Event

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!

LENNNNNYYYYY!’

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Fans of a certain age will certainly remember the legendary television commercials featuring Anthony Martignetti running through the streets of Boston’s historic North End doing his best to get home to his mother’s traditional pasta dinner- a dinner that was on and made more delicious by the Prince Spaghetti Company.

These days, the Prince company is best represented by the replica leaning tower of Pisa along route, one in Saugus that stands as the marker of their famous Prince Pizzeria restaurant, which has served as the house-made home of the Castraberti family since 1961

While the ads claimed that, “Wednesday is Prince spaghetti day,” these days you can get that famous flavor any night of the week! And not just pasta- Prince also serves up freshly-made bruschetta, their famed Caesar salad, toasted ravioli and baked lasagna with their signature sauce, and even shrimp scampi and multiple parmigianas. As the name implies, Prince’s is also the prince of pizzas and offers combinations like the shish-kebab pizza (with their “Bianco famous” sausage, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms) and a “Green Monstah” (with broccoli and spinach) that is great when watching the game or anytime.

Whether or not the game is on, another great draw at Prince’s is Giggle’s Comedy Club, which hosts such local and national faves as Tony V, Jackie Martling, Steve Sweeney and Lenny Clarke (who I recently had the honor of interviewing for Fifty-Plus Advocate)!

So whether Anthony’s ads used to make you smile or you want a reason to laugh while enjoying great locally-sourced food from a locally-sourced family, Prince is still the king!

AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE VENUE

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Formula One racing is one of the most popular entertainments in the world.

Unfortunately, not everyone can access it as easily as the privileged few who line the courses and drive the cars.

And while Boston may not have a racecourse design coming anytime soon (Heck- We even bungled an Olympic bid!), area fans can now feel as if they’re in Pit Row and enjoy delicious food while there.

F1® Arcade is the world’s first F1® experience restaurant and it is debuting in the U.S. (as so many great ideas have) in Boston!

With 16,000 square feet across two floors, F1® Arcade offers guests opportunities to get behind the wheels of nearly 70 full-motion simulators. They can also create personal driver profiles and earn prizes like exclusive merchandise!

When you need a break from zipping around the track, grab a position at the nearly-40-foot-long bar to enjoy foods that have been inspired by F1’s international venues and that will surely inspire multiple visits as well! From Wagyu beef sliders and Ahi tuna tostadas to a set of unique burger, taco, and flatbread options, and (in honor of the Seaport location) a raw bar menu that includes an impressive seafood tower, the dining at F1 Arcade lives up to the legend and even includes ‘Designated Drivers’ mocktails that work great for kids or those who want to take on the track with the full focus that F1 demands.

If you want to design your own course, F1 Arcade also offers a 2,400-square foot private room for up to 200 guests. Of course, there are also plenty of screens for everyone to take in the real F1 action from around the world and many races will feature exclusive events with VIP packages and more special surprises!

With plans already in the works for Washington, DC, F1 Arcade in Boston could set off another revolution, so be sure to get in soon!  

GETTING CURIO WITH THE CULINARY GUILD

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I recently mentioned how Curio Spice has opened a new space at Boston Public Market and what a wonderful and fitting edition, it is to this constantly-expanding constellation of culinary and cultural champions.

On Monday, September 9, Curio Spice Founder Claire Cheney will bring her piquant products to Verrill Farm in Concord as part of the kickoff event for the Culinary Guild of New England’s 46th year.

As Cheney has made her mark on the local and international food scene, she is welcome addition to the Guild. As she also gathers her single-origin spices from small, sustainable farms around the world, it makes sense that Cheney has been invited to one of New England’s most historic sustainable farms. After all, Verrill has been around for over 100 years and offers not only fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods, but also protected wetlands and the latest environmentally-friendly agricultural practices available.

At the event, Cheney will guide guests through a sampling of her acclaimed spices and talk about how she came to create and grow her fragrant business.

The Culinary Guild’s event will begin at 7 PM with a reception during which Cheney’s blends will be featured and will wind down around 9”:30 with desserts that have been crafted by Guild members.

Tickets must be purchased by September 4 and more information can be found at www.culinaryguild.org. Discounts are available for Guild members and membership also includes further discounts on goods and services from the Guild’s many members and partners as well as invitations to other special events.

Whether or not you are member, this event will surely be a great place to spice up your culinary curiosities and meet people of similar good taste.

CELEBRATING CELIAC

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As September 13 is National Celiac Awareness Day, I wanted to make people of all dietary proclivities aware that there are plenty of great-tasting and healthy foods that can comply with any restrictions they may want or need to impose on their diets.

For those who desire to eschew gluten, Mightylicious has recently released a new set of flours that work and taste as well and good as any traditional brand. Instead of using buckwheat and amaranth, which can often come with a gritty mouth feel, Mightylicious uses superfine GMO-free rice flour that they mill specifically for baking to deliver a soft, airy texture to all your favorite recipes.

Whether you want all-purpose flour or even vegan all-purpose, Mightylicious has you covered. And if brownies are your goal, they also offer a vegan brownie mix that takes the guess work out of yummy.

Speaking of yummy, Mightylicious also offers already made gluten-free cookies – some of which are vegan. From their rich and creamy brown butter cookie and even browner double Dutch chocolate cookie to a hearty oatmeal raisin and traditional shortbread and salted peanut butter, these crumble-free cookies come individually wrapped and not only fit in your lunchbox, bag, or pocket but also fit the bill for those who like tasty treats regardless of their digestive history.  

Whether you choose their handcrafted cookies or choose to use your own hands, you can be sure that Mightylicious uses only the best, allergen-friendly ingredients available so you never have to worry whether anyone can or will not enjoy every bite. No wonder they were a Food & Beverage Magazine “Top Pick” last year!

https://mightylicious.com

…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.

CORN – NUTS

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When I recently interviewed Jordan Rich at the Needham Free Public Library about his wonderful book – On Air: My 50-year love affair with radio (proceeds from which go to Boston Children’s Hospital), many of my fabulous food friends donated samples to share with the audience.

And while there was an impressive spread to go along with Jordan’s impressive stories of his life and career and the many other lives he has touched, two of the most popular items were bags of Q’s Nuts and fresh-made caramel and cheese popcorn from Johnson’s.

While Qs has been a friend and supporter for many years, Johnson’s was a more recent discovery. Even so, my fans and I loved them both equally and, when the interview was over, I mixed the scant leftovers together for a delicious post-event treat! 
Since 1940, Johnson’s has been bringing the flavor of the New Jersey boardwalk to snack lovers around the world. Their air-popped, freshly-packed popcorns are available in an ever-expanding menu of flavors and come in sizes that work well for a family movie night or corporate event.

Though a few years younger, Q’s commitment to quality is no different and their selection of flavors is even greater- wrapping their fresh and nutrient-packed almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pecans in everything from maple and bourbon to garlic and an entire line of chocolate-based varieties.

While I look forward to more author talks and more great food, all you need to do to enjoy a taste of my Writer’s Block series is to visit needhamchannel.org, and please also check out Johnson’s and Q’s anytime you want a delicious snack that is made with love.

MAZAL TOV, STEVE!

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I know that there are few people we talk about more than Steve Peljovich of Michael’s Deli in Brookline. However, as this meat-minded mensch just ran through another Relay for Life to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and is also celebrating his 13th year as the King of Corned Beef, I wanted to wish him a mazal tov on his personal passion and productivity and his business bar mitzvah.

In addition to offering the best in traditional deli in the area (including meats that are “imported” daily from Brooklyn), Steve has maintained a menu of masterfully mishegas-ed knishes that have offered ingredients that have ranged from traditional potato and kasha to Fruity Pebbles and Nutella, with the only consistent theme being their deliciousness.

While it is always fun to drop by and be treated like family at Steve’s Coolidge Corner location, my family always loves it when I bring things home and we have often asked Steve to use his favorite family recipes (including Auntie Bev’s noodle kugel and his mother’s heavenly homestyle meatloaf) to serve and satisfy our family and many others. From finger sandwiches to yard-long subs, Steve has everything you need to bring more flavor and fun to all sort of events – including bar mitzvahs!

When not supporting his friends and neighbors with food (which he also readily donates to area shelters and sports teams, including the Boston Bruins and the Shawn Thronton Foundation), Steve also supports cancer patients and other neighbors and is always ready with a warm smile and friendly greeting, which somedays is more sustaining than even his delicious food.Thanks again, Steve!                   

C’MON- DO IT AGAIN!

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While I love to talk about food, I also make a point to point out and support the many people who do not have enough.

From touting the latest event for the Greater Boston Food Bank (which is June 28 and 29 at Fenway Park, by the way) to writing a cookbook to raise awareness of and funds for the expansion of the WISHDISH homeless catering program to celebrating the spirit and flavor of such waste-fighting food distributors as Too Good to Go and food makers like Matriark, Re-Grained, and the Veteran-owned Fire Dept. Coffee, we all need to support not only the people who use what others throw out but also the people who benefit from such efforts as well.

That is why I want to be sure to spread the word that June is now officially Upcycled Food Month!

By visiting using the tag #ShopUP, consumers and producers can join the Upcycled Food Association (UFA) and be part of the growing movement that promotes using more of what is grown to serve more people and to minimize waste so more food ends up filling stomachs and not dumps.

Throughout the month, the UFA will be hosting live and online events that revolve around Upcycled Food Month. While you are exploring their website, there are membership benefits for every link in the supply chain – from farmers to diners – and all of them benefit everyone else too!

In addition to information about responsible upcycling, the UFA’s website also has tips to help you make your food dollar go further and even recipes to inspire you to try new combinations of foods that can expand your horizons as well.

STRIKING OUT HUNGER

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Even while we are out enjoying barbecues, farmers markets, and other summertime celebrations of food and fun, it is important to remember how many of our friends and neighbors are not so fortunate and have far less to celebrate, especially when it comes to food.

That is why I am looking forward to visiting Fenway Park on June 28 and 29- Not because the Sox are playing the San Diego Padres (a game even they may not bet on!), but because the Greater Boston Food Bank is hosting its Red Sox Strike Out Hunger event during those games.

As fans enter Fenway Park, GBFB staff will be accepting donations at tables and roaming the concourse, encouraging people to donate so they can help feed others as they wait in line to feed themselves some of the best ballpark food around. There will also be autographed items for sale, proceeds from which will also go to help the Food Bank.

As the Food Bank is one of only three charitable partners who are allowed to take over the park in this way, the event is a big deal. And as the Red Sox Strike Out Hunger program has raised over $240,000 in the past 30 years (with each dollar paying for two healthy meals), the impact on the community is impressive to say the least!

Whether or not the Sox are doing well, a visit to Fenway is always a treat. If you go to the Padres games this month, you can also treat others to healthy food even if your gameday meal plan is not so much.