NESN’s Dining Playbook features two of America’s favorite pastimes: food and sports with help from the region’s best known hosts, athletes and tastemakers. Emmy award winning duo Billy Costa and Jenny Johnson leverage their considerable following and bring NESN viewers a fresh new approach to enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.
Host: Casa Blanca
This week’s show is hosted by Casa Blanca, a brand built on the traditional Mexican values for family and hospitality. Jenny and Billy try the traditional family recipe dishes and several tequilas.
* 2 Essex St, Haverhill, MA 01832 (978) 891-3889 casablancamexican.com
Review: The Backroom
Moody’s Delicatessen & Provisions recently expanded to include a restaurant, The Backroom.
* 468 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 (781) 216-8732 moodyswaltham.com/the-backroom
Training Camp: Papa Razzi
Chef Kevin makes an orecchiette and rabe pesto and sausage pasta dish, part of the new Papa Razzi menu at the renovated Burlington location.
* 2 Wall St, Burlington, MA 01803 (781) 229-0100 paparazzimetro.com
*BCAE information can be found at www.bcae.org
Before During and After the Game
Lower Depths
A low key bar with hundreds of beer choices and great pub food, including a mac & cheese hotdog.
* 476 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 (617) 266-6662 thelowerdepths.com
The Independent
Located in the heart of Union Square, the Indo – as the regulars call it – underwent some renovations and recently revamped the menu.
* 75 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143 (617) 440-6022 www.theindo.com
Drink
Drink has talented bartenders who will customize the drinks based on liquors, flavors or feelings.
* 348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210 (617) 695-1806 drinkfortpoint.com
Shape Up: TRX at Marblehead Fitness Center
Billy tries the workout of the Navy SEALs, a Suspension Training bodyweight exercise that develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.
*14 Bessom St, Marblehead, MA 01945 (781) 631-7532 www.marbleheadfitness.com
Guest: Shane Victorino
Billy interviews Red Sox player Shane Victorino about fashion, restaurants and spam!
Charity of the Month
Gordon Hamersley stops by to talk about our charity of the month: Share Our Strength with the No Kid Hungry initiative. Summer is the hungriest time of year because kids do not have regular school meals.
*For information, go to www.nokidhungry.org