Chamber Awards Give Public Chance to Honor Good Business Ethics

 History, Salem Dining, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Mar 272015
 

Declare your appreciation for local businesses, businessmen and businesswomen who “serve you & Salem right” by casting votes in this year’s Celebrate Salem Awards.

The finalists have been nominated by their peers, the members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Now you, their customers, clients and patrons will fill out ballots, electronic and traditional, to honor “the best of the best.”

Did you enjoy a meal or shopping experience, or consultation? Did the merchant make you feel like he/she cared about you? Let others know that “this” business merits extra attention for providing not only satisfactory customer service but shows it cares about Salem by getting involved in community projects.

  1. Businesswoman of the Year is a Chamber member who has demonstrated excellence in business practices throughout the year and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to Salem.
  2. Businessman of the Year is a Chamber member who has demonstrated excellence in business practices throughout the year and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to Salem.
  3. The New Business of the Year award is given to the best new business that opened in 2014
  4. The Excellence in Retail Award showcases the outstanding achievements of Salem retailers and will be awarded to the retailer that applies superior knowledge, creativity and industry know-how to develop innovative strategies, and contributes to the growth of the Salem retail sector.
  5. The Community Service Award is given to a member or organization who has an outstanding record of community service and volunteer participation.
  6. The Long-Term Achievement Award will be given to a business that has achieved 10 or more years of success in the community

Deadline for voting is April 3rd 2015; voting can be done by:

And after the tabulations are completed, the awards will be handed out by The Salem Chamber of Commerce at the Celebrate Salem Awards Dinner on April 22nd at the Peabody Essex Museum. For information on attending, or on the voting process, call 978-744-0004.

 

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Salem Spring Restaurant Week Serves Up Delightful Dining

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Festivals  No Responses »
Mar 132015
 

Salem Rest. Week 1“What are we going to have for dinner” will be replaced for the next two weeks in Salem Ma with “where are we going to have dinner,” as the popular Salem Spring Restaurant Week is served up March 15-19 and again March 22-26.

Long noted for attractions and history, Salem is coming into its own also as a foodie destination with a diverse menu of traditional and ethnic flavors among our restaurants. And as a way of thanking regular patrons and inviting new ones, Salem restaurants are offering either a two-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $18, or a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $28, or both (price does not include drinks, taxes or gratuities).

Many of the prix-fixe menus include multiple choices for appetizers, entrees and desserts.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce, which serves as the voice for member businesses, represents, advocates and works to enhance the business and civic environment. To that end, it produces these restaurant weeks in March and November.

There is a Facebook page, and the Chamber also provides links to special menus for this occasion.

As of this writing, participating dining destinations for your epicurean delight are:

Salem Spring Rest. Week62 Restaurant and Wine Bar
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0062
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar
155 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 594-1832
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Bella Verona
107 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 825-9911
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Finz Seafood & Grill
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-0000
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Firenze Trattoria
2 Lynde Street, Salem, MA – (978) 594-1188
Offering a Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Koto Grill & Sushi Lounge
90 Washington Street , Salem, MA – (978) 594-8681
Offering a Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Naumkeag Ordinary
118 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-4968
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Opus
87 Washington Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-9600
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Regatta Pub at the Waterfront Hotel
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 740-8788
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-2411
Offering both a Two-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $18 and a Three Course Menu for $28

Salem Beer Works
278 Derby Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-2337
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Scratch Kitchen
245 Derby St, Salem, MA – (978) 741-2442
Offering a Two-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $18

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA – (978) 741-8008
Offering both a Two-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $18 and a Three-Course, Menu for $28

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-7665
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA – (978) 745-3400
Offering a Three-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu for $28

Village Tavern
168 Essex Street, Salem, MA – (978) 744-2858
Offering a Three-Course, Prixe-Fixe Dinner Menu for $18 *special pricing*

You will be treated to a wide variety of delicious foods – from steak to seafood, American to ethnic, there is something for everyone. Reservations are encouraged, therefore the Chamber of Commerce advises that you contact the restaurants directly. Please mention “Restaurant Week” when making your reservations.

And don’t forget, save room for the dessert!

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March Meatball Madness — Where Else But Salem!

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
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.

Meatball FestMeatballs 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.

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First Friday – Shopping Local at Pickering Wharf

 New Businesses, Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Shopping  No Responses »
Mar 052015
 

If you’ve never shopped at Salem’s scenic Pickering Wharf (hard to believe), then make March 6th your First Friday there, as the merchants have gotten together to revive the First Friday concept (and even if you have shopped there, you’ll want to make the trip this week).

First Friday is a “stay open later” theme held on the first Friday of a month to entice shoppers with bargains, entertainment and an opportunity for merchants & shoppers to get better acquainted.

Pickering WharfWhile there was no First Friday last year, in previous years it had encompassed the greater Downtown District. David Bowie of Salem Spice (one of the stores at Pickering Wharf) explains “I thought it seemed like a good vehicle to kick-start the 2015 year; so I sent a note to Pickering Wharf merchants to suggest that we start it up again as a local, rather than city-wide, initiative. It seems to be taking root. ”

Just look at all the participants this month. And note the discounts if you bring a receipt from another store on Pickering Wharf!

Clever Diva: 10% off with receipt from another Pickering Wharf merchant or restaurant!

Crafters Market Candles & Gifts: 10% off, 15% off with receipt from another PW merchant or restaurant!

Edward John Home Decor: 10% off!

Enchanted Shop: 10% off, 15% off with a receipt from another Pickering Wharf merchant or restaurant!

Finz Seafood and Grill: 10% off with a receipt from a PW merchant or restaurant! (excludes alcohol)

The Happy Sunflower: 15% off non-sale items and 50-75% off clearance items!

Hedrington’s: Sales, Snacks & SPIRITS as well as a Spring Preview!

The Joyful Artisans “Supernaturals”: 20% off original price on clothing, 10% off jewelry, a raffle for a pair of custom made earrings and FREE snacks and goodies!

Longboards Restaurant & Bar: 10% off with a receipt from a Pickering Wharf merchant or restaurant! (excludes alcohol)

Ocean Chic Boutique & Waterbar: 10% off any full price item and 20-50% off winter items!

SalemSpice: 10% off all purchases, and FREE cider for the day!

RJ Coins and Jewelry: FREE watch battery installed while you wait with any purchase of $10 or more! (limit one per person)

Adds Bowie, “Most of the merchants will offer, at a minimum, 10% off as well as in-house specials. Some merchants will also have entertainment, refreshments, and some give-aways. The restaurants have graciously offered to provide 10% off meals (no alcohol) if you show a receipt from a PW merchant. Salem Film Fest is also joining in the fun and we are offering that same 10% off if you show a receipt from Salem Film Fest.”

First Friday festivities begin at 5pm with most stores remaining open until 9 pm. Entertainment. Bargains. Actually talk to someone in a store before you purchase an item. Definitely skip driving to the mall on this Friday night.

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Who Is NOT Afraid of Snow in Salem Ma? We Have the List

 Salem Dining, Salem Event, Salem Shopping, SMS News  1 Response »
Feb 152015
 

Open for bizLet it snow, let is snow, let it snow. We can’t do anything about the fluffy white stuff that is falling and being blown about— but we can make sure it doesn’t diminish one of the things that makes Salem such a great place to reside in and visit: our Downtown Shopping District.

Many of our restaurants and retailers braved the weather, cleared the sidewalks, pathways, doorways and parking lots to hang their “open for business” signs today. As was said in a tweet, sure they are looking to generate income, but they are also in a sense performing a public service, giving us all a reason to get out of our houses and congregate with fellow townsfolk.

We set up a constantly updating thread on our Facebook page to share the info on who is and is not open. We thank everyone who chimed in. And we give a big frozen thumb’s up to the retailers that offered “Blizzard Specials” to the adventurous New Englanders who made the trek to their favorite Salem haunt.

(Image courtesy of artur84 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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