation, and kick ass clam chowder, Boston boasts a very valuable network of Tweeple. Executives from marketing agencies, industry experts, restaurants, niche groups, networking associations, etc. constantly tweet information, events, and promotions specific for those within the city. If you aren’t on Twitter already, here is an ultimate guide to facilitate your debut (via @JoselinMane). Below is a list of local Twitter handles for individuals and organizations which will keep you on top of the latest information within the city:

@BostonTweet: BostonTweet offers constant information about events, promotions, news, and anything else he stumbles upon between trips to Anna’s Taqueria and the Publick House. A must for all locals!

@BostonTweetup: Provides updates and information about all local Tweetups. A calendar for all Tweetups is also provided on their website.

@JoselinMane: A BWP Connector, serial networker, and the face of BostonTweetup, Joselin is great to follow for realtime updates of Tweetups and related information!

@IFFBoston: For movie news and info on the Independent Film Festival, this is a must follow!

@YouIntern: Will keep you informed of the latest internship opportunities and individual reviews on past internships.

@TeaPartyBoston: As one of our recently posts explains, TeaPartyBoston will keep you posted on events, shops, and promotions that are missed by other publications.

@DartBoston: Hosts amazing events for young entrepreneurs titled “Pokin Holes.” In these forums panelists and the audience weigh in on a proposed business plans from young professionals.

@EatBoston: A great source of culinary news, restaurant deals, and local food festivals.

@Morgan1st: Another BWP Connector and best friend to all Boston wine lovers, Morgan First will not let a wine event pass without sending you an invitation!

@Onein3Boston: One of the best networking organization for young professionals, and its information rich site provides valuable resources for financial security and community involvement.

@GrouponBoston: As we’ve covered in a earlier post, Groupon Boston offers the best promotions in the city, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

@ECRadio: Needs no introduction. Live the Dream.

Feel free to add to the list…

- Caleb Hutchings   @CalebHutchings