Boston Brick & Stone's online newsletter for May 2018
THE MASONRY MONTHLY
2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com | May 2018 GET YOUR GRILL ON 2 May Holidays, 2 Reasons to Grill
Is there anything more American than grilling a burger outside on Memorial Day? This year, there’s another reason to fire up the grill that weekend: In addition to being Memorial Day, May 28 is also National Hamburger Day! Enjoy this delicious coincidence by heating up the grill, gathering the fixings, and making one of these tasty burgers at home.
THE CLASSIC BURGER
Nothing beats the American classic: a seasoned beef patty, a slice of cheddar cheese, a squirt each of mustard and ketchup, a layer of crunchy lettuce, some thinly sliced onions, and a couple of zesty pickles. For a homemade touch, make the pickles yourself by soaking cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, dill, and salt.
THE PORTOBELLO BURGER
For a delicious veggie burger even meat eaters will love, use a portobello mushroom as your patty. Remove the stems, then marinate the mushrooms for 15 minutes in a mixture of 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and a clove of minced garlic. Season the shrooms with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill just as you would any other burger. Gruyere cheese is the perfect creamy topping, and you can use grilled focaccia bread topped with garlic aioli. As you bask in the late spring weather and the inviting smell of delicious food this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the Americans who gave their lives so we could enjoy these freedoms, and thank those who served.
THE MEDITERRANEAN BURGER
Take your patty to the next level with a Mediterranean twist. Mix feta cheese and garlic into your ground beef before forming your patties. Serve it on a grilled ciabatta bun topped with marinated red peppers and arugula for flavor and texture. If you want to get extra fancy, pour a bit of balsamic reduction over the patty before adding the toppings.
-Dave Laverdiere
www.bostonbrick.com |
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"I utilized BBS to update my chimney after a remodel. From the moment of my first call, I found the company and most of their employees to be kind, helpful, and especially professional. During my contact with BBS, I mainly worked with Mark Cazares. Mark is AMAZING! He always returned my calls or emails promptly and went out of his way to make sure that my concerns were addressed. His initial assessment was VERY detailed and professional. It contained photos, county fire regulation, and city ordinances. The evaluation was far more than I had expected to receive and well worth the $200 I paid. Mark also worked with me on the budget for the update. The total cost was very fair. It took one day to finish, and it looks GREAT!! They are a professional company that does quality work! Their prices are very fair considering the quality of their work. In my eyes, Boston Brick and Stone deserves a five-star rating! Thank you!" –Ana M. Rock-Solid Reviews Deliver One Big ‘Wow’ Social media makes it pretty easy to keep up with everyone’s lives, so look for an opportunity to make a great impression on one customer. Maybe a client is expecting their first grandchild. Could they use a new stroller? Is a wedding anniversary coming up? Who wouldn’t love a limo ride and dinner at the nicest restaurant in the city? Go a bit over the top! People love to share stories on social media about the cool, unexpected things businesses do. Wouldn’t you like to go viral for a good reason? Send Cards for Strange Holidays Sure, you mail cards during the winter holidays, but so does everyone else. Why not mail a card for National Doughnut Day on June 1? You can even include a coupon to a local doughnut shop. Or you can send a funny card with a picture of your office dog for National Mutt Day to announce that, thanks to your client’s support, your company is donating to a local animal shelter. These ideas may work great for your clients, or you might need to brainstorm a bit. Your clients are as unique as your company, so don’t hesitate to find a special way to show them you care. Customer Appreciation Isn’t Seasonal Heat Up the Slow Months With a ‘Wow!’ l i ‘ !’
A little customer appreciation can go a long way — after all, everyone likes to be treated well by the people they do business with. But if your appreciation stops at holiday cards and birthday offers, you might be missing the mark. Summer tends to be the slow season, so take the extra time to plan a new way to show customers you care. Host a Summer Event There’s no need to plan a black-tie gala. Summer is the season of relaxation, so keep it low-key, and let your clients know they are welcome to bring their friends and family. Here are a few fun ideas to consider: • Host a barbecue at the office or local park. Make sure you have the proper permits first. • Book a movie theater, and show the latest blockbuster. (We hear “Avengers: Infinity War” is pretty awesome.) • Plan an adults-only scavenger hunt. Include local landmarks, offer prizes, and provide grown-up beverages afterward to make the event really memorable. • Throw a block party. This one requires some planning, but if you pull it off, your clients will talk about it until next summer!
CHIMNEY
•Inspection •Restoration and repair •Construction •Sweeping
FIREPLACE
•Inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures
HARDSCAPE
•Backyard patios •Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways
HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our previous restoration work includes the following:
•Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim •Repair and restoration of chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park •Faithful restoration of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills
BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION
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The Truth Behind Your Favorite Home Improvement Shows RENOVATING REALIT Y
Home improvement and renovation shows are as fun to watch as they are frustrating. They can be inspiring when you see design elements you want to incorporate into your own home. On the other hand, they can be infuriating as you watch a design expert or homeowner make a questionable choice. But one thing’s for sure: Home renovation shows are more popular than ever, making up the bulk of HGTV’s programming. However, not everything is as it seems. Lurking behind the scenes are truths that don’t make it to broadcast. Home renovation is boring. If you’ve been involved in a home remodel, you know that from start to finish, the process isn’t that interesting and can take weeks or even months. Shows leave out the dull details, giving viewers a feeling of instant gratification. For younger would-be home
average homeowner, home improvement shows defer some of the cost. Every home renovation show is one big commercial, and they get steep discounts when they use specific products and manufacturers. On top of that, TV shows often cut corners to minimize costs. Home renovation is time-consuming. To cut costs and speed up renovation, on-TV contractors often use quick-to-install materials. On camera, these materials can be dressed up to look Instagram-worthy, but in reality, they probably won’t last long in the real-world home environment. They want it to look as good as possible in the shortest amount of time, and the camera can hide a lot of the disappointment.
Once again, home renovation is expensive! As U.S. News reports, costs of materials can vary widely from region to region. The more materials you have to ship in from out of state, the bigger the bill. TV shows also save money through labor costs. They hire contractors willing to work for cheap or free due to “promotional considerations.” If the show reveals the total cost of a renovation (many don’t), chances are that number is off by thousands of dollars, if not more, depending on the extent of the work.
remodelers, a real home reno can be an eye-opener when they realize how much of a time investment it requires. Home renovation is expensive. Speaking of the investment, even a seemingly simple remodel project can break budgets. Unlike the
MEME CORNER
Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta Zucchini and summer squash are arriving on grocery store shelves. Here is a great way to take these humble, delicious vegetables to the next level. This easy dish is perfect for early summer.
Ingredients
• 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.
Inspired by thekitchn.com
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SERVING THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA
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2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com
Gear Up for Grilling Season INSIDE page 1
page 2
The Most Unique Customer Appreciation Ideas Ever
page 2
Rock-Solid Reviews
page 3
The Truth Behind Home Improvement Shows
page 3
Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta
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The Key to a Memorable Vacation
The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all-inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. Food Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business! Art Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone Enrich Your Vacation Buy Local When You’re Abroad
can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! People While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. Memories Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!
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