Author: Matt Robinson

A NEW WAVELENGTH

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As I love to teach people about food and also love to teach people about fitness (especially boxing), I’m always on the hunt for products that satisfy both desires.

My latest di-fecta is Wavelength superfood protein powders.

As each delicious, satisfying serving contains 20 grams of protein, a complete amino acid profile, as well as adaptogens for my brain and honest-to-goodness organic ingredients like energy-boosting acai, anxiety- and inflammation-calming ashwaganda, stress-reducing astragalus, and blood pressure-lowering cacao powder, Wavelength is my new go-to for morning smoothies, post-workout shakes, and even snacks and dessert drinks that help me sleep and keep an eye on my sugar intake.

Speaking of sugar, Wavelength products have none added and are also free of fillers and additives, so you can enjoy them with your entire family. In fact, they even offer a complete line of what they call Little Ripples for kids that are sugar-free and also free of dairy, gluten, soy, and other things that seem to give so many kids troubles these days.

Despite the lack of sugar or fake flavors, Wavelength’s powders are delicious. And as the company is run by a savvy mom and sources their ingredients domestically, it is a win for everyone!
As Matt’s Meals fans know, protein delivery is a big part of my meal plan, so I cannot rave enough about Wavelength!

SIBLING SMASH!

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As native Bostonians, the Wahlberg boys know what their friends and neighbors love and have always striven wicked hahd to give it to ‘em.

The latest example of this hometown heroism is Wahlburger’s pepperoni smash- a limited edition smashburger that features two 100% Angus beef patties, crispy julienne pepperoni, melted provolone cheese, and Chef Paul Wahlberg’s signature rosemary tomato jam. It’s like the best parts of a burger and a pizza all smashed together as only the Wahlbergs can make it.

As if they were not strong enough on their own, the Wahlbergs have partnered with The Boston Deli Boys to make this new Boston classic a home run hit. You can watch their first taste reactions on Instagram and look for more potential pairings in the future.

Speaking of perfect pairings, the pepperoni smash can be paired with Wahlburger’s famed tater tots for just two bucks more and finished with a homemade milkshake or (for those of age) a fiery Wahl-A-Rita that combines 1800 cucumber jalapeño tequila, Monin agave, Cointreau, blackberry puree and lime juice for a flavor-full meal that will be perfect until June, when the smash is set to be retired.

If you want to get more advanced news about your favorite hometown heroes and can’t be following Matt’s Meals all the time, join the Wahlclub for exclusive rewards and special offers that will help you hang tough with your favorite Wahlberg brothers.

IF ONLY IT WERE THIS EASY (AND DELICIOUS)!

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With the way of the world today, people are looking for options that can bring them peace of mind and maybe a little more peace on earth.

And if there could be a little sweetness too- all the better!

That is why I’m such a fan of Sweet Diplomacy – the gluten-free and special diet-friendly treats and gift boxes that feature authentic flavors from all over the world.

With a menu that offers items that are not only appropriate for such special diets as nut-free, sugar-free, paleo, and vegan but that are good enough to convince people to try out these diets and improve their health, Sweet Diplomacy’s most popular offering is the monthly bread campaign that includes such artisanal flavors as everything bagel, chocolate babka, and parmesan thyme.

For those who want to explore other culinary cultures, the Diplomatic Box set that features an ever-expanding menu of favorites that can be shipped to nearly any nation as a token of peace, friendship, and wishes for good health and happiness. From a Japanese-sourced set of cherry blossom cookies and matcha marble cakes to the Parisian collection of chocolate-covered strawberry cookies and decadent lava cakes to an internationally-inspired (and I mean “inspired”!) collection of cookies, cakes, and cocoa mix that will mix well at any party or event and give the most sensitive eater plenty to chew on and enjoy.

If more people shared these delicious treats, the world would surely be a better place, so do your part and establish some Sweet Diplomacy in your community.   

Q’S NEWS

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It has been said that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Well- when the “book” is a product as fresh and delicious as Q’s Nuts, the cover does not really matter.

Q’s Nuts has been around for 25 years and is constantly adding new flavors to their delicious menu of sweet and savory snacks.

 In an effort to keep up with the latest trends Q’s will soon be appearing in new packaging. But rest assured it’s what’s inside that counts and that every package of Q’s Nuts will still include the freshest, most creatively-flavored nuts and snacks around!

With fabulous flavors like rosemary sea salt, cayenne mango, maple bourbon, and Mexican chocolate (as well as their recently-released cacao nibs), Q’s has flavors for every taste and are perfect for lunchbox treats, traffic jam meltdown diffusers, housewarming gifts, or just to nibble on for a punch of flavor, protein, and energy any time of day.

A regular at Boston Public Market for years, Q’s can also be found at farmers markets and other special locations and has long been a sponsor of my nationally-syndicated author interview series, “The Writer’s Block,” where they are quickly gobbled up by literary and snack fans of all ages. They are available for wholesale purchase and their website offers a wide range of giftable packages that are perfect for every occasion, so whenever you want to treat yourself or someone else, make sure you start your quest with “Q.”

https://qsnuts.com

PURE COLD PESACH

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The following message is only for people who observe Passover and for people who want delicious healthy food every day in April.

The vegetarian eatery Pure Cold Press is celebrating 10 years by serving food that is kosher for Passover on April 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18.

As anyone who makes their house ready for this most observed of Jewish holidays knows, there is a lot involved in getting ready for the seders and other observances, so to do it for an entire restaurant is quite an undertaking! However, the folks at Pure Cold Press have always prided themselves on doing their best to serve their devoted customers. Perhaps that is why their first 10 years have been such a success, despite the pandemic and all the challenges that most restaurants face.

On most other nights, Pure Cold Press offers such popular offerings as their signature shakshuka, fresh fruit-topped pancakes, seitan-based mucha lucha salad, spicy protein bowl with soy chicken shwarma, and popular pizzas, and the freshly-pressed juices that originally gave them their name.

Thanks to their dedicated ingenuity, not all that much will change for Passover. Using potato flour, Pure Cold Press will have pizzas, paninis, and even bagels, as well as Passover editions of their famous Date Night smoothie and Liquid Gold and Namaste juices.

Passover is known as a time of questions and a celebration of liberation. If the question is where to eat, Pure Cold Press is the answer as it is a great place to try something new and break free from the everyday (or to find new everyday favorites).

BOGGI-OGGI-OGGI

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When I started my writing career 30 years ago, one of the first people I met was Russ Gershon – a polymath artist/producer/music teacher/record label head who has remained a friend through all these years

Now that I’m writing about food, it seemed only natural to promote Russ’s jazz trio (featuring Rick McLaughlin on bass and Brooke Sofferman on percussion) performing at OGGI Gourmet in Harvard Square on Saturday, April 12 from 7-10 PM as part of their Second Saturdays series. 

As it is Herbie Hancock’s and Hound Dog Taylor’s birthday, the music is sure to be extra cool…and the food? Well-

Having started in Jamaica Plain, OGGI itself has been around for over 20 years, which is quite an accomplishment! One taste of their food and it I easy to see why it has remained so popular.

While OGGI may be best known for pizzas with such tasty toppings as roasted mushrooms and goat cheese or jerk chicken with pineapple, Chef Steve Welch also knows his way around a sandwich and offers anytime faves like the perfect breakfast grab egg sandwich and a lobster sandwich that keeps many fans coming back. In addition to great food, OGGI also offers popular coffee and tea concoctions, as well as juices and smoothies, and a full bar.

As if all of this were not enough, for Russ’ events, Chef Steve will roll out a special tasting menu featuring whatever is fresh and hip (just like Russ’ music!).

For a restaurant to last 20 years is an accomplishment worth talking about, as is a friendship lasting 30 years. I hope to be able to talk to you live at OGGI on April 12 and whenever you want great food and a great time. 

BRUNCH AND BROTHERS

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I have often raved about Neroli, the amazing Italian restaurant and market in Westwood, and have made special mention when my favorite band- The Winiker Brothers – are in town to play there.

Well big news on both fronts- Neroli has recently expanded their offerings to include brunch on Saturdays and guess who is booked to entertain April 27 with seatings at 11-12:30 and 12:30-2 (with special guest, our friend and colleague Dan Rea)?

As the house band at such legendary houses as The Last Hurrah at the historic Parker House Hotel and over a quarter-century of wonderful weekend at Skipjack’s in Boston’s Back Bay, the Winikers know how to keep a brunch lively.

But when you consider that Neroli already has one of the best and most authentic Italian menus around, any weekend will surely be enhanced by a visit.

The new weekend menu is being served from 11-3 and features a brunch board with smoked salmon, sliced avocado, crisp bacon, and freshly-boiled eggs to cinnamon rolls with homemade limioncello icing to lobster rolls to an entire menu of freshly-pressed panini and an Italian Benedict that features poached eggs on Parma prosciutto and toasted foacaccia, as well as their famed arancini, gnocchi Bolognese, and signature parms (eggplant, chicken, or veal). To wash it down, Neroli offers their amazing Spritz tower featuring Santa Marina Prosecco, as well as a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, sangrias by the pitcher and mimosas by the bucket-full. For those who found parking nearby, they also offer non-alcoholic treats like the Moji-No and a range of sweet and smooth lattes and other delights.

No matter what you order or when you come, brunch at Neroli will surely be a new fave for you, especially if you appreciate great food and amazing music.

I hope to see you April 27 and encourage you to enjoy Neroli whenever you can.

DINING BY THE CHARLES

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Since my beloved Scullers went underground, there is no place in Cambridge to take in great food (let alone music!) and a beautiful view of the Charles River.

Fortunately, the recently raved-about Monteverdi at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge recently opened its patio for dining, so now people can check their Instagram for hours and then go enjoy some of the best food in the area while enjoying one of the best views as well!

As it is the latest brainchild of hospitality hero Seth Greenberg, Monteverdi has been taking the Great Boston food scene by storm and attracting people from far and wide, so you better make reservations soon (and often) so you can get your favorite seat on the patio – especially as New England weather does not always cooperate with personal plans. If you want to hedge your bets and increase your chances of the perfect view, you can always plan a staycation at the Sonesta, but even if you have to eat inside, the menu and bar scene are worth the trip!

With its combination of authentic Italian foods and locally-sourced favorites including fresh seafood, as well as wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas, as well as a full bar that offers seasonal spritzes and other signature sippers (including a rose that Seth crafted with beverage queen Bethenny Frankle), Monteverdi is a great place to bring or make friends while enjoying amazing food and spectacular views.

If you needed even more reasons to visit, Monteverdi is also hosting special events, including wine tastings themed meals, and cocktail showcases, and live music and is available for rental to make your event even more special!

See you on the veranda!

LULU DOUBLES UP

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As if the news that superstar comedian (and HUGE Tom Brady fan) Nikki Glaser dined there after six sold-out shows a the Boch Center was not big enough, the uber-popular plant-based dining establishment Lulu Green is about to open in Kendall Square!

This means that you can now get their delicious and enjoy their café-by-day / restaurant/lounge-by-night vibe whether you are on one end of the Red Line or the other!

But don’t let even the cool vibe fool you- Lulu’s main thing is delivering delicious, nutritious, organic, and sustainably plant-based food and drinks that are all freshly-made with minimal sugar, oils, and other icky stuff in a fun and efficient manner that allows you to truly enjoy eating healthy without having to worry about it.

From sharable starters like their signature hummus with seven-spice za’atar and their warm and refreshing lemony lentil soup to their signature brunch sandwich with chickpea “egg” and tofu “bacon” to their house-made Lulu burger with grain mustard truffle oil or a warm quinoa bowl that is packed with superfoods, Lulu has what you want at pretty much any time of day. And if you just need a quick boost of sweet energy, their freshly-baked croissants, cookies, and macarons or their meaty menu of acai bowls and smoothies are the perfect pick-you-up!

Speaking of drinks, Lulu has a full coffee bar all day and a full bar bar all night, making it a great place to drop by after work for a Bloody Lulu, international wine, local beer or cider, or driver-friendly mocktail or digestion-friendly kombucha. 

Did I say it’s all plant-based? Sorry- it is so yummy, I forgot!

In any case, you heard it here first- Enjoy!

FERMENTING FUN

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Now that I have found a favorite kombucha on the North Shore (Pigeon Cove Ferments in Gloucester), it was time to look south to find someplace to stop on the way to the Cape or (as turned out to be the case) was worth a trip on its own.

Independent Fermentations in Plymouth not only crafts creatively-flavored and gently-bubbled small-batch and medically-beneficial kombuchas that include ingredients like locally-sourced maple syrup and whole fruits (including their Fire Booch which offers not only gut health support but gentle sinus clearing as well), they also offer a wide range of hand-made beers including the cleverly-named Pilsnerd and the locally-inspired Plymouth Rocks New England IPA.

Speaking of home brew, IndieFerm also offers a wide range of tools and tips for homebrewers and have regular classes on making fermented foods like beer, kimchi, kombucha, mead, pickles, and even cheese. They also host classes and events outside of their taproom and store on Camelot Drive, including ukulele group meetings April 4 and 19, a sip and paint class April 12, and a foraging excursion on May 10. Perhaps event most fermented fans are looking forward to is the return of annual Pickle and Fermentation Festival which will take place this year on June 7 and feature make-your-own sauerkraut classes as well as live music (which is another frequent benefit of visits to the taproom) and more fermented family fun that is sure to help your health and happiness.

Who knew things that were good for you could be so much fun?!