Author: Matt Robinson

Spicy Shark swims back

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I know that I talk a lot about Spicy Shark, but when their sauces are so good and they do so much good for the environment, they deserve all the lauding I can load on them!

We recently talked about their first annual New England Hot Sauce Festival, which took place at the end of July at the Smuttynose Brewery in NH.

In that segment, we mentioned how, in addition to hosting over 25 other area spicy sauce slingers and legendary heat eater Mike Jacks, the event would also support area marine life by donating proceeds to their shark-saving partners at Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation and the Seacoast Science Center.

Well, I am thrilled to report that the event attracted over 2,000 guests and raised nearly $10,000 for the two organizations! I am also excited to say that the second annual event is already in the works.

In the meantime, I wanted to say that, especially as Spicy Shark supports others, we need to support them as a local independent company. That is why I am urging my fellow condiment crazies to visit www.thespicyshark.com to see all they have to offer.

Among my personal favorites (as if I could possibly narrow the list!) are the Nurse Shark jalapeno (which is a good entry point for those who may fear the sear), the smoked maple sriracha (which combines local syrup with Asian-inspired awesomeness), and the Blue Shark blueberry syrup that brings a bit of pleasant pain to my pancakes and helps me wake up in the morning.

No matter what you choose (there are also collections and other cool gear), you are sure to enjoy and, even when your mouth is burning, you can still feel good knowing that you are helping cool friends survive and thrive.

Shanti Returns!

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In addition to being known as a center of technological and medical advances, Kendall Square had developed a reputation as a food hub as well.

Fortunately, one of the main spokes off that hub has recently returned!

Yes, our long-time friends at Shanti have reopened in Cambridge and are already offering special things to their long-lost friends and re-found neighbors.

Chief among these special treats is a new midday concept they are calling the bottomless Tiffin Lunchbox. 

In this take on the traditional early afternoon repast, Shanti is presenting a rotating run of favorites that includes samosa, saffron Basmati rice, Aloo and Gobi curry, their legendary chicken Tikki Masala, and their delicious and visit-worthy Naan bread that has made many a meal for me! 

What is best is that, not only is each box made with all the care and fresh flavors of the hand-packed boxes that are so famous in India, but if you eat it all up (as you are sure to do), you can get it repacked!

I first discovered Shanti in Dorchester over 10 years ago and we still make pilgrimages to their location in Roslindale. While I had admittedly not been a fan of Indian food before, I now eagerly agree whenever my family suggests another visit! In addition to their Naan, I love their raita sauce, vegetable pakoras, and pretty much anything from their menu of veggie-based specialties. And no meal is complete without a refreshing mango Lassi!

While I continue to beg for them to open in Needham, it is surely worth the trip to any of their locations. (or to have them deliver within certain areas). And now that they are once again helping to feed and sustain the scientists in Kendall Square, the cure for the common cold cannot be far away!

www.shantiboston.com

Sweet variety

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As a chocolate fan who is always looking for excuses to eat more, I have long been a fan of such suppliers as Red Chocolate (who offer chocolate with no added sugar that tastes as good as any), and Flava Naturals (which packs in so much extra health-supporting flavanol that I feel like running to the store for more every time I eat or drink one of their delicious products!).

Speaking of running out to get more, Red has recently launched a series of web-based chef partnerships that will bring their delicious bars and recipe ideas to more people. They will also be donating a ton of tasty treats to Project Insulin

at the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on October 6 in Salem, MA, so people with diabetes and other sugar sensitivities can join in the fun as well!

As for Flava, they recently redesigned their bars to allow fans to enjoy a double portion of their power-packed chocolate in bars that can be broken into smaller scored pieces (as if anyone can control themselves once they taste them!). If you cannot decide which to break first, Flava is also offering variety packs that pack in even more nutrition by packing a pair of their Classic Dark, Blueberry, and Roasted Almond + Himalayan Pink Salt bars, so you can enjoy a new flavor (or Flava) sensation any time you want.

And while the price of chocolate and so many other important things (like other foods) is going up, the folks at Flava are so dedicated to helping everyone stay as healthy as possible that they have actually lowered their price by 22% per serving!

Everyone knows that chocolate can help your heart, but your blood is sure to get a little more Red when you enjoy this much Flava!

www.red-chocolate.com / www.flavanaturals.com/

EXTRA Happy Halloween for diabetics

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Having grown up just outside of Salem, MA, I am well aware of the wild world-famous wonder that is their annual Haunted Happenings celebration. And while my friends and family and thousands of other revelers have been able to participate in this moving party every Halloween, there are many for whom this time of year is especially challenging.

I often talk about the generous food makers who cater to the many people who cannot handle gluten or nuts. Another major demographic to consider is the large group of people with diabetes for whom too much sugar is dangerous and potentially deadly? Needless to say, it can make Halloween a real drag!

That is why I am excited to announce that, on October 6, the folks from Project Insulin will be handing out tons of low-sugar and lower-calorie but still crazy delicious and sweet tooth-satisfying candy from our friends at Red Chocolate.

Project Insulin is a not-for-profit agency that is working to develop a generic insulin that diabetics will be able to buy at cost, making it more available to more people.

Red Chocolate is the only no sugar added chocolate that has only half the calories of most other chocolates and yet tastes just as great! Together, they are making life easier and sweeter for the millions of people dealing with diabetes. Hopefully, this Halloween parade will be just the first step.

Whether or not you can join the parade, be sure to join Red in their support of Project Insulin and be sure to share some of their delicious lower-sugar and lower-calorie treats with your costumed crowd.

Projectinsulin.org / red-chocolate.com

Harpoon expands the League

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I have spoken many times about the new slew of non-alcoholic beers. And while I already enjoy HOP WTR, Hairless Dog, Athletic, Partake, and Heineken 00 (which I recently had the pleasure of trying IN Amsterdam!), I am VERY excited to see the eagle-eyed brewers at Harpoon get into the game with their fresh and delicious Open League!

Having prepped with their satisfying line of low-alcohol “League” beers (including the happily hoppy and hazy Rec. League, the darker Night League, and the professionally-prepared Bush League (which has nothing to do with another beer with a similar-sounding name!)), Open League offers less than 0.5% alcohol and only 35 calories and 5 net carbs! Despite all it does not have, Open League is still full of juicy tropical hops and even has superfood chia seeds and sea salt to add electrolytes, making it a great choice for your athletic league or for watching other people play.

If you need a bit of java to get you off the coach, Harpoon also has you covered with their fifth Dunkin’-inspired set that includes a cold brew-infused Porter, a hazelnut brown ale, a coffee roll cream ale (which is my personal favorite!), and (if you can believe it) an updated pumpkin spiced latte ale that may be better than the original! 

The cold brew brings the familiar flavors of a New England “regular” with sugar and cream. Speaking of creamy, as it now contains oat milk, the pumpkin latte can now appeal to more people and offers more creamy latte-like mouthfeel for all enjoyers.

Speaking of oats, the blonde is made with oat and wheat malts that give it a golden color that cuts through its Hazelnut haze.

Harpoon has also been contributing their IPA to help our friends at American Vinegar Works make another amazing flavor and the list of local partnerships keeps growing- So let’s help out some of our favorite neighbors and enjoy the taste of doing so!

PS For my neighbors- The new Dunkin’ beers can be found next to the Dunkin’ at the Needham General Store, so you can support TWO local faves at once!

www.Harpoon.com

Generally Great

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As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!

Chick it out!

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We have often sung the praises of our friends in food trucks and celebrated those – like Clover and The Dining Car – who have grown into successful brick-and-mortar businesses. But perhaps no trucker has traveled further than Avi Shemtov, who started with his pioneering Chubby Chickpea truck and recently opened a second location of his Mediterranean-minded Hummus v’Hummus at The Street in the tony Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill.

I remember waiting in line at the Chubby truck, smelling the fresh felafel, salivating over Shemtov’s signature stuffed grape leaves and artichoke blossoms, and sweating out the seconds until I could enjoy a cool cup of limonana.

As the second-generation chef has so much culinary culture and talent behind him, it is no surprise that he has not only added other trucks (including the travelling beer bar known as the TAPPED), but also created an eponymous restaurant group that includes award-winning area favorites like Simcha, A La Esh and the original Hummus v’Hummus at the Speedway in Brighton, MA.

While meal bowls continue to be popular, Hummus v’Hummus takes the health-conscious concept to new places by basing bowls on Shemtov’s historic hummus. In addition to the healthy bowls (that can be filled with the area’s favorite falafel or authentic Israeli chicken shawarma…or both!) Hummus v’Hummus also offers Shemtov’s superior selection of salads, sauces, and spreads. 

While those on Boston’s North Shore can learn more about Shemtov’s story and savory stuff at the Jewish Community Center in Marblehead, MA, on November 13 when he discusses The Simcha Cookbook (which is based upon his South Shore store Simcha) as part of the 2022 Jewish Book Month Speaker series (see https://jccns.org), the best way to get to know him is to taste his food and Hummus v’Hummus is a great place to start!

http://hummusvhummus.com

Harpoon Swindles up some (more) fun

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There is nothing like hanging out at Harpoon’s tap room enjoying their amazing pretzels and ever-growing menu of malty favorites or chillin’ and cornholin’ in their outdoor beer garden, and their festivals (such as Octoberfest, which takes place this year September 30 through October 1) are the stuff of legend!

From October 12 through November 16, Harpoon will try to raise the fun bar once again with a premiere production of the award-winning Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium which will be hosted at the Harpoon brewery in a custom-made and climate-controlled tent with cushioned seats that combines the ancient arts of P.T. Barnum with the modern convenience of A/C and heat.

This 90-minute Vaudeville-inspired narrative variety show for grown-ups combines live acrobats, comedy, and more. Featuring such world-class artists as the sensational whirlwind known as The Spinologist, a high-flying duo rightfully called Suspended Passion, a mind-bending mechanic known as The Contorted, Mr. Swindle’s recalls the days of travelling medicine shows, but this time the “medicine” is beer!

Speaking of beer, before each show, guests will be invited to prepare in Harpoon’s Drink-Ory Garden where they can enjoy tasty treats and try exclusive brews including “The Swindler” and special line of red, white and prosecco-style fizzes that were also created just for the show.

The tent is being raised, so grab a Harpoon and join in!

www.Harpoon.com / www.MrSwindles.com

These cooking classes are ANYTHING but fishy

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We recently talked about the new museum at the Reher Bakery in the Hudson Valley (which is DEFINITELY worth a visit, especially as it is also home to such drinkable favorites as Cooper’s Daughter’s liquors and Graft, Hudson North, and Left Bank ciders) that has ties to our friends at the Gefiliteria.

As a token of appreciation for that great tip (and as they deserve it on their own), I wanted to talk about this contemporary Old World kitchen and the new offerings they are premiering.

In addition to their delish fish and the amazing cookbook (The Gefilte Manifesto) that I have already praised the Gefilteria is working with the kosher meat masters at Grow & Behold to offer special stuff for the Jewish holidays and are also preparing a set of culinary classes as well.

On October 12, the Gefilteria will partner with Hillel at Columbia University to offer a pickling workshop that will frame this ancient art in the Gefilteria’s modern style.

On October 23, the Gefilteria will inaugurate their Cabbage Harvest Festival with a class on ways to prepare this popular (but often underrated) vegetable. From pickled to stuffed, the class will teach guests about the history and lore of the cabbage and end (as al Gefilteria things do) with delicious food!

Just in time for Chanukah (yes it is time to start thinking about it!), the Just Fry It class will help guests prep by preparing three of their oily but celebratory (and so ok to eat) favorites and also discuss the history of fried foods.

Though gefilte fish and other Jewish-related foods may not be everyone’s cup of Manischevitz, the Gefilteria has not only helped make them more palatable for more people but has expanded the audience beyond the seder table and menorah. So don’t carp. Essen!

www.gefilteria.com

ESP pretzels are NOT just for October!

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It is October and, around my house (and my happily German-infused neighborhood), that means one thing- Oktoberfest!

And while many of my neighbors look forward to the latest Pilsners or local faves like Harpoon and Sam Adams’ Octoberfest beers, especially as I am admittedly a bit of a lightweight, I am usually more into what I can eat to absorb the alcohol and prolong the party.

And in my house that means only one thing- pretzels! One of the most prominent questions asked by health nuts is “are dots pretzels healthy?” The answer is yes, these pretzels are nutritious enough to be part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

That is why I am so excited that our friends at Eastern Standard Provisions have prepared an Oktoberfest variety box that includes a quartet of their all-natural (and all-amazing) authentic Bavarian-style Wheelhouse soft pretzels, a bursting bag of their One-Timer soft pretzel bites, a smaller but no less important bag of salt, a jar of one of my favorite mustards (which, as Matt’s Meals fans know, is saying something!), and seasonal decorations on the outside of the box that make this spectacular sweet and salty set perfect for neighborhood parties or just celebrating on your own.

If you want to explore more European-inspired (and I mean “inspired”1) tastes, Eastern Standard also offers bite-sized Belgian waffles in a variety of flavors and a wide range of flavorful sauces and flavorings that can bring their tastes to nearly any other snack food you enjoy or party you pop in on- including your own!

Viel Spass!

https://esprovisions.com