Author: Matt Robinson

GET FRESH ON THE CAPE SEPTEMBER 19

Posted by

While most of your friends may packed up their vacation houses by Labor Day, there are still plenty of reasons to go to the Cape!

One of them is a tasting event at Expressions Gallery in Chatham that will be hosted by Farmers to You on September 19 starting at 6:30 PM.

As the name implies, Farmers to You is a collaborative that works with over 150 farms throughout the region to bring everything from award-winning cheese and humanely-raised meats to pasture-raised poultry and eggs, organic bread, and milk that still has the cream floating on top of the bottle, and even creative prepared foods to over 2,000 patrons and locations throughout MA, VT, and NY.  

Among the featured foods and farmers at the Chatham event (which is free but for which registration is requested) will be sweet sauces from Butterfly Bakery (which is also the home of our favorite Fat Toad Farm Caramel!), upcycled crackers from Brewers Foods, Long Wind Farm‘s grown-in-soil tomatoes, Aqua ViTea kombucha, and cheeses from Farmstead Cheese Co. and Sweet Rowen Farmstead. 

In addition to fresh and delicious food, the event in Chatham will also offer the opportunity to discuss with Farmers to You founder Greg Georgaklis and to enjoy the refreshing visual produce of artist Steve Koppel.

Whether or not you can make the event, Farmers to You is always ready to serve through its enticing website (https://farmerstoyou.com), which offers beautiful pictures of every product along with the stories behind the people behind each one. It even has meal suggestions for those who might need a little encouragement with expanding their dietary palette. They also offer their own CSA and pickup or delivery in certain areas and are constantly growing- just like their products!

SUIT UP FOR SCOTCH AND STEAK

Posted by

While they have long been known for some of the best food and most engaging and attentive servers around for years, Davio’s has lately begun to expand their already impressive offerings into a growing menu of special events that may soon include author talks featuring a certain radio food critic!

From cake decorating to flower arranging, Davio’s has been offering its friends and neighbors opportunities to learn new skills and get to know new people and products that can help them entertain and be entertained as well.

On September 18, Davio’s at 75 Arlington Street at the top of Boston’s Back Bay will host an exclusive evening of fashion and flavor when men’s haberdasher extraordinaire Milton’s and some of the most popular whiskey makers from around the world combine forces to present a night of Suits and Scotch.

While enjoying some of Davio’s most popular (and rightfully so!) hors d’oevres – including their fresh tuna tartare and cider bacon-wrapped scallops, as well as their legendary meatballs and internationally-known cheese steak spring rolls – guests will also be able to try bespoke cocktails made with Wyoming Whiskey, Highland Park, and The Macallan. 

As they enjoy their food and drink, guests will also be offered a special preview of the latest tailored looks from Boston’s favorite family-owned men’s store.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at https://davios.com/bos.

Another great event that has been bringing many people to Davio’s is its Power Lunch, which is served weekdays from 11:30-3 and includes an appetizer, entrée, and sweet treat for $32. It’s like Restaurant Week every week!

So whether you like your Whiskey neat or in an Old Fashioned, there is nothing old fashioned about the great food and fun events at Davio’s – other than the delicious family-inspired recipes and total dedication to the customer, that is!

LOOK, MOM- NO GMO’s!

Posted by

I recently had the privilege of sharing my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) at the beautiful Barnes & Noble in Natick, MA (and will present it at B&N in Dedham September 14). And while I was thrilled to see a real bookstore doing so well and to meet all the people who came by to learn about my book and my syndicated author TV show, “The Writer’s Block,” I was also gratified to find that, just a few doors down was an amazing store that had only organic products, including many that I have discussed as part of Matt’s Meals!

Started (as so many great food companies are) as a one-person operation, Mom’s Organic Market is now in six states (including MA!) and growing fast.

Though it is part of a national chain, as Mom’s supports so many independent food makers (including our friends at Runamok and Effie’s) and still offers a full bulk food section that saves money and packaging (as do the recycling and composting stations in each store), as well as a large selection of carbon-friendly foods, I cannot help but try to help them! 

In addition to some of your favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) brands of food, organic produce, and kindly-raised meats, Mom’s also carries a growing list of money-saving but just-as-delicious-and-nutritious private label items, a full retinue of organic beers and wines, supplements and health and beauty aids (including CBD products), and even clothing! 

What they do NOT carry, however are products made with over 250 ingredients that they have literally banned. Among these are artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors, dangerous oils and chemicals, products that pander to kids, and product-wasteful bottled water.

Thanks for lookin’ out for our health, Mom’s!        

THE CHIPS ARE UP

Posted by

While I do everything I can to stay healthy, sometimes, I just need a cookie!

And while I love helping support the work done by Collettey’s and serving my gluten-free friends Mightylicious treats or dropping by Crumbl or Levain for a decadent treat, I am very much looking forward to the latest locations of Chip City Cookies.

Having already deserved out-the-door-lines at the Arsenal and Boston’s West End, Chip City will soon be opening in Harvard Square on September 13 (right next to the also soon-to-open Van Leeuwen ice cream- What could be better?!) and on Newbury Street September 27. 


If you are among the first 100 customers at either opening, you will receive a free cookie. Bt even if you do not get there at 4 AM, don’t worry- There will be plenty of deliciousness to go around, thanks to Chip City’s menu of nearly 80 flavors that range from PB&J and S’Mores to oatmeal apple pie and blueberry cheesecake and from classics like sugar and chocolate chip to the appropriately named Everything Cookie, as well as their famed thin chips (slim and snappy cookies that come in triple chocolate and confetti, among other flavors) and their limited edition crookies (which combine the buttery flakiness of a croissant with thick and rich cookie dough). As the menu is constantly rotating repeated visits are encouraged

What started as a challenge between childhood friends as to who could more authentically recreate the favorite flavors of their youth has grown into New York’s fastest-growing dessert brand and over 40 locations nationwide. If there is not one near you, they can also be delivered via Goldbelly.

So the next time you need something sweet and creative (other than me 😉 ), check out https://chipcitycookies.com and see what your next favorite flavor is going to be! 

BOXING UP SICILY

Posted by

Though boxed wine may still not have the cachet of glass and cork, there is a new series of Sicilian sippers that are helping to stem the stemless tide.

Alileo Wines uses viticultural traditions that go back generations to make wines that fit the modern palates and proclivities. The hand-harvested grapes are turned into wines that are 100% unfiltered, organic, and both gluten- and sugar-free, allowing every sip to be fresh, fruity, and free of the pesticides and other chemicals that plague so many other wines. And as they come in recyclable boxes that are easier to ship and keep more wine fresher longer, the wines are as good for the environment as they are for your favorite oenophile!

Whether or not you have experienced them at their popular pop-ups in Boston’s Seaport District, at Caffe Nero at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA, or at Tuscan Village in NH, Alileo have surely been getting around and are popping up at restaurants and homes all over.

Among the bold boxes are a light and fruity  Zibibbo Macerato, a dry and floral Young Grillo, a full-bodied, fruity, and tannic Syrah, and a darkly different Rosato Bronzato made from Syrah grapes with notes of cherry and red fruit.
Crafted in Sicily by a family that still clings to Old World ways, the wine is brought to the States and into the 21st century by a husband-and-wife who started the winery to fulfill a family member’s last wish.

Though they also sell shirts on their website (www.alileowines.com) that maintain that “boxed wine is not a crime,” Alileo also has sparkling wines made from the same organic grapes that come in bottles as well. They also have a wine club that sends you reminders to get more wine instead of forcing it into your mailbox. In the final analysis, however, it’s what’s inside and behind the wines that counts and Alileo is a great wine with a great story! 

A HOLE STRAIGHT FROM LOWELL!

Posted by

I started doing these segments in order to support independent food makers. While I love every entrepreneur I’ve worked with, I’m especially happy to talk about people who are making it in Massachusetts, especially if they are in the heart of the Massachusetts Miracle- my familial hometown of Lowell )where I look forward to seeing Victor Wooten as part of the Lowell Summer Music Series).

If they make some of the best donuts around? What could be better?!

And if all their donuts are plant-based? WOW!

With flavors that range from chocolate glazed with either coconut, pecans, or sprinkles (“Jimmies” to locals) to a rainbow donut that can brighten any day, Planted Donuts has something for everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions or proclivities. 

By using all natural, often organic ingredients (that offer more protein than most donuts, by the way) and baking instead of frying, Planted is able to offer donuts that are not only delicious for everyone but have a lot more flavor and less guilt, making it easier to enjoy even more!

Started by Lowell home baker Julie Freitas, Planted Donuts was first developed across the mighty Merrimack in Lawrence at the Revolving Test Kitchen but went on hiatus for a bit. 

On September 14, Planted will be relaunching at Sugar Baking Co. in West Roxbury. From 11-2, donut nuts will not only be able to taste Planted’s wonderful wares but also meet the makers of their ethical and exciting ingredients (Including Taza Chocolate) and get special donut discounts as well! 

If you miss the party, you can still enjoy Planted Donuts at Sugar Baking Co. every weekend (unless I get there first, of course!).

As the jingle says, there is a lot to like about the birthplace of the American Revolution and Planted Donuts is great example!!

GREAT FOR WHAT AILS YOU

Posted by

As I always try to keep up on the latest nutrition news, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Shawn Talbott of the amazing nutritional support company Amare Global on my author interview show, “The Writer’s Block” (http://needhamchannel.org/the-writers-block/), to discuss his latest supplements and his world-leading expertise on the vital connections between your brain and your gut.

A few weeks ago, I was even more excited to have the opportunity to stay with Shawn and his wife Julie at their bed-and-breakfast in Plymouth.

Located right across the street from the beach, the 3 Waves Wellness Bed and Breakfast not only offers opportunities for engaging actively with the beautiful surroundings via walks, bike rides, stand-up-paddleboards, or just a game of croquet or cornhole in the backyard, it also offers delicious, freshly-made foods (including the Talbotts’ signature granola) and the opportunity to try some of Amare’s most popular and beneficial products and even to discuss them with the team that helped create them!

The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed with temperature-controlling bedcovers, lavender-infused sleep masks, and nutritious bedtime chocolates. And if you need more health care, there is a full spa in the basement with an infrared sauna, massage chairs, virtual reality meditation pods, and an on-call massage therapist and reflexologist who can help you get your outer body into better shape while you work on the insides as well.

So if you have a trip planned to the South Shore or even the Cape, make sure to stop at 3 Waves. You may never want to leave but you will surely feel better when you do!

APPLE JAM

Posted by

Fall in New England can be a magical time!

And while many enjoy, cruising through the White and Green Mountains looking for a leaves in every other color or spending an afternoon family and friends, there is an alternative that may be a little bit more exciting.

On September 21st from 2-8 PM, our friends at Stowe Cider will host their fifth Jam for the Land Event, which has been rebranded as Jam for The Parks because it will help celebrate and support the centennial of Vermont State Parks! In addition to donating all ticket proceeds, Stowe Cider is also giving part of their cider sales proceeds to preserve the 55 state parks throughout the 18th state.

From members of The Rock & Roll Playhouse to a Dylan & The Dead set featuring members of moe. to a collection of other VT all-stars that is set to include Nick Cassarino from Nth Power, Rob Compa from Dopapod, Pappy from Cabinet, as well as Hayley Jane and Josh Dobbs, the Jam will keep Stowe Cider’s famed Shakedown Street rockin’.

As if that were not reason enough to check out apple-spiced party, the Jam will also feature local vendors, family-friendly activities (and beverages, including their Fresh Press sparkling cider), and their famous BBQ. Stowe has also released a limited-edition cider throughout Vermont during September that will also benefit the parks system too!

Speaking of September ciders, be on the lookout for Stowe’s cider donut and gingerbread varieties and keep an eye out for whatever they come up with next!

STILL RUNNING

Posted by

While it has been a while since I checked in with our friends at Runamok Maple, they have clearly been amping up the creativity in the meantime.

In fact, not only have they come out with a slew of new maple-based concoctions that range from wood-fired syrups and syrups infused with everything from ginger to chocolate to pumpkin spice and the expansion of their popular Sparkle Syrup line, they have also added a set of syrups that work well as mixers and that make for extra-tasty cocktails when paired with your favorite tipple.

Speaking of mixing with alcohol, the folks at Runamok have added banana rum to their syrup and have even partnered with what maybe Vermont’s most popular pourable export – Whistle Pig Whiskey – to make a syrup that is all the proof you need of how great syrup can be!

As there are so many choices, picking a favorite becomes ever-more difficult. Fortunately, Runamok has multiple solutions to this sweet and sticky problem, including sets of smaller-sized bottles that allow and encourage tasting and experimentation and their popular Bottle of the Month Club that sends members a new bottle every month at a special price! If you are a wine and cheese or grilling fan, they also offer special gift boxes that pair perfectly with your other favorite foods.

While they may beknown for their maple mastery (as so many in their region are) Runamok has expanded further into another natural sweetener and now offers honeys that come from various regions and that is also infused with florals and botanicals that give their products unique notes that will harmonize well with any other food.

Apparently, running amok in quiet Vermont is a good thing!

LENNNNNYYYYY!’

Posted by

Fans of a certain age will certainly remember the legendary television commercials featuring Anthony Martignetti running through the streets of Boston’s historic North End doing his best to get home to his mother’s traditional pasta dinner- a dinner that was on and made more delicious by the Prince Spaghetti Company.

These days, the Prince company is best represented by the replica leaning tower of Pisa along route, one in Saugus that stands as the marker of their famous Prince Pizzeria restaurant, which has served as the house-made home of the Castraberti family since 1961

While the ads claimed that, “Wednesday is Prince spaghetti day,” these days you can get that famous flavor any night of the week! And not just pasta- Prince also serves up freshly-made bruschetta, their famed Caesar salad, toasted ravioli and baked lasagna with their signature sauce, and even shrimp scampi and multiple parmigianas. As the name implies, Prince’s is also the prince of pizzas and offers combinations like the shish-kebab pizza (with their “Bianco famous” sausage, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms) and a “Green Monstah” (with broccoli and spinach) that is great when watching the game or anytime.

Whether or not the game is on, another great draw at Prince’s is Giggle’s Comedy Club, which hosts such local and national faves as Tony V, Jackie Martling, Steve Sweeney and Lenny Clarke (who I recently had the honor of interviewing for Fifty-Plus Advocate)!

So whether Anthony’s ads used to make you smile or you want a reason to laugh while enjoying great locally-sourced food from a locally-sourced family, Prince is still the king!