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POP GOES THE PARTY

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For years, we’ve talked about the Boston International Wine & Food Festival at the Boston Harbor Hotel and the Boston Wine Expo.

And while those are both amazing, I’m excited to pop the cork on a new wine event in Boston.

On Saturday, February 15 from 6 to 10 PM, the national sensation known as Uncorked Wine Festivals will premiere at the SoWa Power Station in Boston’s South End.

Featuring over 100 wines and bubblies from around the world. Uncorked will also offer DJ-directed dancing and food trucks that will have a flavor for every sip you savor.

For the braver oenophiles, there will be a blind tasting bar where you can try your taste buds and find new faves amongst seasoned swirlers and amateur aerators.

VIP tickets cost $110 and include access to all four hours of the event plus exclusive access to an upstairs lounge that will offer premium tastings, pairings, and other special treats. For those who want a taste of special access, early admission tickets are $85 and include all four hours of festivities and some exclusive pours for the first hour. General admission starts at 7 PM and includes more than 100 wines for only $70.

For the ultimate, oenophilic experience, Uncorked has an app that you can download at https://uncorkedwinefestivals.com that will allow you to keep track of all of your new favorite wines and get info about the food vendors that might not even be available on Matt’s Meals!

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for something fun to do to keep the Valentine’s Day vibe bubbling, check out the Uncorked Wine Festival and help start a new Boston tradition.

SALUTE!

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There is not much better than an amazing meal at Prezza in Boston’s legendary North End. And there are a few better ways to wash down your favorite flavors than with a great Italian wine.

Perhaps that is why owner Anthony Cutarano has arranged a Great Wines of Italy dinner at Prezza on January 21 at 6:30.

At this specially-priced, five-course meal, guests will enjoy such creative delights as Mediterranean prawns with Calabrian chili, seared scallops with lobster butter, duck confit with mushrooms and a tomato veal stock, parmesan polenta, grilled sirloin and veal chops, and a pistachio sundae with mango sorbet. And while the delicious dessert will surely end the meal with a flourish, the fact that every other course is being paired with some of Italy’s most beloved wines will make this meal truly special!

From a 2023 Ca’Marcanda Vistamare to a 2020 Gaja Barolo and 2018 Sesti Brunello di Montalcino, Caturano is pulling out all the stops and a bunch of great corks to celebrate his Italian heritage and the flavors that have inspired him and his guests for so many years.

If you are not able to snag a table on the 21st, rest assured that any night at Prezza is a treat! From their trend setting antipasto board and ravioli di Uovo to their famed crispy shrimp with Italian slaw, wood-grilled venison, branzino, and their freshly-caught squid and octopus medley, lobster-loaded fish stew, and of course, handmade pastas topped with everything from duck to veal to saffron and shrimp, Prezza combines traditional, Italian favorites with creative combinations of fresh ingredients and flavors that make it a great place to bring family friends or just to drop by to see what’s new on the menu. 

And if you can’t decide on just one thing, Prezza recently brought back their petite portion menu, featuring oysters, tuna, tartare, and their famous gourmet meatballs, offering everyone plenty of options to make their own tasting menu or a lighter meal or snack.

Molto bene!         

EVERYONE’S INVITED!

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Many times when chefs try to combine cultures and flavors, something falls flat.

At the Watertown eatery named Nzuko, however, the curated combination of Haitian-Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors is pretty spot on!

From conch fritters and plantains to hummus, grape leaves, and two types of falafel and meze boards that combine influences from both regions, Nzuko’s Chef-owner (and former social worker) Laurette Ndukwe and her Persian partners combine real, fresh, healthy ingredients in a menu at Nzuko that is varied enough to allow for new discoveries each time you visit but not so much that the core competencies become blurred. From the giant spiced lamb shank to the multiple varieties of fresh fish topped and infused with international spices to an entire menu of kebabs and delicious desserts like the passion fruit Basque cheesecake and pistachio loukoumades, each course is an international adventure that will not leave you feeling lost.

In an effort to expand their repertoire and their culinary community, Nzuko is expanding their celebration of African-American Heritage Month to include all of the communities and cultures that make this region and this nation so rich. In addition to adding new items to the menu like a crispy duck, the kitchen team at Nzuko will be enhanced by other area chefs who will bring their own flavor and flair. One high point is sure to be a gumbo cook-off that will include both traditional and vegan varieties. However, pretty much everything on the menu is the best at what it can be and a visit to Nzuko is always a culinary adventure you will be glad you took.

FUN, FANTASTIC, AND FLEXIBLE

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It has been a bit since I raved about Neroli Italian restaurant and market in Westwood, but they have so much going on, I just had to update people!

As a family-owned establishment, Neroli prides itself not only on family-inspired recipes and friendly, comfortable service, but also on offering something for everyone.

As January is a time to eschew alcohol for many, Neroli is currently offering a number of booze-less beverages in addition to their full bar and world-wide wine list, including an espress-no martini that has all the flavor and fun without the guilt.

Speaking of flavor and fun, Neroli is also making it more appealing for people who cannot enjoy alcohol ever to come by offering free kids meals throughout the month as well.

If you don’t have kids yet, you may be able to head that way if you are lucky enough to grab a table when the incomparable Winiker Brothers perform at Neroli February 13 and March 20, but the most romance-friendly offering may be their three-night Valentine’s Weekend Extravaganza!

That’s right! Realizing that many of even their most devoted fans (including yours truly) are busy on weekends, Neroli will be offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner not just on the day itself but also on the days before and after, making it easier to fit not only delicious food but also romance into your schedule and your life.

Be sure to check out http://neroliitalian.com soon (and often) to see what else they have in store and be sure to drop by their store for fresh Italian food and drink any time of day.

CRAFT-ING WINTER FUN

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As even Amazon has recently demanded that their staff work from the office, you know its time to rethink office culture!

Fortunately, a growing set of area offices have been blessed with the addition of Craft Food Halls- a revolutionary concept in corporate catering that offers not only signature food systems like Project X Pizza, Sousviderie, and Vessel, but an amazing wall of pay-what-you-drink beer and wine and also games, big screens, work spaces, and other accoutrements that make returning to work something to look forward to!

And the best part is- they’re open to the public!

On February 15 from 6-8PM, Craft Food Hall at City Point in Waltham will host its Winter Festival, featuring a tap takeover by Sam Adams and samplings of the latest delicious distillations by Bully Boy Distillers. The after-work event will also offer live music from the Soul Roots Ramblers, a Winter Bazaar Market that will feature local artisans, and an indoor cornhole tournament that will surely heat up a cold winter’s night and give the Waltham working community a reason to stay late and party hard and for others from far and wide to come see all they get to enjoy on a daily basis.

There is also a Salsa Night scheduled for the Hall at 200 Fifth Street in Waltham on January 24 from 6:30 to 8:30, live Blues with The Gravel Project Sundays from 1-4 PM at Revolution Hall in Lexington, and other great music and events at their other 10 locations. To see the latest offerings, check out http://craftfoodhalls.com.

With all of its great food and fun, the Hall is always a great place to drop by for a meal, a meeting, or just to hang out with the folks that make the workplace work.

WASSAIL YOU HAVE?

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As someone who primarily celebrates Hanukkah, I’ve always been fascinated with the traditions around Christmas, Kwanzaa, and other winter time festivals

One which has particularly perplexed me is the tradition of Wassailing.

I’ve thought about it since I was in elementary school chorus, but never quite knew what it was.

Fortunately, my friends at Champlain Orchards have offered an answer.

Not only that, they’ve even offered an invitation!

On Sunday, February 23 from 3 to 6 Champlain will be hosting a Wassail celebration at their Orchard in Shoreham, Vermont.

As it turns out, this is rather appropriate, as wassailing is an English tradition in which people sing to apple trees to scare off evil spirits and to bless them for the forthcoming season.

As a huge cider fan, I can tell you that few orchards have trees more blessed than Champlain!

Whether you enjoy their products in fruit form or pressed and fermented, Champlain offers flavors that are truly worth singing about, including such favorites as the dry- hopped Citra, unfiltered Kingston, single varietal Honeycrisp, Spanish-inspired Sidria, and Mac and Maple, which is like Vermont in a can.

And as they donate a quarter pound of apples for every four pack of cider that is purchased even more people are able to celebrate and look forward to another season.

Whether or not you can make it to the orchard, check out https://champlainorchards.com and find out what all the wassailing is about.

A GREAT PLACE TO GET “HAMMERED”

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While Chanukah is officially “late” this year (starting on December 25), the folks at The Charles Hotel are already getting into the spirit with the return of the Maccabee Bar pop-up at Noir. 

Through New Years Day, the street-level bar and nosherie will get totally lit (with safety-conscious digital candles, of course) and offering sufganiyot (basically jelly donuts) and other special treats that will have you spinning your dreidel even if you also decorate a tree, light the world with Kwanzaa, or dance around the Festivus Pole.

For seven years, Maccabee Bar maker Naomi Levy has been bringing holiday fun and food to chosen places in New York and MA. And while she still hopes to land in NYC in time to recall the ancient miracles, the Charles Hotel is offering a special package for those who need to get their spin on in style.

In addition to the already great Noir menu, the pop-up features non-traditional traditional Chanukah foods from Executive Chef Sean Lizotte and Pastry Chef Daniel Angelopolus like left-of-center latkes, an authentic smoked salmon plate, and a different donut flavor each day. On the bev side, the illuminating cocktail list includes the sufganiyot sour, the Aperol Schvitz (made with real Manischewitz), the Hebrew Hammer (Maccabee means “hammer”), and a deliciously dark dreidel-inspired drink that comes with chocolate gelt garnish.

Of course, while you are in the hotel, be sure to drift upstairs to try the latest in farm-to-table excellence at Henreietta’s Table or live Jazz at Regattabar to find more holiday surprises.

So whether you feel lonely on Chanukah or just want to see how the 2% live, take a spin by Harvard Square to light up every night this month.

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SHIP A-HO-HO-HOY

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Winter may not be the season when most people think of sailing, especially in Boston Harbor!

Thanks to the creative crew at Classic Harbor Line, however, the holidays are a great time to set sail.

In addition to private charters and other special excursions, Classic Harbor Line offers seasonal sailings in their safe and ship-shape ships that make the Harbor a great place to take friends, family, or colleagues for a special occasion or to offer them a deal that they can’t refuse lest they be forced to walk the plank.

I recently enjoyed a chilly afternoon on Classic Harbor Line’s Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise aboard the warm and inviting ship Northern Lights which was festooned with holiday decorations and featured a hot cocoa bar and live music.

Speaking of a bar, the ship’s galley is always open and offers creative cocktails and hearty snacks and meals, including chicken wings, quesadillas, and a grilled cheese sandwich that can be dipped in a crock of basil-flecked tomato soup.

After taking the souvenir blanket to the upper deck to take in some sea air and the breathtaking view of Boston, my friends and I returned to the cozy confines of the indoor area to join in the carousing and enjoy a bottle of Touro wine from Cape Cod, along with some delicious holiday cookies.

If Boston Harbor is not your box of tea, Classic Harbor Line also sails out of Newport, New York, and even Key West, so cold water is no excuse to enjoy their seaworthy offerings.

As I departed the ship and made my way back into the teeming throngs of shoppers, one question hung in my mind-

Who needs a one-horse open sleigh when you can have a climate-controlled boat?               

THE NORTH SIDE OF HEROISM

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We have often spoken about how Sol Sidell has used his South Street Diner near South Station to host special events that bring the community together. From hot dog parties when the Sox season starts to fundraisers for various groups and organizations (including Boston Senior Home Care, for whom he served as VP for 10 years), Sol’s heart is open as long as the diner is – 24/7.

On the other side of town, however, is another Sidell sibling who also does more than their share.

Having recently represented the region in Good Morning America’s United States of Breakfast finals, Robin Sidell of the North Street Grille was recently feted by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) as a Community Hero for her work on behalf of the organization and the tens of thousands of community members who benefit from its programs and support with food insecurity, housing, job training, and more. She prepares meals for the elderly multiple times each month and has made her place a safe and satisfying stop for neighbors from all over.

As anyone who has enjoyed a meal at Robin’s place knows, food insecurity is never an option at North Street! The portions are huge and every bite is better than the one before. And while her URL is bestbrunchboston.com, the Grille is a great place for any meal at any time (8-4, that is)! Whether you try the Nutella French toast sticks, the truffled lobster mac & cheese, a sandwich or salad, or the anything from the massive burger and Benedict menus (which are also signatures of Sol’s South Street site), you are sure to leave stuffed and smiling, especially if you try one of Robin’s ridiculous milkshakes (without or without grown-up sauce). Even in winter, the Grille is worth trekking the Freedom Trail to find (especially as the line might be a wee bit shorter)!

Boston is blessed with great food places run by great people and the Sidell siblings are always at the top of that list. 

Please support them so they can continue to support others!

THE GIVING TREES

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It’s Fall in New England and that means cider season- which for me means checking in with my friends at Champlain Orchards in VT.

And while I love their Mac & Maple and Farmstead ciders all year and their seasonal sippers like Honeycrisp and the recently-released Tuscan Blue are always worth waiting for (as is their forthcoming batch of ice cider!). In addition to their more traditional ciders, Chaplain also offers such creative creations as the local honey-tinged Larrabee, the ginger tea-infused Calyx, the Sangria-cider mash-up known as Sidria, and their amazing cider syrup. Despite all the delicious gifts they offer, however, what I love most about Champlain is how much they give to others!

In addition to partnering with other purveyors whose products they pack into their plentiful gift boxes, Champlain recently kicked off a new program that will have them giving more of their own bounty to people in need.

Through their new Cider for Good program, Champlain will donate ¼-pound of apples to area food banks for each four-pack of cider they sell. As they grow over 175 different fruit varieties, this program will not only bring nutrition to thousands but also educate many about the wide range of local bounty that is available in our region. And as the program will be hosted in New England, New Jersey, and Delaware, it will hopefully bring Champlain’s delicious drinks and other treats and their generosity to people far and wide.

While I do not need any more reason to enjoy Champlain Orchard ciders that than delicious taste and the good feeling of knowing they are ecologically responsible, to also know that they are helping others makes even the dry ciders that much sweeter!