I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Vialé in Central Square, Cambridge is enthused to announce the next event in their new, seasonal dinner series in collaboration with Cambridge School of Culinary Arts (CSCA). The next CSCA Takeover at Vialé will be held on Wednesday, July 18, from 5pm-10pm. As with all of the dinners in the series, this dinner will pair Vialé chef/co-owner, Greg Reeves (CSCA graduate) and the Vialé team with a different CSCA student/chef. For this event, Chef Reeves will team with Samantha Loos and Chris Miller, from the Professional Chef's Program, serving their own unique plates alongside Vialé's usual dinner menu.
Make reservations for this fascinating CSCA Takeover at Vialé.
2)
Bin Ends is proud to announce the summer celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their Braintree store, and the 5-year anniversary of their sister store in Needham. The concurrent anniversaries are being celebrated with the launch of a new website for expedited online purchases, a community dinner, and special events in both stores.
Bin Ends is a local, independent retailer of fine wine, craft beer, and artisan spirits founded in 2008. Managing Partner, John Hafferty, with nearly 30 years of experience in the fine wine trade, has dedicated his career to the idea that a bottle shared can quickly turn strangers into lifelong friends. Before opening Bin Ends, John worked for nearly a decade as fine wine portfolio manager and buyer for M.S. Walker, one of New England's largest and most respected fine wine wholesalers.
I've been going to Bin Ends since its beginnings, and it remains one of my favorite wine stores. John is a great guy, personable, knowledgeable and down-to-earth. You'll find plenty of bargains at Bin Ends, as well as a nice diversity of wines, spirits, ciders, and beers, from all over the world. You really need to shop at Bin Ends!
A couple of their upcoming events include:
Bin Ends Fine Wine Estate Sale
Bin Ends in Needham: Saturday, July 14th from 2-5 PM: Featuring an eclectic selection of wines from all across California. Try before you buy & save 20% or more. This is a Complimentary event and No Reservations are required. You must be 21 to attend.
Bin Ends Fine Wine Flea Market
Bin Ends in Braintree: Sunday, July 29, from 1-5 PM. Try-before-you-buy a great selection of wine from around the world - all at a savings of 20-50%! Join upwards of six of Bin Ends fine wine vendors along who will be sampling alongside our own Bin Ends Selections table. This is a complimentary event and no reservations are required. You must be 21 to attend.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
All Greek, All Natural: New Wine Program At Committee
--Plato
Why aren't you drinking more Greek wines?
I've previously given you Ten Reasons To Drink Greek Wine and I've also highly recommended that you drink and dine at Committee Ouzeri + Bar, a killer Greek restaurant which had a primarily Greek wine list. I've enjoyed plenty of delicious and diverse Greek wines at this restaurant (along with lots of excellent food). Well, Committee has taken a bold step forward, further honing their wine list until now it is 100% Greek Wine and 100% Natural Wine. Get there now to check out their new wine list!
Wine Director Lauren Friel created this new wine list, one of her latest endeavors in a very busy vinous career. She consults for other restaurants (such as the acclaimed Dirt Candy in NYC where she created a wine list of all female owned wineries), is a freelance writer, and will soon be opening Rebel Rebel (an all natural wine bar) at Bow Market in Somerville. Lauren was generous enough to take a little time to answer some questions about the new wine list at Committee.
1. Why have you moved to a 100% Greek wine list?
Lauren: "I believe in writing wine programs with a point of view. An all-Greek wine list aligns with Committee’s concept and menu, and it showcases what I believe to be some of the most exciting wines being made in the world today. "
2. What challenges do you foresee with your guests because of a 100% Greek wine list?
Lauren: "Certainly, there’s an initial hurdle to overcome when guests take a look at the list and don’t immediately recognize regions or varieties, but the wines speak for themselves. Once guests have a glass in front of them, that all falls away."
3. What are the advantages to a 100% Greek wine list?
Lauren: "The wines are natural pairings with our cuisine, so the challenges of pairing internationally styled wines with traditional cuisine goes out the window. Greek wines also haven’t caught up to other regions in terms of market cost, so we’re able to offer extremely well-made, rare and unique wines for a fraction of what they would cost coming from, say, France or California."
4. Why have you moved to 100% natural wines?
Lauren: "I’ve worked exclusively with natural wines for every other wine program I’ve written. For a while, we didn’t have access to naturally made Greek wines in Massachusetts. That’s changed in the past year or so, as I’ve worked hard to get these natural Greek portfolios into distribution. Now that they’re available, it makes sense to showcase them - they’re pure expressions of Greek terroir, they’re low-impact from an environmental perspective, and they don’t contain the additives of industrial wines."
5. What challenges do you foresee with your guests because of a 100% natural wine list?
Lauren: "None. DRC is technically natural, and nobody talks about that. People have this idea that all natural wines are weird or funky, and that’s simply not true. Well-made natural wines are as clean and expressive as conventionally made wines."
6. What are the advantages to a 100% natural wine list?
Lauren: "I know I’m providing guests with the best wines I have access to."
In addition to the new wine list, Committee is also holding a Natural Wine Bar Pop Up on their patio every Wednesday night, through August 29, starting at 5pm. A modest list of Greek wines will be served each week, offered at a much lower mark up than usual. There will also be rare selections that are hard to find and will change monthly. The pop up will offer wine flights and accompanying meze. This will be on a first come, first serve basis on the patio only.
With the great diversity of Greek wines, every wine lover will be able to find a wine that appeals to their preferences. And they also will be able to explore such a wide variety of intriguing and exciting wines. Go to Committee, delve into Lauren's new wine list, and expand your palate's horizons.
"Where there is no wine there is no love."
--Euripides
Monday, July 9, 2018
Birthday Fundraiser for Alzheimer's Association
No Rants today. Rather, I come seeking assistance from my readers.
Though Facebook has its issues, maybe one of its most compelling features is that you can turn your birthday into a request for donations for one of a myriad of charities. There is no charge for the donations and all of the money goes to the charity. Facebook makes it very simple to set up as well.
My birthday is later this week and I have chosen a Birthday Fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. All you have to do is go to that link and you can donate to this cause. I set a modest goal of $200 and have already received donations of $270. But, I encourage others to donate as well, to raise more money for this worthy cause. I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit helps.
Alzheimer's is an insidious disease that robs people of their minds. It can be a slow deterioration, losing bits and parts of your memory every day. And for the caretakers, it can be a tough experience, watching your loved one fall deeper into the illness's grasp. As our population lives longer and longer, it seems that more and more people fall victim to this terrible disease.
I currently live with a family member who has Alzheimer's and I see its effect every day, on everyone in the family. And this is not the first family member who has had this terrible disease either. As this disease may be, in at least some part, hereditary, it is scary to see family members succumb to it as you worry that you too might get it one day.
Please donate, if you can, to help fight this disease, so that maybe we can eliminate it one day.
Though Facebook has its issues, maybe one of its most compelling features is that you can turn your birthday into a request for donations for one of a myriad of charities. There is no charge for the donations and all of the money goes to the charity. Facebook makes it very simple to set up as well.
My birthday is later this week and I have chosen a Birthday Fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. All you have to do is go to that link and you can donate to this cause. I set a modest goal of $200 and have already received donations of $270. But, I encourage others to donate as well, to raise more money for this worthy cause. I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit helps.
Alzheimer's is an insidious disease that robs people of their minds. It can be a slow deterioration, losing bits and parts of your memory every day. And for the caretakers, it can be a tough experience, watching your loved one fall deeper into the illness's grasp. As our population lives longer and longer, it seems that more and more people fall victim to this terrible disease.
I currently live with a family member who has Alzheimer's and I see its effect every day, on everyone in the family. And this is not the first family member who has had this terrible disease either. As this disease may be, in at least some part, hereditary, it is scary to see family members succumb to it as you worry that you too might get it one day.
Please donate, if you can, to help fight this disease, so that maybe we can eliminate it one day.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Chef/Owner Will Gilson and the Puritan and Company team is excited to announce a very special upcoming wine dinner with COS winery of Sicily. Join them on Thursday, July 19, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, for the rare opportunity of tasting four vintages of COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria followed by a memorable roasted lamb dinner prepared by chef/owner Will Gilson.
COS is Sicily's only DOCG, the highest level of quality following the strictest rules of Italian wine. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to taste four consecutive vintages of their noble wine along with an exquisite dinner featuring 2016 Frappato, 2013 Pithos Rosso, fermented and aged in amphorae, then bottled without sulphur, and two vintages of the singular Ramí, a skin-contact white. The event will also feature Tiziana Forni of Domaine Select, the importer in attendance for discussion about these particular wines, and much more!
Space is limited for this dinner, don't wait. Tickets are inclusive of dinner, wine, and gratuity and are available at EventBrite. Please email rebecca@puritancambridge.com if you have any allergy or dietary restrictions that chef should be aware of.
Puritan & Company's Azienda Agricola COS Wine Dinner includes:
Antipasti/Degustazione Verticale
2011-2014 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico
Antipasto platter & shared small bites (selection of marinated and grilled vegetables, olives, cured meats, fresh cheese, and breads, caponata bruschetta, arancini, sardines or anchovy or mackerel)
Piatto primo
2013 Pithos Rosso
Grilled tomato and smoked swordfish fusilli with charred octopus and fried capers
Piatto Principale
2016 Frappato
Whole roasted lamb (fennel confit with bay and saffron, salsa verde with parsley and basil, panelle (chickpea or polenta squares), tomato jam with lemon and orange)
Formaggio
2013 & 2015 Ramí
selection of hard, semi hard and soft Sicilian cheeses
2) TAMO Bistro + Bar is offering three Fishbowl Cocktails this summer, Panther Bowl, Raffi Bowl and Coconut Bowl. Each 51-ounce, made-for-two cocktail costs $35. Enjoy them on the TAMO terrace all summer.
Inspired by Marvel's “Black Panther”, TAMO Panther Bowl is made with Cruxland Gin – a unique gin from South Africa made with the Kalahari truffle. This rare and exotic truffle can only be found at certain times of the year, when rain causes it to swell, creating cross-shaped cracks in the ground surrounding it – a tell-tale sign to experts only. This small batch gin is distinctly South African, grape-based and cold filtered for an extra smooth taste. Mixed with Bacardi Rum and Viniq Fusion Vodka, the Cruxland Gin gives the Panther Bowl a savory hint of earthiness. It also includes hyperlocal honey from The Seaport Hotel's very own bee colony. Nearly one million bees live in seven hives and thrive under the loving care of Chief Beekeeper Edwin Medrano. The sweet honey produced by his bees is masterfully incorporated into the hotel's unique cocktails, including the Panther Bowl.
The Raffi Bowl, made with Bacardi Banana Rum, Pillar Blonde Rum, pineapple, pomegranate and lime juice and Pillar Dark Rum Floater will surely satisfy your taste buds. Those with a sweet tooth should indulge in the Coconut Bowl – a masterful creation of Bacardi Coconut Rum, Amaretto, grenadine, prosecco, pineapple and orange juice.
3) Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge, a neighborhood restaurant in Jamaica Plain, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, an exceptional achievement. It is a female-owned restaurant that was established in 1993 by Kathie Mainzer and Carol Downs in response to area gang activity and gun violence. As Jamaica Plain residents and non-profit professionals, the restaurant’s founders were concerned about the growing crime in the community and sought a solution that could simultaneously bring together the neighborhood and support its charitable causes. A boarded-up space on Hyde Park’s Centre Street was the answer, and, thus, Bella Luna Restaurant was born.
25 years later, Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge has experienced significant growth and change, but remains steadfastly committed to its founding principles. Having outgrown its 19-seat Centre Street space in Hyde Park, Bella Luna & Milky Way Lounge relocated to a larger space better suited for accommodating its guests in 2009. Currently located at 284 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain, Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge is a full-service restaurant and event venue with 175 seats, 45 employees, entertainment space, and outdoor patio.
Bella Luna Restaurant believes strongly in the democracy of food- that delicious, gourmet cuisine can be offered at affordable prices, and offers a menu that reflects this philosophy. Bella Luna offers its guests a wide variety of affordable fare including “cosmic pizzas,” “supernova sandwiches,” “celestial salads,” and “interplanetary entrées.” Bella Luna is open for dinner seven nights a week and lunch on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also offers nightly takeout and delivery to Jamaica Plain residents.
In addition to its restaurant offerings, Bella Luna’s adjoining Milky Way Lounge plays host to a variety of private functions, fundraisers, community-building events, poetry slams, live music, theme nights, and entertainment seven nights a week.
Continuing to build upon the community-focused mission it was founded on, Bella Luna strives to “build a better Boston” by supporting work of neighborhood groups and non-profits. Bella Luna and Milky Way restaurant’s event space and accommodating team have been, and continue to be, valuable resources for local charities and organizations in need of event space or fundraising partnerships- regularly offering food and use of its space to charities at ZERO cost. Additionally, Bella Luna donates 1% of its total sales to local non-profit organizations every year.
Weekly Events include:
--Every Sunday: Live Irish Sessions and Kids Eat Free
Enjoy live Irish music in the lounge with Eamon Sefton and Friends from 5 to 8 p.m. while kids eat free all night from 5 to 9 p.m.
--Every Monday: Off-the-Wall Mondays
Off-the-Wall Mondays at Bella Luna featuring tunes by DJ J-Wall from 6 to 8 p.m. with $8 sliders and fries, followed by Stump Trivia at 8. All free, all ages.
--Every Tuesday: Teacher Tuesdays and Dirty Water Saloon Line Dancing for Queer Folks, Friends, and Allies
As a thank you to educators, teachers can enjoy ½-off appetizers at Bella Luna every Tuesday. Valid teacher identification required.
Did you love the Electric Slide as a kid? Are you always the one teaching Aunt Sherry Cotton Eyed Joe at family weddings? Well, put on your best dancing shoes and head to Bella Luna’s Dirty Water Saloon Dancing. Learn country-western two-step, west coast swing and line dancing to Lady Gaga, Pussy Cat Dolls, Marvin Gaye every Tuesday night from 7 to 10 p.m. for only $10 cover charge.
--Every Wednesday: Tropical Lounge on the Patio
Take a mini-vacation on Bella Luna’s patio every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live Latin, Reggae, Jazz and more!
--Every first Thursday of the month: The A-Beez at Bella Luna
Bella Luna & The Milky Way present a brand new residency, every first Thursday of the month with one of Boston’s best, The A-beez…Amy (Bowles) and Aaron Bellamy (The A-Beez) began their musical collaboration in 2003 as core members of the Sam Kininger Band. In addition to successful careers as sidemen, the Bellamy’s have co-led a ten year residency at Boston’s renown Wally’s jazz cafe, developing their unique blend of hip-hop, jazz and soul. The A.B.’s have performed with artists such as Chaka Khan, Cody Chesnutt, Martin Luther, Cee Lo Green, Akrobatic, Elan Trotman and many more.
--Every first Friday of the month: La Boum Queer Dance Party
Come on down to La Boum where dreams are a reality and get into the groove with DJ Stella every first Friday at 10 p.m.! Pop from the 80s / 90s freestyle / 00s / dance jams / house-inspired stuff / a lil disco / maybe sisqo / madonna / missy / yoncé / prince / whitney / robyn / throwbacks / and more!
Upcoming Special Events
--FistFulla Hits Presents: A Benefit For the People of Flint, Michigan (July 13th at 10 p.m.)
FistFulla HITS presents its fourth multi-band showcase, this time to benefit the people of Flint, Michigan. FistFulla HITS (FFH) returns to Bella Luna/The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, welcoming a powerful nine-band lineup with live performances by: Mystikal Misfits, Thoughts & Prayers, Los Gallos Locos w/Krista Page, Mara Bel, Ray Liriano, Woza Moya, Roger Nicholson, Ordinario, and Steven Lawrence. But wait, there’s more! Guests can purchase original small artworks generously donated by area artists at our “8X8 VISUALS” gallery during the evening, as well as buy CDs, T-shirts, and other merchandise. All event proceeds go to the Flint Water Fund via the United Way of Genesee County.
--El Yunque, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico, featuring Ramirez (Roots & Spirits / Beats Manuever, Washington DC) (July 27th from 10 p.m; to 1 a.m.)
Roots & Spirits and DashRock, in association with Bella Luna & The Milky Way, present El Yunque, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico, featuring Ramirez (Roots & Spirits / Beats Manuever, Washington DC). Join Bella Luna oas Ramirez takes you on a musical journey through the finest deep, soulful, and underground house music. ($10)
--Hear Me Roar Women’s Pop-Up Market (July 28th from 12 to 4 p.m.)
Bella Luna & The Milky Way is proud to host a brand-new pop-up art market, Hear Me Roar. Hear Me Roar is a community of local female creatives whose objective is to support and encourage one another, provide opportunities, network, inspire, celebrate, and help each other grow. The show aims to provide locals with an introduction to some noteworthy women enriching their communities: women who are business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and others. Art will be available from several artists who bring a variety of styles and mediums while they themselves are women of different ages and backgrounds.
**********************************************************
1) Chef/Owner Will Gilson and the Puritan and Company team is excited to announce a very special upcoming wine dinner with COS winery of Sicily. Join them on Thursday, July 19, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, for the rare opportunity of tasting four vintages of COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria followed by a memorable roasted lamb dinner prepared by chef/owner Will Gilson.
COS is Sicily's only DOCG, the highest level of quality following the strictest rules of Italian wine. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to taste four consecutive vintages of their noble wine along with an exquisite dinner featuring 2016 Frappato, 2013 Pithos Rosso, fermented and aged in amphorae, then bottled without sulphur, and two vintages of the singular Ramí, a skin-contact white. The event will also feature Tiziana Forni of Domaine Select, the importer in attendance for discussion about these particular wines, and much more!
Space is limited for this dinner, don't wait. Tickets are inclusive of dinner, wine, and gratuity and are available at EventBrite. Please email rebecca@puritancambridge.com if you have any allergy or dietary restrictions that chef should be aware of.
Puritan & Company's Azienda Agricola COS Wine Dinner includes:
Antipasti/Degustazione Verticale
2011-2014 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico
Antipasto platter & shared small bites (selection of marinated and grilled vegetables, olives, cured meats, fresh cheese, and breads, caponata bruschetta, arancini, sardines or anchovy or mackerel)
Piatto primo
2013 Pithos Rosso
Grilled tomato and smoked swordfish fusilli with charred octopus and fried capers
Piatto Principale
2016 Frappato
Whole roasted lamb (fennel confit with bay and saffron, salsa verde with parsley and basil, panelle (chickpea or polenta squares), tomato jam with lemon and orange)
Formaggio
2013 & 2015 Ramí
selection of hard, semi hard and soft Sicilian cheeses
Inspired by Marvel's “Black Panther”, TAMO Panther Bowl is made with Cruxland Gin – a unique gin from South Africa made with the Kalahari truffle. This rare and exotic truffle can only be found at certain times of the year, when rain causes it to swell, creating cross-shaped cracks in the ground surrounding it – a tell-tale sign to experts only. This small batch gin is distinctly South African, grape-based and cold filtered for an extra smooth taste. Mixed with Bacardi Rum and Viniq Fusion Vodka, the Cruxland Gin gives the Panther Bowl a savory hint of earthiness. It also includes hyperlocal honey from The Seaport Hotel's very own bee colony. Nearly one million bees live in seven hives and thrive under the loving care of Chief Beekeeper Edwin Medrano. The sweet honey produced by his bees is masterfully incorporated into the hotel's unique cocktails, including the Panther Bowl.
The Raffi Bowl, made with Bacardi Banana Rum, Pillar Blonde Rum, pineapple, pomegranate and lime juice and Pillar Dark Rum Floater will surely satisfy your taste buds. Those with a sweet tooth should indulge in the Coconut Bowl – a masterful creation of Bacardi Coconut Rum, Amaretto, grenadine, prosecco, pineapple and orange juice.
3) Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge, a neighborhood restaurant in Jamaica Plain, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, an exceptional achievement. It is a female-owned restaurant that was established in 1993 by Kathie Mainzer and Carol Downs in response to area gang activity and gun violence. As Jamaica Plain residents and non-profit professionals, the restaurant’s founders were concerned about the growing crime in the community and sought a solution that could simultaneously bring together the neighborhood and support its charitable causes. A boarded-up space on Hyde Park’s Centre Street was the answer, and, thus, Bella Luna Restaurant was born.
25 years later, Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge has experienced significant growth and change, but remains steadfastly committed to its founding principles. Having outgrown its 19-seat Centre Street space in Hyde Park, Bella Luna & Milky Way Lounge relocated to a larger space better suited for accommodating its guests in 2009. Currently located at 284 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain, Bella Luna Restaurant & Milky Way Lounge is a full-service restaurant and event venue with 175 seats, 45 employees, entertainment space, and outdoor patio.
Bella Luna Restaurant believes strongly in the democracy of food- that delicious, gourmet cuisine can be offered at affordable prices, and offers a menu that reflects this philosophy. Bella Luna offers its guests a wide variety of affordable fare including “cosmic pizzas,” “supernova sandwiches,” “celestial salads,” and “interplanetary entrées.” Bella Luna is open for dinner seven nights a week and lunch on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also offers nightly takeout and delivery to Jamaica Plain residents.
In addition to its restaurant offerings, Bella Luna’s adjoining Milky Way Lounge plays host to a variety of private functions, fundraisers, community-building events, poetry slams, live music, theme nights, and entertainment seven nights a week.
Continuing to build upon the community-focused mission it was founded on, Bella Luna strives to “build a better Boston” by supporting work of neighborhood groups and non-profits. Bella Luna and Milky Way restaurant’s event space and accommodating team have been, and continue to be, valuable resources for local charities and organizations in need of event space or fundraising partnerships- regularly offering food and use of its space to charities at ZERO cost. Additionally, Bella Luna donates 1% of its total sales to local non-profit organizations every year.
Weekly Events include:
--Every Sunday: Live Irish Sessions and Kids Eat Free
Enjoy live Irish music in the lounge with Eamon Sefton and Friends from 5 to 8 p.m. while kids eat free all night from 5 to 9 p.m.
--Every Monday: Off-the-Wall Mondays
Off-the-Wall Mondays at Bella Luna featuring tunes by DJ J-Wall from 6 to 8 p.m. with $8 sliders and fries, followed by Stump Trivia at 8. All free, all ages.
--Every Tuesday: Teacher Tuesdays and Dirty Water Saloon Line Dancing for Queer Folks, Friends, and Allies
As a thank you to educators, teachers can enjoy ½-off appetizers at Bella Luna every Tuesday. Valid teacher identification required.
Did you love the Electric Slide as a kid? Are you always the one teaching Aunt Sherry Cotton Eyed Joe at family weddings? Well, put on your best dancing shoes and head to Bella Luna’s Dirty Water Saloon Dancing. Learn country-western two-step, west coast swing and line dancing to Lady Gaga, Pussy Cat Dolls, Marvin Gaye every Tuesday night from 7 to 10 p.m. for only $10 cover charge.
--Every Wednesday: Tropical Lounge on the Patio
Take a mini-vacation on Bella Luna’s patio every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring live Latin, Reggae, Jazz and more!
--Every first Thursday of the month: The A-Beez at Bella Luna
Bella Luna & The Milky Way present a brand new residency, every first Thursday of the month with one of Boston’s best, The A-beez…Amy (Bowles) and Aaron Bellamy (The A-Beez) began their musical collaboration in 2003 as core members of the Sam Kininger Band. In addition to successful careers as sidemen, the Bellamy’s have co-led a ten year residency at Boston’s renown Wally’s jazz cafe, developing their unique blend of hip-hop, jazz and soul. The A.B.’s have performed with artists such as Chaka Khan, Cody Chesnutt, Martin Luther, Cee Lo Green, Akrobatic, Elan Trotman and many more.
--Every first Friday of the month: La Boum Queer Dance Party
Come on down to La Boum where dreams are a reality and get into the groove with DJ Stella every first Friday at 10 p.m.! Pop from the 80s / 90s freestyle / 00s / dance jams / house-inspired stuff / a lil disco / maybe sisqo / madonna / missy / yoncé / prince / whitney / robyn / throwbacks / and more!
Upcoming Special Events
--FistFulla Hits Presents: A Benefit For the People of Flint, Michigan (July 13th at 10 p.m.)
FistFulla HITS presents its fourth multi-band showcase, this time to benefit the people of Flint, Michigan. FistFulla HITS (FFH) returns to Bella Luna/The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, welcoming a powerful nine-band lineup with live performances by: Mystikal Misfits, Thoughts & Prayers, Los Gallos Locos w/Krista Page, Mara Bel, Ray Liriano, Woza Moya, Roger Nicholson, Ordinario, and Steven Lawrence. But wait, there’s more! Guests can purchase original small artworks generously donated by area artists at our “8X8 VISUALS” gallery during the evening, as well as buy CDs, T-shirts, and other merchandise. All event proceeds go to the Flint Water Fund via the United Way of Genesee County.
--El Yunque, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico, featuring Ramirez (Roots & Spirits / Beats Manuever, Washington DC) (July 27th from 10 p.m; to 1 a.m.)
Roots & Spirits and DashRock, in association with Bella Luna & The Milky Way, present El Yunque, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico, featuring Ramirez (Roots & Spirits / Beats Manuever, Washington DC). Join Bella Luna oas Ramirez takes you on a musical journey through the finest deep, soulful, and underground house music. ($10)
--Hear Me Roar Women’s Pop-Up Market (July 28th from 12 to 4 p.m.)
Bella Luna & The Milky Way is proud to host a brand-new pop-up art market, Hear Me Roar. Hear Me Roar is a community of local female creatives whose objective is to support and encourage one another, provide opportunities, network, inspire, celebrate, and help each other grow. The show aims to provide locals with an introduction to some noteworthy women enriching their communities: women who are business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, and others. Art will be available from several artists who bring a variety of styles and mediums while they themselves are women of different ages and backgrounds.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Rant: Snickerdoodle, The Best Cookie In The World!
Well, that is all actually hyperbole. I couldn't say what was the Best Cookie unless I had tasted all of the possible options. And in this matter, "Best" is really a subjective term. How do you compare different cookies to determine which is better? There are no objective guidelines and it all comes down to personal preference. The same applies to all foods, so I'm not a huge fan of "Best" compilations because they don't really judge what they say they do. Such lists are based on the personal preferences and biases of those who compose the lists.
However, I am a big fan of Snickerdoodles. The origins of this cookie are ambiguous, with some believing it has a German or Dutch origin, and others believing it originated in New England. It is alleged that the oldest known recipes date back to New England in 1889. In The Home-Maker, Vol.2, April to September 1889, an illustrated monthly magazine edited by Marion Harland, there is a section labeled "Choice Recipes" and you'll find a Snickerdoodles recipe. The ingredients include 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of milk, 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoonfuls cream tartar, 1 teaspoonful soda, and 1/2 teaspoonful of salt.
I also found a 1891 reference in the Morning Journal and Courier (Connecticut), August 28, 1891. It provided a recipe for Snickerdoodles that included the following ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 3 cups flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 level teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 teaspoons powdered sugar. Note that this recipe didn't include cream of tartar. The Plymouth Tribune (Indiana), November 28, 1901 provided another recipe, but it did include cream of tartar. The article also stated, "Snickerdoodles is the somewhat fantastic name of quickly made little cakes especially dear to the children's heart."
The use of cream of tartar helps to differentiate the Snickerdoodle from a basic Sugar cookie. This ingredient helps make the Snickerdoodle more chewy, rather than crunchy like most Sugar cookies. In addition, it provides a certain tangy flavor to the Snickerdoodle.
Locally, my favorite Snickerdoodles are made by the Quebrada Baking Co., with locations in Arlington, Belmont and Wellesley. I've tasted them from all three locations and they have been of equal quality. Their Snickerdoodles have a slightly crunchy perimeter with a soft and chewy interior., and just a perfect dusting of sugar and cinnamon on top. Each bite of such a cookie is pure bliss to me. I enjoyed some last week as my travels took me to Belmont.
So, Snickerdoodles might not be the Best cookie in the world, but they are certainly one of the best. And I highly recommend you check out the Snickerdoodles at Quebrada to sample what I think are the best I've ever tasted. Have you tasted their Snickerdoodles? If so, what do you think?
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