Rant: Ugly Food Deserves Love!

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
 --Confucius

In the food world, where Instagram is immensely popular, you've been fed a lie. You've been led to believe that only "beautiful" food is worthy of attention. Everything is done to make their food look as attractive as possible. If a stylish and compelling photo can't be taken of a dish, then it's ignored. 

It's a shallow and insidious belief, and easily spreads beyond the food world, so that people begin to believe that outer beauty is most important in many other areas too. It teaches the wrong lesson. We need to battle this lie, and embrace the fact that even "ugly" food deserves love.

The photo above probably isn't "worthy" of Instagram because sausage gravy generally isn't seen as appealing on a picture. It's often considered an "ugly" food, and thus not worthy of attention. It doesn't look pretty, and some might think the gravy resembles something disgusting. However, this dish, a Hash Stack, from Nick & Andy's in Danvers, is pure comfort food, a delicious blend of flavors and textures, and definitely worthy of your attention. It's a combination of hash browns, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage gravy. This "ugly" dish shouldn't be ignored as it possesses its own "inner beauty," a food for the soul.

Chain restaurants understand the appeal of "beautiful" food and their commercials, often using a food stylist, work hard to depict their foods in the best light. However, when you actually patronize those restaurants, what you get served probably doesn't resemble the beauty of their commercials. It's another type of lie, one pertinent to Instagram as well. Restaurants may help Instagrammers take the best photo of their food, although when you dine there, your dish might not actually look like those photos.

In addition, a photo doesn't tell you how a dish tastes. All you see is the outer shell, and not what is within. Beautiful food can lack sufficient flavor and taste. It might be too dry, too overcooked, too unbalanced, too salty, etc. And ugly food can be the opposite, some of the best food you've ever tasted. We need to look beyond appearances, to get to the heart of what is truly important. Would you rather eat something that is pretty and tasteless, or something ugly and flavorful?

We need to stop promoting the idea that only beautiful food is worthy. We need to embrace the myriad "beauty" that is found in all dishes, even if on the outside, they don't follow traditional images of beauty. "Ugly" food deserves just as much attention and we shouldn't settle for less.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) August is packed with reasons to visit The Wellington as the Belmont Center neighborhood spot celebrates National Sandwich Month, and the height of New England's summer with new seasonal menu offerings available throughout the month.

In honor of National Sandwich Month, The Wellington is offering guests even more value during lunch service throughout August. Every Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., guests who order any lunch sandwich will receive their choice of fries or side salad, plus a complimentary rotating surprise second side.

The weekly rotating bonus side will feature seasonal favorites such as potato salad, seasoned rice, and corn ribs, giving guests something new to discover with each visit. The promotion is available with all lunch sandwiches, including the Caprese Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, and New York Bodega Chopped Cheese Sub.

As the Dog Days of Summer are amongst us, The Wellington is also introducing new seasonal dishes that showcase fresh ingredients and New England flavors.

New menu additions include:
Caprese Flatbread ($21) – Heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, oregano,maldon sea salt, drizzled with aged balsamic and EVOO
Pan-Seared Salmon ($36) – Pan seared faroe island salmon, sautéed heirloom tomatoes, native corn, potato gnocchi, basil (available gluten-free)
Shrimp & Corn Chowder ($18) – Summer corn and tender shrimp in a rich, creamy broth

Adding to the summer festivities, The Wellington continues to offer live entertainment throughout the weekend. Guests can enjoy Friday Night Live Music featuring Malin & Friends from 8:00-10:00 p.m., Saturday Night Live Music with Morningside Music Studio from 7:30-9:30 p.m., and the restaurant's popular Sunday Live Jazz Brunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., featuring live jazz from rotating artists alongside brunch favorites. Whether gathering for cocktails, dinner, or a leisurely weekend brunch, guests can pair The Wellington's seasonal menu with live local entertainment all weekend long. 

"August is one of the best times of year to enjoy everything New England has to offer, from fresh seafood and local produce to relaxing afternoons and evenings spent outdoors," said Joe Arkinstall, General Manager of The Wellington. "We wanted to create a month filled with reasons for both our regular guests and first-time visitors to stop by, whether it's for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. These seasonal promotions and new menu additions celebrate the flavors of summer while giving guests something new to experience throughout the month."

Non-Rant: Recent Food Highlights

There won't be a Rant today, but rather a highlight of some of the foods I've recently enjoyed. I'm just not in a mood for a Rant, and would rather spread the joy of some delicious dishes.

An Extra-Cheese Pizza from Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. I've been dining here since I was a child, and this year, the restaurant has celebrated their 65th Anniversary. Their pizza recipe has remained largely the same over all of those years, except for a slight change in the cheese blend. It once was an all-cheddar blend but now also has some mozzarella. It's reminiscent in some ways to Greek pizza, but forms its own unique style. I regularly have lunch here, enjoying pizza, or sometimes other tasty dishes, like their Meatballs Sliders.

The "Cadillac" Sandwich at Anthony's Italian Specialties in Stoneham. Chicken Cutlets, Prosciutto, Fresh Slices of Mozzarella, and a Balsamic Glaze. You can also opt for Roasted Red Peppers if you want. I got it on a braided roll, and it's a huge sandwich, which could feed two people, or one very hungry person. All of the sandwiches at Anthony's are known to be quite large, filled with plenty of meat and other toppings. Their Italian is a hugely popular, as is their Lobster Salad available only on Fridays. Everything tastes fresh, is reasonably priced for the quantity and quality, and quite delicious. This is also another spot that I have been visiting for many years.

Coffee Roll from Donuts With A Difference in Medford. This is my favorite donut shop, a very old-school spot which makes more traditional donuts, and not the fancy ones you find at many other spots. They are made in-house so they are always fresh, and if you're lucky, they may even be served warm. When's the last time you had a warm donut at any donut shop? They are also inexpensive, and you can get a dozen donuts for only $19, which is half-the price at some other donut shops. Their coffee roll, which is quite large, costs under $3.00, and is one of my favorite choices. A soft, fresh texture, with the sweet glaze atop it, and plenty of cinnamon within. 

Whoopie Pies from Sandpiper Bakery in Ipswich. These aren't always available at the bakery, but when they are, I'm always sure to buy a few. They are small enough for a single person to enjoy, and the chocolate cake is soft, moist and full of chocolate flavor. The whipped filling is creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. A nicely balanced treat, it's one of my favorite Whoopie pies north of Boston. I also have to mention their Ham & Cheese Croissants which may also be one of the best, with such a flaky and buttery croissant, and often is served warm. Anytime I visit the Ipswich area, I nearly always stop here. As you should too. 

 

Fried Lobster Tails plate from the Clam Box in Ipswich. Only available on Fridays, the fried lobster tails are one of my favorites. I certainly love their other dishes, from Fried Clams to Fried Scallops, but this is my top favorite. Each piece is a half-lobster tail, with a crisp and clean fried coating over tender, sweet lobster. There is drawn butter for dipping too. You usually get at least 7 pieces of lobster, making for a hearty meal with French fries and onion rings. Others have their own favorite clam shacks, but the Clam Box remains my personal favorite. 

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) There may be no better place in America to celebrate National Oyster Day than the historic Union Oyster House, which officially turns 200 in August. On Wednesday, August 5, America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant will mark the occasion with fresh Massachusetts oysters served raw on the half shell, grilled, fried, or as its legendary Oysters Rockefeller.

Guests can also enjoy oysters in the same historic dining rooms, or pull up a stool at the restaurant’s original oyster bar, where Daniel Webster, John F. Kennedy, Julia Child, President Barack Obama, and countless other notable figures have dined over the past two centuries.

“There’s no better place to celebrate National Oyster Day than Union Oyster House,” said owner Joseph Milano. “Oysters have been at the heart of our story for generations, and we’re honored to continue welcoming guests from Boston and around the world as we prepare to celebrate our 200th anniversary.”

Owner Joseph Milano, who has carried on the restaurant’s legacy since 1970, and Executive Chef Americo Rico DiFronzo, a member of the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame, invite guests to celebrate one of New England’s most beloved culinary traditions.

2) Also for National Oyster Day, on August 5, get ready to shuck, sip, and slurp your way to bivalve bliss because sister restaurants Atlantic Fish Co. and Joe’s Waterfront will be shelling out deals.

Serving fresh catch since 1978, Atlantic Fish Co. will feature $2 oysters from the East and West Coast in their bar area from 3-6pm. Across town, Joe’s Waterfront on Boston Harbor will showcase buck-a-shuck local oysters all day until they’re gone.

3) Salt & Straw ice cream’s Summer Pies flavor series has officially returned, including the addition of a brand new flavor, Peaches and Cream Galette. Co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek has once again reimagined classic pies as five standout ice cream flavors, churning their flaky crusts, jammy fillings, and custardy centers into a suite of craveable scoops – available now through August 27th. 

Additionally, Salt & Straw is debuting a new frozen treat, the limited-edition Tacolate Milkshake – an indulgent spin-off of their viral Tacolate, the nostalgic and highly sought-after ice cream taco. Available starting this Saturday, August 1st through September 7th, the Tacolate Milkshake blends Cinnamon Snickerdoodle ice cream with a Tacolate and is finished with a chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, wildberry sugar dusting, and half a Tacolate topper.

Flavors in The Summer Pies Series include:
Peaches and Cream Galette – A brand new creation: fresh peach ice cream studded with hunks of a rustic peach galette, and ribboned with peach pie filling
Wild-Foraged Berry Slab Pie – The beloved returning flavor, featuring wild berry pie filling and bits of double-baked pie crust folded into salted vanilla ice cream
Wildflower Honey and Lemon Chess Pie – Cultured frozen yogurt studded with lemon chess pie, sweetened with wildflower honey and finished with a drizzle of housemade lemon curd
Gruyère and Tomato Custard Tart – A savory gruyère cheese and tomato jam tart, diced into bite-sized pieces and tossed into a salt and pepper custard ice cream
Coconut Cherry Pie with Almond Crust (v) – Sour cherry pie filling and shortbread almond crust folded into coconut cream

Rant: Celebrate World Baijiu Day!

This August, there are a number of drink holidays, including: August 7: International Beer Day, August 13: National Prosecco Day, August 16: National Rum Day, August 18: National Pinot Noir Day, and August 30: National Cabernet Sauvignon Day. The basic idea behind such days is to promote a grape, wine, beer, spirit or cocktail, and savvy marketers take the opportunity to highlight and push their products. However, do we really need all of these drink holidays?

For the more popular choices, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Prosecco, I don't think we need a special day to showcase these grapes or wine types. Nearly every wine consumer knows about those grapes. So, as they're already popular, we should instead shine a spotlight on grapes that are more worthy of attention, grapes which are less popular or less known. There are plenty of under-appreciated grapes and wine types, such as Assyrtiko, Rkatsiteli, Pošip, Baga, Mavrud, Manzanilla Sherry and many more, which would benefit greatly from their own special day. 

We also don't need a day just to celebrate Beer or Rum, as again, they are already well known to consumers. There are other alcoholic beverages worthy of more attention, who need greater recognition with consumers, from Sake to Shochu. These niche spirits need the publicity, to boost awareness and sales. 

I would much rather see days celebrating the drink underdogs, helping to gain them recognition and new fans. I want people to broaden their palates, and taste something new for them. They need to be enticed to step out of their comfort zone. For example, Sake is still vastly under appreciated in the U.S. so having a day that celebrates and promotes it makes sense. Did you know International Sake Day, which is celebrated each year on October 1, has existed since 1978, nearly 50 years? That makes it far older than nearly all of the other wine and drink holidays.

On Saturday, August 9, we should celebrate the 12th Anniversary of World Baijiu Day, a holiday created by Jim Boyce, who runs the nightlife blog Beijing Boyce and wine blog Grape Wall of China. The intent of this holiday is to raise awareness of Baijiu, to highlight its wonders beyond the borders of China. Even though Baijiu is the most popular spirit in the world, most Americans know little, if anything about it. 

As I've said before, Baijiu seems to be the Durian fruit of the spirits world, both having a reputation for funkiness which turns off some people, while others become fervent fans. It's a fascinating beverage, with much diversity of flavor and taste, and I strongly encourage everyone to seek it out and sample some of its wonders.

When is the last time you saw a drink writer pen an article about Baijiu? It's a rarity, indicating that more attention needs to be paid to this spirit. Not enough people are writing and talking about this unique beverage, despite its intriguing history, production methods, and customs. We need to change this and World Baijiu Day is an important way to help spread the word, and maybe entice more writers to talk about Baijiu, and for more consumers to sample Baijiu in cocktails on its own.

Over the years, I've written sixteen articles about Baijiu, covering a diverse selection of topics, from Baijiu reviews to a the detailed explanation of its production methods. This is a great place to start your education about Baijiu.  

Baijiu: The Durian Fruit Of The Spirits World (Part 1)
Baijiu: Its Unique Production Process (Part 2)
Baijiu: Drinking Etiquette & Some Reviews (Part 3)
Baijiu: Cocktails, Boston & World Baijiu Day (Part 4)
Baijiu: Food Pairings (Part 5)
Vinn Bajiu: Made in Portland
Baijiu: The Essential Guide To Chinese Spirits by Derek Sandhaus
World Baijiu Day: August 9
Taizi Baijiu: A New Zealand Treasure
Historical Tidbits About Baijiu, The World's Most Popular Spirit (Part 1)
Historical Tidbits About Baijiu, The World's Most Popular Spirit (Part 2)

Rant: Stop Drink Hate

Sumiao Hunan Kitchen: World Baijiu Day & Dine Out Boston

Luzhou Laojiao: Mainstreaming Baijiu With Cocktails

Baijiu Pop-Ups at Backbar: Learn About This Fascinating Chinese Spirit

A Baijiu Class with Derek Sandhaus

In celebration of World Baijiu Day, there will be events held all over the world, from Beijing to Auckland, Dublin to Stockholm. In the U.S., there will be Baijiu events in Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Portland (OR), San Francisco, San Jose, Scottsdale, and Washington, D.C. 

In the Boston area, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, in Kendall Square, Cambridge, will once again celebrate World Baijiu Day. They will be celebrating with two ways to discover China’s most iconic spirit. First, you can try their seasonal Baijiu cocktail, the Eastern Sun, smoky Baijiu and Mezcal meet juicy passion fruit and lime. Second, you can explore a Baijiu flight highlighting a range of distinctive aromas and flavors. Sumiao states, "Whether you’re a curious first-timer or already a baijiu fan, join us in Kendall Square and experience the world’s most-consumed spirit in a fresh and approachable way." They also have three Baijiu cocktails on their regular menu, including the Fung Wah, Perpetual Motion, and Red Ruby. 

Baijiu is becoming more readily available at liquor shops in the U.S., though previously you might not have even realized it existed. There's a distillery in Connecticut, the Branford Distillery, which produces a Gaoliang Baijiu. The Oversea Distillery, in Maryland, produces two Baijiu bottles, including a Light Aroma Baijiu and an Aged 6 Years Baijiu. Baijiu may be hugely popular in Asia but it needs much greater exposure in the rest of the world, including in the U.S. It's a unique and delicious spirit and well worth seeking out. This is a Drink Day that I wholeheartedly support and hope that everyone else takes this opportunity to acquaint themselves with Baijiu. 

Expand your palate and try something different and more unique. Drink some Baijiu and celebrate World Baijiu Day!