Category: Spotlight

Local companies highlighted in Newton, MA.

Close Call Casting Call

Hi there,

My name is Shannon Walsh and I work with a company called Strickman-Ripps Casting. We are a NYC based casting company that specializes in finding real people for television, internet and non-fiction media projects. You can learn more about us at www.strickman-ripps.com.

We are currently working on an important campaign for a major company. It is designed to inform the public about the dangers of accidental injuries, involving children.

The project will feature real people who have experienced a “close call” where a child was involved in an accidental injury in or around the home. Perhaps the close call resulted in an injury from which the child recovered, a survival story where maybe the parents were moved into action to prevent it from happening again. Have you or a friend of yours experienced a “close call” with a child from an accidental home injury relating to Fire, Drowning, Poisoning, or Furnitrue/TV Tip-Overs? Would you or they be willing to share that story on behalf of awareness and preventing a similar or worse situation from happening to another family?

Those who are featured in the final project will be able to share their stories on a national level with the hope that their experience and insight might help to prevent similar situations. They would be fully compensated for their participation in ths project as well.

Please feel free to call with any questions at 212-966-3211 or email us at research@strickman-ripps.com.

Thank you so much for your time.

All the best,

Shannon Walsh

Casting Director

November 22, 2015
A Perspective on the HPV Vaccine

Checking One Thing Off My Worry List: A Perspective on the HPV Vaccine

As a parent, we worry about everything. From the food that our children eat, to their friends, to what they will do the moment they leave our sight. It’s enough to cause an ulcer.

What I have learned in my years of being a parent is to control the things you can and try not to worry about those things you can’t (lest you are resolved to rocking in the fetal position all day every day).

For me, health is one of those things that falls into the bucket of ‘control the things you can’ (to some extent). We are fortunate enough to live in a time where real solutions are available to us: access to healthier food options, research on what works and what doesn’t, health advances such as vaccines, treatments for many sicknesses, and quick and easy access to loads of information on the Internet.

But even with all these advances, our families and our children still face many health issues. So if you could cross at least one of these off your list of things to worry about, you’d do it, right?

HPV cancer vaccine flyer – 8-1/2 x 11

Did you know that about 14 million people will be infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) this year? And while some of those infected with HPV will be fine, others will develop cancer as a result of being infected. But there is an easy 3-step vaccine that can be given to both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12 – and it can prevent cervical cancer.

So why wouldn’t you want to vaccinate against this preventable cancer if you could? I know I want to.

But don’t take my word for it – read about this important health issue and the vaccine to prevent it at CDC’s website here.

And remember, always talk with your doctor about anything health-related before making any decisions.

November 16, 2015
Foodie Guide to Boston’s Chinatown

I keep running into my friend Stella in Chinatown even though we both live here in Newton so I am calling upon her expertise to help me with this guide to Chinatown in Boston. It’s a little mystifying to find the best of the best in Chinatown. We usually agree, but when we don’t, I’m going to list both options.

My kids are of a different mind. They think I am being a “Bruce Lee” by spilling Asian secrets and thereby making their favorite haunts even more crowded than they already are. There is plenty for everyone!

What makes you hesitate to go to Chinatown? Is it the bad drivers? Is the lack of parking? Is it because you don’t speak Mandarin? The drivers are terrible; this is true. We park at a lot on Tyler Street. It’s impossible to get meter parking but we manage once or twice a year to score a spot. And not everyone in Chinatown speaks Mandarin; there are hundreds of Chinese dialects so not everyone who lives there can understand each other. Your English will be fine!

Hope you venture into Chinatown. There are a lot of delicacies waiting for you there!

Best Dim Sum

China Pearl Restaurant

9 Tyler St
Boston, MA 02111

Everyone I know agrees that this is the best Dim Sum in Boston. It still doesn’t compare to Dim Sum in Hong Kong, or in Chinatowns in Los Angeles or San Francisco though so don’t get your hopes up too high. Still, their Har Gao is as good as any in the world.

Go before 11am on the weekend or expect to wait in line.

Best Soup Dumplings

Gourmet Dumpling House

52 Beach St

Boston, MA 02111

There’s usually a line out the door for dumplings so your best bet is to call ahead and pick up. Or do what we do. We order the soup dumplings when we are seated for Dim Sum (but before we start eating), then we pick them up on our way out for an afternoon snack.

Best Asian “Starbucks”

Tea Do

8 Tyler St

Boston, MA 02111

Stella turned us on to this contemporary tea house and my kids like their smoothies and bubble tea. Their Japanese snacks are great too! This is a popular hangout for teens in the area and stocked with board games so you can hang out while sipping your drink! This is a de rigeur stop for us when we come to Chinatown for Dim Sum!

Best Cantonese Seafood

We have a split decision. I have been going to Peach Farm for more than 10 years and therefore haven’t tried anything new since finding it. Stella likes Jade Garden and she’s Cantonese!

Peach Farm

4 Tyler St

Boston, MA 02111

Try the Salt and Pepper Squid. We order it half squid and half beef with bone. I like their ginger and scallion lobster too. Even our kids will eat the shrimp — that’s live from the tank (with the heads on), then steamed and served with sauce. Our kids like the sauce that isn’t spicy.

Jade Garden

20 Tyler St

Boston, MA 02111

Best Chinese Cake Bakery

101 Bakery

56 Beach St

Boston, MA 02111

My kids like their sponge cakes; a piece with just a thin layer of frosting in between.

Best Chinese Pastry Bakery

Hing Shing Pastry

67 Beach St

Boston, MA 02111

They make Moon Cakes when it’s that time of year but no one I know actually likes Moon Cakes as they are very dense and sweet. They are made of sweetened bean puree. Instead, try the sponge cake in the paper cones. I also like their beef curry pies, apple turnovers and their version of Pigs in the Blanket. They have Chinese specialities too like pork buns (baked not steamed), and sticky rice wrapped in leaves.

Best Roasted Meat Shop

Hong Kong Eatery

79 Harrison Avenue

Boston, MA 02111

The restaurant is always busy but I’ve never eaten there. Instead, I stand in line to order their roasted meats. My favorite is the soy sauce chicken but the salt chicken is equally popular. They have roast duck and roast pork — both Char Shui (BBQ) and suckling pig style.

Best Vietnamese Sandwich Shop

163 Vietnamese Sandwich

66 Harrison Ave

Boston, MA 02111

Even if you are full, get a sandwich to go. You won’t regret it!

What are your favorite eats in Chinatown? Please share in the comments below!

October 29, 2015
Teal Pumpkin Project for Allergy-Free Halloween

JOIN THE TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT FOR AN ALLERGY-FREE HALLOWEEN

Choose Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies for a Healthy Halloween Handout

Halloween is creeping around the corner and kids are gearing up to trick-or-treat. With this spook-tacular holiday comes the thrill of dressing up and collecting treats at every door. But for the 6 million children with food allergies, collecting candy is a dangerous risk. Kids affected by allergies must rifle through buckets of candy, searching for treats that they’re able to enjoy. Those with severe allergies can’t even consume candy that so much as touches an allergen.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is encouraging families to participate in a new Halloween tradition: The Teal Pumpkin Project. This national campaign encourages parents to offer non-food treats for children with food allergies. Participants will mark their intent by placing a teal-colored pumpkin in their yard, informing trick-or-treaters they have non-food Halloween handouts.

Stop letting big buckets of Halloween candy haunt your home…Offer trick-or-treaters a safe and healthy treat that lasts… Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies!

Each Big Bucket comes with 100 assorted spooky action figures- including zombies, gravestones, humans, werewolves, and even Frankenstein! With over a dozen unique sculpts… down to the poses!

Unlike the average figurine, these menacing monsters stand up on their own, and they definitely put the action in action figure. Each collection includes 12 uniquely posed pieces full of personality. The bucket of monsters includes: a freaky Frankenstein, creepy crawly spiders, howling werewolves, a clawed-at tombstone, and a monster with an appetite for arms. The assortment of zombies includes: an on-the-go zombie girl running with her teddy, creepy corpses escaping from the grave, hungry zombies munching on their brain-food, and a human with a hatchet in his head!

Give your guests a lasting treat. Hand out Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies this Halloween!

*Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies are non-edible and are recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Big Buckets of Monsters and Zombies are available for purchase on www.scsdirectinc.com, www.amazon.com and at specialty retailers nationwide. Retail: $19.99

Please consider including Big Buckets of Zombies/Monsters in your Halloween segments, editorials and give-aways. Product samples available upon request.

The Big Buckets line of products also includes: Animal Adventure Action Figures, Civil War Soldiers, Farm Animals, Firemen, Safari Animals; Sea Creatures and Dinosaur Skeleton figures.

October 27, 2015
Newton-Wellesley Hospital Cancer Center Awarded!
Newton-Wellesley Hospital was recently presented with the 2015 Outstanding Achievement Award by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Newton-Wellesley is one of a select group of only 20 U.S. health care facilities with accredited cancer programs to receive this national honor for surveys performed January 1 – June 30, 2015. The award acknowledges cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.

“This nationally recognized achievement culminates many years of staff dedication to providing high-quality care to patients who have cancer,” said Jeffrey S. Wisch, MD, Clinical Director, Vernon Cancer Center and Chief, Hematology/Oncology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s cancer program was evaluated on 34 program standards categorized within one of four cancer program activity areas: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, and quality improvement. The cancer program was further evaluated on seven commendation standards. To be eligible, all award recipients must have received commendation ratings in all seven commendation standards, in addition to receiving a compliance rating for each of the 27 other standards.

“Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s strong tradition of excellence in patient care provides the supportive and comforting setting which is critical for patients with cancer,” added Dr. Wisch.

The purpose of the award is to raise awareness on the importance of providing quality cancer care at health care institutions throughout the U.S. In addition, it is intended to:
- Motivate other cancer programs to work toward improving their level of care.
- Facilitate dialogue between award recipients and healthcare professionals at other cancer facilities for the purpose of sharing best practices.
- Encourage honorees to serve as quality-care resources to other cancer programs.
- Educate cancer patients on available quality-care options.
The Joan and James Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers patients an entire realm of cancer care, expert and innovative services and advanced treatment options. Our team provides personalized care in a private and comfortable setting for cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, colorectal and gynecological malignancies. In addition, benign and malignant blood disorders such as anemia, coagulation disorders, lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia are also treated. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care while providing a sense of hope and comfort to patients and their families.

For more information about the Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, visit www.nwh.org/cancer or call 617-219-1230.
October 14, 2015
RFK Kitchen to Open in Needham

This spring 2016, Executive Chef Rachel Klein has announced that she will open her first restaurant, RFK Kitchen in her hometown of Needham, MA. The new 100-seat restaurant located at 948 Great Plain Avenue in the heart of Needham, MA, will bring a vibrant and unique dining experience to the town while maintaining a true neighborhood restaurant feel.

Klein’s vast executive chef experience includes X.O. Café in Providence, OM in Harvard Square, Seaport Hotel’s Aura, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Asana, and most recently Liquid Art House, but this will be her first position as an executive chef/owner where she plans to redefine the white tablecloth experience into a concept that is more welcoming and less formal, without losing the hospitality that people expect.

Klein’s been searching for the perfect spot to open a restaurant for nearly six years, and when the opportunity to open one just down the street from where she resides with her husband and two sons, the timing could not have been more perfect. Much of what she strives to do with RFK’s menu and concept is a direct reflection of what she desires as a resident: a fun, eclectic, modern American, chef-driven, family-friendly dining experience.

Klein, known for her globally influenced cuisine as well as her modern interpretation of the classics and artful presentation, will create an expansive menu offering snacks, bar bites, boutique steaks, chef’s creations of entrees and appetizers, and a weekly comfort specials menu. Another highlight will be the mix-and-match bento boxes offered on the kids menu.

Guests will be able to enjoy the cuisine in three different settings: at the bar or in the lounge area, in the dining room, or at the 20-seat Chef’s Counter which surrounds the open kitchen, allowing them to have as interactive a dining experience as they wish. At the Chef’s Counter guests can order from the standard menu, or for the daring, can go the improvisational route, providing just enough information about their personal preferences and dietary restrictions for Chef Rachel and her team to provide an innovative, seasonal tasting menu.

RFK Kitchen is set to open spring of 2016. Klein will be opening the restaurant with friend and partner Francesco Melandri. Dinner service will be available six days a week upon opening, with lunch and Sunday brunch offerings following shortly thereafter.

October 11, 2015
Foodie Finds Near Newton

I am lucky to have foodie friends and these are some of the discoveries I have made living in Newton for the past 10+ years by asking them. And the funny thing is, some of these are new to me too!

How about you? What foodie finds have I missed? Please share in the comments section! Thanks!

Praline

203 Belmont St

Belmont, MA 02478

It’s a little bit of Paris in Belmont with handmade confections and pastries. They also sell crepes! We tried the ham and cheese crepe, chocolate croissant and chocolate macaron. Everything was top notch!

If you are headed to Sophia’s Greek Pantry and/or Linda’s Handcut Donuts, make a quick pit stop. It’s just one block away.

Walnut Market

20 Lincoln St

Newton Highlands, MA 02461

Exceptional, curated selection of obscure beers, wines, and fine foods. A huge variety of International and local foods, as well as exotic beer and wine. They also have a great selection of British and European chocolate.

We like Canadian products and they have Canadian smoked turkey and Canadian bagels. The British and European chocolate is also a hit with my kids and closer to us the Kiki’s Kwik-Mart.

Arak Market

585 Mt Auburn St

Watertown, MA 02472

Armenian & Middle Eastern food shop offering produce, olives, cheeses, pastries & other items.

The largest Armenian market in Watertown, Arax has been part of the Armenian community since 1974. Armenians and other Middle-Easterners crowd this market for items such as imported spices, cheeses, olives, jams, sausages, yogurts, coffee, and many other items. Arax also has fresh pita bread everyday.

We tried a bunch of baklava pastries and the lahmjoune which was so good, we went back the next day for more.

Kiki’s Kwik-Mart

236 Faneuil St

Brighton, MA 02135

Brit candy and specialty food.

The description says, “convenience store with deli for coffee, prepared foods & sandwiches, including a sub of the month,” but we are all here for the candy! My friend Penny whose mother is Irish told me that when Nestle bought out Cadbury, they reformulated the chocolate so it’s waxy like the American chocolate. The only way to get the good stuff is to buy Cadbury in Canada, the U.K. or Europe. Our Brit friend Lydia told usa bout Kiki’s which has all the good candy plus Brit foodie specialities like crisps.

My friend Penny says that the turkey sandwich is amazing.

Sophia’s Greek Pantry

265 Belmont St

Belmont, MA 02478

Try the Honey Vanilla 2% yogurt they make themselves. It’s amazing! My teen daughters have said that I have ruined them for any other yogurt.

The description again does not do it justice, “Market for Greek/Balkan imports & prepared foods, including olives, yogurt, pastries & coffee.” They make their own yogurt. The 2% yogurt tastes as rich as fully fatted. Try the Honey Vanilla yogurt and be sure to buy some of the granola sold there made with their Greek olive oil.

They scoop the yogurt for you and there are other flavors. My daughter likes the strawberry banana.

Linda’s Hand Cut Donuts: Breakfast & Sandwich Shop

247 Belmont St

Belmont, MA 02478

Try the honey dipped donut which tastes like the best cinnamon sugar donut you’ve ever had in your life. Check their hours before you go. They close early!

The description says, “Old-school corner spot known for a variety of donuts, coffee, sandwiches & bagels.” What it should really say is: the woman in line in front of me came from Woburn for their donuts. They are really that good.”

This is right down the street from Sophia’s Greek Pantry so do yourself a favor, and go to both!

Fastachi

598 Mount Auburn Street

Watertown, MA 02472

Fresh, hand roasted gourmet nuts, dried fruit, gift tins and more.

Owen’s Poultry Farm

585 Central Ave

Needham, MA 02494

People order their Thanksgiving turkeys well in advance from Owen’s Poultry Farm but they also have a great frozen chicken pot pie, fresh eggs, prepared food, and, of course, chicken.

Volante Farm

292 Forest St

Needham, MA 02492

With a farmstand supermarket, a bakery, a kitchen and a greenhouse, this is a good stop to linger and explore.

Russo’s Market

560 Pleasant St

Watertown, MA 02472

Russo’s sells wholesale produce to supermarkets in town like Whole Foods. Buy the same stuff here at half the price!

Russo’s Market started off as a green grocer and has grown into a gourmet (but at wholesale) prices speciality market. It has fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, specialty products, imported and domestic cured meats, cheeses, prepared foods and more.

Great Harvest Bread

316 Walnut St

Newtonville, MA 02460

Try the Cinnamon Chip Bread!

Bakery chain specializing in whole-grain breads & muffins made with Montana wheat.

De Pasquale’s Sausage Company

325 Watertown St

Newton, MA 02458

Their cheese and garlic sausages are renowned.

DePasquale’s Sausage Company produces premium sausage products, including sweet italian sausages, in Newton, Massachusetts.

Bread and Chocolate

4 Hartford St

Newton Highlands, MA 02461

They serve breakfast and lunch both to go and on the premises. Everything is good. And be sure to save room for dessert! It’s hard to pick a favorite though my daughter loves their Red Velvet cupcakes.

Rosenfeld’s Bagels

1280 Centre St

Newton Centre, MA 02459

This is the closest thing we have in Boston to a New York Bagel!

Bagels with an array of cream cheeses, plus challah & special offerings for the holidays.

Antoine’s Bakery

317 Watertown St

Newton, MA 02458

Try their freshly baked Italian bread and their cookies! This is a North End kind of bakery right here in Nonantum!

Longtime bakery for French, Italian & American sweets, including cakes, cookies, pastries & pies.

Icing on the Cake

230 Adams St

Newton, MA 02458

The closest thing we have to Cake Boss!

Veteran bakery making cakes, cupcakes & cake pops, including custom creations for special occasions.

L’Aroma Cafe

15 Spencer St

West Newton, MA 02465

I love their Hibiscus Lemonade with has a shot of ginger flavor and my kids love their Iced Chai Latte which they claim is the best in all of Boston. Their bakery treats are great too! I also book all my meetings here. There are big spaces too if you have a large group.

Bakery treats, espresso & cafe fare are the draw at this compact fixture with an easygoing ambiance.

October 8, 2015
FREE Walk-In Flu Shot Clinic at Newton-Wellesley Hospital

BE WISE & IMMUNIZE!

Help us keep our community happy and healthy this winter.

Join Newton-Wellesley Hospital for a FREE Walk-In Flu Shot Clinic. Open to adults, ages 18 and older.

Tuesday, October 13, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Wikstrom Surgical Center/East Lobby

2014 Washington St., Newton

Friday, October 16, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

West Suburban YMCA

276 Church St., Newton Corner

Tuesday, October 20, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

NWH Urgent Care Center-Waltham

9 Hope Avenue, Waltham

Thursday, October 22, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Jewish Community Center

333 Nahanton Street, Newton

Monday, October 26, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Waltham Community Day Center

16 Felton Street, Waltham

Thursday, October 29, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Wikstrom Surgical Center/East Lobby

2014 Washington Street, Newton

For more information, please visit www.nwh.org/flu or call 617.243.5900.

October 8, 2015
West Newton Hills House for Rent: 6 Months Only

The house is 3 Bedroom, 3 Baths. Peirce or Cabot Schools, Day Middle School, Newton North.

55 Forest Ave, West Newton.

If you are interested, please call Mary at (617) 817-5554 or email mary@gibbshrconsulting.com.

September 29, 2015
Win $1000 from Welch’s Fruit Snacks

With Back-to-School season officially in full swing, Welch’s Fruit Snack’s is celebrating with their annual Facebook Lunchbox Notes Contest.

Now through September 30^th, Welch’s® Fruit Snacks is asking their participants to share a photo here, of a lunchbox note they have included in their child’s lunch.

Those who participate will be entered to win $1,000 and a one year supply of Welch’s Fruit Snacks, not to mention your child’s reaction when opening their lunch each day!

To enter, participants can visit either the Welch’s® Fruit Snacks Website at www.welchsfruitsnacks.com and click on the Lunchbox Notes Contest Button, or go directly to the contest at www.welchslunchboxnotes.com. Participants simply submit their own “lunchbox note” or submit a photograph of a custom lunchbox note that they have included in their child’s lunchbox.

Those who submit an image will be entered to win $1,000 and a one year supply of Welch’s® Fruit Snacks consisting of 52 boxes. There will also be five runner up winners who will have the chance to win a gift certificate to a fun family restaurant of their choice, a one-month supply of Welch’s® Fruit Snacks and a one-month supply of Welch’s® Jams, Jellies and Spreads via coupons.

September 25, 2015