Author: Matt Robinson

PLNT-ING A FLAG IN COOLIDGE CORNER

Posted by

I recently talked about local restaurant legend Seth Greenberg opening Monteverdi in Cambridge.

Now another great Seth is planting a flag in another hot neighborhood.

Wellesley’s own Seth Goldman (who you may know as the creator of Honest Tea and Beyond Meat) is finally ready to open his popular plant-based burger joint PLNT Burger (that’s “P-L-N-T Burger”) in Coolidge Corner just across from the historic and iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre. 

Though PLNT Burger has already been winning rave reviews at Whole Foods Markets in MA and in its New York location, this opening will represent a sort of homecoming for Seth as it will mark the first Boston-area location for his latest expanding brand.

Known for their nutrient-rich, plant-based proteins in such delicious disguises as the admittedly misnamed (but no less delicious) steakhouse burger, the environmentally-friendly save the Bay filet, and convincingly crispy chik’n sandwich (as well as a burger that is made with real vegetables), PLNT Burger also offers a great Cool Kids lunch pack that is perfect for younger fans who want to eat right and do good by the planet. If you need a little pick me up, PLNT delivers with sweet potato crinkles, and even a plant-based chili that is perfect on colder days. When you’re done saving your health and the planet, reward yourself with an oat milk shake of Whisked! cookie. With so much nutrition and so little impact, you can’t go wrong!

As Seth would say (and often does!), “Eat the change you wish to see in the world” at PLNT Burger.

A VIEW-CARRÉ

Posted by

Though the Seaport may have already become too big for its bridges, there are still places to take in what was once the only view from the Hub’s newest neighborhood- that of the beautiful Boston Harbor.

For years, one of the best places to capture a truly Boston moment was while dining at the legendary Daily Catch while peeking out from beneath its brick arches at the rolling waves and warming sun and across to the Boston Harbor Hotel (which also offers great food and views).

While the Catch may be gone, the legendary view is back thanks to the local team that has opened a stunning new lounge called Marcelino’s Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine.
Helmed by Mediterranean Chef Maroun Nohra and bar director Refaat Ghostin, Marcelino’s is set to build upon the success of their Boutique Bar in Providence.

Offering masterfully-made mezze-style small plates and made-to-order mixes (both alcoholic and non-) that include such international impressions as olive sourdough,za’atar fattoush salad, saffron baby squid, and a decadent grilled lamb with Turkish ezme, as well as cocktails that feature tomato and oregano and watermelon and rhubarb, the Andalusian-themed space (which has been completely reimagined and redesigned) will also host live music and is perfect for after-work rendezvous and other special events.

Marcelino’s is sure to be the new perfect spot for a bite, a beverage, and a breathtaking view, so brave the traffic and come on down!

EVERYTHING OLD…

Posted by

Boston is famous for its historical landmark buildings, many of which have been open for centuries and have not changed in quite some time.

And while it can be fun to get lost in yester-year, they are also as a place for updating and making productive changes.

The Lenox Hotel has been peering over Back Bay for nearly 125 years and has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and others (hopefully including my author talks soon!). Though it is a member of Historic Hotels of America and was once the tallest building in Boston(!), the Lenox recently brought all food service in-house and handed the culinary reins to Chef Daniel Kenney, who previously served at The Liberty Hotel in Boston and the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.

While we eagerly await the transformation of the famed City Table, guests and visitors alike can enjoy (and I DO mean “enjoy”!) the new menus and vibes at the Irish-influenced sidewalk cafe called Sweeney’s and the lobby bar that is now known as The Irving (after Irving Saunders whose family purchased the property in 1963).

Having trained with his team in Ireland, Chef Kenney now brings such authentic touches as Harp, Smithwick’s, and Magners to Guinness-bathed short rib sliders, a corned beef and cabbage sando, and a beer-battered fish & chips that is worth trying for the chips alone! From 11-2 daily, you can even enjoy the Full Irish Grill, which includes blood sausage, pub fries, baked beans, and brown bread, among other emerald enjoyables! There are also local faves like Duxbury oysters, clam chowder, and a colorful organic salad that is enough for two!

Speaking of company, the polished granite bar is a great place to meet friends from near and far and also to catch your favorite Premiere League or rugby match. It is also a great place to enjoy a Tipperary (with Teeling and chartreuse), a Cleggan Collins (with Gunpowder Irish gin), or a European wine. No matter what you enjoy, be sure to save room for the 99 Flake (complete with Cadbury chocolate and Bailey’s Irish cream drizzle) and lots of neighborly fun!   

A GREAT PLACE TO GET “HAMMERED”

Posted by

While Chanukah is officially “late” this year (starting on December 25), the folks at The Charles Hotel are already getting into the spirit with the return of the Maccabee Bar pop-up at Noir. 

Through New Years Day, the street-level bar and nosherie will get totally lit (with safety-conscious digital candles, of course) and offering sufganiyot (basically jelly donuts) and other special treats that will have you spinning your dreidel even if you also decorate a tree, light the world with Kwanzaa, or dance around the Festivus Pole.

For seven years, Maccabee Bar maker Naomi Levy has been bringing holiday fun and food to chosen places in New York and MA. And while she still hopes to land in NYC in time to recall the ancient miracles, the Charles Hotel is offering a special package for those who need to get their spin on in style.

In addition to the already great Noir menu, the pop-up features non-traditional traditional Chanukah foods from Executive Chef Sean Lizotte and Pastry Chef Daniel Angelopolus like left-of-center latkes, an authentic smoked salmon plate, and a different donut flavor each day. On the bev side, the illuminating cocktail list includes the sufganiyot sour, the Aperol Schvitz (made with real Manischewitz), the Hebrew Hammer (Maccabee means “hammer”), and a deliciously dark dreidel-inspired drink that comes with chocolate gelt garnish.

Of course, while you are in the hotel, be sure to drift upstairs to try the latest in farm-to-table excellence at Henreietta’s Table or live Jazz at Regattabar to find more holiday surprises.

So whether you feel lonely on Chanukah or just want to see how the 2% live, take a spin by Harvard Square to light up every night this month.

FLAVONOIDS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Posted by

We have spoken often about the medicinal benefits of chocolate (as demonstrated by our friends at the flavonoid-packed FlavaNaturals), but at this time of year, the sweet treat can have the added benefit of making you feel warm and cozy inside and out.


That is why I am so glad to announce that our friends at Cacao, Chocolate Bar & Cafe (which recently expanded from Newton Highlands into the South End with a store at 570 Columbus Avenue) is opening in the Financial District at 64 Broad Street! 

Based on the knowledge garnered by co-owner Perla Rosario on her family’s cacao farm in the Dominican Republic and her partner Leo Baez’s cashew farm, Cacao offers some of the freshest and most decadently delicious covered nuts this side of Q’s at Boston Public Market.

However, what will surely bring the fans running is their award-winning hot cocoa, which can be flavored internationally or enjoyed traditionally.

Need a gift for a holiday party? Cacao has you covered there too with bean-to-bar chocolate from all over Latin and South America, as well as hand-crafted caramels, vibrant marzipan, brimming barks, chai cups, coffee drinks, and more!

While every visit to Cacao is special this space may be especially dear to Perla’s heart because her mother worked in the building as a custodian many years ago and she is now fulfilling the dream that so many come to Boston with by planting her flag of success in the same spot.

What could be sweeter?

SHIP A-HO-HO-HOY

Posted by

Winter may not be the season when most people think of sailing, especially in Boston Harbor!

Thanks to the creative crew at Classic Harbor Line, however, the holidays are a great time to set sail.

In addition to private charters and other special excursions, Classic Harbor Line offers seasonal sailings in their safe and ship-shape ships that make the Harbor a great place to take friends, family, or colleagues for a special occasion or to offer them a deal that they can’t refuse lest they be forced to walk the plank.

I recently enjoyed a chilly afternoon on Classic Harbor Line’s Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise aboard the warm and inviting ship Northern Lights which was festooned with holiday decorations and featured a hot cocoa bar and live music.

Speaking of a bar, the ship’s galley is always open and offers creative cocktails and hearty snacks and meals, including chicken wings, quesadillas, and a grilled cheese sandwich that can be dipped in a crock of basil-flecked tomato soup.

After taking the souvenir blanket to the upper deck to take in some sea air and the breathtaking view of Boston, my friends and I returned to the cozy confines of the indoor area to join in the carousing and enjoy a bottle of Touro wine from Cape Cod, along with some delicious holiday cookies.

If Boston Harbor is not your box of tea, Classic Harbor Line also sails out of Newport, New York, and even Key West, so cold water is no excuse to enjoy their seaworthy offerings.

As I departed the ship and made my way back into the teeming throngs of shoppers, one question hung in my mind-

Who needs a one-horse open sleigh when you can have a climate-controlled boat?               

THE NORTH SIDE OF HEROISM

Posted by

We have often spoken about how Sol Sidell has used his South Street Diner near South Station to host special events that bring the community together. From hot dog parties when the Sox season starts to fundraisers for various groups and organizations (including Boston Senior Home Care, for whom he served as VP for 10 years), Sol’s heart is open as long as the diner is – 24/7.

On the other side of town, however, is another Sidell sibling who also does more than their share.

Having recently represented the region in Good Morning America’s United States of Breakfast finals, Robin Sidell of the North Street Grille was recently feted by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) as a Community Hero for her work on behalf of the organization and the tens of thousands of community members who benefit from its programs and support with food insecurity, housing, job training, and more. She prepares meals for the elderly multiple times each month and has made her place a safe and satisfying stop for neighbors from all over.

As anyone who has enjoyed a meal at Robin’s place knows, food insecurity is never an option at North Street! The portions are huge and every bite is better than the one before. And while her URL is bestbrunchboston.com, the Grille is a great place for any meal at any time (8-4, that is)! Whether you try the Nutella French toast sticks, the truffled lobster mac & cheese, a sandwich or salad, or the anything from the massive burger and Benedict menus (which are also signatures of Sol’s South Street site), you are sure to leave stuffed and smiling, especially if you try one of Robin’s ridiculous milkshakes (without or without grown-up sauce). Even in winter, the Grille is worth trekking the Freedom Trail to find (especially as the line might be a wee bit shorter)!

Boston is blessed with great food places run by great people and the Sidell siblings are always at the top of that list. 

Please support them so they can continue to support others!

The ART of Great Food (and Ice Cream)

Posted by

In my constant search to find great places to find great food made by great people from our great community (and beyond), I recently came upon a place – actually a series of places – that not only sells some of my favorite brands that I’ve talked about before (some MANY times!), but also a huge selection of soon-to-be-favorites!

Run by the husband-and-wife team of Art and Jen Negaryan, Art’s Specialties has everything from chocolate, coffee, and cookies to cheese and crackers to oils and spices to international foods that are hard to find ‘round here, as well as a wide array of local and international beverages that ranges from beer and wine to cider and sake. They even have an entire set of flavored olive oils and vinegars that are delicious to taste and perfect for any recipe or gift package.

Speaking of gift packages, Art and his talented team are more than happy to help you pick out the perfect presents for any friend or colleague.

And while many suppliers have been raising their prices, Art and Jen do all they can to make it easy and affordable to try new things so you too can find new favorites.

When you want to reward your great taste, head across the street from the Belmont store to Art’s Creamery or to the Sherborn store or soon to a new location near the Cambridge/Arlington line, where flash-frozen flavors from New City Microcreamery, Nightingale Ice Cream, and Van Leeuwen and their own Ice Cream Bike Sandwiches, all of which have proven so popular that they are staying open all year!

With locations in Belmont, Carlisle, Maynard, and Sherborn, there is probably a store near you. And if not, go to www.artsspecialties.com and www.artscreamery.com to see what is new and what you will be enjoying next.

THE GIVING TREES

Posted by

It’s Fall in New England and that means cider season- which for me means checking in with my friends at Champlain Orchards in VT.

And while I love their Mac & Maple and Farmstead ciders all year and their seasonal sippers like Honeycrisp and the recently-released Tuscan Blue are always worth waiting for (as is their forthcoming batch of ice cider!). In addition to their more traditional ciders, Chaplain also offers such creative creations as the local honey-tinged Larrabee, the ginger tea-infused Calyx, the Sangria-cider mash-up known as Sidria, and their amazing cider syrup. Despite all the delicious gifts they offer, however, what I love most about Champlain is how much they give to others!

In addition to partnering with other purveyors whose products they pack into their plentiful gift boxes, Champlain recently kicked off a new program that will have them giving more of their own bounty to people in need.

Through their new Cider for Good program, Champlain will donate ¼-pound of apples to area food banks for each four-pack of cider they sell. As they grow over 175 different fruit varieties, this program will not only bring nutrition to thousands but also educate many about the wide range of local bounty that is available in our region. And as the program will be hosted in New England, New Jersey, and Delaware, it will hopefully bring Champlain’s delicious drinks and other treats and their generosity to people far and wide.

While I do not need any more reason to enjoy Champlain Orchard ciders that than delicious taste and the good feeling of knowing they are ecologically responsible, to also know that they are helping others makes even the dry ciders that much sweeter!

“…PASS THE BEER NUTS!”

Posted by

While the Boston Beer Company continues to strain at the definition of “microbrewery” as they continue to release more delicious varieties of beer to go with almost any food or event, it is good to know that another beer-loving company has begun to create foods that go perfectly with their beers.

Created by a pair of North Carolina women, Sippin Snax Gourmet Bar Snacks offers a collection of nuts, pretzels, and other sweet and savory snacks that go well not only with Sam Adams but with any other beverage…or just on their own!

Originally known as Hops + Nuts, the recently-revived sipper-savvy snack suppliers offer craft peanuts topped with beer salt, lager-lovin’ lime essence, “savree” aromatic herbs, or cocoa, espresso, and porter beer and also a flavor-bursting bar mix that features peppery peanuts, honey sweet sesame sticks, and piquant pretzels that will surely have you asking for more snacks and drinks to wash them down. For those who prefer other adult beverages, Sippin Snax has wine-washed nuts that pair perfectly with a Pinot or Merlot.

While this new set of snacks is sure to stir up fans fast, the original Hops + Nuts products are reliably delicious as well and include beer-flavored pretzels and peanuts that are topped with hot peppers and others that are meant to be paired with IPAs.

Perhaps the most notable pairing of all, however, is the one that Sippin Snax made with Sam Adams as part of the Brewing the American Dream entrepreneur showcase – Samuel Adams Boston Lager Craft Peanuts. Not only do they go great with Sam’s legendary brews, but the hand-crafted seasoning also mics the flavors of the original craft beer and can help that Boston Beer signature sudser shine in a bottle or a stein.

It’s so brilliant- it’s nutty!