Triple Header Comedy Night Good for Your Health

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Mar 222016
 

Comedy at CSLife as we know it can be happy, sad, spirited or depressing. Comedians offer unique, inspired and hilarious perspectives that can also be healthy. That’s what a laugh therapist believes. And so we would like to prescribe the Comedy Night at Cinema Salem, featuring three of the region’s top comics, Thursday, March 24th at 8:30pm at Cinema Salem.

No joke, we said a Laugh Therapist.

Commenting within an article on WebMD.com, Steve Wilson, MA, CSP, a psychologist and laugh therapist said “I believe that if people can get more laughter in their lives, they are a lot better off. They might be healthier too.”

With that in mind, how can you not take a spoonful of laughter, especially when Comedy Night at Cinema Salem is also a fundraiser to support the great work of the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

So, who will be attending to your health?

paul-nardizziRespected as one of the top stand up comedians in Boston and the New England area, Paul Nardizzi is known nationally for his rapid-fire comedy style. He began his comedy career in 1990, quickly becoming a Boston area favorite and a national headliner within just four years.

Along the way he has made numerous appearances on Conan O’Brien and Comedy Central, has won the Boston Comedy Festival Competition and is one of the most requested acts on XM Satellite Radio.

ChristineHurleyEver get irritated at the stick figure family decals staring at you from the back of a car you are following when stuck in traffic? Christine Hurley has some choice words (none of which we can use here). In fact, to be clear, although much of Hurley’s language is not suitable for publication, and many of her jokes push the envelope — about parents and their over-involvement in youth sports or moms who get fixed up to bring their children to the bus stop — she has a way of delivering this hilarious and on-target material in a good-natured manner without being offensive.

Don’t take our word for it. Comedy legend Lenny Clarke offers “I’ve been doing this for 37 years, and I can honestly say that I haven’t seen someone as good as her since Roseanne [Barr], when she started doing stand-up.”

Opening for The Beach Boys and Nick DiPaolo, headlining some of the best clubs and theaters in New England and creating the themed standup comedy show “How Men Think (Or Do They?)” are just a few of the credits for Dave Rattigan, one of the busiest comics in Boston (in fact he’s a regular at the Boston Comedy Festival).

He is a comedic triple threat. His CD has been played on XM-Sirius, Slacker Radio.com, Matty’s Comedy 1200, and AOLRadio.com. His video clips have run on Nickmom.com. He has written humorous columns for the Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor and others.

As Comedy Night at Cinema Salem will be an adult performance venue, audience members will have the opportunity to purchase beer and wine in the Cinema Salem lobby.

And since it is a Chamber event, not to let an opportunity pass by, networking from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm!

Comedy Night at Cinema Salem is presented by the Salem Chamber, Cinema Salem and Creative Salem.

Cinema Salem is located at Museum Place Mall, 1 E India Square Mall, Salem.

For ticket prices or other questions about Comedy Night at Cinema Salem, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004 or Cinema Salem at 978-744-1400.

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Prix-Fixe 2 or 3 Course Awaits You In Salem Ma

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Mar 202016
 

rest weekLest we forget with all the March Madness of the Final Four in basketball and the Final Two (or Four?) in politics, that Restaurant Week continues in Salem Ma. You have another chance to sample the best of the best in local dining for the next five days, March 20-24.

Served up as a promotion by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, participating Salem restaurants will offer either a specially priced two-course prix-fixe dinner menu, or a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu, or both (price will not include drinks, taxes or gratuities).

Here is a list & descriptions (subject to change) provided by the Chamber of Commerce website.

A MANO Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria – View Menu Here
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0062

A MANO is a brand new modern Italian trattoria and pizza kitchen serving contemporary versions of regional Italian classics in downtown Salem. Chef Antonio Bettencourt and his team are dedicated to using the best locally-sourced, all natural ingredients in season and at the peak of flavor. The cooking at A MANO shows true soul and a commitment to the true “craft” of cooking. Their cocktails and wines are chosen especially to match their distinctive cuisine.

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar – View Menu Here
155 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 594-1832

Adriatic is a casual dining restaurant featuring the cuisine of the regions surrounding the Adriatic sea. Fresh fish and seasonal vegetables, together with a wood burning pizza oven, create the main menu. In addition, Adriatic has a nice cocktail list, a great wine program, and a professional staff, that help guests to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner with their family and friends.

Bella Verona – View Menu Here
107 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 825-9911

Chef-owner Giorgio Manzana hails from Lake Garda Italy in the Provence of Verona and has a hotel-restaurant background that goes back over 35 years. Bella Verona enjoys catering to their clients, creating new dishes and continuing the simple good and authentic home-style cooking of Manzana’s region as well as other parts of Italy. As an Italian restaurant in the heart of Salem, they will bring you back to Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet, to lose yourselves in the atmosphere and excellent food. In keeping to their traditional roots they offer creative options with homemade pastas, and great daily specials.

Cilantro – View Menu Here
282 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-9436

Cilantro features authentic, hearty, and diverse Mexican specialties in an upscale but easygoing brick-walled setting. Fresh specialties such as crispy flautas rolled around chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, and queso fresco are breaths of fresh air. Pair your dinner with a delightful margarita or choose another delicious cocktail from their menu.

Finz Seafood & Grill – View Menu Here
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0000

Finz Seafood & Grill has a great reputation in Salem and around New England for fresh, innovative seafood and grill fare, not to mention delicious specialty drinks. With indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, Finz is a great place to relax and enjoy outstanding food and drinks. Zagat’s rated Finz Seafood & Grill one of the Top 10 Waterfront restaurants in New England.

Firenze Trattoria – View Menu Here
2 Lynde Street, Salem, MA – (978) 219-1188

Firenze Trattoria is chef Zamir Kociaj’s way of sharing his passion for the authentic tastes of Firenze with the historic town of Salem. Merging years of experience with a neighborhood vibe, Firenze Trattoria is the perfect place to celebrate the simple moments with loved ones and friends while dining on delectable Italian fare.

In a Pig’s Eye – View Menu Here
148 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (843) 870-1105

‘In a Pig’s Eye’… your food will be gone before you know it! Now under new ownership of Jim Gaddis, In a Pig’s Eye is one of Salem’s long standing restaurants and has been voted one of Salem’s best pubs. The food focuses on authentic southern cooking including real southern BBQ, and the atmosphere is complete, with live music weekly.

Nat’s at the Hawthorne Hotel – View Menu Here
18 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 825-4300

For an unforgettable fine dining experience in Salem, enjoy the ambiance, warmth and hospitality of award-winning seasonal cuisine from Nathaniel’s restaurant. The menu features contemporary dining in a historic setting, while offering a carefully crafted wine menu and scrumptious desserts that will complete any night out or special occasion.

Opus – View Menu Here
87 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-9600

With what can only be described as a maverick kitchen, Opus’ cuisine boasts unexpected flavor combinations that simply taste amazing. The restaurant’s dynamic sushi team draws on both east and western influences to create sushi rolls that are truly unique. The upstairs dining room is centered around an oversized, glowing glass bar where guests can meet for a drink or enjoy a three-course meal. Downstairs, in Opus Underground, guests can enjoy nightly entertainment in a Moroccan-inspired space filled with cozy seating and thought-out details. Opus is a go-to destination for live music, dinner, and cocktails seven days a week.

Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel – View Menu Here
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA –  (978) 740-8788

The Regatta offers casual dining with flair. Try their signature “Regatta Blue” martini with your favorite burger or fresh seafood with a glass of chilled wine. The Regatta Pub offers an eclectic choice of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees in a relaxed and nautical inspired atmosphere, or chose to dine outside on their patio, weather permitting.

Rockafellas – View Menu Here
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-2411

Rockafellas established a new tradition in dining in the center of historic Salem in 2003. As the most delicious occupant of the renowned Daniel Low Building, Rockafellas restaurant follows several other institutions of reputation including a department store, a bank (the vault now stores wines) and one of the first churches in America. Their menu features fresh seafood and Black Angus steaks and offers everything from burgers and salads and tapas to gourmet presentations. The wait staff assures a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

Sea Level Oyster Bar – View Menu Here
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 741-0555

Located on Pickering Wharf, Sea Level Oyster Bar boasts two floors of fun while offering comfortable dining and great waterfront views. Sea Level also features a sit down raw bar packed with the freshest shellfish around. With an extensive beer list and creative cocktails that will quench your thirst while the kitchen cooks up fabulous seafood, gourmet pizzas and more, you are guaranteed to leave satisfied! Don’t forget to try their scrumptious desserts stamped in approval.

Thai Place – View Menu Here
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA – (978) 741-8008

Thai Place Restaurant has been open since 1990. Being the first Thai Restaurant in the North Shore area of Massachusetts, they are proud to be one of the first establishments to present the unique taste, culture and sincerity of Thailand. Thai Place’s dedication to prepare the finest Thai food comes with experience, care for their customers and careful selection of the freshest ingredients.

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall – View Menu Here
43 Church Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-7665

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall is an authentic New England seafood house in an iconic 1843 building with noted cultural history, complementing their family’s seafood heritage spanning four generations. This is where they prepare the catch-of-the-day becoming classic appetizers, entrees and creative daily specials. Turner’s shucks and serves the finest local and regional oysters & clams in their classic raw bar. And, their seafood market, Salem’s only, offers fresh, raw and prepared seafood to enjoy at home. It’s important to get to the docks early as good fish go fast but, the best go to Turner’s… then to you….dock to table … same day!

Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse – View Menu Here
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-3400

Overlooking Salem harbor, Victorian Station has established itself as a destination for friends and family for decades and is committed to providing lasting memories for generations to come. Offering a wide variety of fine American cuisine from succulent steaks to the freshest seafood and one of the last remaining “All you can eat” salad bars, there is something for every member of the culinary community.

Village Tavern – View Menu Here
168 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-2858

“The Village”, Salem’s American Tavern, was opened way back in ‘12 by the Ingemi Clan – two brothers, Alex & Andrew, their dad, Arthur “Old Pop” Ingemi and his loving wife, “Mama Rosa”. With the love of satisfying olde time traditional foods, music, and beer (Courvoisier for Old Pop), they devised a place that would bring together people from all over to meet, drink, eat and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and fun establishment. Whether you’re here for some great BBQ ribs, scratch-made country cookin’, our famous burgers, live music, craft beer, partying in our private function room, or just strolling the streets of Olde Salem and need a rest – you are always welcome here at the Village. Cheers friend!

Please call each restaurant for specific information, prices and reservations. Then enjoy!

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Great Meals Begin Again in Salem During March Restaurant Week

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, SMS News  No Responses »
Feb 192016
 

Rest Week 2Many of us on the North Shore have friends that have visited Salem during the high traffic October season. These friends naturally enjoyed themselves but said they would like to come back when there is a little less “Salem” going on. What better time to invite them than next month during Salem Restaurant Week (March 13-17 and March 20-24)?

It’s a great way for them to sample the delights that Salem has to offer. Perhaps they’ve heard that you could eat out every night for two weeks in Salem and be able to go to a different restaurant each night? Take them for a leisurely stroll along Washington Street and up Derby and around. Your path will be dotted with choices. Pick a place, any place.

For those new to Restaurant Week, it is produced by the Salem Chamber of Commerce as a way to invite the public within the doors of neighborhood dining establishments. During the 10 days only, participating Salem restaurants will offer either a specially priced two-course prix-fixe dinner menu, or a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu, or both (price will not include drinks, taxes or gratuities).

March Rest. WeekThe Chamber notes on its website “Salem has become a culinary destination and people really look forward to this event. Expect a wide variety of delicious foods – from steak to seafood, American to ethnic, there is something for everyone. Restaurants offer multiple choices for appetizers, entrees as well as desserts.”

Mark your calendar now. Invite your out of town friends to Salem Restaurant Week. As the sign says, “Great Meals Begin Here.”

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Sweet Treats Can’t be Beat During Salem Festival

 History, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping, SMS News  No Responses »
Jan 282016
 

Don’t miss Salem’s sweetest event of the year! Salem Main Streets, the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Destination Salem, and local retailers, restaurants, and businesses invite you to attend the 14th annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival. A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping await you Feb. 5-7th!

For example, in celebration of the chocolate aspect of the Festival, many of Salem’s finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces during the weekend of Feb. 6-7th.

Elsewhere, participating Salem retailers will offer innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day, ranging from a chocolate fondue fountain to discounts on jewelry.

“This year,” reveals Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets, “we are introducing a new in-store promotion called ‘Sweet 10%‘ – make a full-price purchase at one participating downtown business and get 10% off your purchase at next participating business!”

We also have a record-breaking TWENTY-THREE ice sculptures that will be placed all over the downtown and various entry points on Feb. 6th.

Kylie says, “I’m really excited to see some of our new businesses getting involved (Jolie Tea Company, The Bridge at 211, and TBT Post are just a few examples), the return of some traditional favorites (including a replica of The Friendship down near the water, thanks to the National Park Service), and some businesses thinking way outside the box – Rockafellas is actively working on an ice bar that will be built outside on their patio!”

Be sure to make plans for a special evening stroll on Saturday, Feb. 6th, when sculptures will be temporarily illuminated.

A full list of participating businesses and promotions will be available in brochures distributed around town and online at www.salemmainstreets.org.

When asked why she thought the Festival has had such staying power in the community, Kylie offered, “Quite frankly, there’s nothing else like it going on. By the time February rolls around, the “Ice Pikachu & Charizardmagic” of winter has faded away – this event helps brings that magic back, as the ice sculptures truly transform the downtown. People have recovered from the holidays and they’re eager to get outside, walk around, and visit their favorite businesses again. Plus, who can really say no to chocolate?”

But is chocolate beneficial to you? Besides it tasting so good?

Looking across the Internet, we found this description of the redeeming values of chocolate from Hy-Vee, operator of over 230 retail outlets in the Midwest.

“Chocolate contains iron, potassium, fiber and some of our favorite antioxidants, flavonoids. The flavonoids found in chocolate may be able to do things like relax blood vessels and promote healthy circulation, both of which may lead to healthier blood pressure levels. Chocolate also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. Of course, the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is. Start with 57% cacao dark chocolate, or even semi-sweet, and work your way up until you find the perfect dark chocolate fit for you.”

It’s almost as if they were also inviting you to attend the Salem’s So Sweet kick-off event, a Chocolate and Wine Tasting, on Friday, Feb. 5th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, 227 Essex St., where you can indeed sample all levels of chocolate and find your perfect shade and taste.

This luscious tasting event features wine and chocolate samplings from premier Salem restaurants, stores, and sweet shops. Tickets can now be purchased over the phone by calling 978-744-0004, online at http://salemmainstreets.org/festivals/salem-so-sweet/, or in person at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street, Suite 101. This event is the highlight of the season and sells out quickly!

Other activities include:

  • The Salem Trolley offers trolley rides around the festival route (weather permitting) during the day on Feb. 6th and 7th for a discounted price. Pick-up locations will be at the Visitor Center, Pickering Wharf, and near Rockafellas on Washington Street.
  • New this year, Salem Parks Recreation and Community Services will operate a small skating rink at the Museum Place Mall Fountain. Come out for hot cocoa and family fun on Feb. 6th from 5 to 8 pm and Feb. 7th from noon to 4 pm!

Visit our website for more events and details about the festival as they become available: www.salemmainstreets.org – or follow our Facebook page for all the latest updates https://www.facebook.com/salemsosweet.

And, of course don’t forget to post pictures as you visit Salem MA with your loved ones for a sweet experience during Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival.

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You’re Invited – to Help Salem Main Streets Achieve Its Goals

 Salem Event, SMS News, Volunteer Opportunities  No Responses »
Jan 162016
 

What is ahead for Salem Main Streets and 2016? Please join us for a night of celebration and information Tuesday, January 26th as we conduct the Salem Main Streets Annual Meeting.

SAF VolsKylie Sullivan, SMS Executive Director says, “Come cheer with us over last year’s accomplishments and look ahead to see what’s coming in 2016. Learn more about Salem Main Streets’ mission and purpose, and how you can benefit and get more involved.”

This gathering is free and open to all who live, work, or play in downtown Salem – residents, volunteers, business owners, community partners, and government officials.

Stephanie at boothIn other words, we want you there if you have anything to say about how the Downtown District was promoted by us in the past and —

Kylie emphasizes, “We are especially looking for feedback to help improve our work going forward.”

The meeting will run from 5:30 – 7:30pm at Ames Hall in the Salem YMCA, 1 Sewall Street (enter from the Essex Street entrance).

Free appetizers and cash bar!

Please invite your neighbors, associates, and friends! This is you chance to have an impact on how Salem is seen by the local community and the world.

Please RSVP to Kylie at kylie@salemmainstreets.org or 978-744-0004 x15.

Salem Main Streets’ mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the Downtown District.

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