Summer Breeze Brings Many Things to Salem in July

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Jul 212016
 

Look at what the summer sea breeze just blew across the Essex Street Pedestrian Walkway.

Designed to be complimentary to the popular 3rd Thursday of the month PEM/PM parties at the Peabody Essex Museum (which this evening is coincidentally called Summer Breeze),  The Museum Place Mall is launching what it hopes will be an every 3rd Thursday of the month event when select businesses in the Mall will retain later business hours as well as offer special promotions to all of their customers!

Some of the incentives to be offered include:

  • A free Aromatherapy session with any 10 minute or longer chair massage at A Sacred Place Wellness Center
  • 25% off cash sales of any clock at Bewitched in Salem, with extended hours to 7:30pm
  • A free small iced or hot coffee with any $10 purchase from 6-8pm at Jodi Bee Bakes
  • Refreshments and 10% off all purchases from 6-8pm at Kan.del
  • $10 off any half hour reading at OMEN
  • 10% discount on premium packages at Salem’s Vintage Photography, with extended hours to 7:30pm
  • Pork Rib dinner at Village Tavern! Large Succulent ‘right-out-of-the-smoker’ Pork Ribs served with five side orders! $11.99 (normally $18.99)

And possibly more!!!

Summer BreezeThis is an interesting and quite welcome compliment to the diverse activities that the Peabody Museum presents.  And not to leave out tonight’s PEM/PM activities, you are invited to explore American Impressionist: Childe Hassam and the Isles of Shoals, from 6-9pm.

Taste local seafood, listen to breezy reggae beats by DJ Zeke Stern of the Green Lion Crew, enjoy works by plein-air painting group The Newburyport 10, create rearrangeable poetry and be fascinated by a presentation from staff at the Shoals Marine Lab.

Cash bar will feature Chateau Beaulieu Rose, Provence and Caribbean Rum Punch. And as always, there will be a pecial small plates menu from the Hawthorne Hotel.

It will be an interesting evening. If you have the time, we invite you to follow the breeze.

The Peabody Essex Museum is located at 161 Essex Street.

 

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And the 2016 BONS Winners in Salem Are…

 Contests, Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  2 Responses »
Jul 132016
 

Results are in, and the big winners are— all of you that frequent, support, and voted for Salem merchants in the 2016 BONS Survey. Northshore Magazine’s “Best Of North Shore” is a tradition that elicits a great deal of interaction before, during and after votes are submitted and tabulated.

OpusBy far the biggest winner of the year is Opus in Salem, pictured above holding 6 awards across 5 categories! Congratulations!

Here are the results indicating how Salem establishments rated.

Dine

Alfresco – Sea Level (Editor), Turner’s (Readers’), Finz (Readers’ Runner-up)

Bacon – Scratch Kitchen (Readers’) and Back Alley Bacon (Insider Tip)

Bakery/Bread – A&J King (Editor AND Readers’)

Breakfast – Ugly Mug (Readers’)

Clam Chowder – Turner’s (Readers’, Tie with Woodmans)

Farmers’ Market – Salem Farmers’ Market (Readers’)

Gluten Free– Life Alive (Readers’)

Indian – Passage to India (Readers’)

Italian – Bella Verona (Readers’), Firenze Trattoria (Neighborhood Notable Nosh)

Lobster Roll– The Lobster Shanty (Readers’), Longboards (Readers’ Runner-up)

Mussels – Sea Level (Readers’)

New Restaurant – Bambolina (Editor)

Pizza – Bambolina (Editor 3-way tie! With Papa Razzi and Short & Main), Flying Saucer (Readers’)

Seafood, Prepared – Turner’s (Editor AND Readers’)

Sushi – Koto (Readers’)

Vegetarian – Life Alive (Editor AND Readers’)

Waterview – Sea Level (Readers’)

Drink

After Work Drinks – Opus (Readers’)

Bar – Opus (Readers’)

Beer Menu – Sea Level (Editor), Gulu Gulu (Readers’)

Cocktail – Opus (Readers’)

Distillery – Rumson’s Rum (Readers’)

Hotel Bar – Tavern on the Green at the Hawthorne Hotel (Readers’)

Irish Pub – O’Neill’s (Editor)

Sports Bar – Sidelines (Editor), Tavern in the Square (Readers’)

Winery – Mill River Winery, Rowley-based vendor at Salem Farmers’ Market (Editor AND Readers’), Far from the Tree Hard Cider (Honorable Mention)

Indulge

Bake Shop, Pastry – Caramel Patisserie (Editor), A&J King (Readers’)

Candies – Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie (Editor), Harbor Sweets (Readers’)

Chocolate – Harbor Sweets (Editor AND Readers’)

Cookies – A&J King (Readers’)

Live

Personal Chef – Fine Food & Cooking by Ricardo Sanchez (Editor)

Personal Training – CrossFit Iron Spider (Readers’)

Tailoring – Alterations by Rosa (Readers’)

Play

Family Hangout, Indoor – Peabody Essex Museum (Editor AND Readers’)

Festival, Fall – Haunted Happenings (Readers’)

Festival, Spring – Salem Film Fest (Readers’)

Festival, Winter – Salem’s So Sweet (Editor AND Readers’)

Golf Course, Private – Kernwood Country Club (Honorable Mention)

Museum – Peabody Essex Museum (Editor AND Readers’)

Park – Salem Willows Park (Readers’)

Tourist Attraction – Peabody Essex Museum (Readers’)

Renew

Barbershop – Paxton (Editor)

Hotel – Hawthorne Hotel (Readers’)

Yoga – Yoga Sakti (Editor 3-way tie AND Readers’)

Shop

Beauty Products – Rouge Cosmetics (Readers’)

Bike Shop – Salem Cycle (Readers’)

Books – Wicked Good Books (Readers’)

Cheese Shop – The Cheese Shop of Salem (Editor AND Readers’)

Clothing, Women’s Upscale Boutique – J. Mode (Readers’)

Consignment – Modern Millie (Readers’)

Gifts – Peabody Essex Museum Shop (Editor), Roost (Readers’)

Makeup Selection – Rouge Cosmetics (Readers’)

Yoga Apparel – Yoga Sakti (Editor AND Readers’)

Mingle

Dancing – Rockafellas (Readers’)

Girls’ Night Out – Opus (Editor)

Late Night Nosh – Howling Wolf (Readers’)

Singles’ Night – Opus (Editor AND Readers’)

You can check out the full list at Northshore Magazine.

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Drink Up: Wine & Spirits Week Being Served at Hawthorne Hotel

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Apr 032016
 

Wine SpiritsInteract with wine & spirits in a different way this week, April 3rd – 8th, courtesy of the Hawthorne Hotel. More than classes, these are full course “meals” in the art of sipping, listening, learning and being entertained by connoisseurs to become one yourself.

Speaking of entertainment, there will be tasty music to drink in afterwards from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Nat’s  which serves a modern European flair cuisine in a historic setting.

Wines can be intimidating, but you’ll cover the basics in a fun class that gets you to sip, slurp, swoosh and spit (if you wish). How do you best order wine in a restaurant? What does that gibberish on the label mean? Learn how to pair wine with food and walk away with renewed confidence in your wine skills!

Then listen to Molly Pinto-Madigan. Hailed for her angelic voice and haunting compositions, Molly won first place in WUMB’s Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Contest and was named “Artist of the Year” at Salem State University, her alma mater. She has submerged herself in the dark, luscious world of ballads, with the whisperings of the American and European traditional music.

Awaken the pirate in yourself! Salem’s very best Rum distilleries have it all; no rum-running here, but just a good old clash of two top local spirits. Let’s see who can impress you the most with their cocktail skills and vote on your favorite rum-style while learning about how distilleries work.

Afterwards, as the perfect Monday accompaniment, Kristen and Seth – a current Salem State University student and alumni – form a dynamic jazz duo that plays the upright bass and guitar, performing jazz standards and other music in a jazz style. .

From soccer to fashion to fast cars; Italians do it with passion. Come and educate yourself about Italian wines imported directly from the owner’s vineyard. And with that let’s get jazzy as The Cheese Shop of Salem owner Peter Endicott will pair up some smelly cheeses that will astound you in texture and flavors. Go on…you can do it!

Then stay for a live performance by Nick Consone, a singer/songwriter in the Boston area since 2004. His style ranges from blues to rock, from the 70’s all the way to top 40 of today. Nick is an active member in several different bands, all of which range in style.

If you already visited the Asia in Amsterdam exhibit at the PEM, you know that luxury is of all times, and nothing encompasses that more than sparkling wines. Cava, Prosecco and Champagne houses offer the more refined bubbles to enhance your palate. And what better combination than to share this with the top quality of Belgian chocolates?

Afterwards listen to Salem State University alumni Betty Bounce’s Gypsy Jazz Trio, performing music in the style of legendary Belgian-born jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt.

The liquid gold of the south has gained much popularity in recent years. Whether you are a neat or on the rocks guy or gal, come taste the various styles of bourbon. And while you are at it, pair them up with some odd bacon bites to round up the night.

Then join Andrew DiMarzo, a local solo-acoustic act with influences from Andy Mckee to Martin Sexton, from Bernhoft to Glen Hansard. His sound can be said to be a mix of percussive-acoustic, funk, soul and folk music.

Come and listen to the brew masters of Salem’s Notch Brewery and Far From The Tree Cider on starting and improve your own home brew and get an insight into their stories. Obviously a few samples will be on hand to put the theory into practice or philosophically the practice back into theory, if that is even possible.

And stay in Nat’s for an evening with The Nick G Project, featuring Salem State University faculty member Nick Giarratani. Playing vocals and guitars Nick is joined at various times by some of Salem’s best musicians including Zach Bridges on upright bass, Seitu on steel guitar, guitar and vocals and Paul Dumas on percussion and vocals.

Salem may be known for spooky things like unseen ghosts, but each night this week, you will experience contact with real spirits (& wines). Tickets are only $15 per person, please order online. Local musical entertainment curated by Creative Salem. The Hawthorne hotel is located at 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA. Call 978-744-4080 or 800-SAY-STAY .

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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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