Best Brunch and Breakfast Spots in Weymouth

As the weekend approaches it’s time to start planning where you will brunch this weekend! Weymouth has some great breakfast/brunch spots that offer great coffee and mouthwatering breakfast favorites. Here are some of our favorites in the area!

Mad Hatter Café

Mad Hatter Café not only offers breakfast all day but also offers American and Irish cuisine. With indoor and outdoor seating you can enjoy breakfast as well the new fruit smoothies the restaurant now offers. The Mad Hatter Café also offers specials each day that you can find here.

Bob’s Muffin Shop

If you live in Weymouth and haven’t been to Bob’s Muffin Shop, you’re missing out. Not only do residents rave over the breakfast but the muffins are to die for, one of the favorites being the griddled blueberry blizzard muffin. Any flavor of muffin you can think of can be found at Bob’s Muffin Shop, even including French Toast and Lemon Drop! 

Nick’s Restaurant

If you are looking for large portions for a great price then you are in luck at Nick’s! Not only do they serve breakfast from 6am to 2pm but you can also get breakfast overnight at Nick’s Restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 11pm. So next time you’re craving an early morning breakfast or late night breakfast stop in for delicious breakfast food!

Weekly Recipe: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Summer is almost here! What will you be grilling up for your summer cook outs? Look no further! We have a great pulled pork sandwich that is perfect for large parties or even a fun weekend meal for the whole family. This recipe freezes well for a quick lunch during the week. Put together a fresh summer salad and you have the perfect meal for any day of the week.Whether you are getting ready for a big cookout or just warming up leftovers, this recipe will be a hit for anyone that tries it. 

Don’t forget to hashtag #MakeitMonday at our Instagram and Facebook accounts to have your pictures featured on our social media account! We are dying to see what you all are cooking in the kitchen! 



Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork roast (shoulder or butt)
• 2 large onions
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle favorite barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's)
• barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions
1. Slice one onion and place in crock pot.

2. Put in the roast and cover with the other onion, sliced. Pour over the ginger ale. Cover and cook on LOW for about 12 hours. 

3. Remove the meat, strain and save the onions, discard all liquid. With two forks, shred the meat, discarding any remaining fat, bones or skin. Most of the fat will have melted away.

4. Return the shredded meat and the onions to the crock pot, stir in the barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 4 to 6 hours on LOW.

5. Serve with hamburger buns or rolls and additional barbecue sauce. Any leftovers freeze very well.

TIP: freeze ready-made sandwiches - a scoop of meat on a bun, well-wrapped. These make a great quick meal or snack. To reheat, remove wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and zap 1-2 minute in the microwave.

Note: Shoulder or butt are recommended because the meat shreds very well. Other cuts do not shred as readily. It is a fattier cut, but the fat melts away in the cooking and is poured away when you discard the liquid.

You might want to turn your roast over after it's cooked a while, to ensure more even cooking. I think this may depend on the size and shape of your roast and the size of your slow cooker. Remember that each time you remove the lid you lose heat and be careful, as turning a large piece of meat is awkward.

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 Gnocchi with Butter and Herbs

It’s Marathon Monday and we’re celebrating here at Weymouth 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

• 2 pounds gnocchi (refrigerated or frozen)
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced chives

Directions

1. Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, drain the gnocchi, and return them to the pot.
2. Add the butter, mustard, the reserved cooking water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss until the butter has melted. Fold in the parsley and chives.
3. Enjoy!

Meet the Staff - Erin O'Connor

As tenants are moving out and new neighbors are moving in this spring, we thought it would be a great time for the Weymouth Common tenants to “get to know” our property manager a little better. You’ve probably seen her around showing new apartments and delivering your packages. Meet Erin O’Connor! 

Erin is originally from the South Shore currently residing in Newton and claims to be abnormally close with her extended family - they love to find excuses to get together on a regular basis- sometimes for no reason other than to eat and have a few cocktails!

"My boyfriend and I love to travel, probably too much, but I like to live by the motto of "you only live once, enjoy it while you can" so far I think I have done a pretty good job of sticking to it."

How long have you been working at The Commons

Highlight

I have been at Weymouth Commons for coming up on one year. I have been with Corcoran Management for 11 years.

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property?

Highlight

My favorite part about working at a Corcoran property is my co-workers. I have made some great friends through the years and they make my already fun and busy days that much better!

Best thing a resident or coworker has ever brought into the office (snacks, stories, etc)!

Highlight

One day a co-worker who will remain nameless :) went to heat up her lunch and when she came back to the office to eat it was discovered that she had brought in 2 hamburgers for lunch. She proceeded to casually eat her hamburgers while finishing up some work, and it is something we still laugh about over 6 months later.

 Favorite Movie

Highlight

Mrs. Doubtfire

Favorite Band / Musician

Highlight

I like too many to pick just one but have to admit I am a sucker for pop music.

Favorite thing to do when not at work?

Highlight

Spending time with my family and friends and traveling.

Favorite Resident Story?

Highlight

A couple who had just moved in to the property I was working at came into the office to ask if they could ask me an "out of the box question". I said yes and they asked if I wouldn't mind opening an email on their phone that was revealing the gender of the baby they were expecting. They were having a gender reveal party that night for their family and friends and didn't have anyone else to ask to seal the gender in an envelope to go to the bakery. It was such a happy and exciting moment to be a part of!

What three words best describe you?

Highlight

Loyal, Silly, Dependable

Street Sweeping Rescheduled for THURSDAY!

Please be advised that due to the rainy weather, our annual parking lot sweeping has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2014.  

7am-11am
74, 75, 78 and 79 DONALD STREET

• All vehicles must be removed from parking spaces no later than 7AM 
• Please note no parking will be allowed during this time in front of buildings, on the side of the buildings or in any parking lot space as we need to sweep in all areas.  
• During this time cars may park in any other lot that is not Donald Street, but must be moved back prior to 11am. Once your lot is cleared, you can move your car back.  

11am-1pm
66, 81 and 139 ROCKWAY AVENUE

• All vehicles must be removed from all parking spaces no later than 11:00AM on Thursday, April 17, 2014.  
• Please note no parking will be allowed during this time in front of buildings, on the side of the buildings or in any parking lot space as we need to sweep in all areas.  
• During this time cars may park in any other lot that is not Rockway Avenue, please do not park on the main road of Rockway Avenue during this time as well.  Once your lot is cleared, you can move your car back.  

12pm-5pm
35, 56, 141 and all Townhomes on AUDUBON ROAD

• All vehicles must be removed from all parking spaces no later than 12:00PM on Thursday, April 17, 2014.  Please note no parking will be allowed during this time in front of buildings, on the side of the buildings or in any parking lot space as we need to sweep in all areas.  
• During this time cars may park in any other lot that is not Audubon Road, but must be moved prior to 11am.  Once your lot is cleared, you can move your car back.  
• Please note that a tow truck will be standing by on this day.  Any vehicles that are not moved according to the schedule will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.  

It is very important that you follow these procedures.  If they are not understood please call the management office at 781-335-4773 for further clarification.    

Thank you for your time and patience in this matter, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Weekly Recipe Spanish Chicken and Potato Roast for a Weeknight 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. This Spanish Chicken and Potato Roast is the perfect mix of those three components. You can never go wrong with mixing chicken, potatoes and spices! Here’s exactly what you need and how to make this tasty dish: 

Ingredients
• 1 1/2 pounds large Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs (5 to 6 thighs)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Freshly ground pepper
• 4 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
• 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 cut into wedges)
• 2 large or 3 medium red onions, halved and thinly sliced

Directions
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven. Place a large cast-iron baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet on the rack and preheat to 500 degrees F. Put the potatoes, garlic, olive oil, 1 tablespoon water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large microwave-safe baking dish and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce the plastic in a few places with a knife and microwave 8 minutes to partially cook.

Meanwhile, pat the chicken dry and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with the paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add 2 tablespoons parsley and the lemon juice; toss to coat. Set aside.

Remove the hot baking dish from the oven; carefully add the potatoes and spread in an even layer. Scatter the onions on top. Roast until the potatoes start to brown, about 12 minutes.
Flip the potatoes and lay the chicken pieces on top, adding any accumulated juices from the bowl; return to the oven and roast until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 12 more minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley. Serve with the lemon wedges and enjoy! 

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is quick and easy to make. So pop it in the oven and be prepared for a flavorful dinner. 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 Food Network for these delicious recipes! 

Best Foodler Options at Weymouth 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 Weymouth Commons and some of the favorite food picks people order. 

Asia Palace
Asia Palace serves Szechuan, Hunan and Mandarin cusine as well as several Thai and Japanese favorites. The freshly made dishes use highest quality ingredients and no MSG. Asia Palace not only offers double Foodler points but also a 20 percent rebate in Foodler Bucks with your first Foodler purchase. Best bets include crab rangoon, General Tso’s chicken and other Asian classics. So next time you are craving Chinese, check out Asia Palace and be rewarded though Foodler.  

Napoli Pizza
When the pizza passion hits, Napoli Pizza will ensure a satisfactory solution to your hunger pangs. The pizza chefs here have mastered dough and sauce recipes. Wheat crust is also available as a healthy alternative. Requiring a $20 minimum order, Napoli  Best bets include chicken Alfredo pizza, Buffalo chicken calzone, and steak and cheese subs. With any purchase you’ll receive a 15 percent instant rebate in Foodler Bucks. Check out additional online discounts though Foodler that make it hard not to order that pizza pie.

Season’s Café
If you are feeling lazy on a Saturday or Sunday morning, don’t worry, Season’s Café will deliver breakfast to your door. Starting at 8 am, the cafe offers everything from Irish oatmeal to egg sandwiches and pancakes and French toast. You can also try a savory Italian omelet with prosciutto, roasted peppers and mozzarella or even a breakfast burrito with sausage, onions and peppers. No matter what you order Season’s Café will leave you full with delicious breakfast classics. 

Gourmet Garden
The Gourmet Garden is Hingham's favorite spot for authentic Chinese and Japanese food. The finest ingredients go into the preparation of classic Chinese specialties and sushi creations. Foodler’s top-rated options include lo-mein, a stir-fried noodle dish available with vegetable, chicken, beef, or seafood, in a savory house-made sauce. Another recommendation is the Celtic maki, which combines salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado and shrimp in green (the Celtic part) rice paper. These delectable dishes will satisfy a Pan Asian cuisine craving while your order will also come with a 15 percent instant rebate in Foodler Bucks for future orders.

So next time you feel too lazy to cook or crave a cuisine not in your pantry, order from one of these diverse restaurants. You can also check out other eateries that deliver to Weymouth Commons by going to Foodler.com. Tons of options for food-at-your-door await with Foodler. And you can earn while you eat. Bon appetit!  

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 Weymouth 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! 

Street Sweeping Next Week!

After a long, cold winter, we’re gearing up for our 

annual street and parking lot sweeping!

Please be advised that the annual parking lot sweeping has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2014 and Wednesday, April 16, 2014.  Procedures are as follows:

Tuesday, April 15, 2014
All vehicles must be removed from all main roadways no later than 7:00AM

Vehicles can be parked in parking lots during this time. 

Main roadway sweeping will be completed by 11:00AM, at which time we will begin sweeping all parking lots surrounding 66 Rockway Ave, and all of Donald Street.
  
All vehicles must be removed from these parking lots no later than 11:00AM.

Vehicles can be moved to designated parking areas along the main roadway until the sweeping is complete.
  
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
All vehicles must be removed form parking lots surrounding 81 Rockway Ave and 139 Rockway Ave, and those parking lots surrounding all buildings on Audubon Road, no later than 7:00AM

Vehicles can be moved to designated parking areas along the main roadways until the sweeping is complete.

Please note that a tow truck will be standing by on this day.  Any vehicles that are not moved according to the schedule will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.  

RAIN DATE: Should we have inclement weather, substantial rain or snow, sweeping will be pushed back to Thursday, April 17, 2014 and the same procedures will apply.  

It is very important that you follow these procedures.  If they are not understood please call the management office at 781-335-4773 for further clarification.

Thank you for your time and patience in this matter, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Weekly Recipe- California Chicken Salad Wraps

We finally 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 new take on an everyday chicken salad will be a tasty treat. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

California Chicken Salad Wraps

What You’ll Need:

1/2 cup chopped California dried plums

1/4 cup chopped apple

1/4 cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 (10-inch) spinach, tomato or whole-wheat flour tortillas

8 ounces grilled chicken breast strips

How It’s Made:

In a medium bowl, combine dried plums, apple, celery, mayonnaise, salt and pepper; mix well.

Lay 2 tortillas on work surface. Spoon plum mixture evenly onto center of each tortilla and arrange chicken strips on top of mixture.  

Fold bottom of each tortilla up over chicken mixture then fold both sides over, envelope-fashion. Fold top of tortilla down.

Perfect Plants Additions for 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.

Bra-Wey Florist 
94 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188
(781) 337-0288

Christopher’s Garden Shop
689 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188
(781) 331-3118

Meet the Staff – Athena!

It’s only fitting that our next “Meet the Staff” blog introduces our Ikea-loving, master of selfies who recently celebrated her birthday with all of us here at The Commons – Athena! Our favorite fun fact? She’s loves hamsters, traveling and is bilingual – read more about one of our fav staffers below!

How long have you been working at The Commons?

Two years

What's your favorite part of working at a Corcoran property?

Meeting exciting people

Best thing a resident or coworker has ever brought into the office?

Cupcakes, yum!

Favorite Movie?

Scarface

Favorite Band / Musician?

Pitbull

Favorite thing to do when not at work?

Addicted to texting!

Favorite Resident Story?

I can’t help but laugh a little when residents mispronounce my name ;)

What three words best describe you?

Feisty, organized, fun!