Monday Morsels, First Edition July 1, 2024

If you have followed our gastronomic journey over the years, you know that we love exploring restaurants in New England and the individuals “behind the falafel” who pour their heart and soul into their business. Our search inevitably begins with “Hey Siri, best restaurants near me,” then it’s the deep dive into the “review” abyss. Revenue lost from bad reviews is significant and conversely the revenue gained from positive reviews is great. Yelp can be a big OUCH to business! Not to mention customers differ regarding their tastes, experiences and expectations. Terri’s five-star differs from Nanci’s five-star!  Review scales include thumbs, stars and numbers.  Our mission: to create a review scale that reflects the overall experience and lets you know how much we love it with the OOR Lovin' It Seal of Approval! 

OOR LOVIN' IT SEAL OF APPROVAL SCALE

FOOD: Delicious, Pretty good, Could be better, Will try it again, Eh, Not returning.

STAFF: Attentive & fun, Attentive but stuffy, Menschy, Prickly, What a ….

AMBIANCE: Feels like home, I wish it were my home, Comfortable, Comfortable enough, Would rather be home.

NOISE LEVEL: Over 55 beware, Just like walking into Hollister, Have to scream to have a conversation, Great music, STF UP.

THE POUR: There is no line, Above the line, At the line, Below the Line, Last in line.

PORTIONS: Generous, Shareable, What you might expect, Really...?

STEPPING OUT WITH THE CO-ROCKERS

The joint where everybody knows our name is Juniper in Wellesley. Dave Becker, owner and self-described adrenaline junkie and his staff (shout out to Mark and Sarah and the gang) always make us feel welcome, offering hugs, laughter and of course the fabulous Mediterranean fare. During Covid, we approached Dave with the idea of creating a pop up to support the small CPG brands that had suddenly lost the opportunity to sell. He has always been open to our hairbrained-LucyandEthelesque ideas and willing to let us go with it. So move over Norm and Cliff, The Co-Rockers have a seat at this bar! P.S. If you head to Juniper or Dave’s sister restaurants, Sweet Basil Needham and Sweet Basil Waltham and happen to catch Dave, Sarah or Mark, please tell them Nanci & Terri sent you (we might just get an extra glass of wine!) P.P.S. They are now open for lunch!

JUNIPER GETS THE OFFICIAL OOR LOVIN' IT SEAL OF APPROVAL!

The bottom line: It's F...ING good! 

Staff: Menschy

Food: Delicious (Terri's go to: Lamb Kebab, Shish Touk, Quinoa Falafel. Nanci's go to: Mussels, Lamb Bolo and fresh pita and dips!)

Ambience: Feels like home (Dave is a potter and makes his own dishes!)

Portions: Generous & shareable

The Pour: Above the line

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The "Influencia" Epidemic

We started OOR eight years ago and despite the seemingly short time frame, there has been lightning growth in social media, branding and marketing. There's a horde of influencers who have ballooned from “nano” to “mega”, with the intention of becoming affiliate marketers. (Yup, we’ve been brushing up on our lingo) Nanos are eking out an existence in search of new brands and begging for samples, and Megas want free product, $$ and your first born in exchange for a story that disappears. Don’t get us wrong - influencers have helped brands take off,  providing them with exposure that will change the course of their product. Merriam Webster’s defines influence as, “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.”  Harkening back to the old Faberge commercial, “I told two friends and they told two friends and so on and so on…” Today, it’s I told 10,000 friends and they told 10,000 friends and now it has become viral…or dare we say an epidemic? Given that The Co-Rockers like to rock the boat, we propose a name change for influencers and followers: Bandwagoners and their Groupies. We think folks will be ready to upset the cookie cart and “step” aboard!  With that, here are products we recently discovered, love and have received no marketing $’s or products in exchange (why would we, we barely have followers…)

THE CO-ROCKERS BANDWAGON

SALUTING CHIP, CHIP HOORAY FOR THE 4TH!

Mi Nina Tortilla Chips, Massachusetts: Everyone who knows Nanci, knows that this is her favorite chip for snacking and dipping. Jamie Mammano the famed chef of Mistral and Sorellina (yup, still around) recreated his mother-in-law’s recipe from Mexico, bringing authentic tortilla chips east of the border. Now produced in Brockton, this chip has made its way across the US. Alas a chip alone, is just that: a chip! And like The Co-Rockers, it needs a partner. 

Harvest Maine's Broccomole Spread, Maine  We came across this product at a local farm after Amelia Bedelia and Lucy lost their way during a hike in the woods. At least we crossed paths with this product from Harvest Maine. Check out their story and commitment to use misbegotten, blemished veggies and turn them into delectable dips that compliment Mi Nina! Nanci was so excited about this small growing business she was even willing to entertain a job opening in Maine, but honestly who is going to cook for Wayno when she's gone! Check out the website to find a spread nearest you!

Jalapa Jar Salsa, Brooklyn,NY: There are salsas The Co-Rockers have loved, one in particular hit the spot, but the biz expanded quickly and changed their consistency and taste – that's the world of CPG, folks. Terri enjoys jarred salsas, Nanci loves a pureed fresh salsa, both love heat. While perusing the refrigerated items at Whole Foods, they found a jarred fresh salsa, Jalapa Jar. The price at $8.99 was an “ouch” at first, but honestly, we’d give up our second cup of coffee (not giving up coffee!) for this fresh, delicious condiment. Apparently, Jalapa has been around, has recently landed in NE, is crafted by Texans and made in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard, oy vey!.. Btw, there is an on-line purchase option at a lower cost (but you still incur the shipping fee). Probably worth it for The Co-Rockers as they inhale a jar every two days!

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON

In the meantime, we leave you with this...

"Enjoy every sandwich"... Warren Zevon

Have a rockin' 4th of July and "enjoy every morsel!

XOXO The Co-Rockers!

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