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.
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1) Kings Bowl Dedham, James White, Boston Medical Center, and Blue Sky Sports & Entertainment invite guests to join them for a charitable evening of food, fun, and bowling. Grab your bowling shoes and balls - Sitters Without Borders will be holding a bowling party and benefit on Wednesday, September 5, from 6:30pm-8:30pm, at Kings Dining & Entertainment in Back Bay.

This is the perfect time to grab your friends and have fun while helping to support advancing mothers into economic independence. Sitters Without Borders, Inc. ("SWOB") is a first of its kind non-profit organization that offers free to low-cost weekly babysitting services to low-income mothers attending college in the Greater Boston area. SWOB volunteer sitters are committed to assisting mothers with childcare responsibilities, allowing them to pursue higher education and elevate their economic position.

The evening will feature bowling, pizza and fantastic raffle prizes. Tickets are available at the door and online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strike-it-up-bowling-party-and-benefit-for-sitters-without-borders-tickets-47429708535?aff=eac2. All ticket options include bowling, pizza and soft drinks, and are available in the following:

SUPPORTER: $40 Individual Ticket
MENTOR: $100 2 Entry Tickets - 3 Raffle Tickets
CHAMPION: $175 3 Entry Tickets - 4 Raffle Tickets
COACH: $250 4 Entry Tickets - 10 Raffle Tickets
SUPER COACH: $500 6 Entry Tickets - 25 Raffle Tickets
CHANGE AGENT: $1000 8 Entry Tickets - 75 Raffle Tickets

2) A new feast is hitting the streets of the North End this September to wrap up feast season- the Feast of San Gennaro! Taking place from Friday, September 21st through Sunday, the 23rd, the feast will feature a plethora of Italian food vendors, entertainment, and live music from The Jersey Boys, Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, and the New York Bee Gees. The venue will be on the last block of Hanover Street (near Commercial St.) and Battery Street, similar to the site for the St. Agrippina’s Feast and Madonna Della Cava Feast.

In addition to the Feast of San Gennaro, September feast revelers and saint devotees can also enjoy a North End procession for Saint Rosalia di Palermo on September 9th and a procession and Mass honoring St. Padre Pio on the last day of the Saint Gennaro feast, Sunday, September 23rd.

See the full North End feast schedule here: https://www.northendboston.com/visit/feasts

Porto: Stories From Portugal's Historic The Bolhão Market--A Fascinating New Book

"Porto's food culture is profoundly rooted in these regional grandmother recipes. And no other place embodies this spirit more organically than the city's oldest open-air market, Mercado do Bolhão." (p.4) 

I've long had a special place in my heart for the wines of Portugal, constantly recommending them to family, friends and my readers. And of course I've also enjoyed the cuisine of Portugal, from the hearty Francesinha sandwich to Lapas Grelhada, grilled limpets. However, I've not yet traveled to Portugal, though hopefully that will change in the near future. So, for the time, I must live vicariously through others who have traveled to or live in Portugal, to teach me more about this fascinating country.

Recently, I've thoroughly enjoyed a forthcoming, new book about the culinary world of Northern Portugal: Porto: Stories From Portugal's Historic Bolhão Market by Gabriella Opaz & Sonia Andersson Nolasco, with photography by Ryan Opaz. This is a hardcover book of 230 pages ($29.95 hardcover or $28.45 e-book) by Agate Surrey. The hardcover has been released and the e-book will be available on September 4. (Pursuant to full disclosure, I received a media copy of this book, and Gabriella & Ryan Opaz are friends. I have endeavored not to allow that friendship to affect my review.)

"This reminds us that the human heritage of Bolhão should be as valued as the architectural heritage of the market's beautiful structure, currently protected as a public interest monument." (p.92)

Gabriella and Ryan Opaz, who live in Porto, are the founders of Catavino, which began as a wine blog dedicated to Spanish wine and has since evolved into a boutique travel agency, focusing on the food and wine of Portugal and Spain. Gabriella is also a speaker, writer and consultant while Ryan is also a photographer and writer. Sonia Andersson Nolasco, who works for Catavino, is a journalist, editor, and publicist, primarily working with food, wine, travel and art in the promotion of Portugal.

"Bolhão is more than a market; it's an identity. It's a cultural reference and a strong brand that connects the city to the near and faraway places that supply it." (p.9)

Porto: Stories From Portugal's Historic Bolhão Market is a culinary journey through Northern Portugal, with a concentration on the historic Bolhão Market. The market was designed in 1914 although the area had previously been an open air courtyard where diverse goods were sold.  goods. The term "Bolhão" means "big bubble," a reference to a spring that allegedly runs under the market. The market once had over 400 vendors but that decreased to less than 100, partially due to the deterioration of the buildings over time. The market is currently closed, undergoing an extensive renovation which is supposed to be completed around July 2020. The vendors have been temporarily relocated during the renovations, though some have chosen to either move on or retire.

"More than an open-air market, it's a historical monument and a place to source old stories. Bolhão is a philosophy that stands for an impassioned lifestyle and a sense of sustainability that extends far beyond its four walls." (p.10)

Because of these renovations and relocations, it is especially timely for the release of this book. The authors have been able share the stories of numerous long-term vendors, preserving their compelling stories. These are tales and histories that might have otherwise been lost, and that truly would have been a great loss to the culinary landscape of northern Portugal. In some respects, this book is a culinary time capsule, preserving fascinating stories for future generations. Hopefully too, it will act as inspiration for other food markets, including the renovated Bolhão once it reopens.

"Portugal's endless repertoire of pork recipes is so incredibly diverse that you would rightfully assume that mastering pork has been the country's ultimate culinary mission." (p.173)

The book is broken down into seven Chapters, each dedicated to a food group, including Bread; Fruits & Vegetables; Fish & Seafood; Poultry; Meat; Cured Meat; and Pastries & Coffee. Each chapter describes various Portuguese foods, dishes and ingredients, including some of their intriguing history. In addition, there are descriptions and stories of the various cooks and vendors from the Bolhão Market that specialize in these items. Spread throughout the various chapters, you'll also find recommendations for restaurants and food shops in northern Portugal. There are also 11 different recipes, from Arroz De Pato A Antiga (Old-Fashioned Duck Rice) to Sapateira Recheada (stuffed stone crab). Each chapter is loaded with interesting and valuable information.

"Selling at the market gives them a chance to do what Portuguese women do best--care for others." (p.30)

Throughout the book, there is a strong emphasis on the women of Bolhão, though men feature prominently in the Meat chapter, and this is partially due to the fact that approximately 75%, if not more, of the vendors are women. And their stories are fascinating, especially those who have worked at the market for many years. They are culinary experts in their chosen field, dispensing their experience and knowledge to their many customers. You can be confident in their products, feeling their passion. These are human stories, worthy of your attention, and which will touch your heart and soul.

"Admittedly, the Portuguese are bread worshippers, passionate experts in all things glutinous and doughy." (p. 18)

Each chapter will stimulate your appetite as you read the delectable descriptions of Portuguese foods, from Açorda à Alentejana (a bread-based stew) to the famed Pastel de Nata (egg custard tarts). The diversity of Portuguese cuisine is made clear, and you'll find plenty of interest. This is a compelling guide to the culinary treats of northern Portugal and may lure you to visit the country. The various recommendations, for restaurants and food shops, within the book would also help your travel plans. As a history lover, I was also entranced by the historical information found within each chapter, such as the origins of certain foods. You'll learn plenty within those pages.

"The Portuguese are distinctly aware of the dangers at sea, a key reason why they prize their seafood so highly." (p.82)

The book is an easy and compelling read, well written with a certain poetry to the language, indicative of the passion of the authors. This is not some dry travelogue but rather a seductive lure intended to convert you into a culinary lover of northern Portugal. It will work well as a reference guide as well, something to turn to from time to time to better understand Portuguese food. And the compelling stories of Bolhão Market are inspirational. Ryan's photography well complements the writing, with numerous, alluring photos of various foods and great portraits of numerous vendors. There is a sense of joy in the various vendors which Ryan has well captured.

"...Portugal has just as much to offer meat-adoring foodies as it does seafood lovers." (p.162)

Overall, I highly recommend this love letter to the cuisine of northern Portugal, as exemplified through the Bolhão Market. Informative and fun, tantalizing and seductive, inspirational and touching, Porto: Stories From Portugal's Historic Bolhão Market belongs on the book shelf of any food lover. Gabriella, Sonia, and Ryan have put together a fascinating book well worthy of your attention. I am now even more interested in traveling to Portugal, to experience all that country has to offer. I want to eat and drink my way through northern Portugal, and with this book, I have a blueprint of Portugal's culinary treasures.

"We see Bolhão as a path to getting our souls and hearts closer to what we've been straying from all of these years. In the end, our wish is that this book will do its small part in reviving respect for markets like our Bolhão." (p.212)

Rant: When Labor Day Arrives, Don't Stop Drinking Rosé

Labor Day weekend nears and for many, this is a signal of the end of summer. As such, you'll stop seeing media advertisements for Rosé wine. Wine distributors will generally stop recommending Rosé to their accounts. Many wine shops will stop carrying Rosé until the springtime. This is all part and parcel of the myth that Rosé is a "summer wine." The reality is that Rosé can and should be consumed year-round, no matter what the season.

It's interesting that many of the individuals responsible for promoting this Rosé myth actually know better. They understand the truth, that there is absolutely no reason you should stop drinking Rosé just because fall arrives. Rosé is appropriate year-round, especially because it pairs so well with a diverse selection of foods. For example, it works very well with Thanksgiving dinner. If you can drink white wine in the fall and winter, there is absolutely no reason you cannot drink Rosé too. I drink Rosé all year round and strongly encourage everyone else to do so as well.

The situation has slowly improved during the last several years but significant change is still needed. There are some wine stores which stock Rosé throughout the year and if your local shop doesn't, then you should recommend that they stock some. And if they don't bring in some Rosé, then seek elsewhere for this wine. Share some Rosé this fall and winter with your friends, showing them the potential of this delicious wine. Don't ask if they want Rosé but just pour them a glass. Once they taste the wine, they'll probably come to the realization of what they have been missing.

We also need more wine writers to pen Rosé articles during the fall and winter, to persuade consumers that this pink wine is appropriate during every season, and not just during the summer. Raising consumer awareness is vital to spreading a passion for Rosé year round. We need to correct their vinous myth.

Drink more Rosé, now and throughout the fall, winter and spring.

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.
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1) Post 390 is pulling out all the stops beginning with a special summer Après Beach Party, inspired by the latest menu, on Thursday, August 30 in Post 390’s Tavern from 4:30PM – 8:00PM. The festivities include fun swag, summer games such as corn hole, passed appetizers specially inspired by the new Après Beach menu, and refreshing libations. Guests are welcomed to stop by and check out all the fun at Back Bay’s dining destination.

The full Après Beach menu is as follows:
· Marinated Brandt Bavette Steak Tips - anchovy focaccia toast
· Ham & Cheddar Macaroni Salad - salt & vinegar chips
· Smoked St. Louis Pork Ribs - pineapple-fresno bbq, fried dill pickles
· Sliced Hot Italian Sausage - sautéed longhorn peppers & onions, griddled toast, beer mustard
· New England Lobster “Roll” - buttered brioche, dollop of mayo, b&b pickles
· Crispy-Fried Whole Belly Clams - cape-style tartar sauce
· Sweet & Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Oysters - gochujang hot sauce, toasted sesame
· Mexican Street Corn - corn chip, grilled corn, lime & cumin aioli, cotija cheese, cilantro
· Hawaiian Brick Oven Pizza - pineapple, jalapeno, house-made ham
· Crab & Corn Brick Oven Pizza - creamed corn, crispy bacon lardon, fresh local crab

2) On Monday, September 10th, Kings Bowl Dedham, along with New England Patriots Running Back James White, Boston Medical Center, and Blue Sky Sports & Entertainment, will be hosting the 9th annual Sweet Feet for Strikes fundraiser, formerly the Mayo Bowl, to benefit the Boston Medical Center.

As the largest professional athlete-attended event in New England, the tournament attracts over 400 attendees and high-profile sports celebrities annually, including many past and present New England Patriots. In 2017, Sweet Feet for Strikes raised over $400,000- contributing to the $2.3 million it has raised since it’s 2010 inaugural event to fund medical care at Boston Medical Center for Boston’s inner-city youth.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the evening’s schedule of events includes:
6:00pm - Red Carpet & Team Check In
7:00pm - Celebrity Introductions
7:15pm - Bowling Tournament Begins
8:30pm - Live Auction
9:00pm - Silent Auction Closes
9:30pm - Award Ceremony

A limited number of GA tickets are available for purchase here: www.sweetfeetforstrikes.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. All guests must be 21+.

3) On September 13, Legal Sea Foods’ will bring half-shell hedonism to mollusk mavens and oyster newbies during their 10th Annual “Oyster Festival.” For four weeks, a sequence of in-restaurant menu features and two special events will celebrate everything oyster and all are invited who share the belief “the world is your oyster.”

Bivalve specialties will be available for the duration of the Oyster Festival and include Fried Oysters (three for $10) in four preparations (buffalo, BBQ, sriracha lime and BLT); Baked Oysters (three for $12) available in a quartet of options (lobster spinach, crab & cheese, scampi and roasted); and the Legal Sea Foods teams will shuck seasonal standouts at their raw bars daily for those who opt to go au natural. Legals also suggests washing it down with the official drink of the 2018 Oyster Festival, the Deadrise, with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, muddled cucumber, lime and grapefruit bitters ($11).

On September 15 at 2pm, Legal Sea Foods’ al fresco Charles Terrace (20 University Road, Cambridge) will host their annual “Shellfish Shindig” event that has shucked oysters by the bushel for only $1 per slurp. Followed by a “Mollusk Mania” extravaganza at Legal Harborside (270 Northern Avenue, Boston) on September 23 at 1pm, featuring a raw bar of six varieties as well as four prepared appetizers available first-come, first-served; get 'em while they last! (Complimentary admission.)

The Oyster Festival is celebrated at all Legal Sea Foods locations throughout Massachusetts, with the exception of airport venues.

WHEN: Oyster Festival: September 13-October 10, 2018
Shellfish Shindig: September 15 from 2pm-4pm
Mollusk Mania: September 23 from 1pm-3pm

Jay's Pizza in Malden: Jhol Momos!

What is it about the pizza joints in Malden? I previously wrote about Classic Pizza, a typical pizza & sub restaurant but which also has a small, delicious and intriguing menu of Indian cuisine. You would never know from the outside that you would find inside tasty Chicken Tikka Masala or Paneer Pakora. Now, I've stumbled on another typical pizza and sub joint, Jay's Pizza & Ice Cream, which also is hiding a fascinating speciality.

Jay's is a tiny spot, with only a handful of tables and seats, but has a lengthy menu of the usual suspects, from pizza to subs, chicken fingers to calzones. However, you'll also note a small sign advertising Jhol Momos, a Nepalese dish. Who would ever have suspected this pizza joint would sell Nepalese dumplings? Maybe this is due to the recent change in ownership.

Momos are indigenous to South Asia, especially Tibet, Nepal, parts of India, and Bhutan, though the word itself seems to have Chinese origin, and simply means "steamed bun." They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from yak to pork, chicken to vegetarian. Now, you can find momos in at least a few restaurants in the Boston area but Jay's offers a type of momo which is much less commonly found in the local area.

In Nepal, especially its capital Kathmandu, jhol momo are an extremely popular street food. "Jhol" roughly translates as "liquid" or a "liquid-like consistency," and the dish itself are momos in a cold broth. The broth may include ingredients such as sesame, garlic, tomato, onion, lemons and achar (an Indian condiment of pickled fruits and vegetables with spices). It may taste hot, spicy, sour and/or tangy, dependent on the specific ingredients and their ratios.

At Jay's, the Jhol Momo dish costs about $8-$9 and you receive 10 hot Momos in a cold broth. The dichotomy between the hot and cold was initially a little jarring, as it isn't a usual combination you find in many cuisines. You might get a room temperature sauce for other dumplings, but it is almost never a cold sauce. And even then, you can add as much or as little of the sauce you desire. In this case, the momos are sitting in the cold broth. However, after the initial trepidation, I found that the combination actually worked well.

The momos themselves possessed a fairly thin dumpling wrapper that had just the right amount of consistency, and they were filled with an ample portion of a tasty pork and spice mixture. You can also opt for chicken or vegetation momos. On their own, the momos make an excellent dumpling. Now, the cold broth was intriguing, with a strong and complex curry taste, and it added to the flavor of the momos. The broth seemed to have lowered the temperature of the momos, transforming the hot dumplings into a dish that worked well on a hot summer day. Highly recommended.

So what other Malden pizza joints are concealing special culinary treasures?