Cambridge

Breaking CBD News: CBD Wellness Drinks Arrive in Massachusetts!

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Golden CBD Latte

CBD just may be the big trend of 2019. Many, myself included, use CBD infused products for pain relief. More and more, it’s being added to foods and beverages as well in order to facilitate other desired health benefits.

NOCA Provisions, a Cambridge café, has launched a Wellness Drink Menu featuring lattes infused with CBD, an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. Even though they have similar chemical structures, it doesn’t produce a high like THC, the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis.

The Golden CBD Latte is made with coconut milk, steeped with turmeric, ginger and black pepper. The Calming CBD Latte is made with chamomile-lavender infused oat milk.

Both drinks are steamed to order with 5mg of CBD oil and are priced at $10.00 each. Guests can also add 5mg of CBD oil to their favorite coffee for an additional $5.00 each.

Calming CBD Latte

Along with many other states, Massachusetts has legalized the sale of marijuana. The Cannabis Control Commission oversees the laws in the Commonwealth. This legalization has contributed to the increasing popularity of CBD.

In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two forms of epilepsy. Other than that, no other health claims have been proven. But you know people. We’re curious and want to try different things.

Melissa Malamut wrote an article about how she tried CBD coffee for a week to see how it impacted her anxiety. Her reaction seemed to vary day by day depending upon a few factors.

Overall, I enjoyed the coffee and can see myself giving it out as a novelty gift. But it’s not something I’d drink every day, and I’m not convinced I prefer it to regular coffee.

I think when it comes to CBD, it may take a few tries to find the proper dosage that works for you. Talking to your doctor could help.

When I first heard claims about CBD oil, I was skeptical. But after using an oil infused salve, I’m a believer. The FDA may not agree with me, but it has made a real difference in alleviating pain in my back, neck and shoulders.

I love a good latte and am a turmeric fan as well. So I would definitely try these wellness drinks at NOCA Provisions, if in the area. What about you?

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Photography: Courtesy of Image Unlimited Communications, Ltd.

Harvard University Dining: Meatballs Inspired by the Art of Corita Kent

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Corita Kent Makes Meatballs SingBack in January, I wrote a post about a Corita Kent art exhibit in Pittsburgh. Those of us in the Boston area know her work from the bright colors on the gas tank by the expressway. But her art extends far beyond that.

Last month, a new exhibit of her work called, “Corita Kent and the Language of Pop” made its debut at Harvard Art Museums. The exhibit does not end until May 8, 2016*, so we have time to plan to see it — for those of us who are local or even if you are planning a trip to the Boston area. I will definitely make my way over there!

As a celebration of the exhibit, last week Harvard University Dining Services hosted a Corita Night in the dining halls. They asked, “what would happen if food and art collided?”

The Harvard Gazette reported that Chefs answered the question by creating meatballs inspired by her image “song about the greatness,” which was used in a DelMonte ketchup ad and reads “Makes meatballs sing.”

Luke Parker, Winthrop House’s senior chef, drew on his love of spice and dished out Thai chicken meatballs seasoned with curry, lemongrass, and coconut milk. …

Over in Leverett House, chef Kathleen Smith drew on her travels in Mexico — and her Mexican boyfriend — to create the night’s menu. Her albondigas came drenched in a spicy chipotle sauce.

Sounds like a delicious menu and shows how Corita Kent‘s art is timeless and continues to inspire us all.

*Updated 4/3/2016* I was just watching a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about Corita Kent and realized that I got the dates wrong on this post. Unfortunately the exhibit at Harvard ended in January and I missed it again! Ugh! Well, if you are near San Antonio, you do have until May 8th to see it.

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Image Credit: song about the greatness, © Courtesy of the Corita Art Center, Immaculate Heart Community, Los Angeles, Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Margaret Fisher Fund.

Patty Chen’s Dumpling Room

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Dumpling Roomm Smart CarYou never know when you’re going to find food blog inspiration. While I was driving yesterday, I noticed this smart car driving in front of me. It’s one of very few times that I hoped for a red light, so I could take a picture of the car. I was intrigued. Dumpling Room? Were dumplings being delivered? Where was this place? An investigation was needed.

As you may know, my curiosity often gets the best of me. So I looked up the website and found that Patty Chen’s Dumpling Room is in Central Square. You can order online and they deliver in the Cambridge area. But sadly not in Quincy. I called to confirm. The car belongs to a family member of the owner who lives here.

The Dumpling Room looks like a really cool place, that I would like to check out at some point. They cater and have a Dumpling School. But it’s not a school, it’s a party!

You can get together with friends, family, colleagues or any group and have fun learning to make dumplings! Looks like a good time!

Has anyone been there? Or tried their dumplings?

5th Annual Taste of Chocolate Festival in Harvard Square!

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Harvard SquareIs the cold winter increasing your craving for chocolate?

This weekend, starting today, you can find all things chocolate at the Taste of Chocolate Festival. It looks like a really good time and cheap, since many samples are free!

Saturday, January 24th

Harvard Square Chocolate Sampling Event

From 1pm – 2pm

Deguglielmo Plaza (27 Brattle Street) will play host to an array of chocolaty samples from restaurants and shops from across Harvard Square. Bloco  Afro – Brazil , a local favorite, will be combining traditional Brazilian grooves like Samba , Funk, Rock, Jazz and even Hip Hop beats to get the party started! Make sure to come early!  This event is very popular and attracts hundreds of sweet tooths!  Restaurants and businesses who will be generously giving out chocolate samples.

For more information, take a look at the website.