New Connoisseurs Corner spots started running yesterday, and listeners (or those that can't listen) often ask about the topics, so as always, I'm posting (in a few parts), typed up versions of my crib notes for the spots. Please tune in to WBZ 1030am, or check us out on CBSBoston.com in a couple of weeks when the recordings are posted on the website for your listening pleasure.
Without further ado, here are the first few spots.
1. Zayde’s in Canton (home made corned beef)
I love little local shops that offer something a little different or
unique…my wife happened to stumble into Zayde’s Kosher Market in Cobb Corner in
Canton, MA.
This is
more than your usual Kosher market.
Previously known as the Butcherie II, about a year ago they changed
their name and I think gives it a homier feel.
But more than the name, the food tastes like home. With fresh prepared foods to go, including
soups, marinated and cooked meats and traditional foods like stuffed cabbage
and chicken schnitzel, and bagels straight from Brooklyn, they’re gaining real
traction. But, to me, the most
interesting, and tasty items was their home-made corned beef. This is not your deli-counter, plastic-wrapped
corned beef, but a tender cut of beef, seasoned and cooked slowly, rendered
into a sublime treat for your mouth.
With a
dearth of real delis (there’s even a book called “Save the Deli”), the choices
are few, but sometimes a market holds a few surprises, and home-made corned
beef at Zayde’s is one!
*************************
2. Vin Bin
Since I normally focus on food, I don’t want you to get nervous when I mention
the Vin Bin in Marlborough, Southborough and Hopkinton, and thevinbin.com. Just a month or so ago, I asked a colleague
for advice on a new, unknown, hidden jewel for lunch, and she put me onto the
Vin Bin on Route 9 in Southborough.
In a
non-descript plaza across from the reservoir, the Vin Bin disguises itself as a
wine and craft beer shop, but in both its Marlborough and Southborough
locations, they have café where you can order extremely well-made and tasty sandwiches,
Panini, soups and salads. With high
quality chips and other accompaniments, as well as cold drinks, and plenty of
seating, I really enjoyed my roast beef sandwich, which was made with pepper crusted slow roasted beef, horseradish
mayo, vermont cheddar, arugula, tomato, ciabatta, and my colleague enjoys the
Shoemaker, which is house made
chicken salad, pancetta, mayo, red onion, celery, lettuce, tomato,
ciabatta. These are terrific shops
with helpful people, making delicious food.
Adding to the experience is the cheese counter where you can sample and
purchase high-end cheese. The Vin Bin is
a “Vinner”!
**************************
3. Concord Cheese Shop
For the
first time ever, THE CHEESE SHOP OF CONCORD has launched a cheese-of-the-month
club.
Artisinal
and imported cheeses are expensive, but if
cheese is your thing... each months' package
includes a different themed assortment of 1.5 lbs. of cheese
The club includes crackers, notes on pairing suggestions, and a bonus gift of
jam/chutney/nuts/tea or olive oil.
February's
theme is Great Cheeses of Massachusetts (did you know there are more than 100
made here in the Commonwealth?)
You can
pick up at the shop, or have it shipped Priority Mail for a few bucks more and you can
join the club for 3, 6 or 12 months.
A unique personal or corporate gift idea.
Call THE
CHEESE SHOP OF CONCORD at 978-369-5778 or check out the website here.
*********************************************************************
4. Every Sunday, tens of thousands of readers
open up their Sunday Boston Globe Magazine and drool over its recipes and
luscious food photography.
The man
behind those images, a talented local artist named Jim Scherer, is exhibiting a
collection of his works in Milton at FRUIT CENTER MARKETPLACE from now thru the
end of March.
This
mouth-watering display of sensuous plums, juicy green apples and burst
pomegranates is free to the public, and can be enjoyed daily during Marketplace
hours.
Don't
miss this deliciously unique art show, located next to the brand-new
restaurant, The Plate, on the mezzanine level of Fruit Center.
FruitCenter Marketplace is at 10 Bassett Street in East Milton Square.
************************************************************************************
5. Eating isn’t just about the food on
the table, but the table itself. As you
know, you eat first with your eyes.
A new
shop in Newton has opened recently with the memorable name of: GREENTAIL TABLE
Every
item on its shelves has been meticulously curated and includes items you will
not find anywhere else in metrowest ...much is made from natural and sutainable
materials.
from
simple ceramic bowls fired in The Imperial Ovens of Japan, to Italian cocktail
glasses imbedded with real silver
and from
hand-printed kitchen linens to copper candlesticks ... and so much more you'll
need an hour to take it all in !
Need a
gift for a food loving friend, relative, co-worker or hostess ? Stop by
GREENTAIL TABLE at 343 Watertown Street in Newton.
You can check
it out before you go at www.greentailtable.com
********************************
Coming up...more spots!
