Author: Matt Robinson

LIKE A BOSS

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As I have been talking about food so long, I am comfortable saying again that, especially at this time of year, I often find myself drinking the amazing Maple products from Cochrane’s and UnTapped straight from the bottle, but I recently found another direct-to-mouth product of which I cannot get enough that I wanted to share with everyone!

In addition to being a maple maven, I am also a granola gourmand and I’ve talked a lot about favorites like Forij and Golden Girl and Humble Bones– all of which are great straight from the container yet some of which are not always easy to just scoop and savor.

Fortunately, I recently found a long line of delicious nut-free butters that work everywhere my beloved PB does but takes the taste even further!

Oat Boss butters were made for a little girl with nut allergies but are sure to drive any food fan nuts (in a GOOD way)!

Though they all start with wholesome oats, coconut oil, and honey, Oat Boss butters add such impressively authentic natural flavors as blueberry muffin, shortbread, chocolate chip cookie, chocolate fudge, and even a granola butter donut that deserves a call from Kane’s Donuts!

As the butters are packed with protein and fiber and still only free of nuts, gluten, and soy, they can serve not only as a sandwich starter but also – as I said – as a spoon-fed snack for anyone!

And as they come from a family-run business, I want to get behind them with as many spoonsful as I can…and you will too!

READY FOR ANYTHING (and I mean “ANYTHING”!)

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As the world continues to spiral into disarray, more people are abandoning the status quo and finding ways to survive out of the office and off the grid.

One of the best of these is Eric Christianson, a former Army Ranger who left the rat race of New York for the natural wonder of the American wilderness where he founded and runs Nutrient Survival.
Though many of their products offer nutrition that has served Special Operations soldiers and other well-prepped people, Nutrient Survival can also help everyday people prepare for every day. 

From ready-to-eat meals like oatmeal, egg scrambles, and even lasagna to powdered veggies that include all the taste and nutrition of the real thing (if not more!), to coffee and immune-boosting tea, Nutrient Survival has everything you need to survive in the canyons of the Sierras or the canyons of steel. They even offer a brain care line with a patented power pack of over 40 essential nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and other mental-stabilizing stuff that can keep you on your game and maybe get you off our meds and that can surely keep your mind as sharp and tuned as your body.

If all of this sounds a bit much, Nutrient Survival has a wide range of sampler sets that can help you prepare to be prepared at your own pace. Once you taste their delicious foods, however, you will surely be set to hunker in the bunker or just prep for your next boardroom battle.

As Matt’s Meals fans know, I LOVE to support Veteran-run businesses, but when the food is a great as this and as good for you, it is easy to enlist anyone to join me! 

NOT QUITE MONTREAL, BUT STILL GREAT!

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I recently raved about the cleverly-distributed smoked salmon and other seafood delights from Twin Light Smokehouse and Cape Ann Fresh Catch. But what good is great smoked salmon without something to shmear it on?

While I was recently privileged to enjoy fresh-baked bagels from Montreal, I have found a place that is much closer that makes bagels that are equally profound.

Inspired by the legendary St. Viateur bagelry in Montreal, Myer’s Wood Fired Bagels produces hand-rolled masterpieces that are boiled in honey and that combine the best of Canada, New York, and Vermont for an international sensation that can be shipped nationwide but that are also worth the trip, especially if you are in the area for skiing, leaf-peeping, or to enjoy some of the Green Mountain State’s many other food faves, such as Cabot and Jasper Hill Farm cheeses, Champlain Orchards ciders and Lake Champlain chocolates, or Yolo snacks.

If you visit the plant, you can also enjoy a bagel-based sandwich and other locally-made treats like 14th Star, Switchback, Von Trapp, and Zero Gravity beer, as well as Sugar Bob’s syrups, and Myer’s own Montreal spice.

No matter where you try them, however, you are sure to come back for more of Myer’s ever-expanding menu of flavors, which includes such stand-outs as sesame sunflower, whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, and kitchen sink.

Especially as I have family in Montreal, St. Viateur bagels will always hold a special place in my heart and my pantry. When I want a great bagel without customs, however, I now souviens to reach for Myer’s.

SWEETENING LIFE ALL DOWN THE CHAIN

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As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a chocolate fan and have had the pleasure of enjoying bars from around the world.

One of my foreign favorites is Tony’s Chocolonely from Amsterdam. In addition to offering a wide range of unique and customizable flavors, Tony also stays away from the slavery and child labor practices that plague so much of the industry and pays nearly twice as much as other companies in order to ensure that “fair trade” is not just a slogan.

Along those lines comes an African maker named Luji’s Chocolate who is also combining amazing unique flavor combinations with admirable practices and philosophies.

Based in West Africa, Luji’s not only sources their chocolate through a personal partnership with farmers from Nigeria but many of the other ingredients as well, including fresh ginger, plantains, and the chili and other spices that make authentic African Suya such an international taste sensation and that surely makes their chocolate stand out as well. 

In addition to allowing anyone from anywhere to experience these exciting flavors, buying Luji’s bars also supports the farmers who help craft them by paying for cocoa tree seedlings to replenish and expand their supplies and help the local economy and world environment, all while bringing more of the legendary flavors and of Africa to the rest of the world.

Each Luji’s sampler set includes one milk, one 70% dark, one ginger plantain, and one Suya bar, along with a tasting guide that can help make the delicious transition to authentic African chocolate even more enjoyable.

Africa was long known as the “dark” continent. Who knew they were talking about chocolate! 

EXPANDING THE LAKE

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As Matt’s Meals fans know, I Lovermont and especially love the food friends I have made there. As you also know, I m a big chocolate fan. It is no surprise, then, that one of my favorite chocolate spots in Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington.

No matter where else in the Green Mountain State I am traveling, I always make an effort to stop by their store to taste their latest mouth-watering wares.

And now they are rewarding my efforts and making it slightly easier to reach their store by expanding it!

LCC’s flagship store on Pine Street in Burlington recently added about 50% more space and have also expanded their menu of olfactory offerings with the addition a cocoa bar and a bakery that serves freshly made croissants, muffins, cookies, brownies, locally-sourced apple cider donuts, and their legendary Burlington Blackout Cake. Visitors can even look into their Innovation Kitchen to get an early glimpse of what is sure to be their next sweet favorite.

With so many chocolatey choices, the build-your-own-box station is a great place to start, as it allows and encourages guests to mix and match from among Lake Champlain’s amazing assortment of handmade truffles, caramels, and even their Five-Star bars and 40th anniversary cocktail confection collection. If you need a more curated gift, special orders can also be placed right in the store!

As they are all handmade, mistakes are occasionally made, but buying the so-called “seconds” at the expanded store only means you are saving money on something you were going to eat before getting back in the car anyway!

So whether or not your travel plans call for Vermont, be sure to at least check out www.lakechamplainchocolates.com anytime you want to make your day and those of others a bit sweeter.

INSTANT KARMA

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Despite the fact that she has been told repeatedly by many friends about the ease of use and health benefits of an instant pot and despite the many delicious and healthy meals said friends have prepared for us using theirs, my dear wife seems to have a fear of using it for our family.

Fortunately, I recently came upon a new book by Instant Pot pro and Pressure Luck Cooking creator Jeffrey Eisner that has helped to take the anxiety out of cooking under pressure. And what makes it even better is that most of the recipes are not only healthy and delicious but low in calories. In fact, the book is called The Lighter Step-by-Step Instant Pot Cookbook!

As Eisner used these recipes to lose 100 pounds himself, the proof is in the pudding (or is that the lemon curd on page 258?). And no matter whether you like soups or stews, pastas or poultry, meats or meatless meals, applesauce or oatmeal, Cuban Chili, Greek Farro, or Sephardic Tagine-style meals, this book has all you need to embrace the instant while improving your health.

Starting with a table of contents that details which recipes are free of gluten and dairy and which are paleo- or keto-friendly, the book offers a wide range of recipes, each of which has images of nearly every step so even the most pot-averse cook can feel confident. It also has handy tips for substitutions that can lower the calorie count and improve the nutritional profile of many recipes even further.

Whether you want to lose weight or gain confidence in the kitchen, this is a no-pressure way to learn how to use pressure to make great food that is great for you.     

http://readvoracious.com

BULDLING UP THE CORPS

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We all know how hard our soldiers and first responders work and how much support they deserve.

That is one of the many reasons I have long been a fan of Fire Dept. Coffee – a Veteran-run business that offers some of the best-tasting coffees around and delivers them in ways that are convenient and that also support their fellow Veterans and life-savers.

To add to their already impressive menu of alcohol-infused coffees, ready-to-drink cans, and even donut shop-worthy flavors that will give you other things to run on, Fire Dept. recently released some additional options that combine things that most of us need and want to help us all make it through a challenging day.

Their new instant coffee protein powder contains 225 mg of natural caffeine per cup along with 20 grams of eco-friendly upcycled protein that is naturally vegan and soy free and derived from plants. Sustainable and sustaining, the coffee is easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold, before or after a workout, a meeting, or anytime you have a “fire” that needs putting out.

Another brave combo is Fire Dept.’s Camo Blend coffee, which combines the rich and smooth flavors of their most popular light and dark roasts, offering a delicious combination that stands out in the jungle of coffee options.

Whether you are a first responder or a weekend warrior, caffeine and protein are vital to get you going and keep you moving. If buying them can help support those who support us all- all the better!

BACK AT THE ‘BUD

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While we have lost some great places in recent months (including Latina in my now native Needham), one of my favorite haunts from a lifetime ago is back and better than ever!

When I started my writing career, Davis Square in Somerville was a regular stop. And when I was not reviewing music at Johnny D’s (another dearly departed), I was hanging out and chowing down at the legendary Rosebud Kitchen & Bar. 

Though it had been slated to close, farm-to-table pioneer Chef Keith Sarasin has revamped, and reopened the 1941 dining car (which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places!), bringing his years of Indian cooking experience to the menu of freshly-made, locally-sourced diner favorites.

From creatively-crafted burgers and creamy cracker-crusted mac n’ cheese to chicken tikka, tandoori-cooked Masala fries and mashed potatoes, and Indian veggie chili, the Rosebud now combines classic American comfort foods with inspired Indian infusions. No matter what you order, be sure to save room for their legendary desserts from nearby Petsi Pies or their new gulab jamun waffle and mango lassi parfait.

The Rosebud has also upped their cocktail game with help from NYC hospitality veteran Will Corado, who is using only fresh ingredients to craft such new signature standards as the Bombay to Boston old fashioned made with curry bitters and a chai espresso martini – all of which are only $10!

If you want more of Chef Sarasin’s masterful Mumbai-inspired meals, look for his pop-up restaurant Aatma or events hosted by his kitchen collaborative, The Farmer’s Dinner. No matter when you want great food – either American or Indian or both – The Rosebud has more than enough local flavor and international flair for any taste!                                

STAYING COZY WITH EVA

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As temperatures drop, those of us who still want to dine al fresco are finding fewer options and opportunities.

Fortunately, one of Newbury Street’s hottest hot spots is doing all it can to keep you warm even when the weather is not.

As the overseer of one of the biggest patios in Boston, Eva has made its claim on the local dining landscape. But when that landscape needs shoveling, there is now no need to fear, as Eva recently installed not just heat lamps but also a handful of portable fire pits (each of which can be reserved for up to six guests and combined for larger parties), making outdoor dining even cozier than eating at most walled-in venues!

In addition to the seductive seating, Eva has also brought Chef Vince Carideo (of Barbara Lynch’s Sportello fame) to Back Bay. In addition to his famed handmade pastas (which can be served with a three-meat Bolognese or seafood-=based sauce, among other perfect preparations), Chef Carideo brings fresh Mezze platters, hearty soups, locally-sourced salads, and burgers made with beef, lamb, or falafel, as well as standout standards and the Eva supreme pizza, which combines fresh Italian meats with meat mushrooms and Marzano tomato sauce. 

For starving shoppers and wintertime walkers on the go, Eva also recently revealed a Belgian waffle stand, but the seasonal sippers like a warming mulled wine, sweet Stroopwafel cider, and chill-chasing chai chocolate will surely entice many to linger by the fire and stay for a meal.

It may be cold outside, Baby, but you can still stay warm and satisfied thanks to your chic friend Eva.          

COMMON TIME

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Living in Needham, I am blessed with tons of great places to eat! And while I mourn the loss of Latina, I still love digging into pizza at Hearth, dining at The Farm House, hanging at Blue on Highland, and spending time with the Winiker Brothers at Cook, and I am now looking forward to the arrival of the Common Room, which is set to take the Venezuelan venue’s former spot.

Headed up by Tom Griffin of Brookline’s famed Hamilton and Needham resident Scott McCourt (among other local leaders), as well as Dave Dragani of Dante and Graffiti Pizza and Fred Zagami of Salem Food Market, the Common Room will be firmly nested in decades of food industry expertise and neighborly support.

From succulent steak tips and hearty burgers to mouthwatering wings and other game-watching faves, the Common Room will offer creative dishes that transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary culinary delights and offer special servings like prime rib on Thursdays and braised short ribs to kick off your weekend. And as Chef Francisco from Latina is apparently staying on, the transition will be comfort-able indeed!
As a toast to the neighborhood, the Common Room is concocting special cocktails like the Needham Rocket (which honors our historic mascot) and the One Punch (which rings the bell for Griffin’s pugilistic proclivities).

In addition to great food and drink, the Common Room is sure to become a favorite hang for fans of sports and other fun diversions. The big screens are up and there are already plans for trivia nights and live music as well!

Needham restaurants are consistently great. Now they will have more in Common than ever!    https://commonroomneedham.com