Features

Standing in a sunny field at midday, I realize why farmers harvest in the cool of the morning. A careful application of sunscreen has vanished and perspiration stings my eyes. Tim Nourse, by contrast, has not broken a sweat. Well into his seventies, the owner of Nourse Farms moves nimbly down a row of asparagus, stooping frequently to shear foot-tall spears at ground level. Now he’s tutoring me.

When news broke in April that Highland Kitchen owners Mark Romano and Marci Joy purchased the recently shuttered East Coast Grill (the worst kept secret in Camberville), you could hear the collective exhale. Since opening in 1985, East Coast Grill followed owner Chris Schlesinger’s unique vision for what a restaurant could be. With eclectic flavors and familiar service, he cultivated generations of loyal patrons and an impressive family tree of restaurant talent.

When you talk with Toni Elka about Future Chefs, the non-profit vocational training program she founded for urban youth, she happily shares about the nuts and bolts of the endeavor. But more than anything, the executive director wants to tell you about the joy she feels watching young people become successful working adults. “There are a million wonderful stories,” she enthuses. “I expect the best of each of them.”

Before we all say BOY-BYE to the work week and sail off into the 3-day weekend sunset, let's take a look at the food happenings this week.

The FDA is calling out the crazy amounts of sugar added to our food. Moms everywhere are psyched. Food companies, not so much.

You know another controversial label? Vegan. 

Now that it’s late spring, the ubiquity of farmers markets is more apparent; it seems like every neighborhood has one. On almost any day of the week, you’re certain to find local vendors selling gorgeous produce, meat, dairy, and specialty items to passersby within 10 miles of Boston. It’s a reflection of our increasing interest to eat local and support Massachusetts growers.

There was a time when festival food meant byo pb&j and bland burritos. 

These days, concert goers expect the caliber of food to match the music — you want really good grub to power the days-long dance-a-thon.

This Weekend's Boston Calling is no exception, with vendors hawking everything from grass-fed burgers to hot Belgian waffles. 

In 2005, I went to Brazil to meet my brother (who was there on business). I knew he wouldn’t be at the hotel when I arrived, but hadn’t counted on him not leaving me a key at the front desk. Hot, hungry and jetlagged, I walked the streets of the northern city of Salvador looking for something to eat. On a quiet side street I stumbled on a small restaurant. The walls were painted white and behind the counter there were a couple menu items written in vinyl letter stickers.

What if I told you that eliminating food waste could potentially end hunger and help save the environment — not only in your local community, but also worldwide? You might think I’m exaggerating, or that it’s just wishful thinking. The good news is, it’s not.

I love the summer in New England because it enhances my ability to enjoy awesome local food. Snow may not impede me from getting to restaurants, but now I can pick the berries myself before they end up in my pie. I have more daylight to photograph food in natural light (yay, better food photos!). And best of all, I love exploring summertime farmers’ markets.