Author: Matt Robinson

BRING ME YOUR TIRED…

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With COVID and inflation and tariffs, a lot of people in the restaurant space have been paying more than their share.

And few have been more drastically impacted than our brave immigrant brothers and sisters.

That is why I was so gratified to find the hard-working team behind the Welcome Project in Somerville when I attended their recent celebration called Yum:  A Taste of Immigrant City.

At this delicious event at the historic Armory, supporters of the Welcome Project (which educates and supports immigrants from all over the world who are finding safe haven in Somerville) were regaled with music by CuraSon and Around Hear and stories of triumph as well as traditional and contemporary music by some of the benefactors and beneficiaries of the Project.

What made the night so great for me was that I was able to meet and taste the delicious creations of a bunch of area restaurants – all of which are run by immigrants and all of which offer authentic tastes of flavors from around the world!

In addition to being served fried plantains from the daughters of the women behind Sisters Caribbean, I got to meet and eat with the Carolinas from Carolicious and also enjoy Italian faves from Vinny’s, inspired faves from Rincon Mexicano, and treats from Michette and Pastelaria Vitória Broadway.

The only bad part was I had missed the previous 15 years of this amazing event!

Rest assured I will be first in line for Yum 2026 and hope to do more to support this amazing and vital organization.

I hope to see more Matt’s Meals fans involved next year!

TASTES LIKE A VER-MILION

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The dining scene in Boston is roaring back and the latest jewel in the downtown crown is the Vermilion Club Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar– a restaurant and lounge located in the Winthrop Center in the heart of the Financial District that is now being helmed by Chef Justin Urso.

With a pedigree that includes such local legends as L’Espalier, Sel de la Terre, Chatham Bars Inn, and Cambridge’s Blue Owl, as well as working for Gordon Ramsay, Urso has a solid command of the farm-to-table ethos and a firm understanding and appreciation of the bounty that can be enjoyed in Greater Boston and New England and is ready to make the first Boston bastion of New York’s Michelin-starred JF Restaurant Group into the best steakhouse in town- bar none.

Speaking of bars, Vermilion is named for the sparkling Dale Chihuly piece that hangs above its expansive bar where guests can enjoy progressive cocktails crafted by award-winning Beverage Director Amy Racine. 

In addition to a slate of steaks that ranges from a 6 oz. club style filet to a 28 oz dry-aged tomahawk and 36 oz porterhouse (any of which can be enhanced with seared foie gras, bleu cheese Bearnaise, broiled lobster tail, and other seductive sauces and sides), Vermilion also offers a full locally-sourced raw bar, and unique specials like veal chop Pizzaiola, rigatoni alla vodka, crab tagliatelle, roasted canoe-cut bone marrow, and a trio of tartares that includes steak, tuna, and tomato. Whatever you order, be sure to save room for burnt bee baked Alaska with honey ice cream and Vermilion’s signature hummingbird cake

Even if you are still WFH, throw on a tie and head back downtown to the latest and potentially greatest steakhouse in Boston. I’ll see you at the Vermilion Club Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar!          

Pull out the cannon, Boys. Steal us some WINE.

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Before I promoted eateries and drinkeries on international radio, I was a contributor to such musical media outlets as Rolling Stone and Billboard and covered the music scene all over the world.

On one particularly memorable assignment, I got to interview my bass idol Les Claypool and asked him which of the four was his favorite string.

All these years later, Les is still a guitar hero and is apparently still producing amazingly offbeat stuff. In addition to performing with Primus and members of the Police and Phish (I sense a “P” theme here!), he is also now producing perfectly potable products of pressed grapes at his California winery called Purple Pachyderm.

Nestled in the Russian River Valley about 1.5 hours from the Bay Area, Purple Pachyderm is run by Les and his wife and guided by their many friendly wine-making neighbors. 

The result is a sipable (or, as Les might put it, slurpable) wine that is unique and impressive but still fun and approachable (much like Les himself).

While most of the vintages are of the Pinot Noir varietal, Purple Pachyderm ages the wines for different lengths of time in assorted containers to offer a range of varietal variations on a well-loved theme. They recently released a rosé that adds a new blush to the collection and also offer a Champagne Pachyderm that will make it even more fun to bring on the pink elephants.

For those who want the latest of Les’s lees, there is the League of Extraordinary Slurpers (Get it? L.E.S.!), which is the Pachyderm wine club. And if you are lucky enough to be in the Valley, the tasting room combines comfortable eats with some of Le’s personal memorabilia from his bass-ic life.

If you happen to see him, ask him which string he prefers now.

BODY AND SOUL

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Before I wrote and broadcast about food, I was a jazz journalist and I’m still always on the lookout for great places to listen to great music.

And if they have delicious authentic Soul food- all the better!

That is why I’m so fortunate to have met JaRon Eames and to be invited to his parlor jazz series in New York.

JaRon is a legendary singer, writer, tv host, and impresario who has interviewed and sung with some of the biggest names in jazz. 

On Sunday afternoons, he invites music fans of all stripes into his beautifully appointed (and thoughtfully soundproofed) apartment to hear handcrafted, locally-sourced music while also enjoying his authentically homemade soul food.

In addition to having the opportunity hear JaRon and his talented friends play and sing, guests are also invited to step up to the mic and regale the crowd with their favorite tunes as well!

In between courses and choruses, guests can also learn about jazz history by examining the posters and artwork on JaRon’s walls and peeking through his vast library of books, magazines, and other materials. They are also sure to learn from and connect with other guests and leave with songs in their hearts, delicious food in their bellies, new friends in their phones, and happy memories in their minds.

One great way to ensure that the social connections linger is by signing up for one of JaRon’s events through the New York Adventure Club. No matter how you get there, tell ‘em Matt’s Meals sent ya!                

SURVIVAL OF THE MOST DELICIOUS

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The other day, I was driving to teach at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office after hosting another live author interview at a senior community or library or Rotary Club meeting or maybe all of those and I realized I had not had lunch.

Reaching into my teaching bag, I was fortunate enough to find a packet from Nutrient Survival.

While I admit that true starvation was nowhere to be felt and that I probably could have made it through the class, as I wanted to give my students my best, I was glad and grateful to have such great sustenance on hand!

Created by a former Army Ranger, Nutrient Survival is very much like the meals ready-to-eat (MREs) that our brave men and women in uniform carry with them into battle, where the next meal and the next day may not be guaranteed. And while they have the same nutrition and energy that MREs offer, Nutrient Survival’s offerings are far more diverse in terms of menu options and far more delicious!

From essentials like powdered milk and vitamin eggs to hearty lasagna and a variety of granolas and cereals that come in cannon-proof cans or emergency-ready bug-out bags, Nutrient Survival has everything you need to stock your bunker or just to have handy snacks on the go that do not need refrigeration or much fuss to prepare. And with foods that fit every diet from gluten-free to vegetarian, pretty much everyone can make it through the day with their help.

Not sure military-grade food is for you (it is!)? Nutrient Survival offers a one-time trial purchase where you can get samples of their basics, breakfasts, entrees, or drinks for a super low price that acts like basic training before you jump from the boring food plane and find your true mission.

PURPLE PEOPLE UNITE!

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While many of us are staunchly on the side of “red” or “blue,” there is a growing movement of what has come to be called “Purple People” that see things in a calmer and more centrist and open way.

If you are looking to change (and calm) your mind or to explore how the other 51% lives, there is a great opportunity on the weekends of June 20-22 and 27-29 at The Farm at Summit Wynds (that’s “Wynds” with a “y’!) in Holden, MA.

On those weekends, the Farm will host their latest Lavender Farm Fest, during which guests can enjoy local fare while frolicking in fields of lavender. Even if you do not emerge with a new perspective on politics, you will surely have a new lease on life, as lavender has been proven to support calm and restful sleep and fend off stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even hair loss!

In addition to purple beauty, guests will also be able to enjoy lavender lemonade and ice cream, as well as Scovie Award-winning sauces from Bali Marie, cookies from Moo-Licious, and even hand-crafted perfumes from Coeur de Fleurs, many of which are made with the lavender from the Farm!

There will also be yoga and live music in the lavender fields, a vintage camper photo booth, wall-climbing races, and other one-of-a-kind experiences, including a presentation on aromatherapy by Anne-Marie Harnett of Harnett Healing in Plymouth!

When the deep purple falls, you’ll want to be there, so go enjoy some calming farm life at Lavender Farm Fest!

RESIN AND IVORY

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For many years, King’s has been known for fun food and great bowling.

I am such a fan that I hosted my own 50th birthday there and had an amazing time in one of their private rooms!

Now King’s in Back Bay is opening a new special cover-free room at 50 Dalton Street on Friday through Sunday nights that will surely be a destination for party people of all types- whether you roll with The Jesus or not.

Named for the number of keys on a piano, the 88 Club offers nostalgically sophisticated takes on King’s famed beverage and bites menus alongside live piano bar entertainment that includes all of your favorite Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, and Journey songs- and MUCH more! 

Among the tasty tipples and treats to taste while talented troubadours tickle the ivories are the Green Tea shot (with Jameson and peach Schnapps), the Call My Uber (with Hennessy and Cointreau), a bucket of bottomless popcorn (with or without Ranch seasoning), and the Tinis and Weenies combo of mini martinis and cocktail hot dogs.

If you can’t make it every weekend, King’s still has plenty of food, folks, and fun, thanks to their popular Triple Point Tuesday program for reward members and $1 wonton Wednesdays for everyone. If you are in town for summer school, Wednesdays at Kings also mean 50% off bowling and food at Kings Back Bay. And if you proudly served, Kings thanks you with free bowling any day of the week!

FREE TIME

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For many, summer is a time to relax and kick back and let the work slide a bit while you enjoy a favorite food or beverage.

Unfortunately, hunger is not one to take a break and those who work to stave it off have had to work harder than ever lately.

That is why I am urging people to drop by Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville on June 5 from 5:30-7:30 PM to help out Food for Free, one of the many local organizations that works hard all year long to make sure people facing food insecurity have what they need to survive.

At their Party Under the Harvest Moon Gala at MIT, I got to meet the talented, hard-working team behind Food for Free and also meet many of the people who benefit from their tireless efforts. I had so much fun and felt so encouraged that I can’t wait to meet more people (including many of my listeners) at the June 5 event, where Food for Free’s Summertime School Markets program will be featured.

Though the event is free, it is appreciated if you can show your support with more than your presence. Please go to https://foodforfree.org and see how you can get involved, either through this summer event or at any time of year.

Hunger does not take a vacation, but we can put it on furlough with help from Food for Free.

CALLING ALL CONES!

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When I am not talking about food, I am teaching writing and entrepreneurship to inmates at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office in Dedham, MA.

While there, I get to work alongside and marvel at the efforts of the men and women in uniform who protect our community and keep order among the inmates.

Recently, as I was leaving the facility, I noticed a large red truck parked out front in the Sheriff’s own space!

At first, I thought there must be some kind of emergency.

It was- An Ice Cream Emergency!

This converted bus is literally an ice cream parlor on wheels and brings fresh ice cream and all the toppings you can handle to almost anywhere you would want it.

From simple cups and cones to all-out sundae supremes and mega packages, the ICE can bring packages that fit any occasion and appetite, making it perfect for every situation. Whether it be a private party or corporate event or even a well-deserved sweet serving of appreciation for police, fire, or other emergency workers, this tasty truck puts the ICE in ice cream in a friendly, non-threatening way that will be welcomed by anyone it visits! 

And with a team of trucks that reaches from Massachusetts and Connecticut to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and all the way to Florida, most any East Coasters you know are in range. 

If there is a spot that could use ICE that does not have one, franchises are also available.

Who knows? Maybe some of my entrepreneurship students will be driving one after they are released!

RE-CONVENING THE COMMITTEE

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Having recently raved about Saltie Girl in Boston’s Back Bay, I was intrigued to learn that their star chef Sebastian Zuluaga had been poached by another favorite eatery.

Though it has been a Seaport staple for 10 years, Committee has never been one to rest on its significant Greek laurels. The hiring of Chef Zuluaga is just the latest proof!

In addition to a new seasonal menu, Committee has also made some aesthetic changes, adding more and more modern seating and dining areas, a beautiful mural by Mark Grundig that dances with the hues of the harbor, and a new 68-seat patio that will surely be an added attraction for locals and tourists alike.

While the look is impressive, the true focus remains the food. As an authentic Greek Ouzeri, the Mediterranean diet is at the forefront of Committee‘s commitment to great food and drink, and that will be highlighted through such new faves as the appetizer dip trio (with tzatziki, tirokafteri, and green goddess hummus), the souvlaki trio (featuring chicken, pork, and lamb), a tuna crudo with cucumber water and tomato ponzu, and a kreaton feast that includes grilled lamb, pork, and chicken, with enough fries, zucchini, and pita to serve your entire legion.

Brunch fans will be able to enjoy such Hellenic hits as house-made kolokithii muffins, roasted lamb hash, and a grilled cheese sandwich made with spanakopita, each of which can be washed with a tray of mimosas made with fresh juices and bubbles from Greece and Spain. The Committee bar also features Greek beer and mocktails that fit in with the healthy diet that inspires most of their menu. But even the halva ice cream is made with healthy Greek honey, so its no big deal!