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End of Summer Corn Salad

, by umommy

Boston Brunchers Review: M3 (Davis Square)

As I’ve mentioned previously, brunch is my absolute favorite meal. Other than waiting for a table at some of the more popular brunch spots, it’s a win-win when it comes to dining out with your kids. What kid doesn’t like pancakes (or in my case, bacon)? And brunch is the few times when it’s totally acceptable to have a cocktail before noon.

But let’s be honest for a moment, most brunch places are kind of the same. You got your eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, etc. So when I heard the Boston Brunchers were going check out M3, Davis Square’s new Southern-inspired restaurant, I quickly jumped at the chance faster than you can say “Meat & Three.”

M3, which stands for the southern concept of “meat and three sides,” is the brainchild of owner and Nashville, Tennessee native Jason Owens. There is a very hip, retro vibe as soon as you walk in. It could be the pretty blue tin decorative ceiling and light fixtures, the kitschy salt & pepper shakers, or the fact that the walls and tables are covered with chalk-board paint. Whatever it is, it is way cool.

While I was not with my kids, I can confidently say M3 is kid-friendly. There were plenty of diners with young children. I know my kids would get a kick out of drawing right on the table with the bowls filled with chalk. While M3 does not have a kids menu, there certainly is plenty of items even the pickiest eater can find enjoyable on the menu.

As a group, the Boston Brunchers were treated to a sampling of their greatest hits when it comes to brunch. We started off with a refreshing pickled watermelon salad with minty goat cheese and cucumber. The combination of sweet and sour plus the silkiness of the goat cheese was a perfect palate cleanser.

Pickles is their thing here. And they do it well. There is the perfect balance of tangy, sour, bite and crunch.

Next came the Scotch Eggs. I’ve never had scotch eggs before, but always wanted to try one. M3’s Scotch Eggs are made with quail eggs, wrapped in a house sausage and deep-fried. I like ordering things I would never make for myself at home. This is definitely one of them.

Then came some true southern dishes according to some of the fellow brunchers who hailed from the south. Our group swooned over the Chicken and Biscuits - house-made chicken patties served between fresh buttermilk biscuits and gravy.

At this point I was getting full, but our server brought out another southern classic - Fried Chicken and Waffles. And looking around the dining room, this was a popular item. The chicken was cooked perfectly but was outshined by the waffles in my opinion. Hard to compete with made to order waffles stuffed with pecans and topped with cherries.

Athena Yang of Finance Foodie excited to dig in

It was official. We were stuffed. But then it happened. Stack of the fluffiest blueberry pancakes topped with lemon ricotta and house berry syrup. We all just *had* to try it. And so glad we did.

Just as we were all trying to loosen some clothing due to expanding waistlines, the final dish made its entrance: cinnamon bran, texas-style, French toast with apple butter syrup and, wait for it… bacon covered with chocolate. Oh. My. M3’s pastry chef is also a chocolatier and makes and hand-dips the bacon in-house. Over the top? Maybe. Delicious? You bet.

As we all rolled out of there, it was unanimous everyone would return. Maybe only after running a marathon the day before so we would not feel so guilty consuming all those calories. But brunch is supposed to be indulgent. And M3 hits “indulgence” right out of the park.

Disclosure: Thanks to M3 and Boston Brunchers for hosting brunch, which I received free of charge. As always, all opinions are my own.

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, by umommy

In Back To School, Easy Lunchboxes

A Page from My Back-to-School (BTS) Playbook

Since I’m still in denial that summer is over (as I mentioned I would be doing in my previous post), I haven’t been thinking too much about Back to School, or BTS as retailers have dubbed it. But I did get a wake up call when I was recently interviewed for a story in the Boston Herald on lunch packing ideas (yes, that was a humble brag!).

You’ll find your fair share of articles on ways to shake up PB&J, healthy after school snack ideas, or how to re-invent the “sandwich.” I thought I’d share a couple of pages from my playbook when it comes to packing my kids’ lunch. And because my boys hate sandwiches (with the exception of PB&J and different versions of it), you won’t find a sandwich idea in the bunch!

Leftovers are key. Pasta, soups, rice dishes and stews reheat well. Make an extra batch to serve for lunch the next day.

Go-To Weeknight Dish: Pasta with Rosemary, Sausage & Tomatoes

Tip: Fill a thermos container with hot water for at least 10 minutes before filling it with food. It will help keep the contents warmer longer. We spring a little extra for the vacuum insulated thermos food jars. They keep the food hot longer and never leak.

Always pack fresh fruit and veggies. Raw baby carrots are convenient for sure. I find slicing an apple is more likely to get eaten than if I were to pack an apple whole. My boys might not always eat all of their fruits and veggies I pack, but it sends them a message about what makes a healthy meal.

Sliced apple trick from The Kitchn

Tip: Apple corer/slicer will be your best friend. Core and slice an apple and then assemble it back together and hold together with an elastic band. It will help keep the slices from browning!

Pack breakfast for lunch. My boys love hot oatmeal. I add diced apples, raisins, nuts and a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Our favorite steel cut oatmeal brand (it's the uniformity of granulation!)

Tip: Soak steel cut oats the night before. You’ll have perfect oats the next morning when you are packing their lunches. Just add your mix-ins, reheat in the microwave and pack in a thermos container.

I’m a big fan of Easylunchboxes. The bento-style container helps me organize what to pack. The single lid is great for younger kids, especially when lunch is less than 30 minutes long.

Easylunchbox compartments make it easy to pack lunch quickly

Tip: I save small condiment containers whenever we order takeout. They are perfect for holding dips/sauces, dressings and usually fit neatly right in the Easylunchbox.

I try not to introduce new foods at school lunch. This often results in a barely-touched lunchbox. I want to make sure they have a good meal to get them through the day. I ~~torture~~ introduce them to new recipes on the weekends.

Pizza from Pizzeria Bianco: not your everyday hot lunch (but sure wish it was)

Tip: Give yourself (and your kids) a break and let your kids buy hot lunch at school periodically. My son looks forward to Fridays when he can buy lunch (which happens to be Pizza Day at school).

It’s tempting to turn to convenience foods or tried and true (PB&J) when it comes to packing lunches. Establishing healthy eating habits takes a little bit of work – but not much. Maybe an extra five minutes. Seriously.

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In Back To School, kitchen appliance

March of Dimes/Macy's Shop for a Cause

When I started this blog a few years ago, I figured I would blog about a couple of recipes, maybe a restaurant review here and there. I was new to the blogosphere and had little foresight that blogging can extend far beyond a snarky post, a flash giveaway, and some food porn. Blogs and social media can be used for good, helping others in need by amplifying a message to the masses.

That is why I am thrilled to participate in the March of Dimes/Macy’s Shop for a Cause Campaign. If you aren’t familiar with the March of Dimes, they’ve been around since 1938, working to prevent birth defects, premature birth, infant mortality along with advancing maternal and health research. Did you know 1 in 8 babies are born too early? These babies face an increased risk of serious medical complications or death. The March of Dimes is helping moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.

Save 25% on the 25^th and Help Babies

So here’s the fun part – March of Dimes has partnered with Macy’s for a special Shop for a Cause fundraiser. Here’s how it works:

Buy a $5 Macy’s savings pass and use it to get 25% off regular, sale and clearance merchandise throughout the store as well as 10% off furniture, mattresses and area rugs. The pass is valid in all Macy’s stores on Saturday, August 25, 2012.
Macy's will donate 100% of the $5 cost of the savings pass to the March of Dimes to help give more babies a healthy start in life.

When to buy passes:

August 15-24: buy passes in-store (good for in-store purchases only)
August 25: buy a $5 savings pass online at macys.com (good for online purchases only)

When to shop:

August 25: use your passes online or in-stores (depending on where you bought them)
August 24-25: Two stores in Massachusetts will hold an exclusive Two-Day Shop for a Cause - Boston (450 Washington Street, Boston); Berkshire (170 Old State Road, Lanesboro).

And you have to admit, there’s still more back-to-school shopping to be done (hell, I’m still trying to catch up and get some summer shopping done). I thought I’d help and share some ideas when it comes to kitchen gear for back-to-school meals, school clothes, and some arm candy for being a rockin’ mom:

OXO Pop Containers: great storage solution for cereals, grains, and snacks.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker: Set-it-and-forget-it for perfect rice for weekday meals.

OXO 3-in-1 Avocado Tool: sliced avocado for sandwiches or quac never has been easier.

Bodum Coffee Press: for the extra boost parents need during the school year.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker: fresh & healthy smoothie pops in 7 minutes for after school snack.

Levis, Mechanics Tee, Chuck Taylors: coolest kid on the playground.

Coach Carryall: perfect for PTO meeting to weekend getaway.

You can also check out more picks on my Macy’s Shop for a Cause Pinterest board here.

Go to Macy’s this Saturday (or online at macys.com), buy a savings pass, get your BTS shopping done, save 25%, help babies. Doesn’t get better than that.

This post was inspired by my participation in a compensated program initiated by Women Online/TheMission List to raise awareness about the March of Dimes/Macy’s charitable fundraiser. All commentary, opinions, and fabulous finds are, of course, my own.

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, by umommy

In BBQ, family-friendly

Hanging on to the Last Days of Summer

I’m about to write something that makes me very sad… summer is almost over. Back-to-school flyers have invaded our mailbox. There’s now a steady stream of communication from the boys’ schools. Our family dinners outside are ending a little earlier every night. Sniff.

But I try to be the "glass-is-half-full" kind of gal and look at it this way: there are over two more weeks to celebrate the best of the season. So when I heard Joe’s American Bar and Grill has a summer menu complete with an upscale take on cookout classics, plus a killer Summer at Joe’s sweepstakes, I raised my glass of Sam Summer and shouted “Hallelujah!”

Joe’s American Bar & Grill is a classic in the New England restaurant scene. With 12 locations throughout New England, Joe’s is all about familiar American fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. I had the opportunity to sample some items from the summer menu and some of Joe’s all-time favorites with fellow Boston Parent Bloggers.

For appetizers: try Joe’s Maryland Lump Crab Cakes, Joe’s Famous Barbecued Ribs (slow cooked for fall-of-the-bone-goodness), Black Skillet Roasted Mussels (my favorite), and the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

For Entrees: you gotta go with the Joe’s Original burger, finalist in the Boston Battle of the Burger or the Fish N Chips. The Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Salad is a great refreshing choice too (though my shrimp was over-seasoned for my taste).

Dessert: everything. Still dreaming about the Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie and Charles River Pie…

Concept Chef Sean McDonald was sure to point out that unlike other restaurants, everything on the menu is made from scratch. You won’t find a microwave or a freezer in the kitchen (except for a small freezer for the ice cream).

And every Wednesday through Labor Day, Joe’s is running a “Celebrate America” sweepstakes. Fans get a chance to win concert tickets, Six Flags Passes, and Joe’s gift cards to name a few. And one lucky winner will win a grand prize package with VIP passes to the Life is Good Festival, tour the Sam Adams brewery, Red Sox Tickets, an overnight at the Hotel Commonwealth, and special dinners at Joe’s and sister restaurant Abe & Louie’s. Wow. Be sure to check out Joe’s Facebook page for more details.

Joe’s summer menu is a tribute to the backyard barbecue. That’s my kind of barbecue! And the Summer at Joe’s Sweepstakes would be the ideal way to celebrate all the things you love about summer in New England. I’m hanging on to summer – even if it means wearing white after Labor Day.

Disclosure: Thanks to Joe's American Bar & Grill for hosting the event, which I received free of charge. I have no material connection to the brands, products or services mentioned. As always, opinions are my own.

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, by umommy

In bread, breakfast

Wordless Wednesday

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In anna's taqueria, burritos

Just When You Thought You Knew Someone (Anna's Taqueria Review)

During the dog days of summer, almost all of our cooking involves the grill. But in extreme heat (record-breaking temps this week), the last thing on my mind is to put myself in front of an open fire. A bowl of cereal would suffice if it were just I. But the littles need more sustenance. Local eatery here we come!

Everyone has his or her “go-to” place for take-out. They are often affordable, quick, and consistent. No menu is needed as you often order the same thing. And it is unlikely Instagram-worthy. It’s the unsung hero of family dinners, yet always welcomed enthusiastically.

One of our go-to take-out places is Anna’s Taqueria. My husband and I have been going to Anna’s since our days as BU undergrads. The place is a Boston institution. Now celebrating 15 years, Anna’s has six locations all over the greater Boston area. Anna’s is one of the most beloved taquerias in the area – and that’s saying a lot for a town that has more burrito joints than you can shake a tortilla chip at.

For years (and years, and years…) I’ve been ordering the same thing – grilled chicken burrito with cheese. Anna’s menu includes lots of great options such as quesadillas, tacos, and Mexican plates. But since my college days, I very rarely stray from my grilled chicken burrito. And now as a mom with two hungry boys, we still frequent Anna’s and they too will order the same thing visit after visit – chicken burrito for my oldest and rice and beans for the 3 year old.

So when I got an invite to attend a summer picnic hosted by Anna’s to try other items, including a soon-to-launch new kid’s meal, I knew it was time to be “adventurous” and try something new.

So how did it go? The boys loved their kid’s meal – a mini version of Anna’s Mexican plate. They got a choice of rice or beans (pinto beans), choice of chicken, steak or grilled veggies (chicken) and a small quesadilla. They attacked it as if it was a deconstructed chicken quesadilla and went to work reconstructing it their taste.

For the grown-ups, they had range of burritos to try: including grilled chicken (of course), chicken ranchero (spicy with peppers and onions), carnitas (roasted pork), chili verde (pork in spicy sauce), al pastor (rotisserie-cooked pork), steak, steak salsa roja (spicy pepper-based sauce), barbacoa (shredded beef in chili sauce), lengua (slow-cooked beef tongue) and grilled veggies.

photos courtesy of Anna's

We also got to try some of their house-made drinks such as Horchata (traditional, sweet, cold Mexican drink made from ground almonds and milk) and Jamaica (Mexican fruit punch made from boiled Passion Flower petals). So good.

So let it be known, on June 27, 2012, I retired my grilled chicken burrito obsession and have moved on to my new favorite – the al Pastor burrito. And yes, washing it down with house-made Horchata.

So if you haven’t been to Anna’s (the horror) or haven’t tried something new, I encourage you to go. Like today. It pays to be adventurous. Just not sure if I’ll ever be so adventurous to order THE CUBIO. For those that aren’t familiar with the Cubio, it is not for the faint of heart (it isn’t even on the menu). But here’s a hint: three super burritos rolled into one.

Anna's Taqueria (Brookline, Beacon St) on Urbanspoon

Disclosure: Thanks to Anna's Taqueria for hosting the event, which I received free of charge. I have no material connection to the brands, products or services mentioned. As always, opinions are my own.

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, by umommy

In Cutty's, pork

Wordless Wednesday: Pork Fat (yeah!)

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In Macy's Culinary Council, Ming Tsai

Macy's Great American Chefs Tour with Ming Tsai

I am a big fan of the original reality TV – cooking shows. You get solid entertainment in the raw without the manufactured drama like some shows (shows that sound like "shmeal mouselives" for example). So when I heard Chef Ming Tsai was doing a live cooking demo as part of Macy’s Great American Chefs Tour, I was there faster than a carload of hungry chefs racing to their next elimination challenge on Top Chef.

In partnership with KitchenAid, celebrity chefs from Macy’s Culinary Council (if there was a Cooking Hall of Fame, these chefs would all be in it) are touring the country, making stops in over 15 cities this summer. These chefs will visit Macy’s, culinary schools and other venues, doing live cooking demonstrations while dishing out cooking tips and samples at these events.

Cut to last week where Chef Ming Tsai (of Blue Ginger fame and a formidable media empire of his own) prepared Shrimp, Mango and Herb Summer Rolls and Wok-Stirred Veggies and Rice Noodle Salad. As he prepared these dishes on stage, he managed to get the audience laughing, asking questions, and drooling as he deftly maneuvered from ingredient to ingredient like the pro he is (he did defeat Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America after all).

Shrimp, Mango and Herb Summer Rolls w/Mango Puree

Wok-Stirred Veggies with Rice Noodle Salad

Here are some cooking tips I learned from this experience:

Use fish sauce sparingly… the stuff is pungent. And you don’t want to know how fish sauce is made!
To drain and stop pasta from cooking, drain in a salad spinner
When cooking with green onions, use the white part for flavor and finish with the green part for garnish
For fresh lime juice, roll limes with your hand before squeezing. Then slice in half and use tongs to squeeze.
Champagne pairs well with just about everything. Or as Ming puts it “it goes with everything, including mornings.”

I’ve always been a big fan of Ming Tsai – love his cooking shows, cookbook, recipes (his Asian Chicken Noodle Salad is one of my summer favorites), and restaurant. And thrilled to see that he’s coming out with a new cookbook this fall – wahoo!

Meeting an Iron Chef with Viola Cay

So if you get a chance, check out any of these other Macy’s Culinary Council events. And get cooking this summer. Can’t think of anything better than some fresh summer rolls while watching an episode of Top Chef Masters… or Storage Wars.