JP & Rozzie break bread together at Doyle’s!

Ray Obin of Obin Electric and Jake Hart of JP Flea enjoy a bite.

Andy Schell of Schell Printing, esteemed Treasurer

The Washington St. Business Association graciously hosted the Roslindale Board of  Trade at its monthly meeting at Doyle’s Pub last night — lots of catching up and really delicious food.

Judie Leon of Travel by Judie

Dessert included one of my favorites: Boston Creme Pie.  As a kid I couldn’t get over the fact that they named a pie after Boston — I think maybe I still can’t!  (I also believed my dad, Charlie, when he told me the Charles river was named after him.)

We heard from our men in blue, detailing the crime scene in their corner of 02130.  And  Tim Power of New York Life gave us tips on growing old with money in our pockets.

And of course, Doyle’s happy owner, Gerry Burke, was on the scene.  What a fabulous neighborhood destination he runs!

Smiling and gracious Gerry Burke of Doyle's Pub

That’s Show Biz!

Got a call on Thursday from a popular network television show that’s going to be doing a piece on Roslindale as a great destination for first-time home buyers – something we’ve known for ages!

I’m scrambling to get two properties ready to film – we weren’t planning to put them on the market for a few weeks so I’m meeting with stagers and contractors so we can do the tour on Monday – yes, tomorrow.  It’s worth running around like crazy to show off a couple of great listings AND talk about one of my favorite subjects: Roslindale!

I’ll let you know when the show’s going to be on the air.

I once heard a broker describe this time of year as having listings “stacked in the hangar.”  At this writing, inventory is still quite low and people are waiting to pounce.  A few weeks from now you’ll be seeing for sale signs everywhere.

Don’t confuse eagerness with foolishness:  buyers are being super-selective and, unless they’re foreclosure/short-sale shoppers, want a home in move-in condition.  That includes heating and electrical systems, not just the paint on the walls.

And…keep an eye out for the upcoming Neighborhoods Issue of Boston Magazine – Roslindale will be featured!

Roslindale

How to Catch the Buzz in Roslindale

There’s so much going on in Roslindale, it’s a good thing we’ve got terrific local media to keep us on top of it all!

Media

Rozzie residents, business owners and property owners all work with Roslindale Village Main Street to keep our wonderful neighborhood business district going. The Main Street website will keep you posted on all the great things they’re doing, as well as other community meetings and news.

Stay up-to-the-minute with Neighbors for Neighbors Roslindale, a social networking site for news, networking, and community activism.

The Roslindale Transcript has been in print for decades and is published every Thursday. You can subscribe to get it mailed to you ($49/year), buy it at local stores, or catch it online.

The West Roxbury – Roslindale Bulletin, a more recent weekly, is fast becoming a favorite. The print version comes out on Thursdays and it’s free!

To get the official read on Roslindale and links to city resources, check out the Rozzie page on the City of Boston site.

Boston.com’s Your Town has a great Roslindale site that offers news, events and discussions.

Universal Hub is a Boston community news and info site with a Roslindale page.

For the Real Scoop…

A Fun Day at the Roslindale Farmer's Market

Do what I often do: Walk down Corinth Street and stop in at Travel by Judie (42 Corinth Street). Judie’s been a cornerstone of the commercial district for eons, and not just because she can really book you a mean vacation. Her shop is THE hub of what’s happening now. Stop in to catch up on what’s REALLY happening in town — and tell her Linda sent you!

Sweet Shopping and Fine Dining in Roslindale

A mere 6 miles from downtown Boston, Roslindale’s dining and shopping destinations will take you on a trip around the world! I’ve never eaten better in my life!

For fine examples of classic American bakeries, visit:

Outside Dining on Birch Streeet

Diane’s Bakery on Adams Park, where kids still scream for beautifully-decorated gingerpeople.

The new Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant on Washington Street.

Fornax Bread Bakery, where you can order up a hearty, from “scratch” breakfast or lunch, as well as sample some true artisanal breads.

For dining:

Delfino Ristorante is Northern Italian at its finest.

Sophia’s Grotto is THE source for crisp, delicate pizza and creative Italian fare.

Birch Street Bistro offers elegant entrees and desserts from the four corners of the globe.

Shopping for yourself or for gifts?

Visit the Joanne Rossman store, with the great tagline — the “Purveyor of the unnecessary & the irresistible” – I dare you to resist.

Birch Street House and Garden and the other fine shops on Birch.

Color Wheel Collection, just over on Washington Street, for superb home accessories and kids’ wear.

For the cook:

Roslindale Fish Market, for the freshest fish in Boston, plus seven varieties of Feta cheese and as many types of olives.

Bob’s Pita Bakery, for the bread and everything to wrap in it.

The Boston Cheese Cellar — a generous slice of Paris, right in our own backyard, with hundreds of fresh, fragrant cheeses and other gourmet delights.

Solera, for the perfect wine to accompany it all.