Author: Matt Robinson

A LEGENDARY “GREASY SPOON” GETS EVEN HEALTHIER!

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When most people think of diners, they may not think of healthy foods. However, as we have seen at the 50’s Diner in Dedham and at our favorite South Street Diner in Boston, such combinations can be deliciously feasible.

While they may be famous for their pre-Sox game hot dog extravaganzas, big burger board, expansive Benedict menu, and mind-blowing pancakes that rival their sibling restaurant – the Good Morning America’s United States of Breakfast champ North Street Grill – South Street has always had a fitter side that makes repeated visits not only attractive but can make you more so as well!

Among the Diner’s latest diet-friendly offerings are gluten-free and vegan chicken tenders and sausage patties that go great with their vegan French toast and pancakes – both of which are made with gluten-free bread, oat milk, and egg substitute yet retain all the fruit-topped flavor of the original option. South Street also offers vegetarian chilaquiles that are as authentically South of the border as the meat lover’s variety that brings people from South Boston and beyond.

For those who like to pack in the superfoods while taking advantage of our local bounty, the Diner is upping its seasonal menu savvy with their famed Pumpkin invasion- a hearty plate of pumpkin French toast with a side of freshly-made pumpkin bread and pumpkin coffee (hot or iced). 

If coffee is too traditional a diner offering for you, South Street also offers a wide range of beverages that ranges from milkshakes and raspberry-lime Rickeys to local beers and international wines. And while the mimosas stop at 1 AM, everything else is ready whenever you are.

While the North Street Grille may have won GMA’s battle of Boston breakfasts, South Street is still an award-winning local legend that rewards repeat repasts. And whether you want to follow your diet or go all out, the Diner has just what you want…and more!

DUNKIN’ SCORES AGAIN

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It must be teaching season because I have been talking a LOT about coffee and other ways to get going in the morning.

Having already sung the praises of new faves like IQ Joe and Kickstarter coffees, I would be reticent if I did not check in with some old friends as well.

While they may be best known for giving America something to run on, Dunkin’ has recently expanded their partnership with Harpoon Brewery by not only bringing back their popular Dunkin’ Pumpkin flavor but also by jumping on the burgeoning beverage bandwagon of ready-to-drink spiked beverages.

As the coffee drinks are dairy free, there is no “regulah,” but the set of 6% ABV coffee-based refreshers ranges from the rich and classic taste of original to a bold and chocolatey mocha, a creamy and smooth vanilla, and a sweet caramel iced coffee. There is also a quartet of 5% ABV teas that start with slightly sweet and then go a bit wild with the addition of mango pineapple and strawberry dragonfruit. For the golfing set, there is even an alcoholic Ahnold Pahlmah that combines equal portions of black tea and fresh lemonade with a twist of malt liquor.

Though the flavors may be favorites to young and old alike (and surely will be for those who are yet to try them), as these beverages are for adults only, Dunkin’ has been wise enough to give them their own domain – https://dunkinspiked.com – and to sell them only in age-appropriate venues, either as single 19 ounce cans or in variety packs of 12 ounce cans that will help you stop runnin’ at the end of the day or just run a bit more mellowly in the middle.

I hate to mix sports metaphors, but if Dunkin’ Pumpkin is any sign of what Harpoon and Dunkin’ can do together, Dunkin’ Spiked is sure to be a slam dunk!

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SPICE-ING UP THE COOL(?) MONTHS

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Though the traditional cool-down of fall is yet to transpire (please recycle, y’all!), it is always a good time to spice things up with our friends at Boston Spice.

Even though fall is not yet evident, the annual tradition of apple picking has already kicked off at many local farms. As many see him as the founder of this favorite form of family fun, Boston Spice is paying tribute to the legendary Johnny Appleseed (nee John Chapman) with their new Johnny Applespice baking blend, which is perfect for homemade pies and cobblers and also for cookies, cakes, and pretty much anything else you can make to end a meal for family and friends on a sweet and spicy note.

Another undeniable tradition is Thanksgiving, for which Boston Spice has their Plymouth Rocks the Brine dry spice blend. Combining Kosher salt, local maple sugar, orange peel, sage and other flavorful favorites, this brining rub will surely become a new family tradition as well and is a great way to add flavor to leftover turkey the next day and other meals all year ‘round.

A bit further on, there is another undeniable celebration to be had- that of 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party on December 16. As always, Steven Bortnick’s spice company is ready with the Boston Wine Party – a great mulling spice collection that is perfect to toast this revolutionary event or any special event that you may have (even if tea is not involved!). This warm and sweet set of locally-sourced spices is available all over town and, of course, at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum in Boston’s Fort Point Channel (which was recently voted America’s #1 patriotic attraction!).

The weather may be confusing (if not dangerous) lately, but we can all still take comfort in family traditions, especially those that involve sharing and preparing delicious food. Boston Spice makes those good times all the more delicious no matter when you use them or even if you are just cooking for yourself.

www.bostonspice.com

BACK TO THE PIT

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I have long been a fan of Veteran-run companies and even longer a fan of condiments.

That is why I love to sing the praises of True Made Foods!

Not only are many of their low- and no-sugar sauces (including those at Fenway and Nationals Park) made with vegetables that can be snuck into even the pickiest eaters’ meals, True Made also develops many items with legendary barbecue-ist (and fellow Veteran) Ed Mitchell.

As he is known as the most famous pitmaster in the ‘cue capital of North Carolina, it is no surprise that Mitchell’s new cookbook – simply called Ed Mitchell’s Barbecue –is among the top sellers in its class as well.

Co-written with his son (and student) Ryan and food expert Zella Palmer (who is also head of the Ray Charles Program in African American Material Culture at Dillard University in New Orleans), the book celebrates the history and tradition of barbeque. As Mitchell started ‘cueing at the age of 14 and as many of the recipes go back to his ancestors in Africa, he should (and does) know all about it!

From hush puppies and skillet cornbread to, fried green tomatoes and okra poppers to ribs, backyard brisket, and barbequed chicken, Ed’s book has recipes for everything for every course and every level of ‘talent – from the ‘cue-rious to the potential pitmaster, all told with family stories that give the recipes context and extra depth.

Whether you are a pitmaster, a master sergeant, or a fan of great condiments made by amazing people, True Made and Ed’s creations are for you!

www.thepitmasteredmitchell.com

FIRE IN THE CAN

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If they were just a Veteran-owned company, I would be a fan of Fire Dept. Coffee.

If they just had flavors like vanilla sprinkle donut, skull-crushing espresso, and rum-infused coffee, I would be a fan of Fire Dept. Coffee.

If they offered only a Coffee of the Month club that lets firefighters and other fans enjoy their single-origin and other fantastic flavors with every super-charging sip, and not their first responder-supporting t-shirt club, I would be a fan of Fire Dept. Coffee.

But when I learned that Fire Dept. Coffee now comes in nitro-charged ready-to-drink cans that feature such favorite flavors as Irish coffee, vanilla bean Bourbon, and shellback espresso (which offers a special tip of the pull tab to the Navy), the ability to take their life-enhancing flavor and life-saving energy with me almost anywhere took even my fandom to a new level.

Not only does this stuff help keep firefighters up and at ‘em (both with its flavor and energy and also with donations to the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation), it does it with one-of-a-kind flavors that are as special and worthy of praise as every first responder who enjoys them and that can help get you up the ladder every day as well.

The alarm bell is ringing. Will you answer?

www.firedeptcoffee.com

JELLY THAT CAN GET YOU PICKLED

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We have used many words for food over the years, but here are two I have not heard together before- jelly and alcohol!

I have been a fan of PB&J since I was a kid, but now that I am…older, I sometimes seek a more sophisticated sweetener for my legumated lunch.

That is why I am so thrilled to have found Olde Haven Farm!

As it is a family-run farm in Maine, it may be no surprise that Olde Haven uses traditional and ethical techniques to process and distribute its many delicious products. What might be interesting, however, is that many of these products combine flavors and ingredients that are not usually combined.

In addition to their home-grown produce and meats, Olde Haven is known for their preserves and preservations. From authentic salsas from south of the (Canadian) border to mustard pickles that combine the two best hot dog toppers in one to dill-brined green beans and garlic honey carrots, the folks at Olde Haven know how to use old techniques to make new taste sensations. But what may be the most sensational are their fresh fruit jams that, as mentioned before, are often laced with liquor!

In addition to familiar faves like strawberry rhubarb and (of course) wild Maine blueberry, Olde Haven whips up boozy batches of cherry Amaretto, cinnamon apple Whiskey, pomegranate Rosé, and Bourbon peach (which is GREAT on ice cream!), and even a Christmas flavor that is perfect for mull-ing over a gift list. Speaking of gifts, Olde Haven’s products can be combined to fit any occasion and any recipient, regardless of age or tolerance.

From the famed Maine farmer’s markets to your local grocer (just ask!), Olde Haven is growing in popularity thanks to its combination of family tradition and creative ingenuity- Just like a farm in Maine should be!

www.oldehavenfarm.com

COZY COGNITION

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While I am still very much enjoying IQJoe and Kickstarter coffee as nutritious and brain-supporting ways to help start my day, sometimes I want something a little bit sweeter that brings back memories from childhood and works better for my own children as well.

That’s why I’m so enjoying MOCO (short for “My Original COco”) – a delicious, hot cocoa mix that is organic, vegan, allergy-friendly, low in sugar, dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free, packed with nutrition, and processed without chemicals so you can enjoy the flavor and nutrition and not have to worry about unwanted ingredients that may take some of the fun out of this favorite treat.

Created by two Vermont-based moms who wanted to bring more nutrition to their families’ favorite drink, MOCO comes in three varieties – traditional classic, bold Mexican, and their award-winning peppermint hot chocolate – so that any cocoa-phile can find a flavor to love. No matter which flavor you try all of the cocoa is ethically sourced and each pack is made by hand with lots of sweetness and love.

MOCO is also great in shakes, on oatmeal, and also mixed with coffee, so you can enjoy each of the three flavors as well as the versatility that MOCO brings to your table- whether in a mug, a bowl, or elsewhere!

While cacao is already respected as a superfood (as we have discussed when talking about FlavaNaturals and other favorites), MOCO adds Maca – cruciferous plant (like broccoli and kale) that is filled with antioxidants and has been shown to improve mood and support energy and memory without the crash of caffeine.

MY girls clamor for hot chocolate all the time, but I am often wary of giving them too much as I am not always sure about what is in the packets. With MOCO, I can feel good about giving them what they want knowing that their favorite treat is also giving them a lot of what they need to grow.

www.MOCOVT.com

GLUTEN-FREE FOR ALL

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As we try to stay on the forefront of consumer desires, we talk a good deal about the latest in gluten-free options. Among our recent scoops have been Mightylicious cookies, the latest Celiac-friendly faves at Kane’s Donuts, and the newest tummy-friendly temptations at South Street Diner.

While gluten-free foods remain popular and have been shown to reduce the chance of developing many other diseases, they can still post complications for many people who want to cook and bake on their own.

Fortunately, there is a new set of gluten-free doughs that allow even the most amateur chef to become a gluten-free pro in no time!

Appropriately named Gluten Free Easy, this raft of recipe starters includes puff pastry, pita and pizza doughs that are not only gluten-free, but also vegan and kosher!

Created by a pair of women, who wanted to allow and encourage friends with sensitive stomachs enjoy more dough Gluten Free Easy doughs have been tested by hundreds of blindfolded fans, many of whom claim that they taste even better than their proteined partners!

To use Gluten Free Easy doughs, all you need to do is take them out of your freezer and top or fill them with whatever you choose to make everything from blintzes Spanakopita and whatever your edible imagination conjures.

If you need more gluten-free inspiration, Gluten Free Easy doughs are available at thee Gluten Free Shoppe (spelled with the old-timey “ppe” at the end), a Brooklyn-based marketplace that is a safe haven and epicurean wonderland for those dealing with Celiac or those who just want to try new versions of traditional favorites.

In addition to the doughs, the Shoppe has premade baked goods (including challah and donuts!), as well as snacks and supplements and their site has a handy Q&A about Celiac so those with it and those who love them can be more informed as they all expand their menus with these delicious foods.

https://www.gf-easy.com / https://theglutenfreeshoppe.com

IMPERIAL DESTROYERS

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As I have been writing about music and food for so many years, Austin has become a second home. 

And just as I love ciders from Champlain Orchards, Stormalong, Harpoon, Nine Pin, Hudson North, Left Bank, and Angry Orchard in this area, I LOVE Austin East Ciders anywhere I can get them!

While I have long been a fan of their Texas honey and fruit-based ciders (especially those featuring lemon and ginger, blackberry, and other flavors I have not tasted at other cideries), as I enjoy them so much, I have recently found my way to their 100-calorie light ciders which also offer great fruit taste and feature combinations like blueberry yuzu and cucumber agave that are as deliciously weird as the city itself!

While the lower-calorie varieties are every bit as delicious and refreshing as anything else in the East Ciders line (which is saying something!), I have also been indulging in the 8% ABV line of Imperial ciders, which includes a juicy tropical punch and the latest edition- a Mosaic hops-based dry cider.

Not only do these new additions to Austin East Cider’s impressive and expansive (but all equally high-quality) menu taste amazing, but their red, green, and gold color scheme are perfect for the holidays (though I cannot wait that long!).

Speaking of the season so giving, in addition to providing some of the tastiest ciders around, Austin East Ciders also uses proceeds from their sales to support not-for-profit organizations in the Austin area, including many that support animals and artists, children and students, and the environment. As global warming has become such an issue in the South, it is more important than ever for everyone to do what they can to fight the heat- and not just with cold beverages. Fortunately, Austin East Ciders has that down cold as well!

www.austineastciders.com

TAKING CARE OF A MOTHER OF A PROBLEM…DELICIOUSLY

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As I talk about food so much, it stands to reason that I have a lot in my house. As a result, food waste is a BIG concern.

Fortunately, I am not alone in my desire to stem the tide on the billions of pounds and dollars that are wasted every year when perfectly usable food is thrown away and ends up contributing to climate change in landfills.

Among my most ardent (and delicious) allies is Matriark Foods, a certified Women-Owned Business that recently launched the world’s first line of upcycled pasta sauces.

While this may not sound like much of a triumph, when you consider how many tons of tasty tomatoes are tossed every year, the fact that Matriark can use domestically-grown, slightly unattractive but still perfectly safe and healthy love apples to create varieties that range from their gentle marinara to a spicy arrabbiata, it is a giant step in the right direction and one that I hope others will follow. When you add that all of their sauces are non-GMO and vegan and have no added sugar, that the Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper packaging is easier on the planet than traditional glass jars, and that the company is partnered with 1% for the Planet and Planet Forward and partnering with communities where nutritious food is hard to come by, the news is even tastier!

I recently topped one of my favorite Re-Grained upcycled pastas for a delicious, nutritious, and environmentally-conscious one-two punch of flavor and it made me feel good inside and out because I knew I was doing good for my body and for my community too!

In any case, Matriark makes delicious ways to top off whatever you eat with inspired ingredients, great flavor, solid nutrition, and the good feeling that comes from knowing you are serving your family and the planet with your best intentions.

matriarkfoods.com