Author: Matt Robinson

LOOK, MOM- NO GMO’s!

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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!’

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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!

COOKING IS CARING

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As I also teach at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. I have a special place in my heart for individuals who face challenges in their lives and figure out ways to overcome them and for organizations that help them do it.

That is why I was so gratified to be invited to the second annual Bubbles and Beats event at the culinary school at New England Center for Arts and Technology (NECAT).

NECAT offers job training and employment support to people who have been involved with the justice system, new immigrants, and others for whom getting and keeping a job may be a challenge, and if this event was any indication, they do a great job at it!

At the event, staff and students showed off their beautiful facilities (which include a fully-stocked auditorium/demonstration kitchen and art gallery that will soon be available to rent) and showed how they both offer and deserve community support.

While the food, drink, and music were terrific, the highlight was an impressive cooking demonstration, during which Boston Jerk Fest champ Chef Chris Faison threw together a sauce that I insisted he throw in bottles and sell while Chef Niurka LeBron decimated an onion in mere seconds with her superior knife skills.

Before and after the sushi-grade showcase, program supporters were invited to mingle, dance, and enjoy some of their students and alumni’s most creative creations, including community-minded oysters and freshly-baked s’mores cookies.

Many NECAT alumni have gone on to great culinary careers, including NECAT Instructor Michelene Desmoreau, who has her own catering business and line of spices and is about to open a restaurant in Quincy!

It’s a great way to help people who are motivated to help themselves while supporting the community.

AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE VENUE

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Formula One racing is one of the most popular entertainments in the world.

Unfortunately, not everyone can access it as easily as the privileged few who line the courses and drive the cars.

And while Boston may not have a racecourse design coming anytime soon (Heck- We even bungled an Olympic bid!), area fans can now feel as if they’re in Pit Row and enjoy delicious food while there.

F1® Arcade is the world’s first F1® experience restaurant and it is debuting in the U.S. (as so many great ideas have) in Boston!

With 16,000 square feet across two floors, F1® Arcade offers guests opportunities to get behind the wheels of nearly 70 full-motion simulators. They can also create personal driver profiles and earn prizes like exclusive merchandise!

When you need a break from zipping around the track, grab a position at the nearly-40-foot-long bar to enjoy foods that have been inspired by F1’s international venues and that will surely inspire multiple visits as well! From Wagyu beef sliders and Ahi tuna tostadas to a set of unique burger, taco, and flatbread options, and (in honor of the Seaport location) a raw bar menu that includes an impressive seafood tower, the dining at F1 Arcade lives up to the legend and even includes ‘Designated Drivers’ mocktails that work great for kids or those who want to take on the track with the full focus that F1 demands.

If you want to design your own course, F1 Arcade also offers a 2,400-square foot private room for up to 200 guests. Of course, there are also plenty of screens for everyone to take in the real F1 action from around the world and many races will feature exclusive events with VIP packages and more special surprises!

With plans already in the works for Washington, DC, F1 Arcade in Boston could set off another revolution, so be sure to get in soon!