Food

This section includes pieces related to food products

BODY AND SOUL

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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!                

SURVIVAL OF THE MOST DELICIOUS

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The other day, I was driving to teach at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office after hosting another live author interview at a senior community or library or Rotary Club meeting or maybe all of those and I realized I had not had lunch.

Reaching into my teaching bag, I was fortunate enough to find a packet from Nutrient Survival.

While I admit that true starvation was nowhere to be felt and that I probably could have made it through the class, as I wanted to give my students my best, I was glad and grateful to have such great sustenance on hand!

Created by a former Army Ranger, Nutrient Survival is very much like the meals ready-to-eat (MREs) that our brave men and women in uniform carry with them into battle, where the next meal and the next day may not be guaranteed. And while they have the same nutrition and energy that MREs offer, Nutrient Survival’s offerings are far more diverse in terms of menu options and far more delicious!

From essentials like powdered milk and vitamin eggs to hearty lasagna and a variety of granolas and cereals that come in cannon-proof cans or emergency-ready bug-out bags, Nutrient Survival has everything you need to stock your bunker or just to have handy snacks on the go that do not need refrigeration or much fuss to prepare. And with foods that fit every diet from gluten-free to vegetarian, pretty much everyone can make it through the day with their help.

Not sure military-grade food is for you (it is!)? Nutrient Survival offers a one-time trial purchase where you can get samples of their basics, breakfasts, entrees, or drinks for a super low price that acts like basic training before you jump from the boring food plane and find your true mission.

EXPANDING THE MARKET

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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!     

A NEW WAVELENGTH

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As I love to teach people about food and also love to teach people about fitness (especially boxing), I’m always on the hunt for products that satisfy both desires.

My latest di-fecta is Wavelength superfood protein powders.

As each delicious, satisfying serving contains 20 grams of protein, a complete amino acid profile, as well as adaptogens for my brain and honest-to-goodness organic ingredients like energy-boosting acai, anxiety- and inflammation-calming ashwaganda, stress-reducing astragalus, and blood pressure-lowering cacao powder, Wavelength is my new go-to for morning smoothies, post-workout shakes, and even snacks and dessert drinks that help me sleep and keep an eye on my sugar intake.

Speaking of sugar, Wavelength products have none added and are also free of fillers and additives, so you can enjoy them with your entire family. In fact, they even offer a complete line of what they call Little Ripples for kids that are sugar-free and also free of dairy, gluten, soy, and other things that seem to give so many kids troubles these days.

Despite the lack of sugar or fake flavors, Wavelength’s powders are delicious. And as the company is run by a savvy mom and sources their ingredients domestically, it is a win for everyone!
As Matt’s Meals fans know, protein delivery is a big part of my meal plan, so I cannot rave enough about Wavelength!

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A “SPECIAL” BREW

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As I recently hosted an episode of  “Belmont Business Report“ that was produced by Belmont Media Center about Art’s Specialties, I figured it would be appropriate to revisit them for Matt’s Meals as well!

In addition to opening his latest store in Cambridge with more on the way, Art has also been brewing his own coffee in his Maynard location and is making hand-distilled cold brew that is now available at all of is stores.

As is the based with so much of what Art does, he started selling other canned cold brew brands but figured that he could do it better!

Using the family coffee traditions of his Armenian roots, Arts cold brew is rich and refreshing and comes in handy 12-ounce glass bottles that can be enjoyed or their own or used to make your favorite coffee drinks and treats. They go especially well with ice cream from Art’s Creamery as a lower-caffeine and low-acid Affogato or to wash down any of the special culinary treats you pick up at his main stores.

While at Art’s, be sure to peruse his collection of over 100 local and international beers, as well as his shelves of non-alcoholic drinks, international snacks and prepared foods, and, of course, the wide selection of curated olive oils and vinegars and teas and cheeses that first made him famous. 

I find something new and delicious every time I visit and Art is always happy to honor special requests for new products, so even if he does not have exactly what I am looking for, he surely will soon!

Art already has locations in Belmont, Sherburne, Maynard, and Carlisle and is opening Cambridge and Everett, so a visit to Art’s Specialties (and Art’s Creamery) is more convenient from more places and more worth the trip from anywhere else.

See you there and see you on Belmont Media!

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THE KING KEEPS DOING BETTER

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It’s Passover time, so we need to check in with Steve Peljovich at Michael’s Deli in Brookline.

After all, where else can you get kosher (for Passover) beef knishes, broccoli kugel, and a homemade brisket that may very well be better than your Bubbe’s (just sayin’) all in one place?

As if that weren’t enough, Michael’s is entering the world of online ordering, so be sure to check out https://michaelsdelibrookline.com for updates and menus.

Speaking of convenience, Steve is still happy to deliver his delicious foods to your homes (I’m speaking to YOU, folks in Brookline, Newton Needham, and Wellesley!), so it might be time to move!

And speaking of supporting communities, every Monday from 10-2, Steve will donate proceeds from food sales to a different charitable organization as part of his popular Do Good Mondays program.

There are just so many reasons to support Steve, but the most important one, of course, is the food!While Michael’s is known as “The Corned Beef King,” it also offers a slew of delicious option that range from off-the-frame turkey to mango curry chicken salad and chopped liver to pastrami and combinations like the “Unkept” tuna salad (made with Maui onion chips!), the Surfside Club (with turkey and crispy pastrami), as well as the Cancer Stinks (proceeds from which go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, which Steve has been part of for decades), and Thorty Black and Gold (which donates proceeds to former Bruins great Shawn Thornton’s charitable foundation). It’s as if Steve can’t help but give back- so we need to keep making sure he gets as good as he gives.

Fortunately, that is NOT hard to do as the food is just SO good- at Passover or ANY time of year!

GOLDEN SNACKS

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In addition to offering protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, flaxseed may help lower the risk of cancer, help maintain weight, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

While some take issue with its gritty texture and bland taste, those excuses are going by the wayside, thanks to a bakery called Flax 4 Life.

For nearly 25 years, this family-owned business has been helping people of all ages enjoy this nutritious seed through its ever-expanding line of dairy-, gluten-, and nut-free baked goods. In fact, as so many great food companies have been, Flax 4 Life was created to help a family member who had a gluten sensitivity and grew from there.Whether you want to start the day with sweet and crunchy apple cinnamon granola or a hearty blueberry muffin, snack on a chocolate chip cookie, or finish a favorite family meal with dark cherry brownies (my personal favorite!) or a no sugar added chocolate brownie, you can be sure that you are enjoying nutritious, clean food that is made with familial love and delivered in renewable recyclable packaging.Speaking of packaging, if you can’t decide on just one tasty treat or if you want to ensure that your friends and colleagues enjoy great flavor and great health, Flax 4 Life has an amazing gift box that includes a bag of granola, single-served muffins and brownies, a pen and pad to keep track of your fitness journey, and a t-shirt that can be worn at the gym or just relaxing while you enjoy another bite.No matter what you choose, you are sure to get all the benefits of flax seed without the slightest hint of complaint and know that you are helping keep others happier and healthier as well!

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.

PASS THE BEANS, EH?

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As a new-old administration settles in with an eye towards hindering the immigration that made (and continues to make) this country great, many are thinking of making a run for the border.

Fortunately, for those of us who get turned away, there is a great way to get the taste of Canada without having to apply for citizenship.

In addition to all of the great maple products that we have discussed in past segments, there is the proud family tradition of Clark Foods.

Having started with three employees and a dream in Montreal, Clark Foods has grown into our northern neighbors, largest diversified food, and enterprise.

And nearly 150 years after his founding, Clark Foods continues to produce some of the most diversely delicious foods on either side of the border!

Though the categories in which they play are rather humble and include such things as soup, gravy, and canned meats, their continued innovation continues to impress.

Take, for example, their line of gourmet baked beans. While we Bostonians think we have a corner on the market, we can clearly learn a thing or two from the Clark family, who have taken baked beans to new levels with flavors like Buffalo style, peach honey habanero, maple chipotle (made with real Canadian maple, of course), and a root beer flavor with fancy molasses and spices that is great right out of the can!

Canada has given us many great things- from peanut butter to poutine to ginger ale and smoked meat to hockey and my second-cousin a few times removed William Shatner. When you need something yummy and nutritious to go with any of these things, the name to know is Clark.

DIGGING A NEW EATING DESTINATION

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Though I have been hanging out at Cambridgeside since it was known as the Galleria and Lechmere was more than just a stop on the recently-expanded green line, I had never considered it a place to go to eat.

Recently, however, that has changed with the opening of CanalSide Food & Drink at CambridgeSide.

Anchored by a central bar that offers big-screen TVs, trivia and musical BINGO, its own DJ, and other fun reasons to take a break from shopping and gather with friends, the expansive upgrade on the traditional food court offers everything from Asian to Mediterranean to New Zealand-ish and plenty of space to enjoy it all.

At the bar (which also has waterfront views) you can enjoy beers and ciders from such regional faves as DownEast, Trillium, and Lawson’s, as well as an international selection of wines by the glass and such top-shelf tipples as the C-Side Sling with Don Juan tequila and Tomatillo and the Zima 2K – another callback to an earlier era made from Ketel One Grapefruit and Rosé.

When it comes to food, its hard to go wrong, but among my most recent faves have been the baked felafel wrap from Anoush’ella, the arugula-topped bianco verde pizza from Lala’s, the miso ramen from Sapporo, and a steaming cup of cacio e pepe from DalMoros pasta. No matter what I get, I always leave room for either some chocolate kookaberry ice cream from Far Out or a cream puff from Beard Papa’s (or maybe both!). 

If I am in a rush to grab a gift elsewhere in the mall, I can always stop by Caffe Nero, Juicygreens, or Teazzi for a liquid pick-me-up, but the food has been so consistently good and the activities so fun that I have often found myself going for a meal and maybe picking up something in the shops between courses.

To see what is new in and around Cambridgeside, go to www.cambridgeside.com.