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 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!

Among my favorite people are musical legends Bill and Bo Winiker (http://www.winikermusic.com). Especially as they played there for so long, one of my favorite resrtaurants was Brothers in Brookline.

While the Winikers continue to bring musical joy to fans far and wide, Brothers has sadly suffered the fate of so many fine establishments during the COVID era.

Fortunately, Chef Simon Restrepo (who first came to Boston from Columbia at the age of 16 and has been climbing to the top of the local food scene pretty much ever since!) has revived the venue and brought back the Winikers for their popular Sunday night showcase and singalong!

Though he has worked with such other area stars as Lydia Shire (she of BIBA, Scampo, etc.) and the Kinkead Brothers (they of Sibling Rivalry fame), Chef Restrepo has entered the former Brother’s space alone and, renaming it as Vello (which is apparently a nickname friends use for him), is ready to offer his own take on local and international favorites (with a special focus on the Mediterranean and his native Colombia).

Among Chef Restrepo’s new offerings are his already popular one-minute steak with soft grits and braised short ribs with beet vinaigrette and potato gnocchi. Other early faves are his mushroom arancini, lamb meatball shakshuka, Miso clam chowder, swordfish rollatini, and his amazing homemade Ricotta donuts.

In addition to the great food, Vello also offers an extensive drink list and, come Sunday night, the best music in town! Be sure to check it out and thell them Matt’s Meals sent you!

www.vellorestaurantandbar.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 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!

As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a BIG fan of granola and munch on and speak about it often. In fact, I probably had some in my mouth when I was typing the script for this spot!

And while I still have big love for crunchy faves like Golden Girl, Humble Bones, Nussli 118, and GrainFreeNola, there is a new kid on the block who has taken the granola game to a whole new level.

Forij (that’s F-O-R-I-J) was created by a young serial entrepreneur named Parker Olsen from Newton, MA. Though he had created many successful products before, Parker was so dedicated to this nutritious innovation that he literally tried different diets for 18 months and lived in a tent for an entire year to research and save money for it! The result is a granola that not only offers amazing taste but also packs in all sorts of superfoods and even brain-building nootropic nutrients. 

Among the wholesome whole food ingredients in his gluten- and GMO-free, keto-friendly, and vegan granolas are chia and pepita seeds, coconut, maple syrup, cinnamon, and “functional” mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, all of which have been shown to promote energy balance, immunity, memory, focus, strength, and endurance. 

Speaking of endurance, Forij’s main mix now is called Energize and it has everything you need to get your day going with powerful nutrition and to help maintain the key balances your body needs in a way that is more than palatable but downright delicious!

Granola is a great anytime snack and now it can help make you better anytime of day!

www.forij.co/

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 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!

While COVID was painful for so many, others were able to use the time and to focus on their health and to learn ways to be better to themselves so they can be better prepared for future medical issues. One of the most productive ways that people found to be healthier was through cooking and even growing their own foods!

My friend Michelina DiSibio has been an expert in this field (no pun intended!) for many years and currently offers not only great advice about better ways to use food to improve health but also an amazing system for growing food indoors.

Inspired by NASA, the Tower Garden is a vertical aeroponic system that uses oxygen in the air to grow all sorts of greens and herbs that can help you join the farm-to-table movement in a healthy and delicious way! 

As each unit uses no dirt and takes up less than three feet of space, Tower Garden is great for smaller spaces like apartments but yield as much as many outdoor gardens! They are also a great tool for teachers who want to offer something new to their recently-returned students that will help them flourish and grow mentally and physically. In fact, Lettuce be the Good recently brought some units to area rehabilitation centers and convalescent home to help the residents and staff support themselves and each other with easy-to-make healthy food!

So even if you do not have much time, space, or gardening know-how, Tower Garden and Michelina’s supportive seminars can help you use food as a friend and support your family and friends as well.

www.lettucebethegood.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 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!

As Matt’s Meals fans know, I LOVE condiments. Anything that I can use food to deliver is a good thing!

As I have been getting more into cooking lately (as so many of us have), I have also been trying to use condiments to help expand my international repertoire. That is why I am soloving oo’mämē Chile Crisps. 

Having started with a traditional Chinese chile crisp, the beguiling brand has expanded to a quartet of spicy sauces that celebrate the aromas and tastes of China, India, Mexico, and Morocco. Each is built upon a foundation of savory umami, the ”fifth taste” that inspires the product’s name (and also many chefs), and brings its own unique blend of spices, including Szechuan peppercorns, chipotle pepper, a fresh Masala mix, and Berber spice.

Created as a labor of love by international food fan Mark Engel (who apparently had beef, chicken, pork, fish and vegetable as his first Chinese words!), each variety of oo’mämē is made in small batches, creating a condiment that delivers that home-cooked feeling and a big bold taste.

In addition to adding fantastic flavor to everything from burgers to yogurt, the spoonable sauces can easily replace and deliciously improve such condiment standards as ketchup, mayo, etc. The website (www.oomame.net) has tons of recipes, but the sauces also make for fun (and yummy) experimentation!

As he has already won the Scovie award for hot sauces in his first year of production, it is clear that Engel is on to something. So take another Matt’s Meals scoop and start scooping your own oo’mämē on everything you can!

www.oomame.net

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 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!

I have long been a fan of the enormous and consistently healthy and delicious menu at Pressed Café and, living in Needham, have had the privilege of being near its Newton location.

That is why I was so tickled to find another Pressed when I finally ventured into Boston a few weeks ago. Tucked in the ground floor of the Prudential Center right along Huntington Avenue, the new Pressed combines their impressive range of bowls, all-day breakfast faves, sandwiches, smoothies, soups, toasts that go FAR beyond avocados, and health-supporting treats with a beautiful upscale bar (with its own additional menu!) and cozy nooks in which to work and catch up with friends once you got your shots. There is also an entire vegan menu so that everyone can enjoy!

And while I rave about Boston, I am also happy to report that Pressed has also recently opened in Salem, NH!

So whether you are downtown, in the suburbs or north of the Bay State border, you can now live free and eat well pretty much anywhere!

www.pressedcafe.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 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!

While climate change and a lack of economic and educational equity continue to weigh down the world, we can all do our part to help stem these troubling tides. And if that help involves delicious wines, all the better!

As more and more companies begin to show their spirit by supporting environmental and community-supporting causes, it has become easier to find new favorites that make you feel good in more ways than one.

New Zealand’s family-run Mohua Winery not only uses sustainable practices to create their delicious Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, they also put their proceeds to work to help the titular native bird survive in its natural habitat and work with the Department of Conservation to support protection initiatives and sanctuary programs. 

Similarly, Southern Right’s sustainably award-winning Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc and their rare surargum honey not only delight drinkers and drizzlers but, with help from their associated Hamilton Russell Vineyards (which is a World Wildlife Federation Champion, by the way!), also help fund a school in New Zealand for underprivileged children.

On the other side of the globe, Portugal’s historic Warre’s Port is not only maintining the traditions it established when it first created the world’s first British Port established in Portugal – Warre’s Warrior – but the Symington family that has overseen Warre’s (and other sustainable beverage brands) for five generations is also supporting the community and the world as a B Coporation that maintains the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

So the next time you want a delicious grape-based beverage, why not enjoy one that helps others as well? There are plenty to choose from and more jump on the beneficial bandwagon every day.

 www.mohuawines.co.nz / https://southernright.co.za / www.warre.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 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!

Long known for its fabulous fusions of Moscato and Sangria with fresh fruit flavors like berries, coconut, mango, peach, and watermelon, MYX Beverage is debuting its entry into the ever-more-popular lower-calorie and low-alcohol wine world. And while the calories and alcohol levels may be lower, the flavor is not!

MYX LightChardonnay is a slightly dry wine with fresh, crisp notes of apple, Romagna pear, and lemon.  MYX LightRosé is delightfully refreshing and made from Barbera grapes showcasing hints of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus. Each Italian import has only 75 calories per serving, 13 total carbs, and 5% alcohol by volume, making them great options for those long summer nights when more than one beverage may be on the menu.

For those who want to be a bit more bad, MYX has also released a Sinner semi-sweet red wine that has 12.7% ABV.

If you need more of a reason to try them, award-winning singer Nicki Minaj is the founder and creative director of the brand and appears in its ads! But even if you have no idea who that is, MYX make great drinks that will help keep you looking and feeling great too!

https://myxfusions.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 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!

Even though many of us have emerged from COVID, many painful remnants remain.

While restaurant industry continues to recover and count its losses, the rolls of hungry in this country and around the world have continued to rise.

One of my favorite organizations to help with this latter issue is Mazon. Though couched in the Jewish community, Mazon helps people around the world from all backgrounds and faiths and gives more to the people in need than many other organizations of its kind.

After celebrating its 36^th year in existence (36 being two times 18, which relates to the Hebrew word for “life”) with a party that featured famed cookbook authors and chefs Joan Nathan and Gail Simmons and actor Joshua Malina, Mazon has also published a book to celebrate its “double-Chai” year.

Called (appropriately enough) The Celebration Cookbook, this collection of Jewish-inspired international tastes features Nathan and Simmons as well as Michael Twitty, Einat Admony, Adeena Sussman, Gale Gand, Vivian Ku and many others. As with all things Mazon does, proceeds will benefit the hungry around the world.

So help others while helping yourself to some great recipes from some of the best chefs around.

L’chaim!

www.mazon.org

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 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!

As people start to venture out again, Pazza On Porter has another great reason!

In addition to their delicious Italian food and already worth-the-trip Amalfi Coast-inspired patio, Pazza On Porter has recently partnered with Jack’s Abby brewery to bring a beer garden to Eastie.

While Pazza is already known for their eponymously “crazy” and freewheeling vibe, the beer garden is definitely raising the fun factor! And as Jack’s is bringing such a wide range of their locally-brewed offerings, there wil be plenty to complement Pazza’s fried burrata and calamari, fig and Ricotta bruschetta, bisteca arancini, Marasla chicken wings, carbonara fries, grilled octopus, homemade pastas and parmigianas, and more!

Speaking of pastas, Pazza offers a special dine-in pasta menu on Tuesdays with each offering only $10! They also have weekend brunches that feature their famous Pazza scramble, as well as lemon ricotta pancakes, the soft-boiled bird’s nest, and poached Benedetto (which I love almost as much as Tony!).

Their website (pazzaonporter.com) has a special password-protected community space where neighbors can get extra-special treatment, but Pazza is always happy to welcome people from further afield and, with the help of Jack’s Abby, surely will!

www.pazzaonporter.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 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!

I have been raving about the wine bar Frenchie in Boston’s South End since it opened and now am happy to report that people in Cambridge’s Porter Square will be able to get their own taste of owner Sandrine Rossi’s restaurant regality at the new Colette Wine Bistro!

Though we were part of the Frenchie fan base first (natch!), Frenchie was eventually named “Best French Restaurants in Boston” by another area media outlet and continues to garner raves from diners and industry types alike!

While taking over a restaurant is challenge enough, Sandrine did it after having Frenchie vandalized, giving birth, and getting COVID! Fortunately, the French- inspired foods at Frenchie (and now at Colette) offer comfort to everyone involved, thanks to the fact that Sandrine is bringing over Frenchie Chef Alex Falconer and General Manager Philippine Hamilton to oversee and prepare the menus for both venues. 

This means that fans on both locations will be able to enjoy such long-time favorites as Chef Falconer’s oyser du jour, escargot toast, steak tartare, steak frite, duck Magret, as well as his housemade pasta and his creamy take on the ever-popular French onion soup. Brunch fans will be able to enioy Chef’s smoked salmon plate, Croque Monsieur, eggs a la Provencale, duck confit hash, and Nutella crepe on either weekend day (or both!) at Frenchie as well. No matter when you come, the famed wine list and revolutionary Frosé are always avaialble!

So if you love authentic French food served with native love in a comfortable atmosphere, you now have two great choices.

Bon appetit!

www.frenchieboston.com / https://colette1924.com