Food

This section includes pieces related to food products

DON’T “SKIP” THIS TASTY HEALTH FOOD

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As is so often the case, I am here to dish about the latest trend in the healthy food space.

While we continue to rave about the flavonoids in FlavaNaturals and the brain-boosting adaptogens in IQ Joe, Kickstarter Coffee, and Four Sigmatic coffee, another favorite trend is fermenting, an ancient process that can help with everything from immunity and inflammation to irritable bowels and also improve hair, skin, and overall well-being! 

While the most popular fermented foods are admittedly acquired tastes like kraut and kimchee and kefir (noting a “k”-trend here?), tasty new tastes are applying for acquisition all the time. 

As she was born in Korea, Kathryn Oh knows about the special, nutrient- and probiotic-enriching art of Koji fermentation as she was making kimchee since childhood. As she is also a primary care doctor, she also knows the health benefits of many things.

So when she told me that she is coming out with her own line of plant-based, naturally- (and deliciously) flavored, nutrient-packed cups of fermented brown rice called Hopscotch (in a nod to another accessible childhood activity) that could benefit my belly, brain, and entire body, I was interested.And when I tried the sweet, umami-laced cups that come in chocolate, strawberry, coffee, and even Snickerdoodle (flavors that Oh admits “start funny but taste yummy!”) and that can be enjoyed alone or in smoothies, sauces, or many other means of enjoyment), I was hooked on Hopscotch and think (and hope) that you will soon be too!

www.hopscotchfoods.com

GET INTO A JAM

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While any of the items I discuss on Matt’s Meals can make for a great gift (if even for yourself!), I recently found a local maker who can solve pretty much any holiday giving jam.

In fact, jam is the source of the solution!

Starting with a parental promise to spread sweetness, Holly Condon started Holly’s Heavenly Creations – a handmade jam and jelly company that has some of the most creative and carefully-crafted varieties I (a devout jam fan) have ever tasted!

When I first saw Holly at the Needham High School craft fair, my eye was caught by a jar of Dirty Monkey Nuts. When I tasted this perfect combination of chocolate, peanuts, bananas, and a touch of locally-sourced honey, I was ready to swing from the trees myself!

While the grape, raspberry, and even cranberry jams are great, it is through more adventurous offerings like Figgy on a Bog (featuring figs, cranberries, and ginger sugar), Mother’s Embrace (which is flavored with actual roses!), and Sweet Wookie (RAWR!) that Holly truly sets herself and her creations apart. And with flavors like Boo Berry, Love Spell, and Nutcracker, there is truly something for everyone at this season and every season of giving.

As I perused the overflowing table of choices, I saw such seductive selections as Lavender Skies and Fear the Reaper jam (which has a VERY appropriate warning on the front where Holy usually reveals her ingredients). There were also a few flavors the names of which made me laugh but that might not be appropriate for this venue. You will just have to go to https://hollys-heavenly-creations.square.site or www.facebook.com/hollysheavenlycreations to read (and order) them for yourself!

SELECT-ING THE BEST BERRIES

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Especially at this time of year, many people are thinking of what to make for their family that will keep the gratitude and enjoyment up and the arguing and bickering down. With all the political and dietary limitations people bring to the table these days, it can be harder than ever to please everyone!

Especially as traditional mains may be problematic, perhaps it is best to stick to sides for now.

When it comes to best sides, there is little that can beat fresh MA cranberries. 

But what to do if you want that fresh-from-the-bog taste at other times of year?

Cape Cod Select is a multi-generational, family-run, sustainable business that picks and provides locally-sourced cranberries in a wide array of delicious ways, including frozen berries and extra-nutritious smoothie kits that can be used anytime you want something to feel thankful for.

In addition to leaving out any extra sugar, Cape Cod Select also eschews a bunch of other unhealthy stuff that many other berry baggers and canners use, which has allowed them to become the first American cranberry grower to achieve GLOBAL G.A.P Certification which sets stringent compliance qualifications for farms around the world.

After starting your day with a tropical smoothie (which will be an especially welcome respite if a traditional New England winter ever comes back), try their chutney with anything from cheese to charcuterie (which they also offer) and their amazing cranberry mustard on pretty much anything and in many of the recipes that are on www.capecodselect.com.

With all the issues in the world, we do not need a special day to be thankful. But when we want to add a bit of healthy sweetness to any day, Cape Code Selects can surely help!

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!

EASIER EASTERN ACCESS

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It’s October, and that means only one thing- Pretzels!

Well, okay, maybe football, school, raking, beer and pretzels, but let’s focus on the food side for now.

When it comes to pretzels, I consider myself a connoisseur who is still hoping that Winzer Stube will open a franchise for their Hudson, WI, hofbrauhaus in Greater Boston. Fortunately, we already have our neighbors at Eastern Standard Provisions to provide every twisted salty treat I could ever need.

I have been ordering party packs from Eastern Standard for years for my German-born neighbors’ famed Oktoberfest parties and they always meet with his Hamburg-honed approval, whether I bring their signature wheelhouse pretzels, bites or turnbuckle twists (or their whole Oktoberfest party pack). 

While their pretzels stand alone (at least outside of Wisconsin), they also offer a slew of sweet and savory toppings that go far beyond salt and that range from dark chocolate fudge and peanut butter caramel sauces and French toast sugar (which also go great on Eastern Standards’ authentic Belgian waffles) to a Maui onion mustard that could also be used these days as part of a fundraiser for the proud people of the America’s western Kingdom.

If cheese is your thing, ESP not only has a delicious white cheddar sauce but a three-cheese salt that bridges the gap between game time snack and soiree appetizer and is sure to please everyone at your party, regardless of size or season,

Speaking of parties, ESP also offers gift boxes that are perfect for birthdays, graduations, or to thank friends for inviting you over for pretzels.

While their website (esprovisions.com) has everything a twisted snack fan could want, if you just can’t wait for that pretzel package to arrive, there is a special variety pack available at Whole Foods and Costco.

No matter how you get them, ESP pretzels are wunderbar!
https://esprovisions.com

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/

A STEAK IN A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

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Capital Grille coming to Dedham August 11

I have been a fan of Capital Grille for many years. In fact, my family and I have been marking my father’s birthday there for over a decade, And while we have no problem traveling to Chestnut Hill or Burlington for such special occasions, it is nice to know that a new location will be opening in Dedham at Legacy Place later this summer.

Known as much for their personalized service as their perfectly-cut and cooked meat, poultry, fish, and more, the Capital Grille is a great place for a date, business meeting, or just to take a self-treating break from an aggressive shopping excursion.

From their wide selection of succulent steaks, each of which is dry aged in-house for 18-24 days and hand cut daily by the Grille’s resident butcher. While the Grille may be best known for such curated cuts of beef, many also come to enjoy its lobster mac n cheese, seared salmon, or double-cut lamb chops (all with a side of Sam’s mashed potatoes, of course) and some even come just for a slice of decadent cheesecake and the famous Stoli Doli cocktails that are always ready to refresh!

Speaking of refreshing, summer is a great time to visit as many other locations are offering the Grille’s famous Generous Pour wine event through September 3, during which guests can enjoy a wide range of wines from the world’s top winemakers all for $35 with the purchase of a dinner entrée! 

In addition to bringing new flavors and people to Dedham the opening of the Grille is also set to create nearly 100 new jobs in the area!

As any foodie knows, a good meal wis worth travelling, but it is nice when the good meal comes closer to you too.

See you there!

www.thecapitalgrille.com/

TWO GREAT TASTES THAT TASTE GREAT TOGETHER

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As a fan of diners and of local establishments with long histories, I have long been a regular at Johnny’s Luncheonette. 

For over 30 years, Johnny’s has been a staple of the Newton Centre community, drawing people in from far and wide and catering to such legends as David Mamet (who I saw there myself!) and the Kennedys.

With such worth-the-visit plates as the LEO (lox, eggs, and onion) omelette, avocado fries, an elegant burrata avocado toast, big, beefy, biohack-free burgers (including one made with fresh felafel), the Larry David (the good one- with pastrami with Swiss, of course!) and the corned beef-packed Langley sandwich that hearkens back to the eatery’s own history, as well as always-fresh and flavorful menu additions sourced from Johnny’s many farm friends, Johnny’s has something for everyone whether you want a wholesome family meal or a Formica conference table for an important meeting.

If you need more form the Johnny’s family, head over to the equally legendary Cabot’s Ice Cream which the Johnny’s team recently took over. Though the management is technically new, longtime owner Joe Prestejohn is still scooping a few shifts a week and the offerings are as wonderful and varied as ever- ranging from mile-high pies to their signature ice cream cupcakes and banana wheels, the almost fatally rich Chocolate Homicide, and the two-quart Newtonite that has ended many a local’s meal. Speaking of meals, Cabot’s also offers everything from Belgium waffles to hot turkey dinners- ‘cause you need to have something to have dessert after!

Drop by one whenever you are in the area. Or, heck- drop by both!

www.johnnysluncheonette.com / www.cabots.com