Happy Thursday evening! One more day and then we have finally reached an event that has been a year in the making..the Boston Local Food Festival! I have been following the development of this event for many many months. I wanted to volunteer and went to the first meeting, but the time commitment was a bit too much at that point for me. I will be there to witness a first of its kind in the city. A fair that is comprised solely of local food vendors. Restaurants, farmers and food producers and sellers will be there to represent. Let's not forget the local beer tasting that will be going on as well!
I plan on being front and center to watch Lourdes from Fiore di Nonno demonstrate how to make home made mozzarella. I may skip the whole hog and goat cutting demos, but if that is your thing..make sure you check it out. There will be kid friendly activities, food tasting and great opportunities to learn about all the fantastic local business that are right in your back yard.
The vendor list is unbelievably large and can be found here: http://bostonlocalfoodfestival.com/festivities/our-vendors/
The weather is forecasting to be a perfect Fall day. If you have not yet made your plans, head down to South Boston for some outdoor fun.
The event runs from 11-5PM and is held at the Fort Point Channel (the area near the Children's Museum).
Admission is FREE (as in not cost to you!). This is a waste free, green event so bring a water bottle and a reusable bag ( for purchases or hopefully free gifts!)
All the important stuff can be found here: http://bostonlocalfoodfestival.com/
Hope to see you there...of course I will shop at the Union Farmers Market first and then will head to the festival!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Happy Fall!
I am back and happy to be here! Loved Italy but when it comes to Fall, there is no place like New England. I love everything about Fall. The clothes, the food, the weather and the return of Glee.
For me, Summer is all about the fruit and Fall is when vegetables really take center stage. Pumpkin, pumpkin beer, pumpkin butter, pumpkin pie..oh my! There is squash galore, brussels sprouts and artichokes. Don't worry, apples are on my radar and I received a fantastic recipe from a wonderful lady in Italy for apple cake..
After work today I was able to make it to the Davis Sq. Market. I was craving some rich New England veggies after 2 weeks of pasta and cheese. For dinner tonight: acorn squash topped brussels sprouts and corn. Not having my sweet and savory combo for a long while..that was the plan for the meal.
First, Cut the acorn squash into quarters. Drizzled sesame oil, salt and pepper over and popped it into the oven at 400 degrees. It cooked for about 25-30 mins...the last few minutes I put it on broil to brown the top a bit
While the squash is baking, prepare the topper. I sauteed a tiny bit of onion, a glove of garlic and some ginger in a pan. I quartered the brussels sprouts and added to the pan with a little water. I removed the corn kernels from the cob..added that to the pan after the sprouts cooked for a bit. I added some dry sage and about a tablespoon of maple syrup. Cooked it all together to get the flavors mixed. This pan was brought from Italy..love it!
Pulled out the squashed, plated and topped with the veggie mix. Wonderful and easy Fall dish!
I only ate two quarters and ran out of the topper component, so I took the other pieces and tossed it with some rice..lunch tomorrow!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love
Ciao from the slowest free internet this town has to offer! The computers are available from 4 to 7 pm M-F..this is only the second time I have been free during the time period so here I am! So for any typos in adavance ..the keyboard is different here and really does not work well.
So far the trip has been as expected..a lot of family time, relaxation and of course eating. Without having to work, cook or clean..a girl can become a bit lazy! Actually, I have been thinking about how great it will be to go home and prepare the meals on my own stove. Pasta fagoli like zia Maria makes and marinated eggplant jarred as zia Fiorella does. Potato pizza is always even more wonderful than I remember and I always wish it would become as popluar in the States as it is here. I won't even start on the gelato...
Eat Pray Love..there is a reason for that subject. I have not read the book or seen the movie, but my understanding is that a woman came to Italy to eat, then India to pray and France for love. I say..why not get it all here as I do? Here the food is hands down something that can never go wrong. I have had the freshest tomato sauce, the most amazing homemade pasta, richest cheese, and eggs that were pulled from the chickens that AM and prepared for afternoon lunch. Local and fresh were practically invented here and I am loving every bite of it. Being the American niece and granddaughter, I tend to get the most attention during the visit. They know I love gnocchi, so that was on the menu within days of arrival. My italian is awful so the best way to show love for us: they give me food that I enjoy and I eat until they say I am full.
It was a little difficult to start since last time I was here I was still eating fish...and they just do not see the point in not eating a little meat. The common question is : what will she have for her second course? Well, usually nothing since we only eat 1 course at home! Here my second has been vegetables and chese..a lot of cheese.
Today we went to visit other family members who apparently did not get word of my eating habits. I have not felt so awful as I did today when I realized the the lasgana that was prepared for lunch had tons of meat and I could not eat it. I was so upset I was almost determined just to eat it by picking out the meat, but it was clear that would not work. Once my cousin realized what was up..she jumped from her seat and insisted on making my spagetti. Mordified, I said no but she insisted. She asked if I would like it bianco (white) and I said yes, anything to prevent her from doing anymore work! But no, her husband was up and out the door to return with a bottle of fresh jarred tomato sauce..my eyes welded with tears feeling so awful for being such a pain and being so grateful for having an amazing family. I apologized and said sorry for not letting her know...she put her hand to my face and told me not to worry a bit.
In 10 minutes I had a bowl of spagetti with an amazing sauce before me...it was the most delicious spagetti I have had in years! Was it the sauce or the love it was prepared with? Maybe both.
Eat and love..they go hand and hand here. The pray..well they are a religious bunch. I pray that the bowl of food I am eating never ends while at the same time pray that it is the last course so I will fit into the new skinny jeans I purchased before leaving!
So far the trip has been as expected..a lot of family time, relaxation and of course eating. Without having to work, cook or clean..a girl can become a bit lazy! Actually, I have been thinking about how great it will be to go home and prepare the meals on my own stove. Pasta fagoli like zia Maria makes and marinated eggplant jarred as zia Fiorella does. Potato pizza is always even more wonderful than I remember and I always wish it would become as popluar in the States as it is here. I won't even start on the gelato...
Eat Pray Love..there is a reason for that subject. I have not read the book or seen the movie, but my understanding is that a woman came to Italy to eat, then India to pray and France for love. I say..why not get it all here as I do? Here the food is hands down something that can never go wrong. I have had the freshest tomato sauce, the most amazing homemade pasta, richest cheese, and eggs that were pulled from the chickens that AM and prepared for afternoon lunch. Local and fresh were practically invented here and I am loving every bite of it. Being the American niece and granddaughter, I tend to get the most attention during the visit. They know I love gnocchi, so that was on the menu within days of arrival. My italian is awful so the best way to show love for us: they give me food that I enjoy and I eat until they say I am full.
It was a little difficult to start since last time I was here I was still eating fish...and they just do not see the point in not eating a little meat. The common question is : what will she have for her second course? Well, usually nothing since we only eat 1 course at home! Here my second has been vegetables and chese..a lot of cheese.
Today we went to visit other family members who apparently did not get word of my eating habits. I have not felt so awful as I did today when I realized the the lasgana that was prepared for lunch had tons of meat and I could not eat it. I was so upset I was almost determined just to eat it by picking out the meat, but it was clear that would not work. Once my cousin realized what was up..she jumped from her seat and insisted on making my spagetti. Mordified, I said no but she insisted. She asked if I would like it bianco (white) and I said yes, anything to prevent her from doing anymore work! But no, her husband was up and out the door to return with a bottle of fresh jarred tomato sauce..my eyes welded with tears feeling so awful for being such a pain and being so grateful for having an amazing family. I apologized and said sorry for not letting her know...she put her hand to my face and told me not to worry a bit.
In 10 minutes I had a bowl of spagetti with an amazing sauce before me...it was the most delicious spagetti I have had in years! Was it the sauce or the love it was prepared with? Maybe both.
Eat and love..they go hand and hand here. The pray..well they are a religious bunch. I pray that the bowl of food I am eating never ends while at the same time pray that it is the last course so I will fit into the new skinny jeans I purchased before leaving!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Living Local in Lettomanoppello
Good Morning!
It is an gorgeous Saturday morning here and I am enjoying it with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon raisin bagel from True Grounds. I love that I walk in there with my over sized travel mug and still get charged for a small...this is how you encourage people to reduce waste!
Normally, I would be getting ready to load the saddle bags on the bike and head to the Union Sq. Farmers Market..it is, after all, Saturday morning. Today will be different because local Lisa will be heading to local it up in a small town in Italy called Lettomanoppello (say that 5 times fast!). This is not Rome or Florence, but a little town with cobble stone roads and where everything shuts down at 1PM for lunch and nap time.
This is where local is a way of life and I plan to jump right in..espresso in the AM, large lunches and small dinners. Outdoor markets are huge and sell everything (not just food!)..and I plan on shopping! Need a snack? No worries just grab a fig off of any random tree you see! Night life has everyone out..old and young alike...just hanging and enjoying life. There should be a lot of local religious feasts going on...they put the North End to shame.
Why head to such a small town? Well it has been a long 4 years since I visited this lady..she is my nonna and a culinary wonder! Also in this area are my aunts, uncles and cousins and more cousins including some new additions that I have yet to meet! I am beyond excited to see everyone!
It is an gorgeous Saturday morning here and I am enjoying it with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon raisin bagel from True Grounds. I love that I walk in there with my over sized travel mug and still get charged for a small...this is how you encourage people to reduce waste!
Normally, I would be getting ready to load the saddle bags on the bike and head to the Union Sq. Farmers Market..it is, after all, Saturday morning. Today will be different because local Lisa will be heading to local it up in a small town in Italy called Lettomanoppello (say that 5 times fast!). This is not Rome or Florence, but a little town with cobble stone roads and where everything shuts down at 1PM for lunch and nap time.
This is where local is a way of life and I plan to jump right in..espresso in the AM, large lunches and small dinners. Outdoor markets are huge and sell everything (not just food!)..and I plan on shopping! Need a snack? No worries just grab a fig off of any random tree you see! Night life has everyone out..old and young alike...just hanging and enjoying life. There should be a lot of local religious feasts going on...they put the North End to shame.
Why head to such a small town? Well it has been a long 4 years since I visited this lady..she is my nonna and a culinary wonder! Also in this area are my aunts, uncles and cousins and more cousins including some new additions that I have yet to meet! I am beyond excited to see everyone!
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| Nonna! |
I will be spending a glorious 14 days relaxing and spending quality time with the fam. Zia Maria owns a restaurant where she whips up new recipes all the time...are you seeing where my love for cooking comes from?? Don't worry I plan on learning some new recipes, so you all will benefit as well!
Since Local Lisa will not be in town to support her favorite places..I would love for my loyal followers here to fill-in for me!
Union Sq. Farmers Market is about to open and the farmers need your support (9am-1pm)! No time? Don't worry Central is open on Monday from 12-6PM and Davis Sq on Wednesday (12-6PM)! You have the opportunity to try burrata from Fiori di Nonno or Mexican Chocolate from Taza at all 3 markets!
Sherman's cafe will be losing out a regular iced coffee drinker..so maybe ditch Dunkins for some quality brew or maybe spend a bit of time reading at True Grounds with a light roast..
Looking for a place to eat? Well try the new independent restaurant that may have opened in your town instead of the same old chain...Living around here? I know for a fact that Pizzeria Posto is in full Fall pumpkin mode..pumpkin beer and pumpkin risotto! The Foundry just opened this week in Davis Sq...I have yet to try it, so go and let me know how it is! I am still drooling over the Banana Bread Pudding from Highland Kitchen..worth the calories to the last bite!
Fluff Fest is being held in Union Sq on Sept 25th...a festival for what is probably the worst food ever invented..but it was created in Somerville and the event looks like a blast so go and have fun!
I will try to blog about being Local in Lettomanoppello..but as you can imagine internet may not be as readily available!
Stay happy, healthy and local!!
~L
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A fork and the best birthday cake..
Birthday week has been fantastic so far spending time with great family and friends, but 4 nights out in a row has left me craving a night in and some me time. Although sad that my plans with a great friend were canceled tonight, I am happily hanging in with a Jon Stewart rerun and this little tasty treat. Red Velvet goodness with cinnamon buttercream. No, a mouse did not nibble a bit of cake, it was me. Yes, I am writing while eating cake right from the box..don't judge.. you would be too if this was your cake.
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| Outside |
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| Inside |
A new baker is in town and I had a perfect excuse to seek her out. Her name is Linda Hein and her place is called The Chocolate Tart. Located in Somerville, the store front is unassuming so you may pass it. I suggest you don't pass it, but rather you look closely and not miss out on indulging in some fantastic goodies. I was teased a few weeks back when I bought a mini red velvet cupcake from this bakery that was being sold at Dave's Fresh Pasta. I was hooked and knew I needed this is a larger form and on my birthday. The cake is moist and delectable. The frosting is not overly sweet and not over loaded on top. Sweet and Simple could be an alternative name for this adorable little bakery. Oh and I must mention that the little bit of chocolate wishing me a happy birthday was a taste of heaven. I would very much like to jump into a bowl of this chocolate and eat my way out...or maybe just buy a cake with chocolate frosting.
The store front just opened and is located at 199c Highland Ave, Somerville. They sell products at other locations so go to the website and find a mini cupcake near you: http://www.thechocolatetarte.com/index.html
Monday, September 6, 2010
Local bars and bands
Last night there was a switch in squares for me and my friend O. Sometimes you have to change it up, so instead of the usual Union Sq, we decided to head west into Davis. Students are back, so you don't know what crowd will be out and about but we went for it anyway.
We settled on Joshua Tree for dinner, which was surprisingly half empty. It was a Sunday night, but with a new crop of students and a Monday holiday one would expect more of a crowd. I have had many of a night out there in the past, but I do not remember ever dinning in. Well the meal that was served up is probably why, if have did eat there in the past, I have no memory. Nothing outstanding or original in this place. Decent amount of vegetarian options, but nothing that jumped off the page.
We decided to split a veggie platter for an app to start. The vegetables were fresh and seasonal, as stated, but nothing fabulous about the balsamic reduction on top, nor with the side raspberry dressing.
I suspected, and proven correct, that the vegetable burger was not made in-house. It seems so last decade to not have a homemade veggie burger on your menu and even more outdated to not have more than one bread option (white sesame roll, really). I chose it anyway since they did make an effort to liven it up by topping it with grilled eggplant, zucchini and roasted peppers. Subbed the fries for a salad and, after one dip into the peanut dressing, grateful I had asked it on the side. The burger was not awful, but it was also not worth the $10.99 I was charged. I can buy 3 boxes of 4 Garden Burgers for that price and make my own over-processed meal. Beer was good..as always Alagash White and then a switch to Harpoon IPA..both local, both good!
I don't see myself heading back to the Joshua Tree anytime soon...especially not with the opening of the Foundry (owned by the same person as the Precinct and Independent) and the far superior Burren across the way. Maybe they will read this and make some updates...or not
After dinner we decided to ditch the dead bar scene at Joshua and head to the Burren where we found the crowd. Dark and a bit dingy, the Burren is a great spot to have a drink and rock out to some music. Did you know that Sunday is no cover night? Great music for free..just tip the band! We head in back to where the bands are set up. No idea who is playing or when, we grab a brew. Yes, local Lisa missed the UFO/Harpoon IPA on the board and went with a Blue Moon...I am still regretting this! Especially when I was called out by the MC who asked what I was having...but in good spirits he offered me a UFO and the night went on.
First up was some singer/song writer whose name I have sadly already forgotten..he was from Baltimore and every song seems to have been written for his wife..that is all I got from him.
I was sitting next to a local comedian (Brian Hourihan..shout out!) who informed me that the next band was awesome...and he could not have been more right. Up next was the amazingly talented group from Waltham and parts western MA called The Franks. Blazing out with hot reggae stylings my first thought was the drummer is really cute! My other music related thought was ...these guys are like Sublime but better...turns out they are more of a fusion of Sublime, Chili Peppers and the Police (their rendition of Everything Thing She Does is Magic was phenomenal and had me on my feet busting a move like only this white girl can..) Don't get me wrong, they have their own fresh sound..but all bands have influences..
I have no idea how long they played, but it was not long enough for me. Fantastic crowd interaction, music with great lyrics and a body moving beat ...this band is a hidden gem on the local scene. They had me so involved in their performance, it was not until their short break that I noticed I was surrounded by college kids with hats cocked sideways and "tried too hard" outfits....worth hanging out with the young crowd to hear these guys! I was able to give a few members of the band my humble positive feed back and in return they were friendly and gracious..
You should "like" them on Facebook to see what they are up too or go to their webpage: thefranksmusic.com. I am there now listening to the free tunes offered.
Never know what you will discover hanging in your local neighborhood!
We settled on Joshua Tree for dinner, which was surprisingly half empty. It was a Sunday night, but with a new crop of students and a Monday holiday one would expect more of a crowd. I have had many of a night out there in the past, but I do not remember ever dinning in. Well the meal that was served up is probably why, if have did eat there in the past, I have no memory. Nothing outstanding or original in this place. Decent amount of vegetarian options, but nothing that jumped off the page.
We decided to split a veggie platter for an app to start. The vegetables were fresh and seasonal, as stated, but nothing fabulous about the balsamic reduction on top, nor with the side raspberry dressing.
I suspected, and proven correct, that the vegetable burger was not made in-house. It seems so last decade to not have a homemade veggie burger on your menu and even more outdated to not have more than one bread option (white sesame roll, really). I chose it anyway since they did make an effort to liven it up by topping it with grilled eggplant, zucchini and roasted peppers. Subbed the fries for a salad and, after one dip into the peanut dressing, grateful I had asked it on the side. The burger was not awful, but it was also not worth the $10.99 I was charged. I can buy 3 boxes of 4 Garden Burgers for that price and make my own over-processed meal. Beer was good..as always Alagash White and then a switch to Harpoon IPA..both local, both good!
I don't see myself heading back to the Joshua Tree anytime soon...especially not with the opening of the Foundry (owned by the same person as the Precinct and Independent) and the far superior Burren across the way. Maybe they will read this and make some updates...or not
After dinner we decided to ditch the dead bar scene at Joshua and head to the Burren where we found the crowd. Dark and a bit dingy, the Burren is a great spot to have a drink and rock out to some music. Did you know that Sunday is no cover night? Great music for free..just tip the band! We head in back to where the bands are set up. No idea who is playing or when, we grab a brew. Yes, local Lisa missed the UFO/Harpoon IPA on the board and went with a Blue Moon...I am still regretting this! Especially when I was called out by the MC who asked what I was having...but in good spirits he offered me a UFO and the night went on.
First up was some singer/song writer whose name I have sadly already forgotten..he was from Baltimore and every song seems to have been written for his wife..that is all I got from him.
I was sitting next to a local comedian (Brian Hourihan..shout out!) who informed me that the next band was awesome...and he could not have been more right. Up next was the amazingly talented group from Waltham and parts western MA called The Franks. Blazing out with hot reggae stylings my first thought was the drummer is really cute! My other music related thought was ...these guys are like Sublime but better...turns out they are more of a fusion of Sublime, Chili Peppers and the Police (their rendition of Everything Thing She Does is Magic was phenomenal and had me on my feet busting a move like only this white girl can..) Don't get me wrong, they have their own fresh sound..but all bands have influences..
I have no idea how long they played, but it was not long enough for me. Fantastic crowd interaction, music with great lyrics and a body moving beat ...this band is a hidden gem on the local scene. They had me so involved in their performance, it was not until their short break that I noticed I was surrounded by college kids with hats cocked sideways and "tried too hard" outfits....worth hanging out with the young crowd to hear these guys! I was able to give a few members of the band my humble positive feed back and in return they were friendly and gracious..
You should "like" them on Facebook to see what they are up too or go to their webpage: thefranksmusic.com. I am there now listening to the free tunes offered.
Never know what you will discover hanging in your local neighborhood!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Vegetables with a side of vegetables
Last night I made a rare appearance outside the Somerville/Cambridge city limits to a restaurant in Dedham called the Yard House. Nice evening of outdoor eating and catch up time with my sis and cousin. I noticed on the Yard House menu an item called "gardin". It was starred at the bottom and was a mix of soy protein, wheat protein, pea protein and some other stuff. Any item that had a green dot next to it could have gardin substituted for the animal protein in the original version. I asked the waiter for more info..he was a good waiter and I am sure he meant well when he stated: "It is really good, taste just like chicken". Really? Just like chicken? There in a nutshell is the misconception. Vegetarians must be looking for something to eat that taste just like the food they are trying to avoid. When did this idea come into play? Aside from it making little sense, most of the items that give you the chicken/beef/pork flavor are often over processed food product found in the freezer section. If I wanted to eat food that tasted like chicken or beef, I would be eating those actual foods, right?
Needless to say I skipped the gardin and went for the shiitake/portabella lettuce wraps as my main meal. Not too filling, but the "chicken nachos without the chicken" we split as an app made up for that! (We all love to indulge in a good nacho platter every once in awhile..good for the soul!)
So today's lunch is vegetarian in the true sense of the word..actually it is vegan, but you get it. Fresh veggies, hummus and bread purchased at the Union Sq. market yesterday morning.
Seta's Mediterranean Foods usually are available at the Davis Sq Market, but she made a rare appearance on Saturday in Union Sq., so of course I had to purchase some of her hummus! Homemade and located in JP, her foods are tasty and hard to resist. Hummus, baba ganoush, cous cous salads and so on. I have taste tasted everything and this food is a delicious hidden gem at the market.
Needless to say I skipped the gardin and went for the shiitake/portabella lettuce wraps as my main meal. Not too filling, but the "chicken nachos without the chicken" we split as an app made up for that! (We all love to indulge in a good nacho platter every once in awhile..good for the soul!)
So today's lunch is vegetarian in the true sense of the word..actually it is vegan, but you get it. Fresh veggies, hummus and bread purchased at the Union Sq. market yesterday morning.
Seta's Mediterranean Foods usually are available at the Davis Sq Market, but she made a rare appearance on Saturday in Union Sq., so of course I had to purchase some of her hummus! Homemade and located in JP, her foods are tasty and hard to resist. Hummus, baba ganoush, cous cous salads and so on. I have taste tasted everything and this food is a delicious hidden gem at the market.
Roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes tossed with garlic, onion and a little evoo. Toasted 2 slices of Iggy's sourdough bread, spread some hummus and topped with veggies. I added a side salad of roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower with a bit of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Flavor packed and magically delicious!
Stay happy and healthy! ~L
Friday, September 3, 2010
In with Earl
Hanging in on this Friday night due to a potential high-wind rain storm..but true to weathermen form it seems this one has been blown out of proportion.
Regardless, happy to be in after a long work week and even happier to finally cook up the huge cauliflower I picked up from the Kimball Farm stand at the market Saturday. Have I ever mentioned one of my favorite things about buying local vegetables is the length of time they keep? If you think about a cauliflower that is picked in California, stored, transported, stocked and then bought by you? It easily has been off the farm for 1 to 2 weeks! Even worse, have you ever wondered how it last in your home for even 1 day? What has been done to the vegetable? Scary to think about it!
I can buy food picked the day before OR on the day of the market and know it will last me the week (plus) and not go to waste. Now only if we can find a way to grow bananas, avocados and kiwis in New England!
Back to the cauliflower. Cauliflower is a good source of fiber and low in calories. I really love it in curries, but tonight I needed to use what I had in the homestead. I had a couple of tomatoes left over from the jarring event on Sunday so I chopped those up. I quickly sauteed the tomatoes with onion and garlic. I have a stove top steamer, so once the water boiled I had the cauliflower in there for about 4-5 minutes. Tossed it in with the tomato and blended all the flavors. Could have easily eaten this all raw, but I was feeling the need for a warm meal...even though it is extremely humid out and I was melting those few minutes in front of the stove.
Placed it on top of Lily's Vegan Pasta and here you go..
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