Features

STRENGTHENING THE BONDE

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I was recently back on my old stomping grounds of Harvard Square to promote my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) and, after visiting my old friends at Grendel’s for a delicious meal, I dropped by my other friends at Bonde wines for an after-dinner drink and a bit of oenophilic education.

In addition to learning about some of the most expertly-curated, independently-crafted, ecologically-responsible wines, I also learned that Bonde has come up with even more fun and creative ways to share and pair their wines with some of my (and your) favorite foods!

On Wednesday, October 4, Bonde will be crafting complements to what they call Cuisine Manufacturielle d’America (a.k.a., American junk food) in a perky pairing event that will be perfect for anyone who is gearing up for late-season grilling sessions, football season wings and nachos, or even Halloween season candy. If you are not such a fan of frankfurters but love the food of Frankfurt, there will be an event dedicated to Oktoberfest fare (Might I suggest Eastern Standard Provisions‘ pretzels? Yes- I might!) on October 11. If a visit to French Canada is more convenient, a quartet of poutines will be on the menu on October 25, each with its own hand-picked pairing

Though the latest installment of Bonde’s Chef Series (which features Vietnamese master Vincenzo Le) is sold out there will surely be more amazing food makers lining up to have their fare paired with flair at Bonde, so be sure to keep an eye out on www.bondewines.com.

Each of these classes cost $89 per person and include not only delicious food and extraordinary wines (some of which are only available at Bonde) but also the comprehensive and collegial consultation of curator Bertil Jean-Chronberg (a native Frenchman who knows his way not only around a wine cellar but a stack of gravied frites as well!), making a vinicultured visit on these (or any other nights) well worth it! So keep checking bondewines.com to see what fruited fun is coming up next!

AN IVY-CLAD CLASSIC

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When I lived in Harvard Square many moons ago, I basically lived in the cozy confines of the legendary, literarily-themed eatery known as Grendel’s Den.

When I recently visited the Square to promote my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com), I had the chance to return to Grendel’s and to remind myself of all that I’ve been missing since I left Cambridge.

From its bustling bar to its cozy corners, Grendel’s is a comfortable place to eat, drink, study, meet and catch up with friends, all while enjoying some of the best food and drink around. 

From customizable sandwiches to a raft of vegetarian and vegan options and from the famed French dip and Greek spinach pie (both of which have been on the menu for 50 years), PEI mussels, Guinness Irish stew and Faroe Island salmon, to authentic paella, quesadillas with everything from chicken to brisket, and Salvadoran veggies, the Grendel’s menu is an international feast of new and old favorites and dishes that are sure to become favorites soon. In addition to express lunches and other daily specials that make repeat visits even more of a pleasure, Grendel’s also offers great cocktails, including Margaritas, Sangrias, a proper Pimm’s cup, a wilder Whiskey flower, their famous big cucumber energy drink, homemade sangrias, and a monthly wheel of horoscope-inspired beverages. In addition to the Cambridge Amber that has been served for nearly four decades, the underground gem also offers cellar’s worth wines, meads, and Madeiras, and even some non-alcoholic options that are as tasty and slaking as anything around.

Harvard Square has changed a great deal in the past decades and has frankly lost a lot of its indie charm. That is why it was all the more satisfying to see one of the OG Square spots still serving super stuff to students and civilians alike!

Be sure to visit www.GrendelsDen.com and check out their podcast about their 40-year view of the Square and its people.

A FOOD FEST FOR THE VEGGIE SET

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It is harvest season in New England and that means it is time for some AMAZING food festivals!

In addition to the Commonwealth Kitchen Food Show October 5 and the Harvest Party at Boston Public Market October 12, there is also the Boston Vegetarian Society’s Veg Food Fest on October 14 and 15 at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Boston (which is right across from the Roxbury Crossing stop on the MBTA Orange Line).

While the Market and the Kitchen have plenty of plant-based options, this volunteer-run free event is of and by vegetarians and vegans but also intended for anyone who wants to get more healthy, plant-based foods into their diets or just to learn about all that plants can provide for our insides and outsides.

Among the Matt’s Meals-approved vendors who are scheduled to participate are American Vinegar Works, Cedar’s Foods, The Donut Shack in my native Lowell, FoMu Ice Cream, Hot Date Kitchen, Maple & Maine Pastry Kitchen, Pigeon Cove Ferments, Red Lentil Restaurant, and Wise Mouth Tea, as well as representatives from Extinction Rebellion, Gabriele Publishing House, Massachusetts for Elephants, Save The Buns, and many more.

In addition to opportunities to meet and mingle with other like-minded eaters and to taste and learn about the latest in plant-based cuisine from plant-based premium cheezes (that’s with a “z,” like Liza) to vegan tamales, lasagna, and crepes, and even sweets and treats, the Veg Fest will also offer health and beauty aids and even fashion that support your health and that of the planet. There will also be cooking demos and educational presentations featuring leaders in the food industry like bestselling author and humorous health expert Dr. Michael Greger. A kids’ activity room will provide fun activities for you and your little sprouts to enjoy together!

The vegetarian lifestyle is more than just avoiding animals. It is a new way to look at and engage the world and the Boston Vegetarian Society’s Veg Food Fest is a great way to engage the vegetarian community!

https://bostonveg.org/

IT’S HAYMARKET HARVEST TIME

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It’s been a while since I talked about Boston Public Market, but that doesn’t mean that I’ve forgotten of my favorite food makers.

For those of you who know, it’s an amazing place to see what is new and best about our local bounty.

But those of you who still may not have been there’s a great opportunity coming up!

On Thursday, October 12, Boston Public Market’s famous Harvest Party will be returning

In addition to showcasing such great local makers as the Bagel Guild, Beantown Pastrami Company, Crescent Ridge ice cream, Farmhouse Meats, Q’s Nuts, Red Apple Farm, and the folks at Reds Best seafood who supply other favorite eateries like Johnny’s Luncheonette in Newton, the Party will also be the debut for the Market’s brand-new bakery!

As part of an event that many in the food space consider the social star of the season, the Market’s Harvest Party will not only offer food and drink from Market vendors, but will also feature live music and dancing, a silent auction and raffles, and photo opps with the “Official Pumpkin of Boston.”

Tickets start at $50 and proceeds from the event will support Market’s Community Engagement Fund that will help the Market’s mission to help independent artisans and entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth by subsidizing rents and developing educational opportunities for vendors and community members alike.

Massachusetts has some of the most diverse and talented creators and cooks around. The Boston Public Market Harvest Fair is a Great opportunity to get to know and support whole bunch of them at the same time. 

Come hungry and enjoy!
https://bostonpublicmarket.org/harvestparty

DO NOT TRADE THIS SHOW FOR ANYTHING!

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SCOOP ALERT!

SCOOP ALERT!

While I look forward to the Harvest Party at Boston Public Market October 12, I am also anticipating a delicious time with our creative friends at Commonwealth Kitchen when they host their 2023 Food Show on October 5.

As the creative center for such local legends as AMG Snacks, Crooked Stick Pops, Hillside Harvest, Humble Bones granolas, Mona’s Curryations, Off Our Rocker cookies, Sweet Tahini, Telegram Cookies, Wise Mouth Tea, and even Clover Food Lab, Commonwealth Kitchen has been a hub for kitchen creators for decades. At this annual event, food fans and industry insiders get a special glimpse into the facilities where their mouthfuls of magic happen and get to meet the makers and see what might be coming from the kitchen next.

Whether you are a distributor, event planner, retailer, or consumer, there will be plenty to enjoy at the Commonwealth Kitchen’s event. 

From 12 to 3 PM, industry professionals will be invited to see what is cookin’ in the Commonwealth and decide (if they can even begin to choose!) which people and products to support most. Then, from 3-7, the general public will be let into taste the wonderful wares their friends and neighbors have to offer and hopefully to get inspired to bring new foods to their friends and families and maybe even back to the Kitchen as a member!

Since 2009, Commonwealth Kitchen has offered commissary space, business advise, mentoring, and other supports to underserved and underfunded food entrepreneurs, many of which have gone on to be counted among the region’s most popular venues and creations! Though they have already launched hundreds of businesses and created hundreds of jobs and millions in revenues, there are always new stars waiting for their chance to shine. By taking part in their Food Show, you can not only see what will surely be the next big things in Boston’s food scene but get behind them as well!

https://commonwealthkitchen.org/foodshow/

FALL IS ON THE RISE @ HARPOON

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Though there is little pleasure to be taken in the high temperatures of what is traditionally a time of cooling and slowing down (especially when you consider the source of the scorch), we in New England are especially privileged to have the bounty of fall produce and people who know what to do with it all to help people cool down even when that should not be an issue.

In addition to being the home of the king of coffee – Dunkin’ – Massachusetts is also the base for Harpoon Brewery and its affiliates – all of whom have once again come up with a great slate of ways to slake thirst whether it is supposed to be hot or not.

In addition to bringing back Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin, which combines one of the best beers around with the coffee that keeps the entire country moving along with the fresh flavors of pumpkin and authentic seasonal spice, Harpoon has also brought back a perennial fall favorite called Flannel Friday, which is a golden great way to end the week or get ready for the big game. On September 29 and 30, they will also host their popular Octoberfest party at the brewery in Boston’s Seaport district, complete with “oompah” bands and stein-holding contests (and of course their AMAZING pretzels!). 

Over at UFO, the fall flavor craze in full effect as the unfiltered team releases its own pumpkin-flavored Hefeweizen, and an apple-infused beer that combines the best of beer and cider and all that is good with our part of the world at this time of year. While the apple beer is currently available only as part of UFO’s popular Fresh Pick’d mix pack, you are sure to not be disappointed in any of the other offerings.

For those who prefer to head down the Long Trail, the VT-based brewery is also getting in on the apple-infused game day beverage game with their apple wheat beer.

No matter which you pick, you are sure to love the fresh-picked flavor and hand-crafted beer expertise that goes into every pint, no matter whether you use it to cool off after a hot day on the gridiron, to enjoy by the firepit after what may be the last barbecue of the season, or after your latest effort to support environmental causes and help stem the steam.

www.harpoonbrewery.com / https://ufobeer.com / https://longtrail.com/

FILL YOUR FEED BUCKET 

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While the end of September may not be prime time for island goers, there are still many reasons to escape to Nantucket during the so-called shoulder season.

In addition to having opportunity to find private hideaways and to get to know the people who truly make Nantucket what it is (i.e., the locals), the end of September is also the time for Nantucket’s Chamber of Commerce to host their popular Restaurant Week.

From September 24-28, local legends like The Beet, Ethos Nantucket, Galley Beach, Island Kitchen, Lemon Press, Millie’s, and or, the Whale will be offering specials and new menu items so even long-time visitors and locals can find new favorites. Thanks to the NantucketGrown collection of local producers that supply ingredients and items to restaurants, yacht clubs, and other venues around the island, diners can also feel free to try new things, knowing that their edible adventures are supporting area artisans. 

As many of these independent farms and entrepreneurial ventures run all year, the fall is an especially important time to support them especially because, unlike most producers, they not only have to deal with the vicissitudes of a New England winter, but also with a much lower population of supporters. Another unique element of the island environment is that it serves as a microcosm of what is often a much more expanded ecosystem of producers, distributors, and consumers, allowing those who participate in and partake of it to get a sense of what goes into the foods they are putting into their bodies and how much love and care go into each delicious bite.

Though days may be shorter and nights cooler, as long as the sand is soft and the sunsets beautiful (as they are pretty much all year), it is never a bad time to visit Nantucket and to see what all the buzz is about even when it is not so buzzy.

While there, be sure to check out the many other visit-worthy attractions the island and the Chamber have to offer.

www.nantucketchamber.org/restaurant-week/

GET YOUR DAY ON TRACK

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As if working from home were not hectic enough, many of us are now responsible for children who no longer have the benefits of school to enjoy while they leave us in peace for a few precious hours.

That is why I am such a fan of our local friends at Atomic Coffee Roasters!

Starting as a café in Beverly, Atomic has expanded to a second generation and is now served at cafes and restaurants throughout Greater Boston and is blazing a trail to other areas with its locally-sourced, roasted, and packaged coffees.

Speaking of trails, Atomic has partnered with the New England Mountain Bike Association to celebrate another great thing to do with your family in the summer and all year ‘round. For each bag of their delicious Singletrack coffee (which combines small-farm beans from Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Honduras) sold, Atomic will contribute $2 to the Association to help them preserve open space that can then be enjoyed on wheels or by foot. 

As Atomic was founded by professional cyclists and as some of us need a little help getting off the couch and on our bikes, the percolating partnership is a perfect match!

In addition to finding this and other amazing coffees (like their seasonal Simple Summer, their out-of-this-world Space Cadet, their canned cold brew, and other blended and single-origin varieties) on their website (drinkatomic.com), visitors can find recipes and tips for ideal brewing conditions and more!

Need to get your gears turning this summer (or anytime)? Go Atomic!

drinkatomic.com

GOOD MORNING, BEST BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

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Well, it is official- As we have long known, now all of America knows that North Street Grill does have the best breakfast in Boston!

In fact, it has been certified by no less an authority than the nation’s #1 breakfast-time program Good Morning America.

A few weeks ago, North Street ‘s Robin Sidell went against its equally legendary (and deservedly so!) sibling restaurant, Sol Sidell’s South Street Diner in a head-to-head competition for Beantown breakfast bragging rights. Pitting her Banana Bourbon French Toast against her brother’s Boston Cream pancakes.

After showing who the saucier Sidell sibling was, Robin went to New York (with Sol selflessly serving as sous chef) to the United States of Breakfast finals, where a panel of judges that included celebrity stylist Carsen Kressley, savvy Shark Barbara Corcoran, chef and food judge Leah Cohen, and food fanatic Adam Richman tasted, tested, and titled the four best breakfasts in the nation.

In addition to its triumphant toast, North Street offers everything from enormous omelets made with all fresh ingredients and a panoply of pancakes that range in fillings from blueberries to Boston cream to a slew of satisfying salads, a bevy of big burgers, their bananas banana bread and a full bar that features “adult” milkshakes that will cure any night-before debauchery and get every day off to  a great start!

As it is right along the Freedom Trail, the North Street Grill has long been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. After their strong performance on GMA, however, more people may line up for their brunch than que for the nearby Paul Revere House. In so doing, they will be able to taste the toast loved ‘round the nation and experience the true flavor of Boston!

https://bestbrunchboston.com / https://southstreetdiner.com

ANOTHER ROUND AT THE WINERY

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In its never-ending quest to give area food, wine, and entertainment fans what they want, City Winery is offering a new program that will bring all of these and more to more people than ever by encouraging what some may say is the sadly lost art of of sharing.

As part of their new “Pairing is Sharing” dining experience, the food and beverage teams at City Winery have combined forces to combine small plates that show off their big-flavored wines through a dining experience that is guided by the diners but supported by the staff.

Tapping into top winemakers like North Coast, Sonoma Mountain, Windrem, and City Winery’s own wines from their hydroelectric-powered facility just north of New York City, the sharable selections options include charcuterie and oysters, charred octopus, Wagyu Sliders, triple cream brie, as well as a mushroom-pocked pizza known as the ”Fun-guy” flatbread. All of the wines are tapped fresh from stainless steel kegs and all the equally elegant edibles are prepared and delivered fresh to enhance the experience all the more!  

For those who want to enhance their experience even further, the Winery recently rang in Ringo Starr’s birthday and will soon be hosting the legendary likes of Lisa Loeb, Dickey Betts, Holly Near, Bebel Gilberto, Lalah Hathaway, Cowboy Mouth, and Jon Cleary & His Absolute Monster Gentlemen, as well as bartending classes, comedy shows, and trivia nights.

Despite the name, City Winery has been offering much more than wine for many more years than some of the wine you drink has probably been around. If someone has not shared it with you yet, be sure to reserve a table for Pairing is Sharing and make it a night of wine, friends, and song!

https://citywinery.com/Boston