Author: Matt Robinson

HARVARD HELPS THE HUNGRY

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It is rare for the neighborhood rivals at Harvard and MIT to get together on anything, but the cause of food insecurity is so important (and sadly so large) that the vo-tech school was willing to host the Party Under the Harvest Moon Gala that the liberal arts college was sponsoring for Food for Free.

Food for Free serves as a key cog in the food collection and distribution machine, bringing fresh produce and other nutritious essentials to over 100 organizations and (more importantly) 150,000 individuals who might not otherwise be able to access it. In the process of distributing over 6 million pounds of food a year, they also help deal with the absolutely nauseating issue of food waste.

At the event, guests were invited to meet the talented team behind the organization and their partners at Harvard and elsewhere and also to enjoy the music of Bubble Wave while trying to win bottles of wine and bid on other tasty treats.

Harvard has been a sponsor of the program’s Heat-n-Eats program, which repurposes prepared foods from their dining facilities by repackaging them into individual servings that are delivered by Harvard students and other volunteers to people who may not have the ability or facilities to prepare their own meals (including the students themselves!). Food for Free also brings monthly farmers markets to schools in the Greater Boston area, not only allowing more students and families to eat better but also encouraging them to learn about healthy food.

To do what you can so Food for Free can do more, please go to https://foodforfree.org/donate/ and be watching for the next Harvest Moon.

HEMP HEMP HOORAY

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 As I prepare to interview medical cannabis expert Dr. Benjamin Caplan on November 19 at the Needham Free Public Library, I have been doing a lot of research about this exciting and ever-expanding realm of healthful edibles and other items.

Among my latest finds are evo hemp bars.

Made from a delicious combination of cashews, protein crisps, and hemp seeds (a cannabis-related ingredient that are among the world’s most nutritionally complete superfoods), evo bars offer 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per bar, making them a great option for a snack or pre- or post-workout refueler. And as they are gluten-free and vegan and easy to digest, evo bars can fit into most diet plans deliciously, with flavors like brownie chip, cookie dough, matcha latte, and even birthday cake!

If bars are not your delivery system of choice, evo also offers other hemp-based foods – with or without cannabinoids – including whole hemp hearts, hemp seed oil, pre-prepared hemp protein powders, and hemp chocolate, as well as CBD oil, powder, crystals, and blends made specifically to help you focus, relax, and support your immune system.

For those of you who want to learn more about hemp but can’t make it to Dr. Caplan’s book talk, evo’s website (https://evohemp.com) has an entire library of informative blog posts and other materials that can help you learn about what benefits various forms of hemp can have and how each can support your overall health and wellness. It also has a comprehensive and international set of recipes that can help you introduce hemp into every meal and every taste.

WATCH FOR THIS PROTEIN BAR

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As I have been in the food and fitness spaces for many years, I am always looking for ways to take better care of myself, my friends and family, and my Matt’s Meals fans.

Among the mentors I have found are longevity guru Peter Attia and all-around science stud Andrew Huberman.

So when both of them recommended a new protein bar, I jumped on it even before they were released to the public to make sure I could tell others first.

For decades, the protein bar space has been ruled by a handful of glutenous Goliaths. Fortunately, thanks to Peter Rahal – inventor of Rx Bar (which is still a favorite!) – there is now the new David bar to – as the young people say – slay them all.

In addition to having an amazing 28 grams of protein, David bars have only 150 calories (a full 75% of which come from the protein, making them a great way to get your gram-per-pound a day), at most 2 grams of net carbs, and – get this – no gluten and no sugar!

Oh- And did I mention they are easily among the best-tasting protein bars around?
Whether I enjoy a cookie dough bar before a workout, a fudge brownie bar before a big writing assignment, a cake batter bar before I talk about my book on the Ivy League, or a blueberry pie bar…whenever, the bars taste like the flavors they claim and not like they were just flavored to taste like them. Even the pastry-like consistency is a step up from most other bars, which can resemble eating chalk or dried spackle.

Protein is key to muscle growth, weight loss, and many other bodily functions and personal goals. If you want to ask for the best one by name, get to know David.

SCHOOL FOR SIPPERS

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As the days get shorter and colder, we all need something to keep our bodies warm, our minds engaged, and our spirits up,

Thankfully, there is a bevy of great new courses and other treats at Commonwealth Wine School!

Whether you are a novice sipper or a certified oenophile, CWS has events and offerings that will help you get more out of your wine and your life, including workshops, classes, and private events, as well as certification-level programs from the prestigious Wine and Spirits Education Trust and the Wine Scholar Guild.

On October 27, they will host a class for those who want to make Halloween more fun for older trick or treaters by explaining what wines pair best you’re your favorite candies.

November 1, their expert educators will advise others on how to negotiate for the best wines in international markets.

On the 2nd and 3rd and again on the 16th and 17th, Sake lovers will gather to explore their favorite beverage. I am looking forward to the cider and cheese pairings on November 9 but may also refresh my palate at the introduction to wine tasting class on November 22.

If you cannot make it to or find parking in Harvard Square, CWS also offers classes in NH and ME and also online.

Though the classes and events make for fun breaks from the winter blahs, for those who want to get away from New England winter altogether, CWS also offers occasional wine tours around the world, including a trip to Argentina that is scheduled for February of 2025.

See you in class!

BACK TO THE CLUB

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Though it has been some time since I wrote about music, I still get a thrill about catching my favorite acts at area venues!

And if I can enjoy a delicious meal at the same time- All the better!

In fact, Matt’s Meals was very much created when I was transitioning from reviewing bands until 1 AM to reviewing restaurants and then catching the opening act.

I recently returned to Club Café to catch my friend Lisa Gail Johnson who was performing as part of the Ladies Who Brunch cabaret series in the historic Napoleon Room. And while I caught up with other talented friends (including vocal behemoth Ron Murphy and fellow music scribe John Amodeo) I also got reacquainted with the welcoming vibe and delicious food and drink that the home of Drag Bingo has been offering since the 1980s as it protects the border between Boston’s Back Bay and South End.

The daring drink menu includes such legendary libations as the Sparkle Factor and Pixie dust margarita and a solid set of liquors and liqueurs for every taste and occasion.

While brunch is a specialty (natch!) that features French toast casserole and creative omelettes, the main menu ranges from housemade tortilla chips and half-pound burgers to MD crab cakes and locally-sourced lobster rolls to crunch salads and Shanghai power bowls, and LGBT wraps that wave the flavor flag proudly. No matter what you order, be sure to get your gang some legendary disco fries and save room for a dessert made fresh by our friends at Bread & Roses Bakery in Ogunquit, ME.

For those who want to enjoy more of the Club more often, memberships allow for line cutting, birthday surprises, and other special privileges.
But for anyone who comes (and I mean “anyone”!), Club Café is always a safe space to let loose and have fun with some of the most creative and talented people AND some of the best food and drinks in town.

NUTS TO NIBS

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I was recently back at Boston Public Market for their annual Harvest Party and there is a lot of news to share!

In addition to hosting one of the largest pumpkins in the area, the carnival-themed fair offered guests opportunities to try their luck at various games and to enjoy free samples from many of the Market’s vaunted vendors.

In addition to such carb-y faves as pizzas from the Bagel Guild, popovers from The Popover Lady, and hot pretzels from Hearth & Hug that came with a mustard I wanted to bottle and take home, there were also fall-spiced popcorn from Curio Spice, mouth-watering sandwiches from Beantown Pastrami, and the widely-distributed but rarely bested ice cream from Crescent Ridge!

One of my favorite discoveries, however, was that Q’s Nuts (which has supplied many of my author talks and presentations of my book on the Ivy League with their delicious and nutritious snacks) was expanding their menu of offerings not just into more new creative flavors of fresh and healthy almonds, cashews, peanuts, and more, but into superfood-worthy cacao nibs!

While Q’s has been a favorite source of protein and energy (and also of gifts for family and friends), they are now adding addictively-delicious roasted nibs to their ever-expanding menu of tasty treats, making a visit to the Market or to qsnuts.com even more worthwhile!

The BPM Harvest Party means that winter and the holidays are around the corner. What better time to stock up on delicious nutritious snacks that CAN last through the season but that you will probably devour the day you get them?

Fortunately, Q’s always has new flavors and ideas coming so reordering is not only easy but required.

GETTING A DELICIOUS BOOST

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As I have been in the health and fitness world for so long, I am well aware of the benefits of adding creatine to your fitness regimen.

In addition to fueling your muscles, Creatine also helps keep them hydrated and supple, and has also been shown to support cognitive function and energy production.

For many, however, the major obstacle to getting Creatine in their bodies is getting Creatine in their bodies.

As most Creatine supplements come in the form of a chalky powder, it can be unappetizing and difficult to ingest and integrate into your diet.

That is why I was so thrilled to find Boost Nutra’s ATPerform (pronounced A-T-Perform) creatine gummies!

In addition to using the highest-quality ingredients that are custom manufactured and processed under strict health and sanitation standards, the founding friends at Boost Nutra made sure to add a number of other beneficial ingredients – including mind-helping nootropic L-Theanine, energy- and metabolism-boosting vitamin B-12, and the recovery-boosting antioxidant powerhouse black currant – and to remove any GMOs, dyes, and toxins, including sugar!

The result is a delicious vegan-friendly gummy that can be tempting to eat as a snack and that has benefits no matter when you enjoy it.

Whether or not your day begins with a high-intensity interval training or a low-key stroll through the park, Creatine has benefits to offer and with the help of Boost Nutra’s ATPerform gummies, it is more appealing than ever!

NOT FOR THE BIRDS

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As fans of Matt’s Meals may know, I am an olive fan. And while I am able to enjoy the best olive oils from food friends at Brelundi and the Greek International Market (which also has an impressive olive bar), I had never been such a fan of the pimento that is often placed inside the hole where the olive pit had been.

During a recent trip to Savannah, I came to see and taste how surprisingly satisfying this Southern staple was.

Unfortunately, I had difficulty matching the taste of the homemade cheese I enjoyed in Georgia until a company in Virginia called Birdie’s found out about my syndicated author interview show – “The Writer’s Block” – and generously offered to “sponsor” a show by sending their homemade pimento cheese for my audience to enjoy. They even included Snyder’s pretzels for dipping- How hospitable!

Having started as so many of Matt’s Meals’ favorite food folks do as a husband-and-wife team who sold their wares at the local farmers market, Birdie’s is now available nationwide.

And with flavors that range from their always appetizing traditional to recipes that add everything from dill and onion to garlic and parmesan to jalapenos and ghost peppers to a seasonal set with extra olives, it is easy to see how Birdie’s has been able to win over so many- including people who claim to not like pimento!

Let’s hear it for Southern hospitality…and Southern food!

ONE LAST ROUND

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Even though COVID keeps hanging around, it’s finally getting cool enough to start thinking about heading inside to eat.

But before you hibernate, our friends at Harpoon are making a convincing argument for a few more hours al fresco.

At the Harpoon Beer Garden which is located just outside the Boylston T Stop doors on the skirt of Boston Common, hardy New Englanders and their visitors can enjoy fresh draft beer from Harpoon’s growing menu of faves (including their signature IPA as well as beers from Long Trail, Clown Shoes, and even the popular pairings with Dunkin’!), along with Polar seltzers, margaritas made with Harpoon-sourced alcohol, and (my favorite!) a warm and warming cider that you will want to mull over for some time.

If you need delicious food to absorb and complement your adult beverages, Harpoon has partnered with their Seaport neighbors at Rosa Mexicano to offer hearty and satisfying tacos and chips with freshly-made guac.

In addition to great food and drink, the Beer Garden (which is scheduled to be open through Halloween and to reopen in May) also offers curated culture on Emerson College’s UnCommon Stage that ranges from locally-sourced musicians and dancers (some of whom offer lessons to patrons!) to Harpoon’s famed Flannel Fridays which bestow a bespoke drink holder to anyone who continues to embrace the Grunge esthetic. If not, the Garden even sells Harpoon gear (including those made in partnership with Life is Good)!

Winter is coming but that doesn’t mean we can’t rage against the dying of the light with some delicious food and drink and plenty of friends!

See you in the Garden!

TASTE TOUCHDOWN

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While I am not such a Broncos fan, as I’m not sure if the Patriots are gonna’ be much to watch this year and I as I am a HUGE fan of condiments, I figured I’d take this opportunity to let people know that former Bronco (and, even worse, former Giant) Ed McCaffrey has traded in his playbook for a cookbook and come up with a line of rather respectable mustard and sauces.

Though he may best be known for eluding coverage, these mustards and sauces work great for covering everything from hot dogs and burgers to salads and crudite. So while the transition from reading defenses to crafting flavor profiles might seem like a leap, but McCaffrey’s attention to detail and passion for excellence shines through in every jar.

In addition to a sausage-ready spicy brown that adds depth to many gastronomic game plans and a perfect for pretzels beer-based variety that is great for gametime snacks or wine and cheese soirees, McCaffrey’s Rocky Mountain Mustard line also leans international with mustards made with creamy Dijon, smoky Chipotle, and spicy Sriracha. Veering a bit from the name, a bit, the Rocky Mountain Mustard tram also offers a “signature” horseradish sauce that is great on sandwiches or on its own. 

If you can’t decide which sauce to enjoy first, try the Game Day Bundle that includes the spicy brown and Chipotle mustard and the horseradish sauce for one bundled price!

So whether you’re a die-hard football fan or more of a serial tailgater, a dilletante-ish dipper or a condiment connoisseur, McCaffrey’s Rocky Mountain Mustard line is a definite…home run!