Author: Matt Robinson

Now MORE People Can See RED

Posted by

Whether it is offering lower-calorie or lower-sugar chocolate that tastes as good as (if not better than) anything else on the market or giving away that chocolate to worthy organizations like Project Insulin (www.ProjectInsulin.org) to allow their sugar-sensitive supporters a chance to enjoy the sweet taste of success, RED Chocolate knows how to serve and support its growing legions of foodie fans.

In an effort to engage and satisfy the (fortunately) growing groups of health-conscious eaters, RED continues to add to its luscious list of low-sugar, non-GMO, gluten- and palm oil-free, kosher-, keto-, and Weight Watchers-friendly offerings. Among the most recent revelations is a vegan chocolate that uses healthy oats instead of dairy at its still creamy and mouth-watering base and that also includes RED’s signature blend of sustainable Ivory Coast cocoa with immunity-supporting Spanish citrus and protein-packed Pacific coast almonds.

As they are made in an award-winning “green” facility and have already been approved by professional dieticians, RED chocolates are also perfect for your favorite personal environmental conditioner and nutritionist (i.e., your mom) and make a great gift for her day (or any other)! In fact, if you enter RED4MOM when you order, you BOTH get a special treat!

While many people have been finding RED through Matt’s Meals and in a growing set of stores that now includes  Kroger, Hy-Vee, BJ’s and also on many military bases (and that always includes www.red-chocolate.com), RED is reaching out even further through their growing line of top chef ambassadors who take part in RED’s monthly Chef Series (www.red-chocolate.com/chef-series). Though the chefs come from all over the world, they all share one thing in common- a love of RED and a desire to use their favorite varieties in all of their desserts and other dishes. From barks and brownies to cakes and cookies, RED fits in nearly any recipe and also in nearly any lifestyle with ease and flavor!

So order some today and tell ‘em you RED it on Matt’s Meals!

75 Years of Growth

Posted by

Regardless of your politics, it is pretty undeniable that the State of Israel has been an exemplar in scientific discovery and ingenuity and that, especially as a nation that was born of the desert and still has little water to begin with, is an inspiration for other nations that need to be more aware of and careful with their most precious natural resources (which pretty much includes everyone!).

That is why everyone can learn and benefit from a visit to Foodscape, a new, non-political, nationally-touring immersive art and culinary experience that will be stopping by the Rose Kennedy Greenway on May 28 from noon to 4 PM before wandering to New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC.

Curated by the Jewish Arts Collaborative (JArts) and Israel’s own BAMAH arts, Foodscape offers a multi-sensory journey that strives to define the flavor of Israel and interpret it for international audiences by inviting people from all cultures and backgrounds to engage the 75-year-old nation’s unique and pioneering ecosystem without ever boarding an El Al plane (or even leaving their neighborhood)!

In less than 3,000 feet, people will be able to see, smell, touch, and even taste the pluralistic plantings and Technion-tested tactics that have helped make Israel a leader in environmental preservation and culinary creativity as they join Israeli artists in interacting with the ingredients necessary to make the popular Middle Eastern soda known as gazoz. While traveling through Foodscape, people will also encounter live performance pieces and other sweet, salty, and savory surprises from the food-focused folks at Studio Mela.

For some, Israel is far away geographically or even politically. For others, it may be a distant vision of the soul. Thanks to Foodscape, the nation and its notions can both be made more real and digestible right here in your own backyard.

Learn more by visiting www.jartsboston.org

Back to the Track

Posted by

I have long been a fan of Rail Trail Flatbread Company and its sister ice cream stop New City Microcreamery and so was thrilled to hear how successful the Valentine’s Day event that we recently promoted was.! 

Apparently, people came from miles around to pick up the special heart-shaped pizzas they made that we decorated with poems by neighborhood second grade students. Speaking of students, Rail Trail’s recent Teachers Appreciation Day event on May 2 was another hit, with scores of area educators dropping by for a well-deserved free lunch.

To keep the good vibes going (and the event calendar full), New City will be participating the Best Buddies walk at Polar Park in Worcester on Saturday, May 13, to help even more neighbors in need get support. On the 13th and 14th, they will also offer special Mother’s Day meals featuring their famed flatbreads and other delicious delights. The next weekend, Rail Trail will join their newest neighbors in Milford, MA (which was recently added to their sought-out addresses in Hudson, Sudbury, and Cambridge) by participating in that town’s terrific Milford Day festivities. As usual, proceeds from sales of their flatbreads and nitrogen-smoothed ice creams will go to support community organizations. May 21 also marks the eighth birthday of the talented team and their terrific treats- I can hardly believe it has been so long since I first fell in love with them!

As they are so dedicated to offering great food and doing so much good for others, it is no surprise that Rail Trail and New City have so many fun and productive events planned. There is even talk of presentations of a book about the Ivy league in the works!

Even if it is just an allegedly average day, however, Rail Trail and New City make any meal special and any day worth celebrating!

https://railtrailflatbread.com / https://newcitymicrocreamery.com/

Make More for Maine

Posted by

While I often discuss the restaurants that have been doing their best to survive and (hopefully) once again thrive, the fact that many restaurants went away and that many people are still reticent to come back to them has caused issues for another set of food friends- Namely, the farmers who produce the products that most restaurants (and home chefs) use to craft their creative creations.

Fortunately, some pioneering places are coming up with fruitful ways to support their fruit and vegetable suppliers.

The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (which can be found at mainefarmersmarkets.org) recently rolled out a new program called Bumper Crop that sells product vouchers that are valid at over 50 of Maine’s most meaningful markets. From Augusta and Bangor to Kittery and Portland to Wells and York, these handy harvest helpers allow users to go to any of the participating markets and pick up whatever healthy foods and other goods suit their fancies, including Maine’s legendary blueberry and maple products, as well as fresh cheeses, spices and sauces, coffees and teas, and even edible flowers!
In addition to purchasing Bumper Crop vouchers for yourself or other people you hope to keep healthy and happy, the Federation has also been offering the vouchers to employers as an employee wellness benefit (for which they only pay for the amounts that their employees actually use!). So far, over $100,000 worth of the vouchers have been distributed by area employers, benefitting both their employees and their farming friends and neighbors as well! 

Speaking of benefits, the program has already added about $25 to each produce purchase and encouraged over 60% of users to visit more markets and to eat more healthy and organic goods- so the benefits go far beyond the financial!

Let’s hope that other areas remember the Maine Federation so their family farms can bump up their businesses and better support other communities as well.

mainefarmersmarkets.org

Home Page

Southern Charm on 95 North

Posted by

As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a BIG fan of Southern Food.

And while I am yet to find a totally authentic experience in Boston, I am glad to say that I only had to go a bit south to get the flavor of some of my favorite foods

While looking for places in Providence to sell the book on the Ivy League I wrote in honor of my late father’s time at Brown, I was advised by David Dadekian of the RI Food Council to check out Kin.

Thank you, David!!!

From the honey butter cornbread and fried green tomatoes to the chicken and waffles and beignets with Café Du Monde-recalling powdered sugar to the fried chicken and blackened salmon sliders and a side of candied sweet potatoes that doubles as dessert, Kin has everything a Southern food fan could want, all made by authentic imports from the homeland of great American food and cooked with all their familial love. Even their vinegar-based hot sauce is homemade (and worth buying a bottle on your way out)!

Speaking of delicious liquids, Kin also has “Dranks” like the new-fangled Old Fashioned called Cut the Check (featuring Uncle Nearest 1884 small-batch Whiskey), the rum-rockin’ Juju Juice (which is available in a sharable fish bowl), and a Sweet Tea and Henessey-based drink worthy of Busta Rhymes. 

In addition to supporting the great food community that is Providence, Kin also supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the RI Black Film Fest and will also be hosting their own Juneteenth block party on June 16. They also offer a Derby Day party (which will take place this year on May 6) that will make everyone yearn for their Old Kentucky Home.

So the next time you want to put some real South in yo’ mouth, all you gotta’ do is head down 95 South to get some 100% authentic (and delicious) food.

www.kinpvd.com / www.rifoodcouncil.org

Just Like “Nonna”

Posted by

Known for such award-winning Harvard-area hangs as Alden & Harlow, The Longfellow Bar, and Waypoint, Chef Michael Scelfo is crossing the border to Somerville with his latest sure-to-be hit, Josephine. In so doing, he is also crossing a larger border (both in terms of time and space) to the kitchen of the Sicilian grandmother after whom the new spot is named.

While Scelfo has brought joy to many diners with the amazing food and fun and funky atmospheres of his current locations, when it came to his new place, he looked back at the kitchen experiences that brought him the most joy and one woman appeared in nearly all of them. In addition to inspiring his recipes and commitment to culinary excellence, Scelfo’s Nonna Josephine also inspired him as a restaurateur and family man who is already passing Scelfo traditions to his own descendants.

While the menu is sure to offer something for every family, Josephine’s focus is on pizzas that range from comfortably classic to creatively contemporary. From a  heavy hitting deep dish edition made with a butter crust and whole milk mozzarella to the Hella good Rosemary’s Baby with roasted chicken, potato, fontina, and caramelized onion to the “peppy” white pie with clam sauce, pecorino and a ton of garlic, the options are plentiful and all delicious. If you are not up for a pie, Scelfo will also be sure nobody goes home hungry with other treats like dry-aged meatballs, a smoked and chilled veal shoulder, a zesty roasted olive plate, warm Focaccia with tomatoes and Crecenza cheese, and fantastic finishers like their torched rice pudding and traditional olive oil cake.

To compliment these complement-worthy creations, Josephine’s bar offers martinis on tap garnished with flavored gelatins as well as many Italian and American wines and beers. And if these are not refreshing enough Josephine’s has an outdoor seating area with a roaring firepit for al fresco alla Siciliano!

Nonna Jo would be proud and you should be getting over for dinner soon!

www.josephinepizza.com

Harpoon Gets H[o/a]ppier

Posted by

As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a BIG fan of local makers, especially when it comes to beverages. Living in the Boston area, we are spoiled with the legendary likes of Dorchester Brewing (who are sponsoring the Premiere Hockey League champs the Boston Pride), Sam Adams (who help Red Sox fans make it through another season), and, of course, my pretzel-making pals at Harpoon, whose pretzels alone have gotten me and many food-loving friends through many a long day at the office.

What may set Harpoon apart in this notable crowd is its partnerships. Having made the most of relationships with the equally legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry Dunkin Donuts and even Joanne Chang’s famed Flour Bakery, Harpoon has recently branched out into a whole new area of growth.

In a partnership with Novel Beverage Co., which is northeast’s premier manufacturer of THC-infused beverages, Harpoon has recently released Rec. Weed, the latest (and perhaps most fun) member of its popular lower-calorie and alcohol Rec. series. And while the rest of this seasonal set is great any time of year for recreating, the new addition (which is available at dispensaries in Novel’s home states of MA and ME) takes relaxation to a new level while taking the alcohol as low as it can go.

While the 5 mg of pure THC may be attractive, as with all Harpoon products, the taste of Rec. Weed is the real high point! Made with real passionfruit puree and green tea, Rec. Weed offers citrusy notes amidst its hoppy hempiness. And as it cold-steeped and carbonated but not fermented, the sugars are low and the alcohol content is non-existent, allowing the easy aftereffects to come on quicker and linger longer, all while not getting in the way of your busy day.

While Harpoon’s partner in Mass. Bay Brewing Company – Long Trail – has released CBD-infused seltzers, Rec. Weed represents the company’s first THC-tinged beer and Harpoon’s first foray into the space. As usual, they have made a big hit!

 www.drinkrecweed.com / www.harpoonbrewery.com

Harpoon Serves Those Who Serve

Posted by

I have often spoken about how Harpoon beer supports other local food friends and the community by partnering with the legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry and Flour Bakery and has even offered new ways for their fans to relax with their no-alcohol Rec. series (which includes their premiere THC-infused beer known as Rec. Weed).

Thus summer, they have found even more ways to bring sunshine into the lives on many, including our brave Veterans.

Knowing how unpredictable weather in New England can be, Harpoon has recently released two new beers that are meant to capture the sunniest days of summer in a bottle (or can).

Together with their partners at UFO, Harpoon is now offering their Juicer Hazy IPA and UFO Florida Citrus, both of which feature fruity undertones, intense citrus aromas, and crisp, refreshing flavor that can brighten any day (or night). To celebrate, they recently sent a fan to Miami through their UFO Florida Citrus Spring Break Giveaway but, even if you didn’t win, you can still enjoy the taste of sunshine every time you pop open one of these new brews.

Looking ahead to Independence Day, Harpoon is also doing what it can to help those who fight for our independence by offering another pair of new beers called American Flyer Lager and American Flyer Light that will donate $1 from every case sold to Folds of Honor and the Fisher House Foundation. These worthy organizations help members of military families pay for their education and offer them a place to stay while their family members undergo medical treatment at VA hospitals. 

While many may think of our Veterans primarily on Veterans Day and Independence Day, Harpoon reminds all of their friends and fans that these people are fighting every day, even after their deployments, and that we owe them all a debt of gratitude for the freedoms that we all enjoy every day. What better way to celebrate and support them, then, and to bring more sunshine into every day, than by raising a delicious toast from our friends at Harpoon? 

www.harpoonbrewery.com

The Brothers are BACK ;)

Posted by

Many years ago, I sang the praises of a great restaurant just outside of Boston called Brothers. It not only offered great food made by – you guessed it – a set of brothers, but it also featured amazing music by two of the most talented brothers in the area – Bill and Bo Winiker. 

When COVID shut the restaurant down, I was worried that the music would be over too. Fortunately, not only have the restaurant and the band returned, but they are now even closer to where I live!

The talented team behind Brothers recently took over Cook in Needham center. While I had not been there basically since Covid started, my return to the restaurant was well worth the wait! 

Not only does the simple but ample menu feature such tempting treats as charred broccoli with chimichurri sauce, a pita and dip set with creamy whipped feta cheese and zingy za’atar sauce, and an intricately-flavored sesame, mandarin salad that can be topped with falafel, chicken, shrimp, or salmon, as well as great burgers, pizzas and specials, but also great drinks, like the tequila and Mezcal-based Cactus Cooler, a spicy pineapple Margarita, and the wicked fresh Cranberry Bog.

Though the kids menu is less ample than that meant for older eaters, all the options are spot on and well-made. Our girls loved the chicken fingers and pasta, but suggested that they may get burgers or mac and cheese next time.

And then, of course, there is the music! Not only have Bill and Bo played at the White House, the closing of the old Boston Garden, and the opening of the new one, and at Symphony Hall, they also played my wedding and are booked for a number of future family celebrations. They are, to put it mildly, the best of the best! So to be able to hear their music while enjoying delicious quality food in a comfortable neighborhood place (that just happens to be in my neighborhood) made for a great way to spend an evening and I look forward to doing it again soon and often.

www.cookneedham.com / http://www.winikermusic.com

It’s Time (once Again) to Get Fresh

Posted by

After a four-year hiatus (thanks to your old friend COVID), the Greater Boston Food Bank is proud to re-present their fabulous Fresh Fest on May 17 from 6-9 PM at High Street Place which is quickly becoming a go-to spot for foodies in Boston- especially those who do not want to have to pick just one type of great food!

While the event’s move from the Food Bank warehouse was actually prompted by an inability to shut the facility down due to the still overwhelming call for food support, guests at the Fest will have a rare opportunity to enjoy High Street Place after hours and without the crushing crowds that have made the spot one of the hottest eateries in the area.

From Dive Bar’s undersea treats and Haley Jane’s fried chicken to sushi from Fuji at HSP, Tenderoni’s Pizza, North East of the Border tacos, and Boston’s Best burgers from Wheelhouse, the Food Bank event will include every one of High Street’s vendors’ amazing foods, any of which can be paired with beers from Alewives Taproom, champagne and wine from Bubble Bath, smoothies from Mother Juice, or hand-crafted lattes from Gracenote Coffee.

Fest guests will also have opportunities to meet and eat with James Beard Award-winning chefs and there is even a VIP lounge where extra special (and delicious) surprises await. There will also be auctions and other fun fundraisers to help the Bank keep giving every other night of the year.

Another highlight of the event will be the naming of the Food Bank’s Partner Appreciate Award winners and recognition for the other honorees who did not get their time in the spotlight due to lockdown.

The Greater Boston Food Bank give so much all year. Why not give back for a night while taking in one of Boston’s best places to eat at more than one of the best places?

For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to GBFB.org/FreshFest.