Boston Calling 2019 was like the Potpourri category on Jeopardy—a little bit of everything. There was comedy, with Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che who delivered a laugh-out-loud funny set. There was music, with artists ranging from Travis Scott to ODESZA, who both turned Harvard Athletic’s Complex into a veritable rave. There was even a ferris wheel. But most importantly there was food—and lots of it, ranging from grilled cheeses stuffed with bacon and guacamole to waffles drizzled with Nutella.
While you were busy forcing your friends to take pictures of you in front of the ferris wheel and waiting for Travis Scott to blast us all to Astroworld, we, over at Spoon University, were eating everything from Southern barbecue stuffed in a waffle cone to loaded nachos to round up the hottest eats at the festival. Our point: we’re experts, and this is everything you should’ve eaten at Boston Calling 2019.
Everything from Roxy’s Grilled Cheese
While grilled cheese is certainly excellent comfort food, it’s very rarely life-changing. That is until Roxy’s—the masters of grilled cheese. The best post-mosh recovery bite of the festival and quintessential rally food, each Roxy’s grilled cheese is thick with perfection.
What makes Roxy’s grilled cheese so good? The answer is simple. The bread is golden yet slightly crunchy thanks to the spread’s mayonnaise base. The cheese is a perfect complementary blend of cheddar, muenster, and fontina. Made in four different three-cheese melt based flavors: Hot and Honey Bacon, Green Monster (guacamole and bacon), Big Fig (fig jam + balsamic glaze) and of course, the Classic, these grilled cheeses are jam-packed with all of the flavors you need to keep rallying through the late night. Yet somehow these sandwiches still feel light and approachable, like something you wished your mom packed you for lunch.
#SpoonTip: Bummed you didn’t double fist a Green Monster and a Classic Melt during Tame Impala? Roxy’s has a restaurant in Allston and a food truck that stops by all the sights, so the best grilled cheese in America is only a T-stop away.
Lobster Fries from Shuck Truck
One of the best bites of the weekend was the truly sinful flavor explosive lobster fries at Shuck Truck. These crispy shoestring fries topped with brown butter lobster, creamy lobster bisque, bacon aioli, smoked gruyere cheese and sprinkled with chives were truly addicting, making it virtually impossible to just have one. Trust me, you’ll want to just have one…cone in each hand. Pair them with a buttery lobster roll, and take a culinary trip to the carefree quaint days at Cape Cod.
Fruit Delight and Gourmand Waffles from Zinneken’s
Music festivals are the perfect excuse to have dessert for every meal and the Fruit Delight and Gourmand Waffles from Zinneken’s only further validates our claim. Topped with decadent Nutella, fresh strawberries, bananas and a dusting of powdered sugar, the Fruit Delight waffle was the perfect sweet treat to indulge in before ODESZA’s extraordinary sunset performance. For those who crave something a little more sweet and salty, the Gourmand Waffle, topped with salted caramel, whipped cream and bananas is also a must. Both waffles were fluffy and golden, offering a perfect crisp around the edges. Pair that with a beautiful sunset and some smooth house music—What more can you ask for?
Acai and Vegan Bowls from Whole Heart Provisions
Admittedly, we’re not the type of people who festival responsibly, craving salads and reapplying sunscreen between acts. That being said, one bite of Whole Heart Provisions had us changing our tune. Each bowl was jam-packed with the kind of flavors that embody wellness, like crisp lentils oozing with protein and smashed avocado rich in vitamins. An added bonus? Whole Heart was churning out made-to-order acai bowls at the festival, turning Boston into a tropical getaway.
#SpoonTip: In the mood for a healthy meal that won’t remind you that it isn’t a donut? Head over to one of their 3 locations for some seared avocado.
BBQ Tray and BBQ Bomb from The Smoke Shop
If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Woah, where did you get that?” as I carried my waffle cone stuffed with barbecue through the festival, maybe I’d be able to afford an Uber X instead of a Pool. How many times have you seen an entire barbecue tray’s worth of slow-cooked brisket, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and jalapeños meticulously crafted into a waffle cone? To my surprise, the taste was just as exceptional. Since all of the ingredients are layered in the waffle cone, a little bit of each flavor is guaranteed in every bite enhancing the overall barbecue experience.
For those who crave a more traditional experience, The Smoke Shop also offered their renowned barbecue tray where festival-goers can choose three meats and three sides to taste. The coleslaw and slow cooked brisket were definitely standouts here.
Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Ice Cream from FōMū
Remember that scene in The Parent Trap where lifelong separated twins Annie and Hallie dip a classic Oreo in creamy peanut butter to forever cement their twinship? Well, the Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Ice Cream from FoMu is exactly like that, but with locally sourced, organic, plant-based ingredients and without Lindsay Lohan’s overacting. Sweet with a subtle salty aftertaste, this scoop of ice cream is your favorite zany childhood snack combo all grown up.
#SpoonTip: Craving vegan ice cream but live somewhere without a Whole Foods? FoMu ships their coconut-based pints nationally, so you can have your favorite flavor anytime, anywhere.
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches from Tasty Burger
As a kid I learned every good day ends with an ice cream sandwich. Although literally everyone in the medical field would disagree, the Nightingale ice cream sandwiches from Tasty Burger only further proves my theory. Coming in two flavors: Fat Banana (banana ice cream stuffed between two peanut butter cookies covered in chocolate) and Cookie Monster (cookie’s n cream ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies), these ice cream sandwiches kept the good vibes flowing and us rallying through the dreadful mid-day Boston heat.
Chips, Guac and Salsa from El Pelon Taqueria
Chips and Guac is the greatest appetizer of all time, and nobody can tell us otherwise. Throughout Boston Calling weekend, El Pelon Taqueria proved why the tried-and-true combo also belongs at every festival scene. Served crispy and with generous helpings of house-made guac and fresh salsa, this trio added some much-needed simplicity to a weekend filled with over-the-top eats.
#SpoonTip: Is that stale bag of Tostitos Scoops in the back of your pantry not cutting it? Visit El Pelon’s Brighton and Fenway locations for the authentic version of your favorite study snack.
Fluffernutter Garbage Sundae from Sweet Cheeks Q
If all of the food at Boston Calling was in some intense Pokemon battle, there’s no doubt the Fluffernutter Garbage Sundae would destroy all the other competitors, especially if its Health Power (HP) is as high as its calorie count. This dish, stacked high with vanilla ice cream, marshmallow sauce, Nutter Butter crunch, peanut butter sauce, Rolos, pretzels, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate malt syrup was practically born to be a gym leader. Jam-packed with delicious sweet and salty flavors, this sundae is as far as it gets from garbage.
Roasted Pork, Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Sandwich from Cafe Beatrice
I have no idea how the best version of this classic Philly sandwich ended up being served at a 6 month pop-up on one of Boston’s most touristy blocks, but I’m not going to question it. Cafe Beatrice may not have invented the roast pork broccoli rabe combo, but it killed the most textbook version of it. The provolone melts just enough to enhance but not overpower the sandwich, and the pork is surprisingly juicy.
Pierogies from Jaju Pierogi
Admittedly, pierogies at a concert would make even the most adventurous foodie skeptical. But, these traditional Polish potato pockets became a post-concert must for NYU students and East Village artsy types thanks to Veselka, so it’s about time Boston gets in on the action. Doughy and soft with a slightly crispy edge, a Jaju pierogi is good enough to be mistaken for one of your Bubbe’s. Except that it’s not— it’s better, thanks to exciting flavors like Jalapeño Cheddar and Sweet Potato with Caramelized Onion to spice up the mix.
#SpoonTip: Want to change up your daily lunch? Check out Jaju Pierogi’s location in Somerville!
Keep working hard and saving those paychecks because Boston Calling will be back in the Harvard Athletic Complex for 2020. Until then, add these Boston vendors to your hit list!