Menu Makers

Menu Makers© are the people who make the products that restaurants and others use to make their presentations the best that they can be!

BRING ME YOUR TIRED…

Posted by

With COVID and inflation and tariffs, a lot of people in the restaurant space have been paying more than their share.

And few have been more drastically impacted than our brave immigrant brothers and sisters.

That is why I was so gratified to find the hard-working team behind the Welcome Project in Somerville when I attended their recent celebration called Yum:  A Taste of Immigrant City.

At this delicious event at the historic Armory, supporters of the Welcome Project (which educates and supports immigrants from all over the world who are finding safe haven in Somerville) were regaled with music by CuraSon and Around Hear and stories of triumph as well as traditional and contemporary music by some of the benefactors and beneficiaries of the Project.

What made the night so great for me was that I was able to meet and taste the delicious creations of a bunch of area restaurants – all of which are run by immigrants and all of which offer authentic tastes of flavors from around the world!

In addition to being served fried plantains from the daughters of the women behind Sisters Caribbean, I got to meet and eat with the Carolinas from Carolicious and also enjoy Italian faves from Vinny’s, inspired faves from Rincon Mexicano, and treats from Michette and Pastelaria Vitória Broadway.

The only bad part was I had missed the previous 15 years of this amazing event!

Rest assured I will be first in line for Yum 2026 and hope to do more to support this amazing and vital organization.

I hope to see more Matt’s Meals fans involved next year!

SURVIVAL OF THE MOST DELICIOUS

Posted by

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.

SIBLING SMASH!

Posted by

As native Bostonians, the Wahlberg boys know what their friends and neighbors love and have always striven wicked hahd to give it to ‘em.

The latest example of this hometown heroism is Wahlburger’s pepperoni smash- a limited edition smashburger that features two 100% Angus beef patties, crispy julienne pepperoni, melted provolone cheese, and Chef Paul Wahlberg’s signature rosemary tomato jam. It’s like the best parts of a burger and a pizza all smashed together as only the Wahlbergs can make it.

As if they were not strong enough on their own, the Wahlbergs have partnered with The Boston Deli Boys to make this new Boston classic a home run hit. You can watch their first taste reactions on Instagram and look for more potential pairings in the future.

Speaking of perfect pairings, the pepperoni smash can be paired with Wahlburger’s famed tater tots for just two bucks more and finished with a homemade milkshake or (for those of age) a fiery Wahl-A-Rita that combines 1800 cucumber jalapeño tequila, Monin agave, Cointreau, blackberry puree and lime juice for a flavor-full meal that will be perfect until June, when the smash is set to be retired.

If you want to get more advanced news about your favorite hometown heroes and can’t be following Matt’s Meals all the time, join the Wahlclub for exclusive rewards and special offers that will help you hang tough with your favorite Wahlberg brothers.

monperatoto monperatoto monperatoto

MORE THAN TREADING WATER

Posted by

We all know that fish is good for us in so many ways, but in many regions overfishing is tainting the benefits. Also, as the “locally-sourced” and “farm to table” movements continue to grow (as they should), knowing where your food comes from is more important than ever.

Fortunately, our Cape Cod neighbors at Chatham Harvesters are working on solutions that are beneficial to all involved!

As Massachusetts’ only fishermen owned-and-operated cooperative business, the Chatham Harvesters process, pack, cook, and deliver their own catch, encouraging people to not only stop avoiding fish but to try more varieties so the population of each breed can be maintained and sustained. As they only sell to local mongers and restaurants and offer a direct-to-consumer “Fish Share,” they also keep the local bounty local and so support the area economy and our friends and neighbors in the fishing industry. They even put the name and photo of the fisherpeople that brought the fish right on the label so consumers can get to know the sources of their food!

In addition to catching local fish, the Harvesters are also looking to reduce waste and make use of the entire fish by offering their own value-added products, like a monkfish burger product that they plan to release in March.

In late March, they are also planning a special “Sip o’ Science” event at Aquatic Brewery in Falmouth where guests will be invited to learn more about the Harvesters’ eco- and econo-friendly practices while enjoying local fare and local beer.

As if all that local support were not enough, the Harvesters have been working for over a year with their friends and neighbors at the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension to feed Cape residents who are dealing with food insecurity while also supporting the local fishermen who make the partnership possible.Fish is apparently good for your brain and the folks at Chatham Harvesters are finding smarter ways to procure and protect our local fish while caring for our oceans and helping educate others about it as well.  

slot gacor toto slot

BAKEY’S BIGGER!

Posted by

It seems I can’t go too long without checking in with my favorite bakery- Bakey!

In addition to coming up with new flavors of their AMAZING babka all the time and allowing fans to get behind-the-scenes access through their popular baking workshops, Bakey continues to engage new fans in new neighborhoods.

Most recently, the Israeli and Danish-influenced bakery opened in Kendall Square at 238 Main Street in Cambridge. And while this is one of the most restaurant-rich regions around, I am confident that the bakery will be able to establish itself and become a go-to for busy tech workers and fans of delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and other treats. 

As it offers both table service and a busy to-go counter, the newest Bakey is as much of a great stop as its predecessors for anything from a quick and satisfying snack to a full meal to boxes of breads and sandwiches to bring back to the office (where you will surely garner hero status!).

And if you are looking for a fun team-bonding or social event, a class at Bakey’s is always fun and delicious! Be sure to join me on May 7 for a birthday babka baking class or learn how to make their famed challah on April 2.

Whether you live or work in Boston, Brookline, Newton, Cambridge, now you can enjoy the best baked goods around. And if you don’t live or work in any of these places, Bakey’s is worth the trip from anywhere!

Speaking of Bakey, I must mention that the wonderful Jewish baker who used to have their spot in Newton Centre – Galit Grutman – is making hamantaschen for Purim that can be ordered now and picked up at Bill’s Pizza March 9 and 10. Just go to www.galitstreats.com and get your boxes of chocolate nougat, chocolate cookie, or Cinnabon hamantaschen and see why that block of Beacon Street is a baked-good fan’s dream!

slot gacor toto slot

THE NORTH SIDE OF HEROISM

Posted by

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!

NUTS TO NIBS

Posted by

I was recently back at Boston Public Market for their annual Harvest Party and there is a lot of news to share!

In addition to hosting one of the largest pumpkins in the area, the carnival-themed fair offered guests opportunities to try their luck at various games and to enjoy free samples from many of the Market’s vaunted vendors.

In addition to such carb-y faves as pizzas from the Bagel Guild, popovers from The Popover Lady, and hot pretzels from Hearth & Hug that came with a mustard I wanted to bottle and take home, there were also fall-spiced popcorn from Curio Spice, mouth-watering sandwiches from Beantown Pastrami, and the widely-distributed but rarely bested ice cream from Crescent Ridge!

One of my favorite discoveries, however, was that Q’s Nuts (which has supplied many of my author talks and presentations of my book on the Ivy League with their delicious and nutritious snacks) was expanding their menu of offerings not just into more new creative flavors of fresh and healthy almonds, cashews, peanuts, and more, but into superfood-worthy cacao nibs!

While Q’s has been a favorite source of protein and energy (and also of gifts for family and friends), they are now adding addictively-delicious roasted nibs to their ever-expanding menu of tasty treats, making a visit to the Market or to qsnuts.com even more worthwhile!

The BPM Harvest Party means that winter and the holidays are around the corner. What better time to stock up on delicious nutritious snacks that CAN last through the season but that you will probably devour the day you get them?

Fortunately, Q’s always has new flavors and ideas coming so reordering is not only easy but required.

NOT FOR THE BIRDS

Posted by

As fans of Matt’s Meals may know, I am an olive fan. And while I am able to enjoy the best olive oils from food friends at Brelundi and the Greek International Market (which also has an impressive olive bar), I had never been such a fan of the pimento that is often placed inside the hole where the olive pit had been.

During a recent trip to Savannah, I came to see and taste how surprisingly satisfying this Southern staple was.

Unfortunately, I had difficulty matching the taste of the homemade cheese I enjoyed in Georgia until a company in Virginia called Birdie’s found out about my syndicated author interview show – “The Writer’s Block” – and generously offered to “sponsor” a show by sending their homemade pimento cheese for my audience to enjoy. They even included Snyder’s pretzels for dipping- How hospitable!

Having started as so many of Matt’s Meals’ favorite food folks do as a husband-and-wife team who sold their wares at the local farmers market, Birdie’s is now available nationwide.

And with flavors that range from their always appetizing traditional to recipes that add everything from dill and onion to garlic and parmesan to jalapenos and ghost peppers to a seasonal set with extra olives, it is easy to see how Birdie’s has been able to win over so many- including people who claim to not like pimento!

Let’s hear it for Southern hospitality…and Southern food!

GET FRESH ON THE CAPE SEPTEMBER 19

Posted by

While most of your friends may packed up their vacation houses by Labor Day, there are still plenty of reasons to go to the Cape!

One of them is a tasting event at Expressions Gallery in Chatham that will be hosted by Farmers to You on September 19 starting at 6:30 PM.

As the name implies, Farmers to You is a collaborative that works with over 150 farms throughout the region to bring everything from award-winning cheese and humanely-raised meats to pasture-raised poultry and eggs, organic bread, and milk that still has the cream floating on top of the bottle, and even creative prepared foods to over 2,000 patrons and locations throughout MA, VT, and NY.  

Among the featured foods and farmers at the Chatham event (which is free but for which registration is requested) will be sweet sauces from Butterfly Bakery (which is also the home of our favorite Fat Toad Farm Caramel!), upcycled crackers from Brewers Foods, Long Wind Farm‘s grown-in-soil tomatoes, Aqua ViTea kombucha, and cheeses from Farmstead Cheese Co. and Sweet Rowen Farmstead. 

In addition to fresh and delicious food, the event in Chatham will also offer the opportunity to discuss with Farmers to You founder Greg Georgaklis and to enjoy the refreshing visual produce of artist Steve Koppel.

Whether or not you can make the event, Farmers to You is always ready to serve through its enticing website (https://farmerstoyou.com), which offers beautiful pictures of every product along with the stories behind the people behind each one. It even has meal suggestions for those who might need a little encouragement with expanding their dietary palette. They also offer their own CSA and pickup or delivery in certain areas and are constantly growing- just like their products!

LOOK, MOM- NO GMO’s!

Posted by

I recently had the privilege of sharing my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com) at the beautiful Barnes & Noble in Natick, MA (and will present it at B&N in Dedham September 14). And while I was thrilled to see a real bookstore doing so well and to meet all the people who came by to learn about my book and my syndicated author TV show, “The Writer’s Block,” I was also gratified to find that, just a few doors down was an amazing store that had only organic products, including many that I have discussed as part of Matt’s Meals!

Started (as so many great food companies are) as a one-person operation, Mom’s Organic Market is now in six states (including MA!) and growing fast.

Though it is part of a national chain, as Mom’s supports so many independent food makers (including our friends at Runamok and Effie’s) and still offers a full bulk food section that saves money and packaging (as do the recycling and composting stations in each store), as well as a large selection of carbon-friendly foods, I cannot help but try to help them! 

In addition to some of your favorite (or soon-to-be-favorite) brands of food, organic produce, and kindly-raised meats, Mom’s also carries a growing list of money-saving but just-as-delicious-and-nutritious private label items, a full retinue of organic beers and wines, supplements and health and beauty aids (including CBD products), and even clothing! 

What they do NOT carry, however are products made with over 250 ingredients that they have literally banned. Among these are artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and colors, dangerous oils and chemicals, products that pander to kids, and product-wasteful bottled water.

Thanks for lookin’ out for our health, Mom’s!