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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

I love condiments and spreads. In fact, during the pandemic, I baked extra loaves of sour dough just to have stuff to spread other stuff on!

Among my most recent faves has been the selection of superior jams and honeys from recently-launched organic goods (REALLY good!) producer Nakakono Gourmet Store.

In addition to offering organic honey that comes with the comb or without (and is amazing either way), this African-based company packs the premium honey with everything from acai and goji berries to black truffles and macadamia nuts, making it appropriate to spread on nearly anything from homemade sourdough to fine cheeses and meats.

They also make amazing artisan jams that feature such tropical tastes as mango, passion fruit, and pineapple. When the bread runs out, I eat that straight from the jar!

Oh- Did I mention they make amazing coffees and have protein-packed raw Moringa powder too?

While the flavors are stupendous, I feel even better knowing that I am helping sustain small farmers, especially in these difficult times.

Please go to Nakakono.com and find your new jam (or honey or coffee, etc.).

Nakakono.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

I am a BIG pretzel fan. In fact, I can get pretty twisted when I see or smell pretzels.

As I am also a fitness trainer, however, I know that, with every carb, you need some protein.

That is why I am so in love with Protein Pressles from Dream Pretzels!

Though they have all the crunch and flavor of other pretzels and come in flavors like everything bagel and BBQ, these tasty treats are made not just with whole-grain wheat, but also with red lentils and white beans, so they pack fiber, protein, and even amino acids in each pretzel as well!

As they have so much going for them, they are an easy choice when my kids want a snack (which I love because it gives me an excuse to grab some for myself!).

As good as what they do have is what they do not. Non-GMO Protein Pressels have no artificial flavors, added colors, or chemical preservatives, and no cholesterol or trans fat. So thy make a great snack even when the kids are at school.

If you love pretzels like I do, these are a great choice. And if you don’t, try some and you will!

www.pressels.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

Life is tough in every sector these days, but take it from me, journalists are having a dark time too! Between actual fake news and the explosion of writers who think they an write (many of whom become my students), it can be downright depressing to be part of the Fourth Estate.

Fortunately, some of us have been able to come back even stronger!

Among these is Kristen Standish, the former publisher of Boston Magazine and co-founder of the famed Battle of the Burger, to co-founding Grapevine Shops, an e-commerce site based upon the famed influencer platform Grapevine Village.

In addition to Ming Tsai’s MingsBings and Tony Ambrose’s Spice Alchemy, Grapevine Shops currently offers goods from Matt’s Meals favorite J’enwey Tea, Barry’s Hot Sauce, pickled items from Maitland Mountain Farm, and New York’s Flair Chocolatier (which features Genie Kwon, Esquire magazine’s 2017 “Pastry Chef of the Year”), as well as Verve Culture culinary and home items from Steamboat Springs, CO. 

No matter which of the best-in-class products you select, 10% of the purchase price goes to support Family Reach, which gives support to families dealing with cancer.

So check out the Grapevine and be sure to spread the word!

www.grapevineshops.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

As most people know, I LOVE donuts! We named our new family dog “Sufi” after the special donuts that are eaten at Chanukah and I have a stuffed donut hanging in my car (both of which are thanks to my daughters!).

Even though I am not challenged by Celiac, I also love donuts from Freedom Bakery in Woburn. In fact, I have suggested them as a dessert caterer to many friends and eat their donuts with my family all the time! 

Although Freedom’s mini donuts are great bite-sized treats, many fans have been waiting for a more standard size so they can share in the joy of office meetings and other gatherings as soon as they start up again.

Fortunately, after a lot of recipe reworking, Freedom has come out with individually-wrapped, full-sized chocolate and traditional donuts that are ready to go anywhere your sweet tooth may go and are as cakey and flaky as any donut you might enjoy- with or without gluten! They are also nut- and dairy-free, in case you or your friends and family face any other allergen issues.

Thank you, Freedom Bakery, for giving people with and without Celiac the freedom to enjoy donuts just like everyone else!

www.Freedomglutenfree.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 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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

Having quickly become a fan favorite at Time Out Market, Nu Burger (the progressive partner to the award-winning Eastern Mediterranean eatery Anoush’ella) Nu Burger is opening a second location in the South End.

Nu Burger by Nina (named for Anoush’ella founder Nina Festekjian) will be a pop-up installation inside the Anoush’ella mother ship on Washington Street. Not only will the new opening give the neitghobrhood the upscale, healthy burger joint it has needed for eons, it will also attract business back to the region from further afield as well!

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Nu Burger’s new (or is that “Nu”?) location will offer the same mouth-watering meals that Time Out fans have been taking time out for including the 100% Angus Fenway Nu Burger, the spicy cauliflower (which is as good as ANY burger around without the meat!), and their AMAZING Haloumi fries!

The BEST part is that, as the new Nu Burger is housed INSIDE Anoush’ella, guests will have more delicious and healthy choices than ever (maybe TOO many!), making repeat visits a MUST!

Welcome back, South End!

 www.facebook.com/NuBurger.Boston

http://www.anoushella.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

Steeped Coffee is an amazing and amazingly charitable company that is always looking for new ways to give people pep and support. Their “You Give We Give” program had them matching gift box purchases with donations for front-line workers and providing free deliveries to hospitals, fire and police stations, and clinics. When Covid hit the US in March, Steeped also launched the “Stay Home, Stay Steeped” campaign that provided free home delivery on all coffee, cups, kettles, and gear. 

After giving away over 70,000 packs, this certified B corporation that has been giving back since it was founded has taken their giving to the next level with their new “Packs for Good” program. In this program, Steeped donates 20% of all sales to Feeding America and other organizations that fight hunger across the country. As I met my wife at the Greater Boston Food Bank and as I have worked for years with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine and other food-preserving organizations, I am a big fan of this cause and enjoying Steeped coffee may be one of the easiest and most delicious ways to support it!

Steeped comes in single-serve packs of ethically-sourced, sustainably-packaged, hand-roasted coffee that deliver all the flavor of your favorite coffee shop without the machines and mess. Their light and fresh Sunrise Blend is a great day starter and the extra dark Driftwood Blend keeps you going strong until it is time to unwind with their Eventide Decaf.

To find out more and to order your own coffees that can literally go anywhere you do, go to steepedcoffee.com/packsforgood

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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

I have often raved about Galit’s Treats in Newton Centre for its authentic Israeli food and amazing challah and pastry (not to mention Galit’s generous support of front-lone workers and other neighbors in need). Now, Galit is offering dinner options too!

Among the rotation of family-sized weekday meals are homemade couscous and vegetable soup with an optional (but recommended) side of Jerusalem bagels, flourless spinach and cheese quiche with lentil soup, and grilled salmon and veggies with the possibility of Galit’s famed chocolate babka.

Though all of these options require advanced ordering, they are all sure to be worth the wait. So email bestchallah@gmail.com and get ready to enjoy!

If you simply can’t wait, Galit always has her amazing salads, quiches, muffins, and challah ready, so be sure to drop by and say “Shalom!”

www.GalitsTreats.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

If you are in love, Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful celebration that is filled with sweetness and fun.

If you are not, it can be a real drag filled with bitterness and depression.

Fortunately, there is a sweet treat that can make Valentine’s Day (or almost any day) more enjoyable.

The woman-owned and family-operated Texas distillery, winery, and brewery known as BuzzBalls (which is best known for its ready-to-drink, ball-shaped adult beverages) has combined forces with Drunken Cake Pops to produce a new set of drink-inspired foods that make sneaking a nip easier and more fun!

Drunken Cake Pops is another woman-owned business that puts some of our favorite adult beverages on a stick! Among their popular Speakeasy flavors are the southern gentleman (chocolate cake with butterscotch whiskey, brandy, and Southern Comfort), Midori cake (it is what it says it is), drunken monkey (banana walnut cake with brandy), and a vodka-infused Birthday Cake shot that can make another day of potential mixed emotiions better as well!

The collaboration has resulted in a six-pack that includes two Buzzin’ Piña Colada, a pair of Tequila ‘Ritas, and duet of Dirty Horchata.

You might say that this is a match made in booze-loving female entreeprenur heaven and it is surely one that will spice up (or is that “spike up”) any night you choose to pop one in your mouth.

www.drunkencakepops.com

www.buzzballz.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

Even if you can’t go out for a romantic Valentine’s dinner this year, you will still want to impress your Valentine with the right wine.

Especially with all the amazing independent vintners that have been featured on Matt’s Meals, however, it can be difficult to choose!

Fortunately, a pair of wine-minded childhood friends-turned-entrepreneurs from Cleveland have made it a bit easier.

Graham and Fisk are the first U.S. wine producers to make ONLY canned wines. And while many are still decrying the death of the cork and the onset of the twist-top, aluminum has been shown to preserve flavor and to be much more durable, portable, and recyclable than glass or even boxes.

Their red, white, rosé with bubbles and white with bubbles have all won awards from Wine Enthusiast and can be purchased in nearly any combination. At this time of year, men and women might be most interested in their Valentine’s Day eight-pack, which combines their rosé with bubbles and red wine cans, guaranteeing that, even if you are from Mars and your Valentine is from Venus, you will both LOVE what you are drinking.

grahamandfisk.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 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

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

Bon appétit!

While it may not be possible to actually visit many of them, the Boston Public Library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map Center has prepared a virtual tour of many of the Boston area’s historic candy makers and the history of candy itself!

Those who have had the sweet treat of an Old Town Trolley Company Chocolate Tour may think they know the skinny on what has made so many Bostonians pleasantly plump, but the Library tour has surprises at every click!

For example, you may know (and love) Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate near the Old North Church, but did you know that candy was once made in Paul Revere’s house or that nearby Cambridge had an entire district known as Confectioner’s Row? While you may know how candy production was related to the slave trade (which is certainly an un-sweet part of the story), have you ever heard of the poisoned candy scare that took place in the 1870s? 

In sweeter days, Boston was the creamy center of the candy world, with such pioneers as Baker’s Chocolate, Cox Confectionary, NECCO, Squirrel Brand, and Tootsie Roll Industries. While many of these manufacturers may be memories today, you can relive the glory days of Boston’s gooey past with help from the BPL.

Sweet!

www.leventhalmap.org/articles/candy-tour/