Author: Matt Robinson

SWEET FREEDOM

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While Passover may best be known as a story of slavery, there is a sweetness and sustenance to the Spring holiday that help keep more people participating than in any other Jewish holiday.

In an effort to up the ante, chocolatier Sarah Shapiro of Wild Child Chocolate in Somerville has combined her passion for single-origin chocolate with her Jewish roots to come up with a series of culinary questions that are as delicious as they are provocative.Based on the famous four questions that are for many an anchor of the observance of Passover, Shapiro has created a quartet of candies that encourage those who enjoy them to pose further questions about the people and relationships that are involved in their production and consumption and to make sure that the people involved are free to produce and procure them without anyone feeling enslaved or insulted.The four bars (which Shapiro maintains are the only small batch, Orthodox-certified Kosher chocolates made in the Northeast if not the country!) are all made with single-origin chocolates that are ethically-sourced. As they are all made with only three ingredients (cacao beans, cocoa butter, and sugar), they allow even the flavor of each bean to roam free. And as they are available as a set of tasting squares or larger bars, they can be enjoyed alone, at a family seder, or with groups of any size at any time of year.For those who want to be guided through the process (just as they may be at a seder), Shapiro also offers tasting experiences at her new Davis Square location, where guests can also enjoy her adventurous truffles made with such surprising ingredients as olive oil, curried peanuts, lapsang tea, and coffee and bourbon, and drinking chocolates enhanced with lavender, orange, wasabi, ginger, and even mole spices.Whether you ask the four questions at Passover or just want to know where to get the best locally-made chocolate, Wild Child Chocolate is a great place to find the answers.

THE KING KEEPS DOING BETTER

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It’s Passover time, so we need to check in with Steve Peljovich at Michael’s Deli in Brookline.

After all, where else can you get kosher (for Passover) beef knishes, broccoli kugel, and a homemade brisket that may very well be better than your Bubbe’s (just sayin’) all in one place?

As if that weren’t enough, Michael’s is entering the world of online ordering, so be sure to check out https://michaelsdelibrookline.com for updates and menus.

Speaking of convenience, Steve is still happy to deliver his delicious foods to your homes (I’m speaking to YOU, folks in Brookline, Newton Needham, and Wellesley!), so it might be time to move!

And speaking of supporting communities, every Monday from 10-2, Steve will donate proceeds from food sales to a different charitable organization as part of his popular Do Good Mondays program.

There are just so many reasons to support Steve, but the most important one, of course, is the food!While Michael’s is known as “The Corned Beef King,” it also offers a slew of delicious option that range from off-the-frame turkey to mango curry chicken salad and chopped liver to pastrami and combinations like the “Unkept” tuna salad (made with Maui onion chips!), the Surfside Club (with turkey and crispy pastrami), as well as the Cancer Stinks (proceeds from which go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which Steve has been part of for decades), and Thorty Black and Gold (which donates proceeds to former Bruins great Shawn Thornton’s charitable foundation). It’s as if Steve can’t help but give back- so we need to keep making sure he gets as good as he gives.

Fortunately, that is NOT hard to do as the food is just SO good- at Passover or ANY time of year!

SNAKES and SCULLERS

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It’s March, which means Mardi Gras is coming. And ‘round Boston, that means two things- Shaun Wortis’ Mardi Gras party is in the works and the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble will be on the move.

While I wait for Shaun’s latest hootenanny, I am looking forward to going to Scullers Jazz Club on March 1 to catch the Ensemble at a special Mardi Gras dinner party that is sure to bring the Bayou to Boston.

Especially as this is the year of the Snake, a Snake Ensemble show is all the more appropriate and fortuitous and they are always fun as all heck. This year, the Ensemble will be joined by local Jazz legend Jason Palmer and New Orleans native Henri Smith at both the 7 and 9 PM performances, so y’all can come.

And while any Snake show is worth the trip, the Scullers shows can also include a delicious Mardi Gras-themed dinner featuring flavors fresh from N’awlins.

While Snake Ensemble shows are always extra special, any night at Scullers is a reason to party!

In addition to some of the hottest names in local, national, and international Jazz (including Michael Weiss March 15, a weekend with Gerald Albright April 11 and 12, and a special 7 PM show with Joe Locke April 25), Scullers also offers packages that include dinner and even discounted hospitality at the DoubleTree Hotel.

Speaking of dinner, Scullers offers such jazzy flavors as roasted butternut squash soup with pea beans, whole milk burrata with roasted tomatoes, a traditional lobster roll, a baked salmon bowl with real Vermont maple, a pulled pork sandwich with onions braised in Jack’s Abby beer, and of course, DoubleTree’s legendary chocolate chip cookies.

Mardi Gras is a time to shake off your woes and let it all hang out before buckling down for Lent and preparing for a productive Spring.

I hope to see you shakin’ what the Lord gave ya’ at Scullers!

POP GOES THE PARTY

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For years, we’ve talked about the Boston International Wine & Food Festival at the Boston Harbor Hotel and the Boston Wine Expo.

And while those are both amazing, I’m excited to pop the cork on a new wine event in Boston.

On Saturday, February 15 from 6 to 10 PM, the national sensation known as Uncorked Wine Festivals will premiere at the SoWa Power Station in Boston’s South End.

Featuring over 100 wines and bubblies from around the world. Uncorked will also offer DJ-directed dancing and food trucks that will have a flavor for every sip you savor.

For the braver oenophiles, there will be a blind tasting bar where you can try your taste buds and find new faves amongst seasoned swirlers and amateur aerators.

VIP tickets cost $110 and include access to all four hours of the event plus exclusive access to an upstairs lounge that will offer premium tastings, pairings, and other special treats. For those who want a taste of special access, early admission tickets are $85 and include all four hours of festivities and some exclusive pours for the first hour. General admission starts at 7 PM and includes more than 100 wines for only $70.

For the ultimate, oenophilic experience, Uncorked has an app that you can download at https://uncorkedwinefestivals.com that will allow you to keep track of all of your new favorite wines and get info about the food vendors that might not even be available on Matt’s Meals!

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for something fun to do to keep the Valentine’s Day vibe bubbling, check out the Uncorked Wine Festival and help start a new Boston tradition.

CHOOSE NO BOOZE

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It’s that time of year when many people start to let go of their well-intentioned resolutions and slip back into less productive habits like overeating and drinking.

Fortunately, a number of area eateries and event spaces have prepared for such moments of weakness with a strong set of non-alcoholic drinks that let you enjoy the fun of the season without any moral compromise.

I recently raved about Post 1917 in Reading. In addition to their great food and historic atmosphere, the reconditioned post office will be delivering such creative creations by bar manager Ben Spinney as the Fleur De Lis (with Fleur Aperitivo and fresh orange and lemon juice), a Negroni Sans (Fleur on the rocks with an orange twist), and Trust the Bartender, a personalized creation tailored to your taste. 

If you’re in town to watch the B’s and C’s go for more banners, Banners Kitchen & Tap is featuring the award-winning booze-free brand Lyre’s in drinks called the Half Court Spritz and the Volcano – the latter of which is a fiery combination of Fever Tree grapefruit, house made coconut syrup, and Lyre’s White Cane Spirit. As it is a great place to catch the game, it is no surprise that Banners will also offer Athletic Brewing IPA on draft and an increased selection of non-alcoholic canned beers to help you get through the season.

If you prefer to participate in sports instead of (or in addition to) just watching them, PuttShack locations in Natick and the Seaport can help you ball without the fall with the Lyre-based N/A Spritz (which also features our fave Töst sparkling tea), H2NO Ranch Water made from Almave Blanco distilled blue agave with fresh lime and soda water, a Cotton Candy Crush made with real cotton candy and coconut Red Bull, and a cold-pressed passion lemonade that will surely help you get your balls in the cup.

Winter in New England can be challenging, but this year, staying straight and sober while having fun and eating well is not.

L’chaim!

SALUTE!

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There is not much better than an amazing meal at Prezza in Boston’s legendary North End. And there are a few better ways to wash down your favorite flavors than with a great Italian wine.

Perhaps that is why owner Anthony Cutarano has arranged a Great Wines of Italy dinner at Prezza on January 21 at 6:30.

At this specially-priced, five-course meal, guests will enjoy such creative delights as Mediterranean prawns with Calabrian chili, seared scallops with lobster butter, duck confit with mushrooms and a tomato veal stock, parmesan polenta, grilled sirloin and veal chops, and a pistachio sundae with mango sorbet. And while the delicious dessert will surely end the meal with a flourish, the fact that every other course is being paired with some of Italy’s most beloved wines will make this meal truly special!

From a 2023 Ca’Marcanda Vistamare to a 2020 Gaja Barolo and 2018 Sesti Brunello di Montalcino, Caturano is pulling out all the stops and a bunch of great corks to celebrate his Italian heritage and the flavors that have inspired him and his guests for so many years.

If you are not able to snag a table on the 21st, rest assured that any night at Prezza is a treat! From their trend setting antipasto board and ravioli di Uovo to their famed crispy shrimp with Italian slaw, wood-grilled venison, branzino, and their freshly-caught squid and octopus medley, lobster-loaded fish stew, and of course, handmade pastas topped with everything from duck to veal to saffron and shrimp, Prezza combines traditional, Italian favorites with creative combinations of fresh ingredients and flavors that make it a great place to bring family friends or just to drop by to see what’s new on the menu. 

And if you can’t decide on just one thing, Prezza recently brought back their petite portion menu, featuring oysters, tuna, tartare, and their famous gourmet meatballs, offering everyone plenty of options to make their own tasting menu or a lighter meal or snack.

Molto bene!         

EVERYONE’S INVITED!

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Many times when chefs try to combine cultures and flavors, something falls flat.

At the Watertown eatery named Nzuko, however, the curated combination of Haitian-Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors is pretty spot on!

From conch fritters and plantains to hummus, grape leaves, and two types of falafel and meze boards that combine influences from both regions, Nzuko’s Chef-owner (and former social worker) Laurette Ndukwe and her Persian partners combine real, fresh, healthy ingredients in a menu at Nzuko that is varied enough to allow for new discoveries each time you visit but not so much that the core competencies become blurred. From the giant spiced lamb shank to the multiple varieties of fresh fish topped and infused with international spices to an entire menu of kebabs and delicious desserts like the passion fruit Basque cheesecake and pistachio loukoumades, each course is an international adventure that will not leave you feeling lost.

In an effort to expand their repertoire and their culinary community, Nzuko is expanding their celebration of African-American Heritage Month to include all of the communities and cultures that make this region and this nation so rich. In addition to adding new items to the menu like a crispy duck, the kitchen team at Nzuko will be enhanced by other area chefs who will bring their own flavor and flair. One high point is sure to be a gumbo cook-off that will include both traditional and vegan varieties. However, pretty much everything on the menu is the best at what it can be and a visit to Nzuko is always a culinary adventure you will be glad you took.

FUN, FANTASTIC, AND FLEXIBLE

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It has been a bit since I raved about Neroli Italian restaurant and market in Westwood, but they have so much going on, I just had to update people!

As a family-owned establishment, Neroli prides itself not only on family-inspired recipes and friendly, comfortable service, but also on offering something for everyone.

As January is a time to eschew alcohol for many, Neroli is currently offering a number of booze-less beverages in addition to their full bar and world-wide wine list, including an espress-no martini that has all the flavor and fun without the guilt.

Speaking of flavor and fun, Neroli is also making it more appealing for people who cannot enjoy alcohol ever to come by offering free kids meals throughout the month as well.

If you don’t have kids yet, you may be able to head that way if you are lucky enough to grab a table when the incomparable Winiker Brothers perform at Neroli February 13 and March 20, but the most romance-friendly offering may be their three-night Valentine’s Weekend Extravaganza!

That’s right! Realizing that many of even their most devoted fans (including yours truly) are busy on weekends, Neroli will be offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner not just on the day itself but also on the days before and after, making it easier to fit not only delicious food but also romance into your schedule and your life.

Be sure to check out http://neroliitalian.com soon (and often) to see what else they have in store and be sure to drop by their store for fresh Italian food and drink any time of day.

GOLDEN SNACKS

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In addition to offering protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, flaxseed may help lower the risk of cancer, help maintain weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

While some take issue with its gritty texture and bland taste, those excuses are going by the wayside, thanks to a bakery called Flax 4 Life.

For nearly 25 years, this family-owned business has been helping people of all ages enjoy this nutritious seed through its ever-expanding line of dairy-, gluten-, and nut-free baked goods. In fact, as so many great food companies have been, Flax 4 Life was created to help a family member who had a gluten sensitivity and grew from there.Whether you want to start the day with sweet and crunchy apple cinnamon granola or a hearty blueberry muffin, snack on a chocolate chip cookie, or finish a favorite family meal with dark cherry brownies (my personal favorite!) or a no sugar added chocolate brownie, you can be sure that you are enjoying nutritious, clean food that is made with familial love and delivered in renewable recyclable packaging.Speaking of packaging, if you can’t decide on just one tasty treat or if you want to ensure that your friends and colleagues enjoy great flavor and great health, Flax 4 Life has an amazing gift box that includes a bag of granola, single-served muffins and brownies, a pen and pad to keep track of your fitness journey, and a t-shirt that can be worn at the gym or just relaxing while you enjoy another bite.No matter what you choose, you are sure to get all the benefits of flax seed without the slightest hint of complaint and know that you are helping keep others happier and healthier as well!

CRAFT-ING WINTER FUN

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As even Amazon has recently demanded that their staff work from the office, you know its time to rethink office culture!

Fortunately, a growing set of area offices have been blessed with the addition of Craft Food Halls- a revolutionary concept in corporate catering that offers not only signature food systems like Project X Pizza, Sousviderie, and Vessel, but an amazing wall of pay-what-you-drink beer and wine and also games, big screens, work spaces, and other accoutrements that make returning to work something to look forward to!

And the best part is- they’re open to the public!

On February 15 from 6-8PM, Craft Food Hall at City Point in Waltham will host its Winter Festival, featuring a tap takeover by Sam Adams and samplings of the latest delicious distillations by Bully Boy Distillers. The after-work event will also offer live music from the Soul Roots Ramblers, a Winter Bazaar Market that will feature local artisans, and an indoor cornhole tournament that will surely heat up a cold winter’s night and give the Waltham working community a reason to stay late and party hard and for others from far and wide to come see all they get to enjoy on a daily basis.

There is also a Salsa Night scheduled for the Hall at 200 Fifth Street in Waltham on January 24 from 6:30 to 8:30, live Blues with The Gravel Project Sundays from 1-4 PM at Revolution Hall in Lexington, and other great music and events at their other 10 locations. To see the latest offerings, check out http://craftfoodhalls.com.

With all of its great food and fun, the Hall is always a great place to drop by for a meal, a meeting, or just to hang out with the folks that make the workplace work.