Author: Matt Robinson

Just Like “Nonna”

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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

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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

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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 ;)

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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

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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.

Head to the Lake for Valentine’s Day

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Vermont is lovely this time of year (as it is at all times of year)!

And while I continue to sing the praises of Champlain Orchards and their amazing (and expanding) menu of fruity-offerings (including some of my favorite ciders – which is saying something!), if there’s one thing I like to use their ciders to wash down, it’s the amazing chocolates from their neighbors at Lake Champlain chocolates.

And just as Vermont is a great place to be romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, those who can’t get away can still enjoy the handmade deliciousness of the region by ordering gifts for friends and loved ones from Lake Champlain. 

From kid-sized sets of chocolate hearts and heart-shaped boxes of organic and/or vegan chocolates to their popular Grand Valentine chocolate heart and entire gift baskets that include not only their chocolate but also fruit and nut mixes, granola, caramels, and even tins of their famous hot chocolate, Lake Champlain truly has something for everyone who loves chocolate (in other words, something for everyone!).

If Valentine’s Day is not your favorite holiday, Lake Champlain also has perfect gifts for other celebrations or just for a given Thursday. From birthday boxes of sea salt caramels to customized collections just to let someone know you’re thinking of them, and even customizable items that can be used as place-settings and party favors, Lake Champlain can put together the perfect pieces for any reason at all. The website (www.lakechamplainchocolates.com) even has categories organized by price, so you can be sure to give a gift that is perfect for all involved. And If the gift-er or gift-ee can’t make up their minds, there is even a chocolate-of-the-month club offers sample sets of some of the most popular items Vermont (or any other state) has to offer!

Valentine’s Day and chocolate have always been a great match. But when the chocolate is THIS good, why wait?!

www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

Ole Smoky keeps getting Smoky-er

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While I am admittedly a lightweight when it comes to adult beverages, (which is both ironic and difficult when you consider all the great drinks that I am asked to try…and then talk coherently about!), it is hard not to love the many great tastes from my favorite moonshiners at Ole Smoky Distillery. 

In the morning, there’s no better way to start your day than with a splash of Ole Smoky’s Mountain Java in your coffee. Their Peanut Butter Whiskey tastes like liquid lunch – mix it with their Blackberry Moonshine and you have the perfect PB&J! After a plate of Nashville hot chicken (or pretty much anything else delicious), one of my favorite ways to cool off and wind down is with a can of Ole Smoky’s Apple Pie Ginger moonshine cocktails (which I guess you could also throw in a lunchbox as long as you do not eat lunch in your car!).

Speaking of tossing some ‘shine into smaller spaces, many Ole Smoky faves like their flavored whiskeys and apple pie, white lightning, and hunch punch moonshines are available in 50ml mini bottles that make it easier to transport, try, and share flavors as well. If you can’t decide whether to taste or go big, there will soon be medium-sized 375ml bottles that are sure to be “just right.”

If you want another creative way to get some ‘shine in your life, Ole Smoky also offers a selection of cocktail-enhancing, moonshine-soaked fruits and veggies, including cherries, peaches, pineapples, and even pickles (which are AMAZING, I might add!). If you need to dip a toe in the tub before shining, they also offer a sour series that includes puckery apple and watermelon sips as well as creamier cuts like the aforementioned Mountain Java and a Nashville-authentic banana pudding cream that are great in coffee and other hot drinks, on ice cream, in recipes (such as those at olesmoky.com) or on the rocks.

The days of hiding moonshine in the hills are over, but if you want your shine to truly shine, Ole Smoky is still the best still around! 

Expanding the Villa

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I know that I have said it before, but I LOVE Donut Villa.

And though the name may not do justice to the amazing and amazingly varied menu (all of which is, as I said, amazing!), the fact that the name has stuck for over 50 years and what started as one donut-forward store in Malden has since expanded to Cambridge, Newton, and now Arlington (what, no Needham?!) is reason enough to offer this amazing (did I say that?) place more press.

Though the sign may now say “Brunch Club and Bar,” this additional explanation still does not do the Villa justice. After all, what donut shop or brunch place has a full bar featuring local favorites and flavors from further afield and enough lunch and dinner items to come back multiple times a day? 

While the “donut” part of the name is dead-on, as they have some of the most amazing (sorry!) and creative flavors around and while they make some of the most creative and delicious meals out of them, including donut-based sandwiches, pizzas, and a maple donut bread pudding that is worth a trip on its own, the Brunch Club has plenty of bagels, Benedicts, and Boston cream pancakes, but also offers the VIlla chili bowl, chicken parmesan, steak tips, salads, subs, and a tuna sandwich that is also worth its own trip (especially when paired with their amazing pickle fries!). There is also a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options as well (including a vegan BLT, vegan grilled cheese, and a faux but fabulous chicken and waffles) so everyone can come again and again and perhaps even find themselves full before they pick up some donuts for the road (as if they will ever make it home!).

A well-known writer *(whose own name I cannot recall right now, but I surely Will soon) once asked “What’s in a name?” When it comes to Donut Villa Brunch Club and Bar, there is certainly a whole lot more!

www.DonutVila.com

The (Choc-)Allure of Valentine’s Day

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People say Valentine’s Day is just for lovers.

I say it’s just for chocolate!

As evidence, I submit the latest creations from one of my favorite Israeli imports (along with Galit’s and BonaPita) – my Needham neighbor Liron Pergament-Gal of ChocAllure.

Not only are her sweets some of the most artistically beautiful around (to the point that eating them seems almost wrong…until you do!), they are also some of the most delicious and satisfying, even if you are alone on this allegedly romantic day.

ChocAllure’s caramel kisses tasting experience is a sexy sleeve of lip-shaped bonbons that combine hand-made caramel with fabulous flavors that fly from French salted butter to mango and passion fruit and (for the older lovers out there) Glenfiddich 15-year-old Scotch! The chocolate pralines form a faceted feast for the eyes and mouth that includes 64% pure dark chocolate as well as flavors from fresh pecans, peanut butter, and pretzels (Yes, please!). 

If your partner likes things a bit bubbly, ChocAllure’s strawberry and champagne XL heart is a juicy jumbo-sized treat that offers three layers of fruity fizzy flavor.

And if you really have to spell it out, Liron makes a dark chocolate bar that literally spells “LOVE” with fresh and fruity Madagascar cacao.

Don’t get me wrong- I am happily married and have someone to take out to dinner, but that does not mean I will not open a box of these after she is asleep!

If February 14 is just a reminder that your taxes will be due soon, ChocAlure also has plenty for this or any other day that needs a little sweetness, including their famed (and well-named) chocolate jewels, gourmet bars with everything from toasted cereal to crème brulee, and a clever and creamy hot chocolate flight kit that will take you to the stratosphere of flavor! Liron can also prepare corporate gifts and custom items and also offers a chocolate-of-the-month club for those who may not be keen on ordering but still want the best chocolates around to be around them on a regular basis.

Happy Tuesday!

www.choc-allure.com

Follow the Trail to New City love

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Many moons ago, I sang the praises of a restaurant and ice cream shop in Hudson, MA, that offered everything from amazing pizzas to an authentic speakeasy (complete with a secret password!) to incredible ice cream…and MORE! 

Since last we lauded, a lot has been happening, so I wanted to catch you all up and tempt you all over again.

Rail Trail Flatbread is still a favorite destination that is always coming up with great new tastes and treats and that has devised some extra-special offerings for Valentine’s Day. The main room will offer a set of heart-shaped flatbreads that will feature poems by second graders at the nearby Farley School while the swanky Greater Than Less Than will host aromantic four-course meal featuring their craft kitchen and creative cocktails. And even if you have no interest in the so-called “big game,” a made-from-scratch party platter from Rail Trail can make any given Sunday better!

New City Creamery uses fresh local ingredients (including milk from Mapleline Farm in Hadley, MA) and liquid nitrogen to create a creamy ice cream that even hours of hand churning cannot replicate and tops it with such funky “funk” faves as repurposed waffle cone and chocolate chip cookie crumbs, shredded coconut toasted with cocoa powder, and even butter-baked Trix cereal coated in white chocolate!  As we wait for a new Rail Trail in Milford, New City has also expanded into Sudbury and is also being sold at Whole Foods and even in many All Town Fresh gas stations! In the meantime, their Central Square location continues to go toe-to-toe with local legend Toscanini’s…and often wins. Even better, they may be selling my book on the Ivy League soon to their many Harvard-affiliated fans!

So that’s the latest in what is clearly an ever-developing story. Rest assured, Matt’s Meals will keep you posted, but for now, I am off to Hudson and soon to Cambridge for a book event and some of the best ice cream around.

I hope to see you there!

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