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.

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

Bon appétit!

I love Indian food, but not just ANY Indian food. In fact, when I have a craving for curry and other Indian delights, I always go to Shanti.

And while Shanti has locations in Roslindale, Dorchester, and Kendall Square in Cambridge, none of them are so convenient that I can just pop out and pick up my favorite Indian foods whenever I want to.

Fortunately, Shanti has come up with a new plan to get their amazingly authentic and award-winning-ly delicious Indian food to a wider range of fans like me.

As part of their new subscription service, Shanti is offering a monthly menu of specialties from different regions of the Subcontinent that will show why their food is always on top of food fans’ lists of favorites.

Each month, members will enjoy (and I mean “enjoy”!) a five-course meal for two or four that comes with a story about the source region and a special freshly-roasted and house-milled spice from Shanti that will make the meal even better (as if that were possible)! There will also be cooking classes and other privileges for certain members as well!

November’s Diwali-themed offerings were a huge hit and more are sure to come!  Among the coming year’s gifts of food are Punjabi treats in January, Neplaese dishes in March, Bangladeshi favorites in April, and more!

In honor of the season of giving, Shanti is offering a $50 discount off memberships when you use the code “Boston” during checkout, but food this good is worth a Raja’s treasure!

So whether you are lucky enoygh to be able to drop by Shanti’s locations any time you want or are a bit further away but still crave their amazing food (or want to share it with others), the new membership service bring the taste of India (and beyond) to you!

www.shantiboston.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.

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

Bon appétit!

It is hard to believe, but Chanukah is almost here! And while that means trying to find gifts amidst the double-punch of inflation and supply problems, it is also a time to be grateful for miracles large and small, including the gifts of wonderful food made by wonderful people.

We have spoken many times about Galit Grutman of Galit’s Treats in Newton, Steve Peljovich of Michael’s Deli in Brookline, and Needham’s own Liron Pergament-Gal of ChocAllure. And while this talented trio makes some of the best baked goods, sandwiches, and sweet snacks all year, they truly light an extra candle for Chanukah.

This year, in addition to some of the best challahin the area, Galit is offering amazing (and nut-free) sufganiyot. While she will probably also have the traditional and no less delicious) fried option, Galit is also baking some sufganiyotas well! Available each day from 12-2, they have proven so popular that Galit is staying open for the first night of Chanukah, which is Sunday, November 28.

At Michael’s, Steve is adding to his ever-expanding menu of Krazy Knishes with a trio of holiday-themed treats that includes sufganiyot, latkes and apples, and holiday brisket knishes. He also has hand-shredded latkes (a.k.a., potato pancakes), blueberry blintzes, and, of course, Auntie Bev’s famed noodle kugel, all of which go great with his world-famous corned beef.

At ChocAllure, Liron is still offering sweets that will keep you humming throughout the holidays. For Chanukah, she has a new six-piece box that will miraculously keep the entire eight-night holiday extra satisfying. Among the flavors are salted butter muscovado sugar caramel, cookies and cream, and dark chocolate and crunchy caramel.

From chicken soup to nut-free sufganiyotand chocolate-covered nuts, Galit, Michael, and Liron have great choices for allyour holday celebrations.

Chag Channukah!

 www.galitstreats.com / http://michaelsdelibrookline.com / www.choc-allure.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.

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

Bon appétit!

While many may be looking forward to latkes and fruitcake (or not) this time of year, no matter what we eat, we all need something seasonally yummy to wash it all down. And while many look forward to mulled cider, our friends at Stormaliong Cider have taken this seasonal favorite one step further (and more delicious).

Their appropriately-named Happy Holidays cider combines Stormalong’s locally-sourced, hand-picked, and freshly-pressed apples with allspice, cinnamon, cloves, organic brown sugar, ginger, and nutmeg to make an unfiltered seasonal sipper that is both warming and refreshing at the same time.

That Stormalong is made in Sherborn, MA (which once served as the home of the world’s largest refined cider mill) may be no surprise when you consider the wide diversity of their offerings and the consistency of quality across the menu. From their flagship Legendary Dry to the fruity and downright tropical Red Skies at Night and the also appropriately-named Boston Heirloom and Mass Appeal (which are also made with Bay State apples), they offer a great taste for any time of year and are constantly combining a wide range of apples as they search for their next great recipe. With Happy Holidays, their search has certainly born fruit, but will surely continue.

Enjoy the flavors of the season, but if that fruitcake gets stuck in your throat, then just Stormalong!

www.stormalong.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.

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

Bon appétit!

As people continue to emerge and go back to “normal” life, many are finding themselves feeling an urge to catch up on everything they missed.  As a result, they are rushing around and sometimes letting such important aspects of life as nutrition and enjoyment fall by the wayside.

Fortunately, there is an option that satisfies even the most hectic pandemic escapees.

The appropriately-named Whenever Bars from Pamela’s Products (who also offers yummy cookies, fruit bars, flavored graham crackers, and baking mixes) are whole grain-packed yet soy- and gluten-free and non-GMO treats that are as delicious and satisfying as any bars that have ingredients that are not so healthy or allergy sensitive.

Created by Pamela Giusto-Sorrells (who, it may not be surprising to learn, grew up in a family of bakers), Whenever Bars come in five delicious organic agave and coconut sugar-sweetened flavors – including raisin walnut spice, cranberry almond, peanut butter chocolate chip, chocolate chip coconut, and blueberry lemon – that offer just the right tastes for any time and place.

While they do not include gluten, they do offer a good dose of fiber and omega-3 oils, so they are satisfying and nutritious as well as yummy. 

As I am on the go a lot these days, I keep a few in my car, some in my briefcase, and a lot all over the house (incuding in my daughters’ snack boxes) and we all love them! (What more needs to be said?)

www.pamelasproducts.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.

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

Bon appétit!

Though many of us are emerging from the pandemic and looking forward to reuniting with friends and family around the dinner table this holiday season, there are stil many friends who need support.

I am talking, of course, about our friends in the food service industry.

As supply lines continue to snarl and expenses continue to rise, restaurants, markets, and perhaps especially the independent producers and purveyors that we love to mention and support on Connoisseurs Corner and Matt’s Meals are all facing hard times- perhaps even harder than during the heart of the pandemic. Also, as they are all trying to provide for and maybe even offer a bit of holiday cheer to their own friends and families, doing what you can so they can do what they can is more important than ever!

The great news is that you can give to others while giving to your favorite friends in the food family by purchasing gift baskets and gift cards now to give a bit later so that the food makers and distributors can continue to give to their families and yours.

In addition to thinking about family and friends, gift baskets and cards are a great way to welcome employees back to the office and to thank essential workers and clients and colleagues as well.

The holidays should be a time of joy and gratitude for all. Be sure to give your local food purveyors reasons to be thankful while showing yor gratitude for all those you hold dear.

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.

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

Bon appétit!

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.

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

Bon appétit!

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.

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

Bon appétit!

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.

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

Bon appétit!

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.

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

Bon appétit!