Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

As a boxing coach and fitness trainer, I am always on the lookout for the latest research, tips, and tricks.

Recently, I have read a lot about how whey protein can be the most efficient form for most people. And while I love a good protein shake, I am not such a fan of the mess it can make or the bloating it can sometimes lead to. And as for protein bars, some of them frankly taste like the chalk I use to hold my barbells.

Fortunately, I recently found an amazing protein delivery system that is delicious enough to eat even on my cheat days!

Whey Better cookies were created by fellow fitness fans as a way (whey?) to have protein on the go without the mess or aftertaste. In fact, the only aftertaste you will experience with these amazing cookies is the desire to have taste after taste after taste.

While they have more protein, Whey Better items also have less sugar than other cookies or protein bars as they are sweetened with vanilla-flavored whey, which also helps make them so satisfying that you will not snack as much (as if you could do better with another snack!) and so lose weight while you add muscle.

From oatmeal raisin classic chocolate chip to more daring double chip and even double chip with peanut butter to an outrageous offering that is appropriately called s’mores overload, these deliciously dense 6 oz. cookies are great as you head out the door, before or after a workout, or even (as my twins will attest) as dessert! What is better (at least for myself and my girls) is the fact that Whey Better also makes peanut butter cups!

Was I talking about fitness? Oh yes- these cookies and cups are so good, I almost forgot their original purpose (and so will YOU!).

www.wheybettercookieco.com/

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

It has been some time since I heard from my friends at Goodnow Farms. Apparently, COVID and supply chain issues have taken their toll.

Fortunately, the Goodnow Farm family has been able to reconnect with other food friends from near and far and are emerging with a set of sweet treats that may be more creative and better than ever (which is surely saying something)!

Among the extra-high points of the cacao-based collection that has received over 100 international awards are Goodnow’s oat milk chocolate bars (which feature oat milk from Joi foods) and even more chocolates that are made with only freshly-pressed cocoa butter, organic cane sugar, and single-origin cacao beans sourced from Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and other Latin neighbors. 

While Goodnow may be best known for their edible chocolates, they also offer drinkable editions, incuding a Pimiento Gorda cocoa that includes spices from Burlap and Barrel and a cacao tea that is made with freshly-roasted Esmeraldas cacao nibs from Ecuador.

Though many of their products are delicious on their own, in an effort to support others who are trying to survive and again thrive after a very tough year, the folks at Goodnow are suggesting pairing their chocolates with cheeses and other items from such other entrepreneurs as Rubiner’s in Great Barrington and The Grey Barn and Farm on Martha’s Vineyard. Their website also tells the story of chocolate in a way that makes for a good read (perhaps while curled up with a cup of cocoa).

If you thought Goodnow was good before, wait until you see what they have now!

GoodnowFarms.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Long a favorite pre- and post-event venue for Celtics, Bruins, and concert fans and also for the lucky ones who discovered its home base (A&B Burgers in Beverly), A&B Kitchen & Bar is expanding its offerings in order to make sure they got game even on nights when there is no game. 

Founded by 35-year restraurant veteran Thomas Holland (the former Sonsie GM and Michael Schlow supporter who named A&B for his sons, Alex and Ben), A&B has been redefining the definition of casual restaurant for nearly 10 years.

In addition to the award-winning Niman Ranch beef burgers that made their Beverly base so popular, A&B Kitchen & Bar will offer seasonal menus featuring ingredients that will spotlight and support local producersm such as famed breadmaker A&J King in Salem and Rocky Neck Seafood from Ipswich. Among the fan faves at A&B have been the in-house slow-cooked BBQ ribs and BBQ pork nachos cooked using an additional pig cooker, a healthy and hearty tuna Nicoise bowl, an authentic N’awlins shrimp po’ boy, and fish & chips made with local beers. In addition to 12 such beers on tap and a wide and creative wine list, A&B also offers such worth-the-trip tipples as a caramel cinnamon apple pie milkshake made with Fireball whiskey, cinnamon applesauce, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and cinnamon cereal!

With great views of the Leoanard Zakim Bridge and Lovejoy Wharf (and also the Gah-den), A&B is a great place to visit whenever you want great food in a great atmosphere, regardless of how great (or not) our local teams are doing.

https://anbkitchen.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

From wine to water, carton packaging has become the preferred way over bottles because it is easier to store, carry, and recycle and so has less negative impact on the environment.

And while the boxed water movement has many benefits, few boxed water companies offer as much as Everybody Water.

Though it sources its water from MI (where the quality of the water has been questionable of late), Everybody Water offers more than just convenience. Unlike other waters (whether bottled or boxed), Boston-based Everybody Water not only offers liquid sustenance to those who enjoy it, but also supports people for whom fresh water is far more of a luxury than most people in this and other more fortunate nations.

Proceeds from every recyclable sugar cane-based, CO2-absorbing TetraPak® carton (all of which come from responsibly-managed forests) help the women entrepreneurs behind Everybody Water and their partners at Water1st International support clean water infrastructure projects around the world. In addition to bringing clean water to the half of the world that has gone without for many years, their efforts also allow young women to go to school, get jobs, and pursue other goals instead of spending their days carrying water for miles from the nearest well.

Unflavored yet delicious, Everybody Water does more than satisfy your thirst. It also satisfies your desire to help others while helping yourself. And while we have all gone through trials this year, we still have much to be thankful for and (especially at this time of year) can perhaps now turn outward to help others feel the same way. With Everybody Water, that outward turning is as easy as turning on the tap.

www.everybodywater.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

While Kwanzaa has seven days, Chanukah eight nights, and Christmas 12 days, Greek Orthodox Christmas lasts 14 days, giving us all more time to celebrate. And with food from Greek International Market in West Roxbury, there is a lot to celebrate at this season or any time!

From in-store prepared foods that are inspired (indded!) by the Farm Grill in Newton (another favorite of mine!) and amazing sandwiches to authentic Greek imports that range from chocolate and a raft of olive oils to their famous tzatziki yogurt sauce (which goes great on pretty much anything!) and a wide range of Greek wines, Greek International Market has been supplying many during the pandemic and is sure to put together the perfect gift or catering menu for your holidays, no matter what you celebrate or for how long.

If you are new to Greek food or just can’t decide which items to try next, the talented team at the Market (headed by the savvy and personable Katerina Iliades) can assemble one of their famed “Taste of Greece” baskets. No matter what size or price point you pick, these bountiful baskets are sure to please any friend, colleague, or family member. They also make great “thank you” gifts for your favorite colleagues and service workers. 

Whether or not you are Greek Orthodox or even if you do not celebrate anything this time of year (other than perhaps Festivus), this season is a great excuse (as if you needed one) to treat your friends and family and yourself to some of the best international food around at Greek International Market.

 www.greekintlmarket.com 

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

I love Indian food, but not just ANY Indian food. In fact, when I have a craving for curry and other Indian delights, I always go to Shanti.

And while Shanti has locations in Roslindale, Dorchester, and Kendall Square in Cambridge, none of them are so convenient that I can just pop out and pick up my favorite Indian foods whenever I want to.

Fortunately, Shanti has come up with a new plan to get their amazingly authentic and award-winning-ly delicious Indian food to a wider range of fans like me.

As part of their new subscription service, Shanti is offering a monthly menu of specialties from different regions of the Subcontinent that will show why their food is always on top of food fans’ lists of favorites.

Each month, members will enjoy (and I mean “enjoy”!) a five-course meal for two or four that comes with a story about the source region and a special freshly-roasted and house-milled spice from Shanti that will make the meal even better (as if that were possible)! There will also be cooking classes and other privileges for certain members as well!

November’s Diwali-themed offerings were a huge hit and more are sure to come!  Among the coming year’s gifts of food are Punjabi treats in January, Neplaese dishes in March, Bangladeshi favorites in April, and more!

In honor of the season of giving, Shanti is offering a $50 discount off memberships when you use the code “Boston” during checkout, but food this good is worth a Raja’s treasure!

So whether you are lucky enoygh to be able to drop by Shanti’s locations any time you want or are a bit further away but still crave their amazing food (or want to share it with others), the new membership service bring the taste of India (and beyond) to you!

www.shantiboston.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

It is hard to believe, but Chanukah is almost here! And while that means trying to find gifts amidst the double-punch of inflation and supply problems, it is also a time to be grateful for miracles large and small, including the gifts of wonderful food made by wonderful people.

We have spoken many times about Galit Grutman of Galit’s Treats in Newton, Steve Peljovich of Michael’s Deli in Brookline, and Needham’s own Liron Pergament-Gal of ChocAllure. And while this talented trio makes some of the best baked goods, sandwiches, and sweet snacks all year, they truly light an extra candle for Chanukah.

This year, in addition to some of the best challahin the area, Galit is offering amazing (and nut-free) sufganiyot. While she will probably also have the traditional and no less delicious) fried option, Galit is also baking some sufganiyotas well! Available each day from 12-2, they have proven so popular that Galit is staying open for the first night of Chanukah, which is Sunday, November 28.

At Michael’s, Steve is adding to his ever-expanding menu of Krazy Knishes with a trio of holiday-themed treats that includes sufganiyot, latkes and apples, and holiday brisket knishes. He also has hand-shredded latkes (a.k.a., potato pancakes), blueberry blintzes, and, of course, Auntie Bev’s famed noodle kugel, all of which go great with his world-famous corned beef.

At ChocAllure, Liron is still offering sweets that will keep you humming throughout the holidays. For Chanukah, she has a new six-piece box that will miraculously keep the entire eight-night holiday extra satisfying. Among the flavors are salted butter muscovado sugar caramel, cookies and cream, and dark chocolate and crunchy caramel.

From chicken soup to nut-free sufganiyotand chocolate-covered nuts, Galit, Michael, and Liron have great choices for allyour holday celebrations.

Chag Channukah!

 www.galitstreats.com / http://michaelsdelibrookline.com / www.choc-allure.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

While many may be looking forward to latkes and fruitcake (or not) this time of year, no matter what we eat, we all need something seasonally yummy to wash it all down. And while many look forward to mulled cider, our friends at Stormaliong Cider have taken this seasonal favorite one step further (and more delicious).

Their appropriately-named Happy Holidays cider combines Stormalong’s locally-sourced, hand-picked, and freshly-pressed apples with allspice, cinnamon, cloves, organic brown sugar, ginger, and nutmeg to make an unfiltered seasonal sipper that is both warming and refreshing at the same time.

That Stormalong is made in Sherborn, MA (which once served as the home of the world’s largest refined cider mill) may be no surprise when you consider the wide diversity of their offerings and the consistency of quality across the menu. From their flagship Legendary Dry to the fruity and downright tropical Red Skies at Night and the also appropriately-named Boston Heirloom and Mass Appeal (which are also made with Bay State apples), they offer a great taste for any time of year and are constantly combining a wide range of apples as they search for their next great recipe. With Happy Holidays, their search has certainly born fruit, but will surely continue.

Enjoy the flavors of the season, but if that fruitcake gets stuck in your throat, then just Stormalong!

www.stormalong.com

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

As people continue to emerge and go back to “normal” life, many are finding themselves feeling an urge to catch up on everything they missed.  As a result, they are rushing around and sometimes letting such important aspects of life as nutrition and enjoyment fall by the wayside.

Fortunately, there is an option that satisfies even the most hectic pandemic escapees.

The appropriately-named Whenever Bars from Pamela’s Products (who also offers yummy cookies, fruit bars, flavored graham crackers, and baking mixes) are whole grain-packed yet soy- and gluten-free and non-GMO treats that are as delicious and satisfying as any bars that have ingredients that are not so healthy or allergy sensitive.

Created by Pamela Giusto-Sorrells (who, it may not be surprising to learn, grew up in a family of bakers), Whenever Bars come in five delicious organic agave and coconut sugar-sweetened flavors – including raisin walnut spice, cranberry almond, peanut butter chocolate chip, chocolate chip coconut, and blueberry lemon – that offer just the right tastes for any time and place.

While they do not include gluten, they do offer a good dose of fiber and omega-3 oils, so they are satisfying and nutritious as well as yummy. 

As I am on the go a lot these days, I keep a few in my car, some in my briefcase, and a lot all over the house (incuding in my daughters’ snack boxes) and we all love them! (What more needs to be said?)

www.pamelasproducts.com/

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

Though many of us are emerging from the pandemic and looking forward to reuniting with friends and family around the dinner table this holiday season, there are stil many friends who need support.

I am talking, of course, about our friends in the food service industry.

As supply lines continue to snarl and expenses continue to rise, restaurants, markets, and perhaps especially the independent producers and purveyors that we love to mention and support on Connoisseurs Corner and Matt’s Meals are all facing hard times- perhaps even harder than during the heart of the pandemic. Also, as they are all trying to provide for and maybe even offer a bit of holiday cheer to their own friends and families, doing what you can so they can do what they can is more important than ever!

The great news is that you can give to others while giving to your favorite friends in the food family by purchasing gift baskets and gift cards now to give a bit later so that the food makers and distributors can continue to give to their families and yours.

In addition to thinking about family and friends, gift baskets and cards are a great way to welcome employees back to the office and to thank essential workers and clients and colleagues as well.

The holidays should be a time of joy and gratitude for all. Be sure to give your local food purveyors reasons to be thankful while showing yor gratitude for all those you hold dear.