Main Courses

Great Greeks

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I have long been a fan of Farm Grill in Newton and its sister store, the Greek International Market in Boston. The only problem I have with them is that, no matter what I try when I visit either place, there is always something new and amazing that I have not tried before, so I have to go back again and again.

Some problem to have, right?!
Among the latest temptations have been the growing selection of Ambrosi-c Greek honeys (which are not called “the food of the gods” for nothing!). While most Greek honeys are particularly delicious and particularly important this time of year as a balm against bacteria, infections, and, of course, sore throats, the Market features one variety from another great Greek food family – the Fragiadakises – that comes from the pine forests of Crete and that retains much of that Retsina-like floral flavor. 

While the honeys are delicious on toast or even on a spoon, they pair particularly well with the Market’s mega-collection of Greek teas, including the chamomile that owner Katerina Iliades used to prepare with her grandmother back in the land of Helena and which she now ships (along with pretty much anything else) around the world through the Market’s website, https://greekintlmarket.com.

Another recent great Greek find has been the vegan Greek-style kabobs from Mega Meatless that offer all the flavor and protein of a freshly-sliced gyro without all the GMOs, soy, or guilt that other meaty meals contain. They even include authentic Greek olive oil (which is some of the best in the world) and Greek herbs and spices for that authentic taste!

If you want more real Greek flavor, drop by Farm Grill in Newton for lunch or dinner (their traditional Greek salads, grape leaves and kabobs are always amazing, as is their sweet and flaky kataifi) or have them bring their homemade treats to your home or office. All you have to do is go to www.farm-grill.com to see (and almost taste) what amazing new stuff is on the menu- and enjoy!

MEET ME AT THE CLUB CLUB

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Though I firmly believe that most golf courses should be used for low-income housing, I am a fan of the miniature edition.

Unfortunately, around New England, the “putt-putt” season is relatively short.

That is why I was psyched to find a place where I can play regardless of the weather and even enjoy an adult beverage while enjoying what some may say is a child’s edition of a pastime that otherwise takes up far too much space, time, and money.

Combining great food and even greater beverages with some of the most creative and electrifying (or at least electrified) miniature golf holes around, Puttshack in the Boston Seaport is a great place to combine the 19th hole with the rest of the front nine!

Using country club technology that keeps track of your game for you and offers bonus points for especially chic shots, Puttshack not only allows you to drink while you play and not have to worry about keeping score but encourages it with such swing-saving swillers as the porn star martini (with passion fruit liquer and a smoke-filled side of Sofia Coppola’s sparkling rosé), the umami bomb bloody Mary (with umami ice, pecan wood bacon, and pepperoni), and the peach tea on a peachtree (featuring Tennessee whiskey from our old friends at Ole Smoky).

If you need something to absorb the liquid fun, Puttshack has such savory stroke savers as wood-fired Thai octopus, Korean BBQ bao buns, Puttshack poutine with red wine bacon gravy, and lobster mac n’ cheese rolls known as Boston tailpipes, proceeds from which are donated to Wonderfund to bring joy to the thousands of Commonwealth kids who are involved with the Department of Children and Families.

No matter what you eat or drink (and drink…and drink), the soul of the Shack are the holes, some of which replicate such other party-themed faves as beer pong and others of which involve trivia questions about Boston (though you might want to tackle that one early before your beverages bogey your bid).

And did I mention the TVs and DJs all around? Well, there’s that too!
So grab a club and head to the club that lets even duffers have a ball!

www.puttshack.com

EIGHT NIGHTS OF NOSH

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It’s Chanukah again and that can mean only one thing on Matt’s Meals- a mention of our favorite shmearing shamash- Steve Peljovich!

I know that we talk about Steve a ton, but when your food is so good and you do so much good for the community, you deserve all the support you can get (especially when your food is so good- did I mention that?).

As with all Jewish holidays Steve has pulled out all the stops and upped his creative level to new heights with his famed (and well-named) mishigas knishes. This year’s selection includes latke and apple knishes, holiday brisket knishes featuring his famous family recipe, and even a sufganiyot knish that will have even the most devoted Dunkin’ denizens converting.

If you want ein bissel to eat before the sweet treats, Steve has appetizer-sized latkes, blintzes, chopped liver, and the ever-popular dynamic duo of Auntie Bev’s noodle kugel and Auntie Gayle’s matzo ball soup. And no Peljovich family meal would be complete without brisket and fixin’s as composed by Steve’s culinarily adept wife!

Chanukah is a time to recall the strength and perseverance of the Jewish people and to share delicious traditions with friends of all faiths. Especially in these times of anti-everything, it is more important than ever to come together around the communal table. When that table is topped with tastes from Michael’s Deli, you’d have to be some kind of shmendrik to miss it!

If you ARE too busy lighting candles and spinning dreidels to make a holiday order, have no fear! The true miracle of Michael’s is that, no matter when you visit, there are sure to be lots of fun and fabulous choices, including Steve’s ever-growing menu of themed knishes, special offerings that raise funds for community organizations and, of course, the best corned beef around.

Give Michael’s a spin. You are sure to win!

www.michaelsdelibrookline.com

BLISSFULLY MISNAMED

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A few months ago, I thanked the gods of food that the Donut Villa Diner had doubled in size from its original location in Malden to a new spot in Cambridge.

Apparently, the gods heard me because the donut-forward eatery recently added a third Villa in Newton!

And while the donuts are among the best I have ever had (which is saying something!) and come in such amazing flavors as double-chocolate toasted almond and white Belgian chocolate and Oreo (not to mention their ridiculously fresh apple fritters!) and variations as donut pizza, donut cheeseburger, donut breakfast sandwich (of course!), donut French toast, and a maple donut bread pudding that is worth another trip on its own, the restaurants seem to be greatly misnamed.

Though it started as the Donut Villa Diner over 50 years ago and is now called (at least around Newton) the Donut Villa Brunch Club and Bar, the fact that the diner-like menu is so lacked with so many amazing items that have no donuts in them. Among my favorites (which is admittedly a difficult decision) are and an Ahi tuna burger that is so good it should be il-Legal (especially when paired with the pickle fries, as every meal should be!). For those who need more choices (as they will surely come back again and again), there are also such creative offerings as lobster-packed and waffle-based Benedicts, corned beef hash-burger, a chicken parm sub, crab cakes, tofu scrambles, a banana split waffle, and what is appropriately named the Bonkers Breakfast, as well as healthy sets of gluten-free and vegan options as well.

Oh and did I mention that, as the new name implies, the latest Villa has a both a full coffee bar and a full bar bar that features tons of taps of local and international beers and customizable creative cocktails? Well yes and yes!

It has been said that you can’t judge a book by its cover and asked what’s in a name. In that spirit, I urge you to go for the donuts but stay for everything else!

www.donutvilladiner.com

HOLDAYS AT HAYMARKET

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Now that we are (hopefully) visiting others for the holidays it is time once again to get gifts for them all!

As usual, our friends at Boston Public Market have everything we (and everyone we know) could ask for…and more!

From gifts to groceries and treats to trimming, BPM makes holiday prep easy. And not only will you be helping the Market’s marvelous makers, you will also be supporting area entrepreneurs through the “Market on a Mission” non-profit program as well.

As part of its December Happenings series, the Market is hosting such special events as Pine Bar tap takeover featuring Shelburne, VT’s Fiddlehead Beer on December 22, a visit from Frosty the Snowman December 18, and a Holiday CrEATor Market (with an emphasis on the “E A T”) every weekend right up until Christmas Eve! There will also be a sleigh-full of tours, tastings, and classes, including pasta ornament making with Seven Hills Pasta December 17, ornament decorating with Laurel Greenfield Art December 20, and a coffee tasting with George Howell on the 23rd that will help you power through the final shopping days and get ready for what is sure to be a great holiday (or at least better than last year)!

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of pretty and practical pieces from the enviro-conscious crafters of Peterman’s Board and Bowls, American Stonecraft, and the ever-able artists at HOPe Unlimited. If you have already finished your holiday shopping (as if!), you can still enjoy local legends like Beantown Pastrami, Crescent Ridge ice cream, Red’s Best seafood, and the ever-popular gift-makers at Q’s Nuts (as well as bagels from Bagel Guild for those who prefer to shmear through the snow).

Whether you need gifts for others or a well-deserved treat for yourself, Boston Public Market is always ready to deliver. And as we prepare to give to others we love, a visit to the Market is a great opportunity to also give to some of our most creative our friends and neighbors as well!

www.bostonpublicmarket.org

WORK WITH WATCHA’ GOT

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Though many of us may not be cooking at home as much as we had before the masks (thankfully!) started to come off, when we do have the urge, it can be frustrating to be foiled by a lack of foil (or other pantry staples).

Fortunately, our friends at America’s Test Kitchen have come up with another great guide that will help get even reticent or retired rotisseurs revived and ready to go!

The Complete Modern Pantry offers nearly a year’s worth of ideas for ways to make what you want with what you have.

Realizing that everyone sees different items as “must-haves” in their kitchens, The Complete Modern Pantry puts common items in categories (e.g., bulk and base items, frozen foods, baking-based bites, creamy and crumbly foods, and textured toppings) each of which is elaborated upon so that you can choose your favorites and be sure to have at least them on hand so you can make food you like and will actually eat (which is the point, no?!). The book also suggests substitutions and multiple uses for various items and offers alternative and even improvised edits so that almost any chef can comply with the books’ guidelines and reap the rewards from their own refrigerators. It also offers encouraging advice so readers can feel more comfortable and confident moving about the kitchen even if they feel it may be understocked (at least in terms of certain foods or food categories) and so they can take their available foods and this great guide and make unique recipes that are truly efficient and their own!

From breads and baked goods to drinks and desserts to sweet and savory snacks and soups and stews to a Little Italy’s worth of dishes based on one-pot pastas to other internationally-inspired dishes and spice blends that bring you the world without going to the international market, this book has what it takes even for those who may not.

Forget the shopping list at home? Head back there, grab this book, and make a great meal anyway!

www.AmericasTestKitchen.com

Generally Great

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As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!

Chick it out!

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We have often sung the praises of our friends in food trucks and celebrated those – like Clover and The Dining Car – who have grown into successful brick-and-mortar businesses. But perhaps no trucker has traveled further than Avi Shemtov, who started with his pioneering Chubby Chickpea truck and recently opened a second location of his Mediterranean-minded Hummus v’Hummus at The Street in the tony Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill.

I remember waiting in line at the Chubby truck, smelling the fresh felafel, salivating over Shemtov’s signature stuffed grape leaves and artichoke blossoms, and sweating out the seconds until I could enjoy a cool cup of limonana.

As the second-generation chef has so much culinary culture and talent behind him, it is no surprise that he has not only added other trucks (including the travelling beer bar known as the TAPPED), but also created an eponymous restaurant group that includes award-winning area favorites like Simcha, A La Esh and the original Hummus v’Hummus at the Speedway in Brighton, MA.

While meal bowls continue to be popular, Hummus v’Hummus takes the health-conscious concept to new places by basing bowls on Shemtov’s historic hummus. In addition to the healthy bowls (that can be filled with the area’s favorite falafel or authentic Israeli chicken shawarma…or both!) Hummus v’Hummus also offers Shemtov’s superior selection of salads, sauces, and spreads. 

While those on Boston’s North Shore can learn more about Shemtov’s story and savory stuff at the Jewish Community Center in Marblehead, MA, on November 13 when he discusses The Simcha Cookbook (which is based upon his South Shore store Simcha) as part of the 2022 Jewish Book Month Speaker series (see https://jccns.org), the best way to get to know him is to taste his food and Hummus v’Hummus is a great place to start!

http://hummusvhummus.com

A new Clover to NOT look over

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While it may be late to grab one of their delicious Rosh Hashanah boxes, our friends at Clover Food Lab have another treat in store, especially for those in Somerville!

In partnership with other entrepreneurs in the food space (which are my favorite kind, especially if they are also Veterans!), Clover is opening its 15th location at Assembly Row.

Called CloveROW, the new space adjacent to The Row Hotel will offer area residents and workers and Assembly Row’s many visitors easy access to Clover’s famously fresh and inventive fast-causal vegetarian food.

In addition to their regular favorites like chickpea fritters, BBQ seitan, and Roman tomato soup, and new offerings like a potato pesto sandwich, the latest Clover concept will also offer a retail grocery space inside the restaurant that will carry such classic Clover creations as their signature hummuses, dips and dressings, sauces and soups, and meal boxes, as well as specialty foods from other area makers who also take the time and effort to make food as good and good for you as it can be!

Among the food friends are Picnic & Pantry from Bow Market, the beloved chocolate shop gâté comme des fille, and one of Cambridge’s favorite wine & dessert bars, Zuzu’s Petals. There is also fresh produce from across MA, coffees from all over New England, and even maple syrup from NY, as well as a wide range of small-batch spices, drinks, and treats. 

For those who want to learn more about the great collection of food for which Clover has long been famous and that they are now expanding, CloverROW will also host workshops and tastings spotlighting local orchards, coffee makers, syrup producers, and even artists who have also been inspired by the bounty that we are all privileged to enjoy!

www.cloverfoodlab.com