Fred Toucher: Top 5 tips about navigating Newton, MA from someone “in the know”
Newton, Massachusetts can be an intimidating place. Don’t be a fool and follow these rules from Fred Toucher!
Newton, Massachusetts can be an intimidating place. The tall fellow from "The Office" attended Newton South High School, and the moderately successful stand-up comedian and podcast king, Joe Rogan, lived here. Don't be a fool and follow these rules:
1. Avoid using the self-checkout at CVS for a 12-pack of soda.
The machine seems not to register the hefty weight of a dozen cokes. Save yourself the embarrassment and go to a trained cashier for checkout.
2. Newton doesn't have fast-food drive-throughs.
Don't let this throw you off. Simply order and pay for your food inside, and when they give it to you, take it outside. If you have a pickup truck, sit in the bed and enjoy your meal. If you don't, sit on your car's hood and soak in the atmosphere. How close that couple in the Volkswagen is to getting a divorce? Your imagination holds the answer.
3. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Even if the person crossing the street is wearing a silly Indiana Jones hat, as I witnessed today.
4. People want to talk to you!
The people of Newton are notorious for not being originally from the area and for living in the houses they grew up in. That means everyone is seeking a bit of human connection.
Walk up to anyone you see and say hello. I find it helpful to write some conversation starters on my hand in case I experience brain freeze and clam up. Comment on how their Indiana Jones hat is interesting, rather than a desperate attempt to adopt the identity of a world adventurer. Also, let them know that just because they are middle-aged doesn't mean they can't explore new identities.
5. Don't pick up dog crap!
It is just going to evaporate anyway.
Hope you enjoyed these tips about navigating Newton, Mass. Hope they come handy!
Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!
14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan’s Castle Island
Sullivan's Castle Island in Southie has reopened for its 72nd season and it's even more spectacular than ever. Sullivan's is iconic and when it opens, it's the true sign that spring and eventually summer is upon us. According to the Sullivan's website: "Founder Dan Sullivan, Sr. opened the doors with the plan to provide quality food at reasonable prices in a family friendly atmosphere to those enjoying leisure time on the 22-acre recreation site, now operated as a state park." People travel from all over New England to try some of Sullivan's favorites. From the ice cream, to the shakes, to the fried clams, to the lobster rolls, Sullivan's is truly a gem right here in Southie.
Believe it or not, there are now three Sullivan's locations for you to enjoy. Besides the iconic South Boston, Castle island location, there is now one open in Hanover on Washington Street. There is also a location in Boston on Causeway Street. Regardless of which location you go to, you will be able to try any of these suggestions on their menu.
That being said, we asked you what your favorite dishes are at Sullivan's. Boy did you have answers and you are passionate about them. Hundreds of responses came in but there were many of the same answers which we will include below. The bottom line for the food at Sullivan's is that it's just something you can't explain. The food is just made with love. Not to mention, there's something to be said about grabbing a shake or a burger and some fries and then taking a walk around Castle Island. Take the family, take a date, walk the dog or just go alone because Sullivan's is truly a Boston treasure. Next time you go, make sure you try any one of these delicious menu options.
Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says "The clam chowder is a must." According to the Sullivan's menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackers
Cup $5.95
Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says "Their lobster roll is so good." It's a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:
Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll
Market
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says "Cheeseburger it's nice and juicy!" The amazing thing about Sullivan's food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:
Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun
4.95
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: "I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!"
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says "You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. "
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan's. They are hand cut and super crispy.
Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp
8.95
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says "Fried clams...they use to be big bellies and so delicious."
New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crisp
Regular $14.50
Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It's hand battered and fried haddock.
Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun
10.50
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.
Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Regular 3.95
Large 6.50
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can't visit Sullivan's without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup
4.25
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.
Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce
7.95
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.
Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes
4.95
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan's and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry
7.50
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan's staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.
Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun
8.20
