Beer

Harpoon Gets H[o/a]ppier

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As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a BIG fan of local makers, especially when it comes to beverages. Living in the Boston area, we are spoiled with the legendary likes of Dorchester Brewing (who are sponsoring the Premiere Hockey League champs the Boston Pride), Sam Adams (who help Red Sox fans make it through another season), and, of course, my pretzel-making pals at Harpoon, whose pretzels alone have gotten me and many food-loving friends through many a long day at the office.

What may set Harpoon apart in this notable crowd is its partnerships. Having made the most of relationships with the equally legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry Dunkin Donuts and even Joanne Chang’s famed Flour Bakery, Harpoon has recently branched out into a whole new area of growth.

In a partnership with Novel Beverage Co., which is northeast’s premier manufacturer of THC-infused beverages, Harpoon has recently released Rec. Weed, the latest (and perhaps most fun) member of its popular lower-calorie and alcohol Rec. series. And while the rest of this seasonal set is great any time of year for recreating, the new addition (which is available at dispensaries in Novel’s home states of MA and ME) takes relaxation to a new level while taking the alcohol as low as it can go.

While the 5 mg of pure THC may be attractive, as with all Harpoon products, the taste of Rec. Weed is the real high point! Made with real passionfruit puree and green tea, Rec. Weed offers citrusy notes amidst its hoppy hempiness. And as it cold-steeped and carbonated but not fermented, the sugars are low and the alcohol content is non-existent, allowing the easy aftereffects to come on quicker and linger longer, all while not getting in the way of your busy day.

While Harpoon’s partner in Mass. Bay Brewing Company – Long Trail – has released CBD-infused seltzers, Rec. Weed represents the company’s first THC-tinged beer and Harpoon’s first foray into the space. As usual, they have made a big hit!

 www.drinkrecweed.com / www.harpoonbrewery.com

Harpoon Serves Those Who Serve

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I have often spoken about how Harpoon beer supports other local food friends and the community by partnering with the legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry and Flour Bakery and has even offered new ways for their fans to relax with their no-alcohol Rec. series (which includes their premiere THC-infused beer known as Rec. Weed).

Thus summer, they have found even more ways to bring sunshine into the lives on many, including our brave Veterans.

Knowing how unpredictable weather in New England can be, Harpoon has recently released two new beers that are meant to capture the sunniest days of summer in a bottle (or can).

Together with their partners at UFO, Harpoon is now offering their Juicer Hazy IPA and UFO Florida Citrus, both of which feature fruity undertones, intense citrus aromas, and crisp, refreshing flavor that can brighten any day (or night). To celebrate, they recently sent a fan to Miami through their UFO Florida Citrus Spring Break Giveaway but, even if you didn’t win, you can still enjoy the taste of sunshine every time you pop open one of these new brews.

Looking ahead to Independence Day, Harpoon is also doing what it can to help those who fight for our independence by offering another pair of new beers called American Flyer Lager and American Flyer Light that will donate $1 from every case sold to Folds of Honor and the Fisher House Foundation. These worthy organizations help members of military families pay for their education and offer them a place to stay while their family members undergo medical treatment at VA hospitals. 

While many may think of our Veterans primarily on Veterans Day and Independence Day, Harpoon reminds all of their friends and fans that these people are fighting every day, even after their deployments, and that we owe them all a debt of gratitude for the freedoms that we all enjoy every day. What better way to celebrate and support them, then, and to bring more sunshine into every day, than by raising a delicious toast from our friends at Harpoon? 

www.harpoonbrewery.com

The Brothers are BACK ;)

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Many years ago, I sang the praises of a great restaurant just outside of Boston called Brothers. It not only offered great food made by – you guessed it – a set of brothers, but it also featured amazing music by two of the most talented brothers in the area – Bill and Bo Winiker. 

When COVID shut the restaurant down, I was worried that the music would be over too. Fortunately, not only have the restaurant and the band returned, but they are now even closer to where I live!

The talented team behind Brothers recently took over Cook in Needham center. While I had not been there basically since Covid started, my return to the restaurant was well worth the wait! 

Not only does the simple but ample menu feature such tempting treats as charred broccoli with chimichurri sauce, a pita and dip set with creamy whipped feta cheese and zingy za’atar sauce, and an intricately-flavored sesame, mandarin salad that can be topped with falafel, chicken, shrimp, or salmon, as well as great burgers, pizzas and specials, but also great drinks, like the tequila and Mezcal-based Cactus Cooler, a spicy pineapple Margarita, and the wicked fresh Cranberry Bog.

Though the kids menu is less ample than that meant for older eaters, all the options are spot on and well-made. Our girls loved the chicken fingers and pasta, but suggested that they may get burgers or mac and cheese next time.

And then, of course, there is the music! Not only have Bill and Bo played at the White House, the closing of the old Boston Garden, and the opening of the new one, and at Symphony Hall, they also played my wedding and are booked for a number of future family celebrations. They are, to put it mildly, the best of the best! So to be able to hear their music while enjoying delicious quality food in a comfortable neighborhood place (that just happens to be in my neighborhood) made for a great way to spend an evening and I look forward to doing it again soon and often.

www.cookneedham.com / http://www.winikermusic.com

Drink to our Pride

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While the Bruins have been said to win just because they play, Boston has another professional hockey team with a proud tradition- The Boston Pride.

Having thrice won the Isobel Cup (which is the championship trophy named for Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley’s daughter), Boston’s Premier Hockey Federation women’s league team is bringing more fans to Warrior Arena each weekend. 

As a way to capitalize on this growing popularity and support of the team. Dorchester Brewing Company has partnered with the Pride to release a limited-edition beer and hard seltzer that are available at games and that donate partial proceeds to the Pride. 

The “All In” Golden Lager and “Hear Me Roar” Prickly Pear seltzer are available in cans at Pride home games and also in the Dorchester Brewing Company tap room. 

 As Dorchester Brewing already offers Boston’s own M&M BBQ and hosts an ever-growing menu of events that includes community support drives, art classes, and tastings that often involve other delicious neighbors like the cheese-masters at Brookline’s Curds & Co. on January 31.

Whenever you drop by, be sure to try the latest sudsy sensations, such as the Galaxy Lights New England IPA, the fruited sour beer known as Indigo Sunrise, and the Beantown Coffee Stout, but more in-house brewed faves are hitting the taps all the time, making both the brewery and the Warrior Arena great places to catch great local teams over and over.

While it is true that the Bruins have a long and proud tradition in Boston and are one of the most successful and storied teams in hockey, they too had to start somewhere. So why not hop on the Pride fan wagon soon and enjoy some great professional women’s hockey with some great local brews.

Like so many great drinks, these Boston-based beverages go great on ice!

www.dorchesterbrewing.com https://pride.premierhockeyfederation.com

MEET ME AT THE CLUB CLUB

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Though I firmly believe that most golf courses should be used for low-income housing, I am a fan of the miniature edition.

Unfortunately, around New England, the “putt-putt” season is relatively short.

That is why I was psyched to find a place where I can play regardless of the weather and even enjoy an adult beverage while enjoying what some may say is a child’s edition of a pastime that otherwise takes up far too much space, time, and money.

Combining great food and even greater beverages with some of the most creative and electrifying (or at least electrified) miniature golf holes around, Puttshack in the Boston Seaport is a great place to combine the 19th hole with the rest of the front nine!

Using country club technology that keeps track of your game for you and offers bonus points for especially chic shots, Puttshack not only allows you to drink while you play and not have to worry about keeping score but encourages it with such swing-saving swillers as the porn star martini (with passion fruit liquer and a smoke-filled side of Sofia Coppola’s sparkling rosé), the umami bomb bloody Mary (with umami ice, pecan wood bacon, and pepperoni), and the peach tea on a peachtree (featuring Tennessee whiskey from our old friends at Ole Smoky).

If you need something to absorb the liquid fun, Puttshack has such savory stroke savers as wood-fired Thai octopus, Korean BBQ bao buns, Puttshack poutine with red wine bacon gravy, and lobster mac n’ cheese rolls known as Boston tailpipes, proceeds from which are donated to Wonderfund to bring joy to the thousands of Commonwealth kids who are involved with the Department of Children and Families.

No matter what you eat or drink (and drink…and drink), the soul of the Shack are the holes, some of which replicate such other party-themed faves as beer pong and others of which involve trivia questions about Boston (though you might want to tackle that one early before your beverages bogey your bid).

And did I mention the TVs and DJs all around? Well, there’s that too!
So grab a club and head to the club that lets even duffers have a ball!

www.puttshack.com

HOLDAYS AT HAYMARKET

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Now that we are (hopefully) visiting others for the holidays it is time once again to get gifts for them all!

As usual, our friends at Boston Public Market have everything we (and everyone we know) could ask for…and more!

From gifts to groceries and treats to trimming, BPM makes holiday prep easy. And not only will you be helping the Market’s marvelous makers, you will also be supporting area entrepreneurs through the “Market on a Mission” non-profit program as well.

As part of its December Happenings series, the Market is hosting such special events as Pine Bar tap takeover featuring Shelburne, VT’s Fiddlehead Beer on December 22, a visit from Frosty the Snowman December 18, and a Holiday CrEATor Market (with an emphasis on the “E A T”) every weekend right up until Christmas Eve! There will also be a sleigh-full of tours, tastings, and classes, including pasta ornament making with Seven Hills Pasta December 17, ornament decorating with Laurel Greenfield Art December 20, and a coffee tasting with George Howell on the 23rd that will help you power through the final shopping days and get ready for what is sure to be a great holiday (or at least better than last year)!

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of pretty and practical pieces from the enviro-conscious crafters of Peterman’s Board and Bowls, American Stonecraft, and the ever-able artists at HOPe Unlimited. If you have already finished your holiday shopping (as if!), you can still enjoy local legends like Beantown Pastrami, Crescent Ridge ice cream, Red’s Best seafood, and the ever-popular gift-makers at Q’s Nuts (as well as bagels from Bagel Guild for those who prefer to shmear through the snow).

Whether you need gifts for others or a well-deserved treat for yourself, Boston Public Market is always ready to deliver. And as we prepare to give to others we love, a visit to the Market is a great opportunity to also give to some of our most creative our friends and neighbors as well!

www.bostonpublicmarket.org

Harpoon expands the League

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I have spoken many times about the new slew of non-alcoholic beers. And while I already enjoy HOP WTR, Hairless Dog, Athletic, Partake, and Heineken 00 (which I recently had the pleasure of trying IN Amsterdam!), I am VERY excited to see the eagle-eyed brewers at Harpoon get into the game with their fresh and delicious Open League!

Having prepped with their satisfying line of low-alcohol “League” beers (including the happily hoppy and hazy Rec. League, the darker Night League, and the professionally-prepared Bush League (which has nothing to do with another beer with a similar-sounding name!)), Open League offers less than 0.5% alcohol and only 35 calories and 5 net carbs! Despite all it does not have, Open League is still full of juicy tropical hops and even has superfood chia seeds and sea salt to add electrolytes, making it a great choice for your athletic league or for watching other people play.

If you need a bit of java to get you off the coach, Harpoon also has you covered with their fifth Dunkin’-inspired set that includes a cold brew-infused Porter, a hazelnut brown ale, a coffee roll cream ale (which is my personal favorite!), and (if you can believe it) an updated pumpkin spiced latte ale that may be better than the original! 

The cold brew brings the familiar flavors of a New England “regular” with sugar and cream. Speaking of creamy, as it now contains oat milk, the pumpkin latte can now appeal to more people and offers more creamy latte-like mouthfeel for all enjoyers.

Speaking of oats, the blonde is made with oat and wheat malts that give it a golden color that cuts through its Hazelnut haze.

Harpoon has also been contributing their IPA to help our friends at American Vinegar Works make another amazing flavor and the list of local partnerships keeps growing- So let’s help out some of our favorite neighbors and enjoy the taste of doing so!

PS For my neighbors- The new Dunkin’ beers can be found next to the Dunkin’ at the Needham General Store, so you can support TWO local faves at once!

www.Harpoon.com

Generally Great

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As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!

Harpoon Swindles up some (more) fun

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There is nothing like hanging out at Harpoon’s tap room enjoying their amazing pretzels and ever-growing menu of malty favorites or chillin’ and cornholin’ in their outdoor beer garden, and their festivals (such as Octoberfest, which takes place this year September 30 through October 1) are the stuff of legend!

From October 12 through November 16, Harpoon will try to raise the fun bar once again with a premiere production of the award-winning Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium which will be hosted at the Harpoon brewery in a custom-made and climate-controlled tent with cushioned seats that combines the ancient arts of P.T. Barnum with the modern convenience of A/C and heat.

This 90-minute Vaudeville-inspired narrative variety show for grown-ups combines live acrobats, comedy, and more. Featuring such world-class artists as the sensational whirlwind known as The Spinologist, a high-flying duo rightfully called Suspended Passion, a mind-bending mechanic known as The Contorted, Mr. Swindle’s recalls the days of travelling medicine shows, but this time the “medicine” is beer!

Speaking of beer, before each show, guests will be invited to prepare in Harpoon’s Drink-Ory Garden where they can enjoy tasty treats and try exclusive brews including “The Swindler” and special line of red, white and prosecco-style fizzes that were also created just for the show.

The tent is being raised, so grab a Harpoon and join in!

www.Harpoon.com / www.MrSwindles.com