Features

BRING ME YOUR TIRED…

Posted by

With COVID and inflation and tariffs, a lot of people in the restaurant space have been paying more than their share.

And few have been more drastically impacted than our brave immigrant brothers and sisters.

That is why I was so gratified to find the hard-working team behind the Welcome Project in Somerville when I attended their recent celebration called Yum:  A Taste of Immigrant City.

At this delicious event at the historic Armory, supporters of the Welcome Project (which educates and supports immigrants from all over the world who are finding safe haven in Somerville) were regaled with music by CuraSon and Around Hear and stories of triumph as well as traditional and contemporary music by some of the benefactors and beneficiaries of the Project.

What made the night so great for me was that I was able to meet and taste the delicious creations of a bunch of area restaurants – all of which are run by immigrants and all of which offer authentic tastes of flavors from around the world!

In addition to being served fried plantains from the daughters of the women behind Sisters Caribbean, I got to meet and eat with the Carolinas from Carolicious and also enjoy Italian faves from Vinny’s, inspired faves from Rincon Mexicano, and treats from Michette and Pastelaria Vitória Broadway.

The only bad part was I had missed the previous 15 years of this amazing event!

Rest assured I will be first in line for Yum 2026 and hope to do more to support this amazing and vital organization.

I hope to see more Matt’s Meals fans involved next year!

BODY AND SOUL

Posted by

Before I wrote and broadcast about food, I was a jazz journalist and I’m still always on the lookout for great places to listen to great music.

And if they have delicious authentic Soul food- all the better!

That is why I’m so fortunate to have met JaRon Eames and to be invited to his parlor jazz series in New York.

JaRon is a legendary singer, writer, tv host, and impresario who has interviewed and sung with some of the biggest names in jazz. 

On Sunday afternoons, he invites music fans of all stripes into his beautifully appointed (and thoughtfully soundproofed) apartment to hear handcrafted, locally-sourced music while also enjoying his authentically homemade soul food.

In addition to having the opportunity hear JaRon and his talented friends play and sing, guests are also invited to step up to the mic and regale the crowd with their favorite tunes as well!

In between courses and choruses, guests can also learn about jazz history by examining the posters and artwork on JaRon’s walls and peeking through his vast library of books, magazines, and other materials. They are also sure to learn from and connect with other guests and leave with songs in their hearts, delicious food in their bellies, new friends in their phones, and happy memories in their minds.

One great way to ensure that the social connections linger is by signing up for one of JaRon’s events through the New York Adventure Club. No matter how you get there, tell ‘em Matt’s Meals sent ya!                

PURPLE PEOPLE UNITE!

Posted by

While many of us are staunchly on the side of “red” or “blue,” there is a growing movement of what has come to be called “Purple People” that see things in a calmer and more centrist and open way.

If you are looking to change (and calm) your mind or to explore how the other 51% lives, there is a great opportunity on the weekends of June 20-22 and 27-29 at The Farm at Summit Wynds (that’s “Wynds” with a “y’!) in Holden, MA.

On those weekends, the Farm will host their latest Lavender Farm Fest, during which guests can enjoy local fare while frolicking in fields of lavender. Even if you do not emerge with a new perspective on politics, you will surely have a new lease on life, as lavender has been proven to support calm and restful sleep and fend off stress, anxiety, insomnia, and even hair loss!

In addition to purple beauty, guests will also be able to enjoy lavender lemonade and ice cream, as well as Scovie Award-winning sauces from Bali Marie, cookies from Moo-Licious, and even hand-crafted perfumes from Coeur de Fleurs, many of which are made with the lavender from the Farm!

There will also be yoga and live music in the lavender fields, a vintage camper photo booth, wall-climbing races, and other one-of-a-kind experiences, including a presentation on aromatherapy by Anne-Marie Harnett of Harnett Healing in Plymouth!

When the deep purple falls, you’ll want to be there, so go enjoy some calming farm life at Lavender Farm Fest!

RESIN AND IVORY

Posted by

For many years, King’s has been known for fun food and great bowling.

I am such a fan that I hosted my own 50th birthday there and had an amazing time in one of their private rooms!

Now King’s in Back Bay is opening a new special cover-free room at 50 Dalton Street on Friday through Sunday nights that will surely be a destination for party people of all types- whether you roll with The Jesus or not.

Named for the number of keys on a piano, the 88 Club offers nostalgically sophisticated takes on King’s famed beverage and bites menus alongside live piano bar entertainment that includes all of your favorite Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, and Journey songs- and MUCH more! 

Among the tasty tipples and treats to taste while talented troubadours tickle the ivories are the Green Tea shot (with Jameson and peach Schnapps), the Call My Uber (with Hennessy and Cointreau), a bucket of bottomless popcorn (with or without Ranch seasoning), and the Tinis and Weenies combo of mini martinis and cocktail hot dogs.

If you can’t make it every weekend, King’s still has plenty of food, folks, and fun, thanks to their popular Triple Point Tuesday program for reward members and $1 wonton Wednesdays for everyone. If you are in town for summer school, Wednesdays at Kings also mean 50% off bowling and food at Kings Back Bay. And if you proudly served, Kings thanks you with free bowling any day of the week!

FREE TIME

Posted by

For many, summer is a time to relax and kick back and let the work slide a bit while you enjoy a favorite food or beverage.

Unfortunately, hunger is not one to take a break and those who work to stave it off have had to work harder than ever lately.

That is why I am urging people to drop by Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville on June 5 from 5:30-7:30 PM to help out Food for Free, one of the many local organizations that works hard all year long to make sure people facing food insecurity have what they need to survive.

At their Party Under the Harvest Moon Gala at MIT, I got to meet the talented, hard-working team behind Food for Free and also meet many of the people who benefit from their tireless efforts. I had so much fun and felt so encouraged that I can’t wait to meet more people (including many of my listeners) at the June 5 event, where Food for Free’s Summertime School Markets program will be featured.

Though the event is free, it is appreciated if you can show your support with more than your presence. Please go to https://foodforfree.org and see how you can get involved, either through this summer event or at any time of year.

Hunger does not take a vacation, but we can put it on furlough with help from Food for Free.

CALLING ALL CONES!

Posted by

When I am not talking about food, I am teaching writing and entrepreneurship to inmates at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office in Dedham, MA.

While there, I get to work alongside and marvel at the efforts of the men and women in uniform who protect our community and keep order among the inmates.

Recently, as I was leaving the facility, I noticed a large red truck parked out front in the Sheriff’s own space!

At first, I thought there must be some kind of emergency.

It was- An Ice Cream Emergency!

This converted bus is literally an ice cream parlor on wheels and brings fresh ice cream and all the toppings you can handle to almost anywhere you would want it.

From simple cups and cones to all-out sundae supremes and mega packages, the ICE can bring packages that fit any occasion and appetite, making it perfect for every situation. Whether it be a private party or corporate event or even a well-deserved sweet serving of appreciation for police, fire, or other emergency workers, this tasty truck puts the ICE in ice cream in a friendly, non-threatening way that will be welcomed by anyone it visits! 

And with a team of trucks that reaches from Massachusetts and Connecticut to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and all the way to Florida, most any East Coasters you know are in range. 

If there is a spot that could use ICE that does not have one, franchises are also available.

Who knows? Maybe some of my entrepreneurship students will be driving one after they are released!

BACK ON THE BOAT

Posted by

The last time I talked about going on a Classic Harbor Line ship, I raved about their Christmas sing-along party on Boston Harbor.
Recently, I celebrated an even more important holiday (my birthday) and again I was privileged enough to celebrate it with my friends at Classic Harbor Line.
In addition to taking in spectacular views of the Seaport Charlestown Navy Yard, the Boston Harbor Islands, and more!

I was also able to enjoy delicious charcuterie, great local wines and handcrafted cocktails, and even a customized birthday cake that had been ordered ahead of time and that I was able to share with a bunch of new friends who are also celebrating various special days on board, including weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and other birthdays.

If you want to enjoy some great local food while taking in beautiful local sights, the oyster sail aboard the schooner Adirondack is a perfect two-fer that also includes an educational narration about the history of oyster farming in the Harbor! The beautiful sailboat skims across the water as you down freshly-shucked oysters paired with mignonette, lemon, and hot sauce, and maybe even some wine or champagne to make any occasion special!

If you like to get your day moving with a hearty brunch, try the brunch cruise on the paddleboat Northern Lights. In addition to being a fun way to start the day or end the weekend, the two-hour tour is perfect for bridal parties and can be rented for private parties as well (as can most of Classic Harbor Line’s ships).

With ships setting sail from Newport, New York, and Key West, Classic Harbor Line can get you shipshape from stem to stern in style.

Anchors aweigh!

BEHIND THE BABKA

Posted by

I recently talked about the babka baking classes at my favorite bakery – Bakey – so I wanted to report that I have tried one and it was AMAZING!

Not only did I get to use the same ingredients that legendary baker Uri Scheft and his talented team use to make their delicious dough and delectable delights daily (and not overnight or ahead of time as most other bakeries do), I also got to watch some of those talented teammates craft sweet and savory babka right before my eyes before trying my own hands at it!

During the class, my new friends and I rolled, shmeared, and sliced Bakey’s famous handmade dough and specially-imported Callebaut chocolate and other impressive ingredients. In between our hands-on sessions, we got to enjoy some of Bakey’s many favorite flavors along with their expertly-expressed espresso and other barista-d beverages (including a hot cocoa that is made with the same chocolate as the babka!).

By the end of the night, everyone left with a babka they had made and one that Bakey had provided, as well as a smile on their face and a very happily full belly.

Even if you can’t make it to Bakey’s commissary in Downtown Boston, it is easier than ever to enjoy their amazing fresh flavors. In addition to stores in Newton, Brookline, and Cambridge (and more on the way!), Bakey is also appearing at farmers markets in Copley Square and SoWa Open Market, among other locations.

And especially as they support Bakes for Breast Cancer, cheating on your diet is more justifiable than ever!   

BE A DRIP

Posted by

After an amazing array of Augusta-inspired events at their suburban locations, the talented team behind Craft Food Halls is ready to switch from beer to coffee for their latest venture- the new Drip Café in the Seaport District of Boston.

At Drip Café, Seaport workers and visitors can take a break with any one (or two or three) of a wide selection of hand-crafted Counter Culture coffees, MEM teas, housemade lemonades, NOBL juices, and other reviving refreshers. 

If you want something to wash down with your drink du jour, Drip also offers freshly-baked bagels and pastries, yogurt parfaits, Taza chocolate treats, and egg-based or vegan breakfast sandwiches that will surely help get your day off to a great start!

If the Seaport is not on your daily route, Craft continues to open new venues, with their latest in Allston on 1234 Soldiers Field Road having celebrated its grand opening just days ago. The space (inside the swanky Studio Allston Hotel which is run by the same team as the Moxy downtown where our musical friends the Winiker Brothers occasionally perform) has the famous wall of beer and wine (featuring many local and international favorites, from Athletic and Castle Island to Maine Beer and more!) as well as delicious food for nearly any time of day (or night!), pool and ping pong and a beautiful courtyard patio. 

In addition to great food and fun, Craft Food Halls recently brought an entire plane to their Lexington location for a fundraising event for Camp Carefree, which offers kids with challenging medical situations a free week of summer camp.

Dr. Sanjiv Chopra is scheduled to talk about coffee on June 17 at noon, so we hope to see you there!

EXPANDING THE MARKET

Posted by

Whenever I am at a loss for food friends to celebrate (as if!), I can always turn to our friends at Boston Public Market for good food news.

I recently mentioned how Q’s Nuts has recently released a redesign of their popular packages and I never miss an opportunity to grab a Beantown Pastrami sandwich or a half-dozen Bagel Guild bagels when I am in the area. As the weather gets warmer, nothing bears Crescent Ridge ice cream or a healthy drink from Mother Juice. The main issue is that there are just too many great places to eat and shop under one roof to fully appreciate them all- at least not in one visit!

Adding to this happy problem is the arrival of two new vendors – Mr. Tamole and The Happy Cactus.

Mr. Tamole is a mother-son culinary venture that specializes in traditional Mexican fare. Launched (as so many successful BPM ventures are) in farmers markets, Andrés and Margarita Carreto were members of the  Market’s 2024 Entrepreneurship Forum and will be bringing their famed Puebla-style tamales, tacos, tortas, mole poblano, and green pipián, among other authentic tastes.

The Happy Cactus is a plant and gift shop that began in a college dorm room. In addition to curated plants, the Happy Cactus also offers crystals, and other naturally-inspired gifts that reflect founder Tucker Gaccione’s love for plants, creativity, and community.

By the way, the Market is celebrating 10 years this year and will host a special music festival that will feature RLETTO from The Voice on June 8. As our listeners know, their events are always great, so be sure to check it out!