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March Meatball Madness — Where Else But Salem!

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Mar 062015

Meatballs are globally loved as local author Adeline Lutts Myers discovered and uncovered for her new cookbook Global Meatballs. In celebration of her work, several of Salem’s finest restaurants are cooking up a foodie event Meatball Fest, March 5-12.

Meatballs get a slot in the Salem festival calendar? Those simple things where you take ground beef, add some spices, roll it and cook it? Yes, but what kind of meat and which spices? And can you substitute anything else for beef? Do you fry or bake, or use another method? As the author learned, each country rolls differently with its native recipes.

“In writing the book,” she reveals in her blog, Kitchen Roots, “we wanted a representative group of meatballs from around the globe. I ended up with recipes from over 40 countries and cultures. In doing the research some were easier to nail down than others.”

Here in Salem on March 5-12 you will find these special meatball related recipes/offerings at:

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar (call for specific menu offering)
Bella Verona (the delicious PolpiteVeal Meatballs baked with penne as well as Lasagne w/polpettine small meatballs)
Cilantro (Albondigas al Chipotle – Cheese stuffed meatballs cooked in a spicy smoked chipotle sauce)
Finz Seafood & Grill (traditional style meatballs using ground beef, pork, and turkey; roasted, then smothered and baked with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese)
Firenze (call for specific menu offering)
Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel (assorted meatballs, with appropriate sauces and or garnishes such as roasted chicken‬ & spinach meatball; beef, arugula & portabella meatballs; and chicken with ‪chorizo‬ sausage, Jalapeño-jack cheese, ‪bacon‬ and cilantro)
Opus (call for specific menu offering)
Peabody Essex Museum’s Garden Restaurant (Greek-style lamb meatball with feta cheese, spinach, tomato, mint, oregano and olives, served with a roasted pepper and tomato chutney)
The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel (Appetizer‬: ‪‎Buffalo chicken‬ meatballs, stuffed with blue cheese, served with hot sauce and sour cream dips with blue cheese stuffed celery. ‎Entrée‬: Fresh ‪‎mozzarella‬ and basil stuffed meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce and shredded parmesan cheese)

In addition, there will be a book signing with the author on Sunday, March 8th from 1 – 3 pm at Wicked Good Books, 215 Essex Street, here in Salem. You’ll get the chance to ask for her favorites, and share your thoughts.

Whether you favor a spicy meatball, a soft or bread crumb encrusted type, swimming in a sauce or standing alone, or even meatless, Global Meatballs by Adeline Lutts Myers will tantalize your literary tastes, while Salem’s restaurants will do the same for your taste buds.

Feeling Like a Lumberjack of the North Woods?

Salem Dining No Responses »

Feb 172015

Could they have planned it any better than this? In the midst of one of the most outrageous winter snow seasons we’ve ever seen, the think-tank at the Peabody Essex Museum has scheduled a Lumberjack Party as the theme for this Thursday’s PEM/PM event! This should bring people out of the woodwork (sorry, had to get one pun in there).

Seriously though, the vision is to create an experience of spending a winter night in the North Woods (something we are all feeling) while celebrating the art of trees. And that is inspired by PEM’s Art & Nature Center exhibition “Branching Out: Trees as Art.”

PEM urges you to dig deep to get into the spirit of the event: wear your boots and flannel, then get your photo taken in their Lumberjack Photobooth, complete with beards, axes and other woodsy-themed accessories.

Other highlights of the event include obviously woodworking demonstrations, a Brew Talk with Salem’s From the Tree Cider, and more “timber” related activities; local bearded band, Tigerman WOAH, will provide the perfect backdrop with their Appalachian mountain folk/bluegrass-influenced punk rock with the occasional hip-hop freak-out.

PEM/PM evening parties take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month as a way for PEM to invite, entertain, educate and interact with the local community.

In this case, the current exhibition, “Branching Out: Trees as Art,” explores ways in which contemporary artists use trees as an inspiration as well as a medium for their art. Made with bark, wood, roots, seedpods, leaves and biosignals, more than 30 varied works and a selection of hands-on interactive opportunities ask us to consider our relationship with trees as a vital natural force.

A cash bar will be available, as will a special small plate menu courtesy of the Hawthorne Hotel. Admission to PEM/PM: free of charge for members and Salem residents (bring ID); $10 for non members. The event runs from 6 – 9 pm on Feb. 19 at the Peabody Essex Museum. For more details go to www.pem.org or call 866-745-1876.

Raising A Glass to the PEM/PM Party

Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Dec 142014

How many parties have you been to already this holiday season? Office party. Friend party. Family party. There is one more on your calendar— “Raise A Glass,” the theme for this month’s PEM/PM event, 6-9 pm, Dec. 18th.

This is an evening at the Peabody Essex Museum dedicated to the art of mixology; you get a fantastic opportunity to learn ways to impress your guests (you are going to be hosting a party yourself at some point this year or next, aren’t you?) with unique and traditional punch recipes demonstrated by local mixologists.

For example, which drinks should be shaken and which stirred? Or, what makes a great toast? To be entertained and educated is the continuing theme of these PEM/PM late night events, held on the third Thursday of every month. The museum is open until 9pm as well.

Also on tap for “Raise A Glass” will be comic stories of feasting and drinking by Jason Wilson, author of Boozehound, and Molly Birnbaum, author of Season to Taste, presented by The Tannery Series.

PEM’s first Maker-in-Residence will be on hand with a lesson about wearable technology and festive 3-D-printed designs. Consider distinguishing your wine glass with a design you personally create that night.

Entertainment and mood will be set by the sounds of smooth jazz by local trumpeter and New England Conservatory professor Peter Kenagy and his trio. There will be a cash bar and special small plate items from the Hawthorne Hotel.

Free admission to Salem residents and museum members; $10 for non members at the door. For more info go to the museum website or call 978-745-9500.

Salem Ma- Your Destination for Digital Detox

Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Nov 182014

While one could say there is always something “magical” going on in Salem Ma, it is especially true on the 3rd Thursday of every month— courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum. The PEM/PM event Digital Detox, scheduled for Nov.20th, is a perfect example.

The public in invited to join in an evening away from the distractions of technology. Yes. Travel back to a simpler, yet more direct time of personally speaking to someone, or writing actual letters. Leave it to our challenge-taking local museum to “push the envelope” and experiment with this old-fashioned concept.

PEM/PM is an unconventional gathering feature cocktails and conversation, art making and music, culinary demonstrations and surprising experiences. Members and Salem residents (with ID) are admitted free of charge, while nonmembers pay a nominal $10 fee. The event runs after hours from 6-9pm

(Also on the third Thursday of every month, the entire museum stays open from 10 am to 9 pm.)

Doneeca Thurston, new PEM Adult Programs Coordinator, explains the rationale behind Digital Detox, “the inspiration draws from our permanent collection. A lot of our newer exhibits have digital components whether its music, interactives, or visuals, which has been really fantastic. While its great to incorporate technology and reach our audiences in new and exciting ways, we realize that there is still something very special about walking into one of our permanent galleries and just taking in all of classic artwork and sculpture.”

She adds, “So this event is an invitation to power down and enjoy the evening engaging in the art of conversation, writing a heartfelt letter to a friend or loved one, or ease your mind with a peaceful meditation session.”

OPEN MUSIC SESSION in the Atrium
Join in on this impromptu jam session led by The Dejas. Everyone is welcome.

LETTER WRITING in the Atrium
A long forgotten practice, letter writing. Pen a note for a special someone, PEM will provide the stamps.

NAPTIME in the Atrium
Let your phone get some much needed rest. As an incentive, PEM is even handing out specially designed sleeping bags, for your phone that is!

LIKE in the Atrium
Now you can “like” someone in person. PEM staff will be handing out thumbs-up stickers by the info desk. “Like” a friend or stranger- be sure to say what you like about them.

SELFIE in Studio 1, Create Space
Students from Montserrat will be on hand to help you capture the perfect selfie. Stop by the Create Space to have one of these talented artists draw your portrait.

ART-MAKING in Studio 1, Create Space
Create your own vinyl record art. Paint, bedazzle, draw, the possibilities are endless.

VINYL RECORDS in the Atrium
Spin some vinyl records, courtesy of Salem’s own Hoofbeat Records

ART OF CONVERSATION at Pop-up’s throughout the galleries
Salem State University’s Philosophy Club brings interesting conversation to PEM. Join in on the conversations at several pop-up’s throughout the galleries.

7:00, 7:30, 8:00, and 8:30pm
MEDITATION in the Indian Gallery, 2nd floor
Certified Primordial Sound Meditation Instructor, Susan Himml, will lead 20 minute meditation sessions. Sign-up at the information desk.

As the nights get cooler, this sounds like a very warm & toasty, friendly & comforting event. There will also be a cash bar and special small plate menu items from the Hawthorne Hotel. For more info, call the PEM at 978-745-9500, (or toll free 866-745-1876). The Peabody Essex Museum is located on East India Square (161 Essex St.) Salem.

Salem Lit Fest – Storytelling & More

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Nov 022014

Words, words, words. Just because you can string a few words together does not mean that you can create a sentence. BUT…. but, if you can create a sentence, then the world awaits, for if one sentence can be ushered from your mind, others will follow. And if they can be of a common purpose, then perhaps you have a story to tell.

This all leads to the return this week of the Salem Literary Festival. Multiple events are scheduled to run Nov 6-9 at various historic venues in Salem. The goal is to unite published authors, book lovers and storytellers.

And this year it is extra special as the festival has joined with New York Times bestselling author Brunonia Barry and her organization, Readers and Writers. Inc. This should attract more authors and attendees.

You can pick up additional details about the overall schedule at their website. But we wanted to touch on one new aspect this year, live storytelling: “The Tell Tale Arts: Live Storytelling Event” at the Peabody Essex Museum (East India Marine Hall, 161 Essex Street), Nov. 9, 3-5pm.

Each person has up to 10 minutes to spin true-life tales on a chosen theme without the aid of notes or a script. In a casual cafe atmosphere, you will relax and listen as bold storytellers share revealing moments from their own lives.

Michelle Moon, is the Assistant Director for Adult Programs at the Peabody Essex Museum, where she oversees PEM events and activities for all adult audiences. In that capacity she also serves as program collaborator with the Lit Festival.

She explains, “PEM had been looking for an opportunity to participate in the live storytelling movement. Many museums have experimented with this format – for example, The Moth at the Met. PEM is a museum that celebrates individual creative expression, and first-person storytelling offers a powerful channel of creative communication to individuals who reshape their life experience into a story.”

The evening’s theme, “At the Movies,” is inspired by the PEM exhibition “The Woods” by internationally renowned video artist Candice Breitz, which delves into the cinematic culture of three centers of global filmmaking — Hollywood, Bollywood (India) and Nollywood (Nigeria) — to reflect the culture of stardom and movie fame.

But the submission process was a bit different than what we might have expected. Storytellers had to use a one-sentence elevator-like pitch to be selected for this event.

Moon reveals, “One of the most powerful aspects of live storytelling is the feeling of spontaneity. By asking for only a one-sentence pitch, storytellers get to identify one of the most intriguing nuggets of their tale and use it to entice us. But they don’t have to write it all out in advance, which might take away from the energy of crafting the tale on the fly and drain it of some of its potential life.”

“Many writers who have done live storytelling,” she adds, “use the experience as a way to reveal the compelling heart of a story, and later on take some of what they have discovered in the live experience of telling to work out ways of presenting material on the page. Live storytelling and story writing are different but related arts.”

(By the way, Michelle also produced the successful live story series “A Winter’s Tale” in Portsmouth, NH, for three years, ending in March 2014. So, she knows what she’s talking about.)

Audience members will also be invited to share anonymous brief versions of their own “At the Movies” story; a few of the most interesting will be selected to read during the intermission and between speakers.

Deadline for submissions is Nov. 3. Send the one-sentence pitch to Michelle Moon at michelle_moon@pem.org. Make your reservations by Nov. 7th by calling PEM at 978-542-1511 or visiting pem.org/calendar. Admission: Members $5, nonmembers $7 (plus museum admission if applicable).

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