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) Start the New Year off right with a pop-up brunch at Juniper, located in Wellesley, on Sunday, January 8, from 11:30am-2:30pm, featuring Avi Shemtov, chef/owner of The Chubby Chickpea and author of “The Single Guy Cookbook.” For one day only, Juniper chef/owner Dave Becker will open for brunch and welcome Shemtov into the kitchen to prepare a Middle Eastern-influenced mid-day meal.

Shemtov’s signature Shakshuka – a classic Middle Eastern tomato and egg dish – will form the cornerstone of the menu, alongside other tasty brunch fare, such as Lamb Belly Hash, Confit Duck Benedict, Fried Bacon Gravy and more. Juniper will be mixing up creative takes on the classic brunch cocktails to accompany the feast.

Juniper is a Mediterranean bistro, in the heart of downtown Wellesley, and offers creative, generously portioned plates filled with the “feel good flavors” synonymous with Eastern Mediterranean cuisine in an eclectic, colorfully adorned space.

Founded in 2010, The Chubby Chickpea aims to be at the cutting edge of Middle Eastern Cuisine, fusing traditional favorites and authentic recipes with fresh local ingredients and contemporary styles. As a fast casual restaurant, Mobile Food Truck and full service catering company, The Chubby Chickpea is committed to delivering the very best in ethnic comfort food.

Walk-ins to this special Brunch are welcome or reservations can be made by calling 781-446-6950

2) The Hot Toddy is often said to be an excellent way to ease cold and flu symptoms, and has been used for that purpose for centuries. At its most basic, a Hot Toddy is a mix of a spirit, such as whiskey, rum or brandy, with hot water and honey. It also commonly includes spices and sometimes tea or a lemon slice. There are plenty of variations and it is a perfect winter drink. January 11 is National Hot Toddy Day.

TAMO Bistro & Bar, in the Seaport Hotel, is now offering three different Hot Toddies, which will be available all winter, to warm you up. Each of their Toddies is made with honey harvested from the more than 1 million bees housed on the roof of the Seaport Hotel and then infused with different flavors in-house. So check out these Toddies now, on National Hot Toddy Day, or sometimes else during this winter.

· Traditional Hot Toddy – Seaport honey, lemon, cloves, whiskey ($10)
· Spicy Hot Toddy – Sriracha-infused Seaport honey, dried pepper, whiskey ($10)
· Sweet Hot Toddy – Cinnamon-infused Seaport honey, cinnamon stick, whiskey ($10)