Beverages

Beverages, beer, wine, water, cider, etc.

SMART-TEA PANTS

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Growing up in Vermont, Sara Stender Delaney was used to a pretty bucolic life.

So when she traveled to Rwanda after the infamous genocide, she was struck by how different (and awful) life could be and dedicated herself to helping.

After creating an organization called Africa Healing Exchange to help the people recover their proud heritage and sense of self, Sara looked for a way to help the people economically as well.

Having given up alcohol years before and realizing the benefits this life choice had brought her, Sara combined the pure mountain water of her native Vermont with the sun-kissed teas of Africa to create Sarilla,– a fermented tea that not only eschews alcohol, but puts in its place organic Hibiscus, Rooibos, Honeybush, Tulsi Holy Basil, Lemongrass, Chamomile, and all the other nutritious and healthful ingredients that make tea so good and good for you!

As I have been a fan for years, I was thrilled when Sara sent a few extra cases for my recent interview with Jordan Rich at the Needham Library. They were all a big hit and I am sure that even more people have been enjoying them since.

As she wants to reach as many people as she can with her tea so they can help the people who help make them, Sarilla comes in a variety of forms that range from loose-leaf teas and single-serving cans to five-gallon kegs and also in a variety of flavors and forms so that everyone can enjoy and benefit. As she has no problem inviting retailers to use her tea as a private label brand, Sarilla has become a secret hit at a wide range of venues, including many breweries where it works well for the designated drivers and those who, like Sara, want to focus on their own missions with open eyes and a satisfied stomach. No matter which flavor you try or where and how you get it, sipping Sarilla is an easy way to help yourself and others.       

P!NG-ING LOWELL AGAIN

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A few weeks ago, I sang the praises of the delicious plant-based donuts from Planted Donuts which has roots in my ancestral hometown of Lowell, MA.

Today, I want to ping another Lowell legend in the making – p!ng Coffee.

While coffee takeout is nothing new and is a necessary stop along many people’s routes, p!ng represents a revolution in the rolling refreshment realm in that it is automated and autonomous and minimizes wait times while the assuring accuracy for every order!

And with a menu that already includes not just customized locally-sourced coffees but also lattes, teas, energy drinks, organic options and more (all of which are priced around $3-5 and many of which can be further customized with extra syrup, shots, and other flavorful faves), there will surely be demand for this new pioneering concept!

Using p!ng’s proprietary process, guests place their order ahead of time via the p!ng  app and then simply drive past the preparation pod to pick up their personal piece of percolated perfection. p!ng even uses advanced AI to measure the window height of the user’s car so even the hand-off is perfect and spill-proof (ignoring human error, of course!)

Created by a dynamic duo of Boston-based entrepreneurs that combines Veteran know-how, women’s intuition, and expertise in customer experience and robotics, p!ng is now open at 10 Technology Drive in Lowell and is already looking to expand!

So next time you need a drink made right and right quick, be sure to listen for the newest sound in beverage service- p!ng!

SCHOOL FOR SIPPERS

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As the days get shorter and colder, we all need something to keep our bodies warm, our minds engaged, and our spirits up,

Thankfully, there is a bevy of great new courses and other treats at Commonwealth Wine School!

Whether you are a novice sipper or a certified oenophile, CWS has events and offerings that will help you get more out of your wine and your life, including workshops, classes, and private events, as well as certification-level programs from the prestigious Wine and Spirits Education Trust and the Wine Scholar Guild.

On October 27, they will host a class for those who want to make Halloween more fun for older trick or treaters by explaining what wines pair best you’re your favorite candies.

November 1, their expert educators will advise others on how to negotiate for the best wines in international markets.

On the 2nd and 3rd and again on the 16th and 17th, Sake lovers will gather to explore their favorite beverage. I am looking forward to the cider and cheese pairings on November 9 but may also refresh my palate at the introduction to wine tasting class on November 22.

If you cannot make it to or find parking in Harvard Square, CWS also offers classes in NH and ME and also online.

Though the classes and events make for fun breaks from the winter blahs, for those who want to get away from New England winter altogether, CWS also offers occasional wine tours around the world, including a trip to Argentina that is scheduled for February of 2025.

See you in class!

ONE LAST ROUND

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Even though COVID keeps hanging around, it’s finally getting cool enough to start thinking about heading inside to eat.

But before you hibernate, our friends at Harpoon are making a convincing argument for a few more hours al fresco.

At the Harpoon Beer Garden which is located just outside the Boylston T Stop doors on the skirt of Boston Common, hardy New Englanders and their visitors can enjoy fresh draft beer from Harpoon’s growing menu of faves (including their signature IPA as well as beers from Long Trail, Clown Shoes, and even the popular pairings with Dunkin’!), along with Polar seltzers, margaritas made with Harpoon-sourced alcohol, and (my favorite!) a warm and warming cider that you will want to mull over for some time.

If you need delicious food to absorb and complement your adult beverages, Harpoon has partnered with their Seaport neighbors at Rosa Mexicano to offer hearty and satisfying tacos and chips with freshly-made guac.

In addition to great food and drink, the Beer Garden (which is scheduled to be open through Halloween and to reopen in May) also offers curated culture on Emerson College’s UnCommon Stage that ranges from locally-sourced musicians and dancers (some of whom offer lessons to patrons!) to Harpoon’s famed Flannel Fridays which bestow a bespoke drink holder to anyone who continues to embrace the Grunge esthetic. If not, the Garden even sells Harpoon gear (including those made in partnership with Life is Good)!

Winter is coming but that doesn’t mean we can’t rage against the dying of the light with some delicious food and drink and plenty of friends!

See you in the Garden!

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!

…WHEN THEY’RE 64?

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Before I had the privilege of working with Jordan Rich, I was an intern at the legendary WBCN in Boston it was there that I got to meet another broadcasting legend – Cha-Chi Loprete.

As Cha-Chi was the man who got me access to interview Tony Bennett. I am eternally grateful, and so I wanted to make sure to take this opportunity to help him do more with his musical idols.

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles playing at Boston Garden, Cha-Chi will be hosting a special edition of his popular “Come Together” series at City Winery in Boston on Sunday, September 8th at noon.

Together with award-winning magician and speaker John Duke Logan, Cha-Chi will present a special afternoon of music and nostalgia that will feature multimedia presentations, trivia contests, and a special musical guest appearance by Boston Rock God Sal Baglio of The Stompers. The event will also feature presentations by several Beatlemaniacs who were in the Garden back in 1964, including three locals who talked their way into a media-only press conference with the band on the day of the show!

While you reminisce and rock out, be sure to try the Winery’s home- and hand-made wines (including the locally-sourced Frotenac and Bourbon barrel Malbec) along with such succulent staples as their CW wedge salad, raspberry chipotle wings, chicken Corsica, duck tacos, risotto balls, and hot honey pizza.

To get tickets to this or any of the other great gigs at City Winery, go to citywinery.com/boston, and to learn more about Cha-Chi’s magical mystery show, go to cometogetherproductions.com.

L’CHAIM

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While it may not be popular to discuss, the Jewish faith has given the world a lot of great things that are worth celebrating. From monotheism to carbon capture and Alphabet to Waze, the people of the book continue to enhance and improve life over and over again.

It makes you wonder what life would be like if anyone actually did boycott all the things the ancient Israelites and their descendants have spawned.

Fortunately, there is even an amazing drink to raise when showing gratitude for all of these gifts.

Created by Chabbad Rabbi Chaim Litvin, Bourbon Rabbi (Yes- you heard that right!) makes award-winning Bourbon that stands up to any in Kentucky.

As Litvin is an actual rabbi, he welcomes aged barrels but avoids dirty trucks that might be tainted with unkosher freight or unkosher business dealings. The result is a growing set of clean and satisfying sippers that are as delicious with caviar as they are with cholent. 

Among the newest additions to the line are a sweet and spicy bourbon that is painstakingly but lovingly finished with honey and cinnamon and a rich and indulgent double-oaked set that has been aged for six years and bottled at cask strength for true connoisseur’s (like us!).

As a rabbi, Litvin is also happy to educate guests about his beloved Bourbon and why it is so important to celebrate every gift G-D has given us.

L’chaim!

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

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Though I grew up in the Merrimack Valley, my writing career first took root when I lived in Marblehead.

And when you consider that my family shopped at Shubie’s all the time, it may be no surprise that I now write about great independent food makers.

As they have been around for over 75 years, it is a safe bet that I am not the first person to fall in love with the wonderful wares of independent makers with help from the Shube family. 

From freshly-prepared foods, handcrafted salads and sandwiches, and customized cakes at their recently-renovated Foodbar to candies and treats from other local legends like Harbor Sweets and a wide selection of gifts that includes great books to wine and spirits from around the corner and around the world, Shubie’s has everything you need to feed your family, sparkle a party host, and find a new favorite every time you visit! 

If you need help finding new favorites, be sure to take suggestions from third-generation Shubie, Dougy. 

If you need help finding great food for more than just yourself, Shubie’s also carters and consults on menus that are perfect for any occasion. And while a visit to the store is always fun, Shubie’s also offers online consultation and ordering and can deliver even to far-flung festivities beyond the beaches and beauty of the North Shore so you can keep enjoying even if you do not live nearby anymore (though I hope to go back soon!).

A SHELL OF ITS FORMER HEALTH

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As is true of so many of our fans, I love chocolate and do what I can to get varieties that are not only delicious but nutritious enough that it justifies the copious amounts I ingest.

While my friend Alan Frost does his best to keep the delicious flavor and nutritious flavonoids high in his FlavaNaturals bars and drink powder, many other bars do not deliver as effectively. Even if they claim a high percentage of chocolate, that number actually represents the percentage of cocoa and cocoa butter and may not deliver the nutrition that so many chocoholics tout.

What may be worse is that, in the process of making most chocolate, the healthiest parts are often thrown out!

While our friends at Blue Stripes Cacao save and even sell the entire cacao fruit, the squishy pulp is not to everyone’s liking.

Fortunately, I have found a tea that is made with the husks of cacao beans that allows me to enjoy the nutrition and flavor of chocolate with maximal benefit and without arousing suspicion that I am bingeing on bars.

MiCacao uses ethically-grown organic cacao from sustainable (and well-sustained) farmers to make a tea that is free of caffeine and full of cacao flavor and all of the health benefits that so many other cacao crafters claim.

With 40 times the antioxidant load of blueberries and far less risk of staining teeth and clothing), MiCacao tea is a great way to promote health and mood and even lose weight. Yes- I said LOSE weight from enjoying chocolate!

So when you want to wash down a FlavaNaturals bar or chase a Blue Stripes cacao fruit, MiCacao is the perfect cacao complement!

GREEK REVIVAL

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As it was once called the Athens of America, it makes sense that Boston is at the forefront of the Greek revival that appears to be running through the restaurant space like an Olympic (or Boston) marathoner.

And while many popular places have followed, the Farm Grille & Rotisserie in Newton and its sister store, Greek International Market in West Roxbury, have been leading the pack for over 25 years.

Whenever I want to get my Greek on in a fresh and friendly flash, a visit to the Grille always fits the bill(e). But when I want to get the authentic ingredients that make this family-run restaurant and caterer so great or to explore the larger realm of Hellenistic hunger helpers, the Market has all I need….and MORE!

In addition to freshly-imported Greek spices and wines (including Retsina) to imported meats and other prepared foods (including their famed octopus salad!), as well as hand-crafted cheeses and Greek yogurt, an olive bar and enough olive oils and Greek pastries for the Spartan army, the Market offers honey-based health and beauty aids, toys and gifts, and customized gift baskets that are perfect for any occasion. 

Speaking of occasions, the Market has an Aegean Sea-full of fish and a farm-full of plant-based options that are perfect for Lent or just for eating healthy! And Proprietor Katerina Iliades recently debuted a line of children’s clothing for communions and baptisms that will be on display at a VIP fashion show on March 23 at the Maliotis Center in Brookline!

Everyone seems set on catching the healthy and delicious Mediterranean diet train. As is true of so many other things, we in Boston are ahead of the curve, thanks in great part to the Iliades family and their great pair of places to eat.