Uncategorized – Page 29 – Salem Main Streets

Salem Supports Shop Small Saturday

Nov 292013

Expect Salem (plus Beverly, Marblehead and a score of communities on the North Shore) to be overflowing with shoppers on Saturday. Small Business Saturday, initiated by American Express in 2010, is sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a day for people to show support to local merchants who operate businesses in their communities.

In an effort to encourage Salem residents to “Shop Local First” this holiday season, Mayor Kim Driscoll announced that all parking in Salem would be free Nov. 28 – Dec. 1. This includes all on-street parking meters, City surface lots, and parking garages. Information about parking in Salem is online at http://parkinginsalem.com.

“These are some of the busiest shopping days of the year,” said Mayor Driscoll. “Hopefully, by taking this step we can help inspire more Salem residents to come downtown and discover all the great retail shopping opportunities available at our independent businesses and shops.”

Karen Gordon Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration has stated:

“Small businesses are the back bone of our communities. And when we shop small, we not only get great products and services, but we support our neighbors and strengthen our local economies.”

She points out that, “Over the last two decades, small and new businesses have been responsible for creating two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S., and today over half of all working Americans own or work for a small business.”

That certainly sounds like the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the business economy in Salem.

“By shopping small,” she concludes “we can help America’s small businesses do what they do best: grow their businesses, create good jobs, and ensure that our communities are vibrant.”

More than 100 million Americans have participated in the Small Business Saturday promotion. Our merchants in Salem invite you to join the party.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like…

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Nov 232013

No not Halloween. We do celebrate other holidays and traditions here in Salem Ma. In fact, we are building quite a resume as a December event destination for residents, North Shore neighbors and tourists. You will read about these in upcoming blogs.

As a lead-in have you noticed some subtle changes in Salem as you walked around (we love walking around the Downtown district, everything is so conveniently located) this weekend?

Ribbons and wreaths are appearing all over the place. Elves? Gremlins? (Well, it is Salem…).

There is a really tall tree in Lappin Park. Did Samantha twitch her nose and it magically appeared?

As residents know, every year we join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll in lighting Salem’s Holiday Tree at Lappin Park (next to the Bewitched Statue at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets).

This year’s event will take place on Friday, Nov. 29 at 6:30pm. We invite you to bring the entire family to enjoy carols with the Paul Madore Singers; there will also be cocoa and snacks on hand!

The event is organized by Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem. This year’s tree comes from Benjamin Nutter Architects in Topsfield, thanks in part to a donation from the Meetinghouse Church. Decorations and lights are made possible by individual contributions and donations from a number of local businesses. Salem Main Streets would like to thank North Shore Marine and Bill’s Auto Clinic for their services in delivering the tree.

And keep an eye open for changes to the storefront windows of merchants along such Salem locales as Essex, Washington, Front and Derby streets. They will also be getting into the Holiday Spirit.

Thanksgiving/Thanksgivukkah Shopping List

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Nov 202013

Thanksgiving/Thanksgivukkah is just over a week away! Whatever your family celebrates on the fourth Thursday of November, chances are you’d prefer to beat the holiday crush at the grocery store. Thankfully (see what I did there?), the Salem Winter Market has you covered. Here are a few ideas for what you can purchase at this week’s Winter Market that will help you out next Thursday.

Starters

– Charcuterie – Piper Ranch has some of the best sausage/salami/chorizo around. Grab a few links and slice them up to serve with crackers and cheese.

– Bruschetta with Ricotta, Honey, and Lemon Zest – Even fresh ricotta will generally keep for a week so long as you don’t open it, so you just have to resist snacking on Wolf Meadow Farm‘s ricotta until you’re ready to use it. Several of our vendors carry local honey.

– Leek Fritters – equally good as a snack or a side, you can make this with leeks and/or other fall vegetables from one of our produce vendors.

Sides

– Cranberry Sauce – it’s hard to imagine Thanksgiving without it, and several of our vendors carry fresh cranberries. We’re fond of this recipe for Brandied Cranberry Sauce – it doesn’t need overnight to set like some cranberry sauce recipes, but it will taste even better if you make it in advance.

– Stuffing – think how much better your bread-based stuffing would taste with some of Great Cape Baking Company‘s Rosemary Bread!

– Roasted or Pureed Parsnips – we’re huge fans of the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook‘s parsnip puree (with or without horseradish) if you need a break from mashed potatoes this year.

– Buttery Braised Leeks – easy-peasy, don’t forget the lemon squeeze.

Sweets

– Pumpkin Pie…with squash!

– Whatever baked goodies you’re planning, we know you’ll want to visit the Salem Spice table for cinnamon and other seasonal spices (and maybe check out the selection of rubs to find a new way to spice up your turkey).

More Fun

– The Morning Of – Don’t forget to feed yourself before you start cooking (rookie mistake!). Stick some of Big Sky Bakery‘s fantastic bagels in the freezer this week and they’ll be there to keep you going next week.

– Want to get Aunt Margie a special “thank you” for hosting? Visit the Salem Soapworks corner for a range of sumptuous soaps, lotions, and gift baskets.

– Need a Hanukkah present for Aunt Mindy? Our friends at Shine Jewelry always have a beautiful selection of hand-crafted jewelry available for a one-of-a-kind gift.

– The Day After – Tired of cooking? Tired of turkey? So tired all you can manage is boiling a pot of water? Mandy’s Wicked Chowdah comes in freezable packets, perfect for two people – just defrost the packet in a pot of boiling water. Or get some of Organico Valicenti’s fresh pasta and a jar of Red or Golden Gravy. Enjoy a healthy, hearty meal in 15 minutes.

See you this Thursday at Old Town Hall, 3 pm to 6 pm!

Our Datebook Seems To Be Full This Week

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Nov 162013

When exactly are things supposed to slow down in Salem?

We just finished Fall Restaurant Week. Well, actually two weeks of fine dining.

We are in the midst of Winter Market, Thursdays (except Thanksgiving week) from 3-6pm at Old Town Hall.

The soon to be Turner’s Seafood Restaurant will be opening this week (or next, everything needs to be just right). Yes, another different flavor of dining comes to Salem. Described in their own words, “Salem experiences the heritage, dedication & expertise of our family’s four generations… sourcing, preparing & serving the freshest, best tasting seafood at our authentic New England seafood restaurant & market in storied Lyceum Hall.”

Brunonia Barry (The Lace Reader and The Map of True Places) noted author from Salem —a New York Times Best-selling author we may add— Baccante award winner & Strand Fellowship recipient will close out the 2013 “Seven Lectures at Seven Gables” series at (where else) the House of Seven Gables, Wednesday at 7pm.

CinemaSalem is running a special double feature this Thursday on the 8pm premiere of Catching Fire by preceding it with the original Hunger Games movie at 5pm.

Another celebrity comes to town on Thursday, when Jenny Johnson, the Emmy Award Winning producer and television host of TV Diner visits J. Mode for a “Girls Night Event,” 6-8:30pm. The evening’s guests will enjoy wine, small bites and a beautiful spread offered by Pretzel Crisps, plus of course shopping. Space is limited and the first 25 guests will receive a swag bag filled with surprises. Attendees will also be treated to a raffle and the opportunity to earn double points in J. Mode’s customer loyalty program.

But before that you might want to visit the Peabody Essex Museum for Members’ Appreciation Day. This holiday season, the Museum Shop wants to thank members for their support with a special gift and additional discounts. Visit the shop and receive your exclusive PEM swag bag!

Join then from 1-3pm for a book signing with Benneville Strohecker, founder of the Salem-based Harbor Sweets. He’ll sign copies of his new children’s book, The Day the Ocean Changed to Chocolate. Also meet a representative from Tea Forte, and sample delicious teas.

Close out the evening with the latest in the PEM/PM after hours gathering. This month Anime and Manga; these are Japanese comic books and animation that have taken America by storm. Come celebrate this fascinating medium from 6:30-9:30pm with a visual music performance, drawing with professional graphic artists and an engaging conversation organized by the Tannery Series. Members and Salem residents (with ID) free, non-members $10. Cash bar. Refreshments available for purchase in the Atrium Cafe.

And that is just this week.

On Nov. 30 we take part in Small Business Saturday, but that’s another blog.

Shopping At Winter Market Is Just A Beginning

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Nov 122013

Playing with your food is a no-no. That’s what mom always said. But…

“We’re starting a new idea called ‘Playing With Your Food,’ announced Kylie Sullivan, Manager of Salem Main Streets recently on our Facebook page.

She explained, “Every week we’ll highlight on Facebook some of the ingredients available at our Salem Winter Market and how to use them.”

For example… Fried egg from Grant Family Farm and heirloom tomato from Clark Farm with prosciutto, lettuce, and mustard on cheddar bread from Great Cape Baking Company. Weekend sandwich perfection. Doesn’t that picture awaken your taste buds?

The Winter Market is open Thursday from 3-6pm at the Salem Ma Old Town Hall.

See an ingredient at the Winter Market that you’re not sure how to use? Leave a message on our Facebook page or email Kylie at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.

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