Al fresco dining in Salem, MA is nothing new. Salem institutions like the Lobster Shanty and Finz have predicated their business model on it. Victoria Station has some great al fresco action overlooking the wharf and Salem Light. Even Capts. with their second floor balcony understands people’s desire to feel connected to the outdoors while refueling the body. However, recently a few things have changed and now everyone is clamoring to get in on the game.

The Lobster Shanty Salem

There was a time, not too long ago, that if you were in down town Salem and wanted to eat or drink outside under the stars (or an umbrella) your options were fairly limited. There was Rockafellas, the Garden at the PEM, the aforementioned Lobster Shanty and, depending on its state of flux, the business now currently known as Murphy’s.

A few years back Gulu-Gulu came to town and added outdoor seating. Other Salem restaurateurs took notice and started playing that game. Some failed miserably like Cafe Graziani who tried to stuff a table or two out their back door in an alley under the constant hum of their kitchen air conditioner (they now have added 3 tables in front on the Washington St. sidewalk). Others, like Fresh Taste of Asia and The Upper Crust, succeed despite not getting direct sunlight during prime dining hours.

Then the game changed again. Tavern in the Square opened in the old Salem News building, eventually adding one hundred seats outside and securing the rights to use the public sidewalk as part of their business much to the dismay of some residents and special interest groups. Like it or not, the president set by Tavern in the Square paved the way for more businesses to steak a claim to public walkways. Maria’s Sweet Somethings has expanded its outdoor seating. Down town new-comer, Puleo’s Ice Cream (next door to Cafe Graziani), has set up shop with tables and chairs on the  cramped Washington Street sidewalk.

New outside seating at the Lyceum

The latest restaurants to throw their hats in the al fresco ring are Greenland Cafe, with a sizable brick patio behind their location and a few feet away from the Greenland Cafe in the courtyard behind Church Street, the Lyceum just opened their patio featuring about 25 more seats.

Not to be left out of the quest for fresh air and sun shine, the city of Salem has stepped up and installed a bunch of tables and chairs in the Derby plaza area in front of Old Town Hall and around the East India Square fountain, free for everyone to use 24 hours a day.

I personally love good al fresco dining, when I can sit outside sipping a cocktail, eating a meal, not being distracted by loud noise or obnoxious smells and being treated to a nice view. Now, with patio dining  pretty much saturated in Salem we will have to wait till next summer to see what the future holds. My prediction for the next trend in Salem dining…roof decks.

Coven market in Salem soft open

While the big opening day isn’t until Memorial Day weekend we stopped by the new market/cafe the other day to check it out.

Coven of Salem

The shop is not fully functioning but they do have some fun and hard to find products. If you’re into a crunchy lifestyle you might be pleasantly surprised that Coven has some hard to find vegan foods.  Vegan fake bacon, cheese, ice cream and other soy based alternatives are available in their market section.  They also stock some fruits, veggies and a good selection of herbs.

Fruits, veggies and herbs

One of the features everyone is talking about is their cereal bar. Plenty of your childhood favorites to choose from.

Coven cereal bar

There is plenty of seating at Coven, both up front by the giant glass windows and in back, decorated with funky rock memorabilia and monster style painting.

lounging at Coven

Right now their desert coolers are pretty bare but based on the look of these brownies I’m guessing they will have some delicious morsels soon.

Brownies

The staff was friendly and hectic trying to work out the kinks that arise during a pre-opening.  We look forward to going back when they have a full blown opening.

Baby Artichokes

Special thanks to Forrest Frazier who took these pictures for us.

Howling Wolf Taqueria

Yesterday a regular reader Geoff, along with the people over at North Shore Dish via Roost and our friend The Hungry Mouse, all dropped a dime about the soon to be open Howling Wolf Taqueria.

Howling Wolf will be opening across from the fire station at 76 Lafayette Street. This is great news for if you have a hankering for tacos, burritos, quesidillas, nachos or any other Mexican inspired foods.  You can check out their full menu here. Of note to anyone in the know about restaurants and liquor licensees here in Salem, it appears they will be offering Sangria, wine and beer.  So you will have to get your margarita fix elsewhere.

There is no set opening date as of yet however, when more info becomes available we’ll let you know. We’ll also be in the front of the line for some tacos.

Thanks to everyone who hooked us up with some info for this post.  Much appreciated.

How about a hot cup of Joe?

Cafe Valverde opened today in what was formerly Fuel, on Essex Street. This is the first retail location for Nelson and Eleni, online coffee importers from the North Shore who focus on beans from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Guatemala for all you coffee aficionados.

Cafe Valverde in Salem

We drink a fair amount of coffee around here and as you know Salem has some great offerings.  We decided to drop by and get a feel for the newest cafe in Salem.

The decor was simple modern coffee shop and the counters, floors and seating was clean comfortable. The earthen floor tiles, golden yellow walls and huge windows gives this small space a warm and inviting feel.

Prices range from $1.49 for a simple 12oz. cup of coffee to $5ish for some of the espresso drinks. They also have a variety of bagels, pastry, brownies, and other assorted goodies.

Counter at Cafe Valverde

How was the coffee?

With six people behind the counter and me being the only customer I figured this would be a 30 second visit.  I asked the counter girl what she recommended I try and got the typically uninformed answer of “everything is good”.  I chose a caramel vanilla latte and a plain cup of coffee.  After a 10 minute wait I got my coffee and hit the road for my 5 minute walk back home.  I took a sip of my drink and promptly burned the taste buds off my tounge. My latte was a scalding 168 degrees! According to the National Coffee Association, this is the correct temperature range, but I can tell you it’s hotter than anyone around town serves it so be careful.

Caution hot coffee

I usually reserve my palette for fine Scotch and rich chocolates, but the overall thought is that the coffees we tasted were a bit thin and, although clean, they left a slightly bitter earthy aftertaste.

If you are a real coffee snob, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Also, knowing that it takes a while for most restaurants/shops to work the kinks out after their initial opening we will return later.

Fried Snickers

Thanks to the Salem Chamber of Commerce for spearheading this great event. (Although I’m sure its a ploy by the tailors and clothing shops around town to get you into a larger size.) Don’t let these prices pass you by. Check out our Salem restaurant review page if you want more info about the participating restaurants. Also, be sure to let us know what you think.

Current List of Participating Restaurants (As of September 1st)

Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
2 Bridge Street, Salem, MA
978-744-1863

Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-741-0555

Cilantro
282 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9436

Finz Seafood Restaurant
76 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant
26 Congress Street, Salem, MA
978-745-9335

The Lobster Shanty
25 Front Street, Salem, MA
978-745-5449

Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4311

Passage to India
157 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-832-2200

Regatta Pub at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street, Salem, MA
978-740-8788

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street, Salem, MA
978-745-2411

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-744-0062

Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA
978-825-4342

Tavern in the Square
189 Washington Street, Salem, MA
978-740-2337

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall, Salem, MA
978-741-8008

Victoria Station
86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
978-745-3400

All you can eat for a month for $599

This offer is valid between September 8, 2009 and October 8, 2009 at both of their restaurants (a few years back we reviewed Tavern at the Hawthorne if you want more info).  This offer is for a limited time blah blah blah…

From their blog post:

We invite our guests to take part in our All-You-Can-Eat event for only $599! Use the special Hawthorne Hotel AYCE identification card as many times as you would like from September 8, 2009 to October 8, 2009 and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch—any and all you choose! Just present the card to your server and have anything on our menu! Please remember, this is similar to a buffet — no leftovers or to-go food may be removed from the hotel, it is strictly all-you-can eat.

The most important thing I can tell you about our All-You-Can-Eat promotion is “do it right away! The cards are very limited in availability and we will be featuring it on our website, Twitter, Facebook and our Blog.
Hurry before they are gone!”

So if you are one of those city folk who always eat out this deal could be a big savings for you. As you know we at The Salem Insider are all about a good deal and a good time, this little surprise offers both in one nice package.

If you are going to indulge in this AYCE offer please let us know, we would love to follow your gastronomic adventures.

Ice Scream Bowl (formerly Scooperbowl)

Formerly known as the Scooper Bowl (I’m guessing the Jimmy Fund had a hand in Salem’s event name change) the Ice Scream Bowl was a big hit.  This year the event was layed out on the Common to allow for much better foot traffic flow and less crowd overflow onto the street. The ice cream providers were similar to those from last years Scooper Bowl and included some we profiled on our Salem Ice Cream Roundup post. Along with the yummie ice cream there was plenty of fun stuffs for the kids to do.

Ice Cream Scoopers

Rita's mascot

Baloon knot animals

face painting

In case you missed yesterdays Ice Scream Bowl on Salem Common we have a treat in store for you.  The Salem Insider along with renown foodie and fellow blogger The Hungry Mouse are bringing you a series of Ice Cream Shop reviews starting tomorrow!

But wait, there’s more…

Salem Heritage Days is about more than just Ice Cream, it’s also about pizza. On the Salem Common Thursday night starting at 6PM the annual Salem Best Pizza Competition will be held. This is another great event that really packs them in. We have done a good job seeking out all the Salem Pizza joints and reviewing them for you but some still elude our list.  We will be adding a few shortly so if there are any particular pie parlours you want us to review just let us know.

Tavern in the Square

The much awaited Tavern In The Square opened this week and we ran over to check it out. The first thing you will notice is that this place is big huge. The generically unimpressive front door opens to a cavernous restaurant/bar. The interior is clean and new with wood floors and unassuming striped carpet but the true nature of this establishment as a sports bar shines through from the plethora of flat screen and projection TVs on almost every inch of the walls.

Interior of Tavern in the Square

We started with one of their featured appetizers Buffalo Calamari ($9.99). The heaping plate came with full calamari as-well-as rings, jalapenos, a healthy dose of blue cheese and an unusual topping of carrot shavings. The buffalo sauce is fairly mild and shouldn’t dissuade anyone from trying this tasty treat.

Buffalo Calamari

For main courses we chose the staple of all sports bars: a burger and, for those who are less meat-centric, a marinated feta and avocado salad with grilled chicken.  The burger choice was the Bacon and Blue Cheese stuffed Burger ($11.99). Grilled to a perfect medium rare and loaded up with heaps of blue cheese the burger and side of waffle fries were just what I was looking for, juicy, full of flavor and delicious.

Close-up of the Bacon Blue Burger

The marinated feta and avocado salad ($9.99) was just as massive as the burger. We added the grilled chicken ($2.99) but found that it was not needed because the salad was stocked with white beans and pistachio nuts giving a healthy dose of protein. The greens were fresh and snappy and the salad had interesting and surprisingly good mix of flavors.

Feta Salad with grilled chicken

Even though we were stuffed from our meals (we even took 1/2 the salad home) one item on the desert menu was too tempting to pass up.  Super decedent and loaded with more calories than I can even imagine, the Fried Snickers dessert ($6.99) is a Southern treat. Wrapped in a light crust and deep fried, a snickers candy bar never tasted so good.

Fried Snickers

Tavern in the Square is not your typical Salem eatery, it’s a little too polished and forced.  Hopefully its personality will emerge over time.  With pub trivia on Wednesday and DJ’s Thursday – Saturday, I’m sure the twenty-something crowd that goes to places like Sylvan Street Grille in Danvers will flock to down town Salem and enjoy our newest tavern.

Price: $$
Atmosphere: B
Drinks & wine selection: B
Food: B+
Service: B+
Overall:  B+

I hope that when the good weather gets here and the Taverns doors open up that all the condo owners who buy directly above will understand what they have done and not bitch and moan about it like some other new down town condo owners.

The Lobster Shanty of Salem opens up for the season

The Lobster Shanty Salem

I know I’ve said it before but it’s like the swallows coming back to Capistrano.  Sure the Lobster Shanty isn’t 5 star eats but that’s not why the locals flock to this down town hot spot.  It’s all about the cheap beer, out door location, live music and hanging out late night with new friends and old.

Lobster Shanty will be re-opening for the season this Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00PM.  Their entertainment will be DJ Joe DiFranco and they’re featuring the usual beers as well as a special draft of Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA; one delicious and hard-to-find-on-draft beer.

I think the best way to see your new town and meet people is by going out to dinner at the local restaurants, and insiders know that we have some great eats here in Salem.  But there are times that you just need some quick take out or delivery.  That got me thinking, what are the must have menu’s in your kitchen?

Salem Take Out Menus

Take Out / Delivery Menus in Salem

• DeLeo’s – Pizza & Subs – Take Out & Delivery
• Engine House – Pizza,  Subs, Pasta – Take Out & Delivery
• Upper Crust – flat pizza – Take Out & Delivery
• Hong Kong King – Chineese – Take Out & Delivery
• Bangkok Paradise – Thai (not sushi) – Take Out
• Asahi – Sushi – Take Out
• Cafe Kushco – Sandwiches  - Take Out & Delivery
• Mandee’s Pizza – Pizza & Subs – Take Out & Delivery  (also offers on-line ordering)
• Passage to India – Indian – Take Out

What we don’t have here in Salem is a good quality Mexican restaurant where you can get a taco or burrito.  Cilantro is excellent but not really the place for this type of food and Edgewater is great for drinks but just plain sucks for food.

If you want more info about any of the restaurants on our list head over to our restaurant review page.  I’m sure there are a few menus in your kitchen drawer that didn’t make this list.  Tell us what they are and why we should put them on the list essential Take Out and/or Delivery menus for Salem.

I received an email from local eatery Sixty2 on Wharf the other day which put me in a nostalgic mood.  For years I worked as a DJ in Boston, New York and through out the US spinning jazz, big band and swing music during the neo-swing movement (some call it the swing revival) of the late 1990′s and early 2000′s.  Taking “Big Daddy” as my moniker, I had a Thursday night residency at The Upstairs Lounge, Friday night residency at The Roxy and Saturday night residency at The Supper Club in NYC’s Times Square.  Sunday through Wednesday I would work at a variety of clubs doing special events or filling in for fellow DJ’s.

I’ve had the pleasure to work some of the largest events of the neo-swing era.  As one of the first DJ’s / promoters on the scene I was friends with many of the NY and LA bands.  I’ve been interviewed for documentary’s about the era and built up an acting reel as a result of it.

Frankie Mannings 85th Birthday party at the Roseland Ballroom

The reason for this trip down memory lane is because the email I received from Sixty2 on Wharf said that next Tuesday December 9th they will be transforming into a Jazz Supper Club.  While they just don’t have the size to put on a floor show with 21 piece big band like The Supper Club NYC used to do or the ill fated Coconut Grove in Boston did, I’m guessing this will be a more intimate affair in the style of what Swing 46 (one of my old haunts in NYC) does.

Qwill, a local musician with an impressive bio is tapped to preform.  I looked at his myspace page and there were no audio clips of any jazz music so I can’t tell you anything about his skills as a jazz musician.

I can tell you that the menu looks great and the fixed $45 price for a four course meal is pretty sweet.

First Course:
Roasted Bone Marrow
with toasted baguette, sea salt and parsley salad
or
Ricotta Crostino
Crostino of whole milk ricotta with wild mushrooms,
black truffle and extra virgin olive oil

Second Course:
Fennel and Blood Orange Salad

Third Course:
Scallops
Seared sea scallops with roasted fennel,
pancetta and green apple
or
Braised Veal Cheeks
over creamy polenta with caramelized figs and
aged balsamic vinegar

Dessert:
Cheesecake
Chevre cheesecake with seckel pears
and rosemary honey
or
(The infamous)Toffee Pudding
No description necessary

Dinner service is from 5pm to 10pm.  It’s on a Tuesday night which in Salem is a pretty safe bet that you can get a table without too much wait but you might want to make a reservation for this night because it looks like it’s going to be pretty special.

When people discuss restaurants in Salem Massachusetts a few rise above the rest as true standouts of fine dining, the Grapevine is one such restaurant.

A few steps away from the main drag of Derby Street and Hawthorne Blvd. in Salem sits the diminutive Grapevine restaurant.  A small “L” shaped bar greets you and a hostess will seat you either in their richly colored old world styled dining room or if the weather is cooperative, outside in the Tuscan inspired 8 table garden. The Grapevine has long been a favorite spot to celebrate special occasions or impress your date.

Grapevine Restaurant

My dinner date and I were seated promptly and attended to by Oscar, a polite and knowledgeable server.  We started off with cocktails ($10).  My date opted for the X-Rated martini  featured as the days special martini and I went with the tried and true extra dry Sapphire martini.

Cocktails

For an appetizer we chose the grilled calamari ($12).  Unlike typical fried calamari, grilled calamari is unbreaded and usually of higher quality. This did not disappoint.  The large calamari was grilled to perfection with not a chewy piece to be found. Served on a bed of greens with a light lemon dressing and two large blue cheese topped croutons this is a perfect starter.

Grilled Calamari

Dinner choices were difficult as so many items looked great. As a general rule I try to go for a daily special and a featured item from the menu.  Unfortunately the my first choice of a special was sold out so on the recommendation of our server I went with the dry rubbed baby back ribs, finished on the grill with a chipotle BBQ sauce, served with a side of mac ‘n cheese  ($22).  From the specials menu my date ordered the pan seared swordfish  with veggies and roasted potato’s ($23).  Knowing the grapevine has a celebrated wine list we each ordered a glass of Argentinian Syrah.

The swordfish was cooked to perfection although the flavor was somewhat bland.

Swordfish

The ribs were quite meaty and the dry rub made them easy to eat with utensils or by hand without too much mess.  I was pleasantly surprised to find large rigatoni with a rich blue cheese sauce as a fun twist on the traditional mac n’ cheese.

Dry ribs with Mac n Cheese

Although we were both stuffed the dessert looked too good to pass up.  We tried the chocolate mousse and fall favorite, bread pudding ($8).  Both were delicious and hit the spot topping off our meal without putting us in a diabetic coma.

Bread Pudding

You probably won’t get out of the Grapevine for under $100, add a few cocktails and a good tip and you are well over $100 however you do get what you pay for, and in our opinion it’s money well spent.

Price: $$$
Atmosphere: B
Drinks & wine selection: A
Food: A
Service: B+
Overall: A

Last night the City of Salem’s Licensing Board flexed their muscles and told Fresh Taste of Asia to  close their doors this Thursday and they are banned from having entertainment after 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights for the rest of the year.

Recently some trouble has occurred which garnered the attention of Salem PD.  In fact if you remember our video from last week Bad Cop, you might be interested to know that events precipitating this were caused by people who attended Fresh Taste earlier that night.

I’ve heard much talk that its because of the type of music they play combined with alcohol that draws the out of hand patrons.  Having worked in Boston on Lansdown Street for quite a few years I can tell you that it is an undeniable fact, venues that play hip-hop music have more altercations than those that play other types of music.  However, when you compare the number of police reported issues of Fresh Taste to that of O’Neills (that has a larger capacity) on hip-hop nights the results show a big problem at Fresh Taste that does not exist at O’Neills.

I am a fairly large guy who has worked in the night club industry for years and has learned to spot and deal with problematic and physically violent people.  Recently I went to Fresh Taste on a hip-hop night with a lady friend of mine.  We were seated at the bar and had some dinner and cocktails.  Shortly before 10pm the tables were cleared to make room for a “dance floor”.  It was about this time that the bar started to pack in with girls in short skirts and guys wearing Affliction, or Tapout brand clothing.   My friend had to go to the little girls room and no sooner had she stepped away from her chair than some meathead decided to sit there. I politley told him that the seat was occupied and the young lady was to be right back.  Next thing you know he was up in my face telling me he would kill me and kick my head in.   When I asked him which he would do first he instantly became physical.  Thankfully I was able to handle the situation but the mood for me was ruined.  It’s acts like this that usually end up sprawling outside and becoming problematic for bar staff, patrons and police.

As much as I love to see Salem businesses doing well and people spending their money to have a good time in our city, I think this wake-up call is a good thing.   One of the board members last night was upset telling the bar owner that by having entertainment and dancing he is acutally running a club not a restaurant.  I don’t have a problem with that either, my philosophy when working at or running a club has always been offer the people a good time while keeping them safe.  Establishments that do that turn out to be successful, those that dont do that end up feeling the wrath of the city.  Hopefully Fresh Taste will learn something from this and offer a better environment keeping both their patrons and the City happy.

Salem Fall Restaurant Week

Twice a year Salem restaurants offer a price fixe menu so we can see what they have to offer and not spend too much cash in the process. It’s a little marketing technique learned from the crack dealers in the 1980′s who gave you free samples because they knew you would be back.  Unfortunately there isn’t a restaurant rehab for us to go to once were hooked.

lobster ravioli

This week from September 14th to September 18th 2008 (sorry no weekend bonus for you) at participating restaurants Pricing for a three-course dinner is $20.08 (get it? 2008 – the year – clever huh?).  Those restaurants may also offer an additional exclusive $30.08 dinner option.

Many of the restaurants that are in on this deal have been reviewed by us, the others are on our “to-do” list.  Click the links below for a review.  If you take advantage of this deal chime in and let us know what you thought of your experience.

The Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
2 Bridge Street
Tel.: 978-744-1863

Caffe Graziani
133 Washington Street
Tel.: 978-741-4282

Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Club
94 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-741-0555

Cilantro
282 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-745-9436

Finz Seafood
76 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-744-0000

Grapevine Restaurant
26 Congress Street
Tel.: 978-745-9335

Lyceum Bar & Grill
43 Church Street
Tel.: 978-745-7665

Nathaniel’s
18 Washington Square West
Tel.: 978-744-4080

Passage to India
157 Washington Street
Tel.: 978-832-2200

Regatta Pub at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
225 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-740-8788

Rockafellas
231 Essex Street
Tel.: 978-745-2411

Sixty2 on Wharf
62 Wharf Street
Tel.: 978-744-0062

Spirits at 300 Derby
300 Derby Street
Tel.: 978-744-8889

Strega Restaurant & Lounge
94 Lafayette Street
Tel.: 978-741-0004

Tavern at the Hawthorne
18 Washington Square West
Tel.: 978-744-4080

Thai Ginger
335 Lafayette Street
Tel.: 978-607-0060

Thai Place
Museum Place Mall
Tel.: 978-741-8008

Much talk latley in the frozen desert realm has revolved around the NKOTB Rita’s, you might remember we did a review of them a little while ago. But the pinaccle of cool and delicious has to be Salem’s great ice cream palours.  Each of these shops deserves their own post and in time will probably get one but since Labour day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, is right around the corner I wanted to make sure you know your options.

Maria’s  Sweet Somethings
26 Front Street
978.825.9111

• Independantly owned
• Great hard ice cream in a variety of flavors
• soft serve available
• extensive chocolate & goodies shop
• located next to the old town hall

Captain Dustys Ice Cream
143 Derby Street
(978) 744-0777

• chain shop
• average hard ice cream above average portions
• soft serve available
• located in the wharf neighborhood by the House of 7 Gables

Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop
60 Washington Steet
978.744.7500

• corporate owned hippyfest
• all the flavors you know and love and find in your grocers freezer
• located in down town by the court house

E W Hobbs
207 Fort Ave
978.745.7691

• independently owned, historically significant ice cream shop
• home made hard ice cream
• Located in the Salem Willows

Dairy Witch
117 Boston Street
978.744.5413

• independently owned
• hard ice cream
• soft serve
• destination shop

Puleo’s Dairy
376 Highland Avenue
(978) 745-6455

• independently owned ice cream shop is part of restaurant and dairy
• wide variety of hard ice creams made on premises
• low fat and sugar free options
• accessible by driving
• 

Do you have a favorite Ice Cream Shop?

Tell us where you like to go for ice cream in Salem.   Maybe you’re quote will make it in a future article about each shop listed here.  Or if you like to go somewhere not listed in this article, comment below and tell the world.

As the new cool kid in town Rita’s serves up some frozen treats.

Rita's Italian Ice Salem

With the scooperbowl just happening and the ice cream wars heating up a new hat was thrown into the ring recently when franchise frozen ice water shop Rita’s Italian Ice opened up.  Thankfully for them their big opening was a couple weeks back when we still had some summer heat.

Their shop along the pedestrian mall on Essex Street, next to Witch City Ink and across from Pamplemousse is a colourful explosion of red, green and white. Commonly misconstrued as an ice cream shop Rita’s is a whole different ballgame.  They serve up frozen treats of Italian Ice which is a blend of ice and fresh fruits, Cream Ice, a cold creamy mix of goodies like bananas, cookies n’ cream and fudge brownies.  There are even frozen coffee drinks and blended mixes of Italian ice and cream ice.

Scooping Italian Ice

I wouldn’t suggest this as a replacement for your Maria’s or Capt. Dusty runs but as a new pitfall along the road back to the gym.  For those of you still trying to watch you weight Rita’s offers some Sugar-Free Italian Ice that’s also Fat-Free, Cholesterol-Free and Trans-Fat Free so you can keep that beach figure you worked on so hard these past few months.

As a goodwill ambasador to the outside world, Rita’s mascot can be seen all over town drumming up business and good cheer, you can even be Mr. Ice Guy’s friend on myspace!

Atmosphere: C (for cartoonish)
Food: B (bonus points for being unique)
Service: C
Overall: B-

It might not have the most visible profile but Salem Insiders know the Thai Place inside the Museum Place Mall serves up a tasty dish.

Luckily you don’t have to go deep into the mall to find this ethnic cuisine delight, just enter on the Church Street side by Cinema Salem.

Touting themselves as the first Thai Restaurant on the North Shore, Thai Place Restaurant has been open since 1990. They have made an effort to try and bring an Asian feel to the atmosphere through the art work displayed and the ever present fresh flowers. Our hostess and server (both elderly and Thai) were pleasant and moved at their own pace. Unlike the other Thai restaurant in town, they do not offer entertainment and are more of a location rather than a destination.

We started out with drinks – or maybe not. Thai Place has a beer and wine only license, so I opted for a Singha (the national beer brand of Thailand) and my dinner guest chose the Thai Iced Tea. For those of you not familiar with these drinks the beer tastes like well… beer. Very nondescript nothing special beer. The Thai Iced Tea is a real treat, made from strongly brewed sweetened black tea and served layered with evaporated milk allowing you to mix it prior to drinking. It’s delicious and about a million calories.

For an appetizer we opted for the Thai Rolls ($5.25) crispy rolls filled with shredded chicken and vegetables served with pineapple sauce. Whenever I get Thai food I have to try the Pad Thai ($7.50), it is the benchmark which all Thai restaurants are measured by. Theirs was good but not a sticky as I prefer and there was only 2 pieces of shrimp to the plate,  it did however come loaded with chicken.

We also ordered the Duck Choo Chee ($15), sliced roast duck and veggies in a supposed hot sauce (three spicy chillies the hottest you can get on the menu). I like the spicy foods and my guest loves them so we were expecting a treat. What we got was a tasty dish that was about as hot as an ice cube. Our server came by to see if it was too hot for us and we had him bring a side of choo chee sauce and another crushed pepper sauce. Needless to say we were less than impressed with this dish. But on the flip side, you shouldn’t fear ordering a spicy dish here so everything on the menu is fair game.

Atmosphere: B
Drinks: n/a beer & wine only
Food: B-
Service: B
Overall: B-

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/06/04/thai-place/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/27/ristorante-gioia/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/27/ristorante-gioia/#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 14:17:30 +0000 Mr. Salem http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=238 Ristorante Gioia
140 Washington Street
978.744.7333

How can a fairly decent sized Italian restaurant be hidden away in down town Salem? By putting their entrance on a desolate side street.

Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday I occasionally see people in Ristorante Gioia but its always empty when I go in. I felt like I was in a before segment of Chef Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares all alone in a restaurant on a Friday night.

We were greeted and seated in a nice table by the window so we could watch the people walk by as they started their night out. The restaurant was clean and decorated with Tuscan influences (minus the ceiling tiles). Our wait staff was attentive and helpful, answering the questions about our selections. The appetizer menu was interesting offering up some items not found elsewhere in Salem. We opted for the Mozzarella Davinci ($8), a brick of baked mozzarella stuffed with prosciutto seasoned and topped with red sauce.

Ristorante Gioia’s menu abounds with traditional Italian favorites making the choice difficult. I went with the Vitello Saltimbocca ($20) while my companion chose the Ravioli di Aragosta ($20). The veal served with pasta on the side was prepared in a white wine sauce was nice although a bit tough. The lobster in the lobster ravioli seemed a little bland and slightly overpowered by the garlic (perhaps due to eating lobster early in the season) but that didn’t stop it from being totally consumed.

Deserts at Ristorante Gioia are purchased daily from Modern Pastry, a legendary desert shop in Boston’s Italian North End neighborhood. Most prices are around $5 and you can’t go wrong with any selection. I chose the cannoli as it’s one of my personal favorites.

Of note this Italian restaurant has a nice selection of wines and beer but look elsewhere if you want a cocktail. As we have seen with many other restaurants in Salem this is a beer and wine only establishment.

Atmosphere: C
Drinks: n/a beer & wine only
Food: B
Service: B+
Overall: B-

There is plenty of competition for breakfast in Salem, we went to Leslie’s Retreat so you don’t have to.

The first thing you notice about Leslie’s is that you just walked into a piece of history. Named after the famed Redcoat retreat of Colonel Alexander Leslie this rustic dining establishment looks like could be a tavern / pub from the late 1700′s with classy 1960′s accent pieces like the the Strohs beer lights. The dark woods, tin lamps, historical paintings, and portraits all lend to the colonial feel.

It was a slow Sunday when we checked out Leslie’s, we went in the back door which leads to a long dimly lit bar. The elderly bartendress who appeared to be a “lifer” pleasantly greeted us and told us to sit anywhere we liked. No sooner had we slid into a booth than our server presented us with menus, specials and took our drink order; OJ, coffee and a chocolate milk. Turn around time was quick and we were impressed with the pint size OJ until we tasted it and realized it was straight out of the freezer from concentrate just add Salem tap water OJ. Coffee was weak and luke warm. Chocolate milk was the easy winner here.

Our order of blueberry pancakes and the Double Barrel breakfast special (2 bacon, 2 sausages, 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, home fries and 2 toast) was taken promptly and delivered in no time. Unfortunately the pancakes were tough to cut through and slightly crunchy. The sausage and bacon were super greasy. The home fries were strangely similar to those you get in your grocers freezer with a helping of super greasy. Standout of the meal was the rye toast, which isn’t saying that much.

Our waitress started out strong but had a lackluster finish. After receiving our meal we were not attended to again until we had both finished our meals. Only after we had asked for the check were we offered another cup of coffee, and even then it was a different server who made the offer.

Prices were inline with the portion sizes with most breakfast items coming in under $5 and specials just a few dollars more.

Atmosphere: C
Portions: B
Service: C
Food: C-
Price: C
Overall: C

]]> http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/07/leslies-retreat-reviewed/feed/ 1 http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/05/cilantro-restaurant-review/ http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/05/05/cilantro-restaurant-review/#comments Mon, 05 May 2008 14:16:55 +0000 Mr. Salem http://www.thesaleminsider.com/?p=230 On this Cinco de Mayo I felt it only fitting to treat you to some true Mexican food in Salem.

Cilantro
282 Derby Street
978.745.9436

Take your existing notion of what a Mexican restaurant is and pitch it out the window. Cilantro is a great dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Upon walking in to this Derby St. eaterie, you are usually greeted either by a friendly hostess or the owner. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and usually if you are a party of 2 you will be seated by the large windows overlooking the street. If your party is larger the tables in the main dining area along the brick wall is where you will find yourself. There is a small bar area which is perfect for single diners or couples.

The menu here has so many great choices it’s hard to make up your mind. Don’t waste your time with typical cheezy Mexican food you can get elseware, go for the real deal here.

Insiders know the home made sangria is fantastic. Cilantro also boasts quite a tequila selection. The Margarita de la Casa or “house margarita” is fine for the uninitiated but those with a refined pallet opt for the Cabo Wabo or Patron.

Many regulars have multiple favorite entrees, it’s tough to nail down their best dish. Meat lovers will love the selection with, Filete Miñón con Salsa de Chipotle y Chorizo and Cilantro de Invierno Al Chipotle being my personal favorites. You can’t go wrong with Chile Relleno or the Sea Bass al Naranjo.

Deserts are also scrumptious. I try to get whatever is seasonal although the churros and flan are always tempting.

Atmosphere: B
Portions: B
Service: A
Food: A
Price: B
Overall: A-

Stupidity and being lackadaisical when operating a bar, club or restaurant will always come back to bite you in the ass. In the Salem newspaper the other day and all over the television today is a story about local restaurant Bangkok Paradise getting busted for underage drinking.

There are two tirades I feel need to be let loose. First, if you are an underage kid and are drinking at a legit restaurant DO NOT blab about it on your myspace or facebook accounts. Police, as well parents, actually read what you post. You are telling them that you are involved in a criminal enterprise and where you will be doing said illegal activity so they can come and catch you.

Secondly, if you own or manage an establishment that sells alcohol it is your responsibility to enforce the law. This country has a mandatory drinking age of 21, whether you agree with that or not it is the law and you need to abide by it. Your staff must check IDs. And your staff should be trained to spot fake IDs, warned not to over-serve and keep an eye on other problem situations. Everyone who works in the bar, club, restaurant industry needs to be vigilant because when they fail to do their jobs they are risking the livelihood of their co-workers.

At TheSalemInsider.com our contributors and I am always talking about where to go to hear a good band or find a great drink. Safety and respect are paramount in your decision to party in Salem. I wrote a lengthy article the other day discussing Night Life in Salem. These recent public transgressions specifically go against what I was talking about. I enjoy the Bangkok Paradise for their thai food, live jazz and good cocktails, but one bad apple in the bunch will have impact on other businesses.

Why the proliferation of underage drinking at the Bangkok?

When I first started going to the ‘kok it was slam-packed with a line out the door on Friday and Saturday nights. They did a great jazz night from 7 to 11 or later. Since I lived over by the Witch House I would walk up Essex, cut into the parking lot by the YMCA and slip in the back door. Like a scene from Goodfellas or Swingers, I’d make my way by the kitchen pop into the dining room where there wasn’t a seat to be found. With the music be-bopping away I’d slice through the crowd till I came to rest at the bar. Don, the fabulously flamboyant and wonderfully knowledgeable bartender, knew everybody in the house and introduced me too many of Salem’s known characters. We would chat and enjoy the music till the kicked us out at 12:30. At that time there were few people under 25 who patronized the ‘kok.

Last year sometime Don left Salem to see where life would take him and the owner felt she could squeeze a few more pennies out of Salem by reducing the jazz music and adding rock, hip-hop and jam bands that would appeal to a younger crowd. Now at 10pm when the jazz used to kick in to high gear, a new band would take the stage. The existing crowd would leave and youngsters would show up. Rarely is there a doorman and hardly ever do the servers or bartenders check IDs. The number of people coming in late night fluctuates wildly and I can only imagine that the service personnel are trying to make ends meet by overlooking some minors once in a while. Everyone has to make the rent but this is no way to run a business.

Bangkok Paradise is loosing their liquor license for 3 days April 28th to April 30th and all employees must undergo the TIPS program. Does this restaurant deserve to loose their license? You bet it does. Will this “teach them a lesson”? Only time will tell. I would like to see this bring about a positive change and perhaps make them take a look at their current strategy.

• The Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove
• Capt.’s Waterfront Grill & Club
• Cilantro
• Finz Seafood
• Grapevine Restaurant
• Lyceum Bar & Grill
• Nathaniel’s
• Passage to India
• Regatta Pub at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
• Rockafellas
• Sixty2 on Wharf
• Spirits at 300 Derby
• Strega Restaurant & Lounge
• Tavern on the Green
• Victoria Station

Do yourself a favor and go check out that place you always wanted to try. For suggestions click on the interactive map icon in our right column to see our Map of Reviewed Restaurants and get in depth information on many of the participating local Salem eateries.

The Salem Beer Works
278 Derby Street
978.745.BEER

Every once in a while for a variety of reasons we may go back to a place previously reviewed. Today we hit Salem Beer Works again. They were great in accommodating a large party that wanted both food and drinks somewhere they could watch the game – all with just a few minutes notice.

Our party consisted of vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores with a large age range. There was something for everyone. The restaurant is well stocked with large screen TVs so you can comfortably watch whichever sporting event is on at the time from pretty much every seat in the house. The layout is comfortable enough to handle parents that have strollers or the mots rotund of tourists looking to eat their weight in wings.

Our waitress was attentive. Great laid back / casual dining experience, especially for large groups and even for families.
I had fun!
-CK

Beer Works changes up both their food and beer menu’s on a seasonal basis. One constant you must try are the fried pickles. Don’t debate the merits of frying a pickle just order it and enjoy. For an entree, I went with the meatloaf sandwich. Perhaps the best meatloaf sandwich I’ve ever had! Big slab of moist loaf with a little sauce on it between two lightly toasted buns, so delicious.

Others chose the garden burger, crunchy chicken sandwich, downtown crossing burger (that should have been called a MONSTER burger it’s more than 1/2 lb), meat loaf dinner with mashed potato’s (this is a crowd pleaser), grilled ceasar salad, and the turkey tips. Everyone was pleased with their meals.

If you have a vegetarian or vegan in your party its a great place to go. Alot of the menu has non-vegetarian friendly items offered vegetarian for a few bucks cheaper than the original price. FRIIIED PICCCKLES!! Also, huuuge portions.
-Sara

Since spring is just about here you can count on some new lighter brews from the Salem Beerworks. Many of the people in our group had never been to Beer Works before and were interested in trying a bunch of beer. Luckily you can get a beer sampler of your choice. We tasted the North Shore Light, nut brown ale, Black Bat stout, Bunker Hill Blueberry ale, Haymarket Hefe Weizen, and Pumpkinhead ale. With microbrews having vastly different flavors you wont please everybody with each beer, but there are always a few standouts.

Food quality belies the typical sports bar layout you get on initially seeing the place. Easily seats a large group which is great. All in all, great place to get some decent food and a good beer.
-T.I.

Unlike our usual reviews the following scores were compiled from a survey given to everyone in our group that day.

Service: A-
Atmosphere: B
Food: B
Beer: A
Menu Choices: A-
Price / Value: B
Overall: B

Why is Salem a hot spot for nightlife?

Last year and beyond if you were looking for live music your choices were somewhat limited. Dodge Street offered up Rock music in a dive bar atmosphere, Rockafellas offered dance music in a bit more upscale atmosphere, Bangkok Paradise offered Jazz in a weird atmosphere (for jazz) and occasionally Edgewater, O’Neills and The Old Spot (formerly McSwiggins) would have live music. Sitting just outside the down town area, Bay Bridge was a staple of the Salem nightclub scene with local and national bands, karaoke and DJ’s playing almost every night. Let’s not forget the Lobster Shanty in the nice weather months.

© Danielle Blue

Competition raises the bar.

As a reader of TheSalemInsider.com you probably know that due to a combination of sprinkler system legislation and non-payment of taxes the Bay Bridge is closed. There has been no movement on this property so it looks like it’s gone for a long while. On the flip side, new establishments in Salem have made others stand up and take notice.

Gulu-Gulu Cafe brought with it a huge beer menu, interesting live music and a packed house of well-tattooed hipsters. A cascading effect of late night changes shortly ensued. Bangkok Paradise shifted their Friday and Saturday jazz to a 6-9 time slot allowing them to promote “rock” bands (rock, hip-hop, roots, metal and cover bands) in the 10-12 time slot. New comer Fresh Taste of Asia, saw an opening and decided to spin the wax with an ambient hip-hop groove catering to a young urban Asian set.

Established locales aren’t impervious to the phenomenon either. The Lyceum has started a live music series on weekend nights, their acts are targeted to their existing clientèle featuring more mellow music and the occasional 70′s rocker. The Old Spot stepped up their bookings also, with live music 3 to 5 nights a week (unfortunately they still are having a hard time getting the word out - get a website people). O’Neills does the DJ thing and packs in a good college-type crowd.

In the “everything thats old is new again” department, Spirits of 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s of Salem) opened recently and has an entertainment license that allows for up to 5 musicians. We’ve seen some great guitar player/singers and Salem favorite, Preacher Jack. Look for changes to happen over at Spirits soon as they work out their menu and eventually open up the second floor. Dodge Street marches to their own drum beat and has been doing live music well before it got trendy.

It seems like musicians from all around are hip to the new explosion of Salem night life. Musicians contact us through our myspace page asking about gigs or adding us to their guest list just so we can have a listen. Killer Boston bands like The Indefinite Article, Ichabod and the Love Dogs play gigs in Salem all the time. Plenty of local musicians ply their craft here in town also. With all the great venues and opportunities out there I wouldn’t be surprised to see Salem songstress Mary Lou Lord playing out somewhere soon.

If you build it they will come.

Now that restaurants and bars are offering entertainment, where is everyone coming from? Many people are throwing around the phrase “Salem is the new Cambridge” and that just might be true. I personally know a bunch of people that used to live in Cambridge, Boston and Somerville that have recently moved to Salem. Salem offers a city feel, walkability, MBTA access, and rent at half the price of places in Boston and parking is slightly better.

While census stats for this exact information is unavailable it’s a safe bet to say that more young professionals, 20 and 30-somethings have been moving into Salem. You see them walking to the commuter rail in the morning or having a cup of coffee at any one of our coffee shops on the weekend.

An informal poll taken in January by TheSalemInsider.com showed many people are taking advantage of Salem’s night life live North of Boston (from Revere to Gloucester). When asked “why Salem” the answers were varied but revolved around bang for your buck, quality entertainment, safety and less hassle.

What’s next for Salem’s scene?

Any insider can tell you that there is a yearly cycle that Salem goes through. Like many of it’s North Shore neighbors Salem sees a direct influx of people based on the weather. Spring finds more locals that have been hibernating in doors all winter out walking about and making their way to many of our local hang outs. Once June hits and schools close, tourists arrive taking full advantage of our waterfront, the Willows and off shore locations like the Salem Harbor Islands (i.e. Baker’s Island). As the summer draws to a close and fall hits the second wave of tourists hits in full force for the Halloween season.

With spring right around the corner what will the face of Salem nightlife look like? If last year is any indication, outdoor seating will be all the rage. Like Newbury Street in Boston, anyone with a few feet of real estate in front of their place will plop down a table and start serving out side. Last year The Lobster Shanty, Salem Beerworks and Victoria Station had by far the largest patio seating with Rockafellas showing nicely for down town. This year the tide has changed, be on the lookout for Spirits to dominate summer outdoor space. If they book quality live music and are allowed to play outside, they could give the Shanty a run for their money.

Summer finds tourists and locals alike beating a path to Pickering Wharf. Finz and Victoria Station have nice on the water seating but Capt’s open air second floor offers perhaps the best view on the wharf. If you want a more nautical dinner experience than just eating by the water, you can dine on the water at Salem’s floating restaurant the Rockmore which is scheduled to open on May 23rd. The Rock is a perennial party pad pushing a plethora of pleasant pabulum and plenty of potable potions.

Is Salem’s art and music boom sustainable?

Twenty years ago when the Cambridge music and arts scene started to take off people said that venues like TT the Bear’s and the Middle East would never survive across the river from Boston landmarks like the Rathskeller, Narcissus, The Boston T Party and M-80. If you look at the Boston/Cambridge seen today you’ll find that two of the Boston clubs mentioned are now BU condos the other two are now Lyons Group clubs, changed names, had about 50 face lifts and just last month one (now Avalon) was sold to the House of Blues. In Cambridge, TT’s and the Middle East are still packing people in every night of the week.

I don’t think we will see the migration to Salem slow down for quite a while. New condo housing is being built and affordable rentals abound. More 20 and 30-somethings with disposable income, no kids or very young families are still flocking to Salem. With their arrival you find business that cater to them popping up. Prime examples are hip baby shops like Crunchy Granola Baby, hang outs like Front Street Coffee House and Gulu-Gulu Cafe and new businesses like the recently opened Hex and the soon to open Witch City Ink. When independent businesses open up focusing on a college/post college/young professional demographic it makes the city more appealing to that demographic.

With available retail space, new space coming shortly (Old Salem News building, and Courthouse area redevelopment) there is no question the night life scene in Salem can grow. One fear many people have is corporate establishments encroaching on down town. Salem’s unique charm is in part due to it’s independent businesses. When local pizza chain The Upper Crust moved into Salem last year there was plenty of talk regarding their “corporate” status. Will future restaurant/bar/nightclub owners in Salem keep an independent spirit alive? That remains to be seen.

What is missing from Salem’s scene?

One aspect lacking in Salem is a true “night club”, one with great sound and lights that focuses on entertainment every night. While this type of place can’t realistically exist in down town Salem, there are plenty of locations that would work.

Where is the Salem Art scene? In the summer, Klopp Alley is full of artists, sculptures, jewelry makers and musicians. Through out the year The Salem Art Association throws a few events promoting art and their artists in particular. The Art Corner, Front Street Coffeehouse and Gulu-Gulu Cafe always have something on exhibit but is this enough for our city? Often during Halloween season the old Newmark Gallery on Essex Street is taken over by locals and puts on quite a show. This year that wont happen as it will house the Lizzie Borden Museum (why? I didn’t know she was from Salem). There are plenty of local artists and the only galleries to be found in Salem are devoted to miniature ships and maritime paintings. With all the talent in our own backyard it’s too bad there is no daily way to showcase it.

Salem could also benefit from a “local only” night. In some smaller cities you will find venues that promote from within, by featuring only local musicians and artists on a particular night (every Thursday for instance). Given the number of bands and artists that call Salem home this could be a successful concept for a mid-week night.

Last Call

As more people come to Salem for their night out the venues need to keep up their great offerings while simultaneously ensuring client safety. By keeping patrons safe from harm (usually due to fisticuffs and/or over imbibing) the city licensing boards and police will allow a greater expansion of this city’s night life. When people come to Salem and have fun, everybody wins.

Right now is a great time to live in Salem, Massachusetts. Night time fun is in style and choices are abundant. If you want to have a quiet bottle of wine with friends, see live rock music, dance to a hip-hop DJ, or sit in on a jazz set – Salem has it all. And it’s only getting better. With the proliferation of patrons, establishments are seeing a bump in their bottom line which means they are more willing to offer you what you’re looking for, a good time on a night out.

The photo is a bit out of date but a new one is on the way @%*# digital camera

Calling themselves a “coffee shop” is an understatement. Nick’s serves up an affordable breakfast and lunch in a quaint atmosphere. The restaurant seats about 40 people but I’ve never seen it full. That means there is no lines and no waiting. The staff is pleasant and doesn’t rush you (or themselves).

I tried a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled banana nut muffin and coffee. The eggs and coffee didn’t knock my socks off but the bacon was thick and crispy and muffin was hot buttered and perfectly golden brown. One of the best things about my trip to Nick’s was the affordable price. Their most expensive breakfast plate (loaded with pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast and juice) is just about $6 everything else is $4 or under. All lunch sandwiches are under priced under $6 .

Located on Church St. across from the Lyceum, Nick’s is centrally located. They keep unique hours 6am – 3pm Monday through Friday and 7am – 1pm Saturday and Sunday, so keep your focus on breakfast. This is a great spot for the frugal local or tourist that doesn’t have time to wait around and still wants a solid meal.

Portions: B
Service: C
Atmosphere: C
Price: A
Overall: B-

Most years I go to the Southie Parade then spend the day pub crawling through Southie and Dorchester. Once night falls my crew makes its way to see the Dropkick Murphys then end the night at JJ Foleys. The past few years I’ve spent a good chunk of my St. Paddys day in Salem. This year things are a bit different so I’ll be your guide to making the most of your time in Salem on this fun holiday.

First things first, you need to have a plan.

In my days of massive pub crawls its the planning that separates the men from the frat boys. By focusing that you are in it for the long haul (10am to 2am) you prepare for a marathon rather than a sprint. Its not drinking your face off, its about socializing, having fun and keeping your head. Drinking water during your pub crawl and eating something at every other stop assures that you will be more prepared to handle a long night of meeting new people and being thrust into different situations.

Salem doesn’t offer an endless string of Irish bars, and while there are a few great pub crawls (TheSalemInsider.com sponsors one every year) St. Patrick’s day is a bit more laid back here than it is in Boston. With less options it’s easier to make a good solid plan.

1. Bring a buddy
St. Patrick’s day is one of the big three bar days (the others being Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Years Eve) so it’s best to head out with a friend. Someone to grab the next round when it’s your time to break the seal or to hang with if you are waiting in line to go in somewhere.

2. Dress for Success
Are you Irish? Show it with a cool t-shirt that tells the world. Not Irish, get in the spirit by wearing green or busting out your favorite Guinness shirt. A scally cap or even a shamrock pin will give you some air of authenticity.

3. Know where to go
In Salem there are a couple of options, I usually start out over at The Old Spot then head over to O’Neills. Both will be packed but you will also have the best times here.

4. Think about what you drink
I personally stick to Guinness but there are other acceptable beverages to consume on St. Paddys day. The most well know stout is of course Guinness, but Murphy’s Irish stout is delicious and a bit smoother for the novice stout drinker as is Beamish. If you prefer something lighter, Harp larger or Smithwick’s (pronounced ‘smith-icks’) ale. There is some debate on whether a Black and Tan (Guinness and Harp) or a Black Velvet (Guinness and hard cider) are acceptable. They are served in Ireland but are a pain to build so for this outing I would keep my order simple to keep my bartender happy.

Beer is not the only beverage to be enjoyed on St. Patrick’s day. Irish whiskey is also a smooth, easy libation. Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whisky because it is distilled more than Scotch and peat moss is not used in the firing of mash. What does that mean to you? A smoother less earthy tasting beverage. Some Irish whiskeys you will find in Salem are Bushmills, Black Bush, Jamesons, and Tullamore Dew.

5. Eat your fill
One thing about Irish food, corned beef and cabbage or New England boiled dinner in particular, is that it’s comfort food. There’s nothing like coming home to the smell of a giant pot with corned beef, potato, turnip, carrot, and cabbage all boiling up. People with other heritages may find this food a bit bland but if it’s cooked correctly and seasoned with some malt vinegar, boiled dinner is heaven. The key to success in your boiled dinner is pink corned beef not gray and not over-cooking your veggies.

Not everyone can spend the day hanging out listening to Irish music, singing with new friends at the pub and watching the girls to their Irish step dancing. Some people actually have to work. When I had to do the 9 to 5 thing on St. Patrick’s day, I would meet up with some of my friends afterwards and we would have a toast with an Irish car bomb then head out for some dinner. This would inevitably lead to more late night car bombs. What is an Irish Car Bomb you ask? It’s liquid candy.

Irish Car Bomb
3/4 pint Guinness stout
1/2 shot Bailey’s Irish cream
1/2 shot Jameson Irish whiskey

Add the Bailey’s and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey’s on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. The Bailey’s will react with the Guinness making it curdle so it’s best to drink this very quickly.

While the Irish have a reputation for being hard drinkers, the celebration of St. Patrick’s day is not a celebration of drink but a feast that celebrates St. Patrick and all things Irish. Unfortunately it can turn out to be amateur hour at the bar, so if you go out keep a good disposition and focus on having fun. Keep yourself and your friends safe and don’t do anything stupid. The best night you can have is the one where you build long lasting memories and get home safe and sound.

Send us a picture of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Salem and we’ll post it later this week.

In a recent TheSalemInsider.com online poll, you the readers chose DeLeo’s Pizza number one in Salem with The Upper Crust just missing the top spot by one single vote. Engine House rounded out the top three with a good showing for this Salem institution.

People who voted seemed to prefer traditional Italian pizza to Greek-style and price mattered less than perception of quality. Included in the poll were only restaurants that focused on pizza, we did not include those that serve a pizza option as part of a larger menu (Strega, Rockafellas, Cafe Kushco).

Any way you slice it, there’s plenty of quality pie in town and absolutely no need to call Factory Pizza just because they deliver in 20 minutes or less. Most of the local shops deliver in the same time and offer a much better product.

Get familiar with your local pizza parlor.

• DeLeo’s Pizza
  28 Norman St
  978. 740.2800
• The Upper Crust
  118 Washington Street
  978.741.2787
• Engine House Pizza
  71 Lafayette Street
  978.745.1744
• Christina’s Pizza
  239 Lafayette St
  978.744.0700
• Madee’s Pizza
  400 Essex Street
  978.745.6400
• Giovanni’s Pizza
  44 Jefferson Ave
  978.744.9111
• Damatas Pizza
  33 Bridge St
  978.745.1122
• Omega Pizza
  101 Loring Ave
  978.740.1000
• Salem House of Pizza
  23 Endicott St
  978.744.0017

Taking up residence in the former home of Bella Luna, Sixty2 on Wharf adds a European touch to this seafood saturated area.

Sixty2 on Wharf has a prime location which will undoubtedly pay huge dividends in the spring, summer and throughout tourist season. From outside we see an inviting, well-stocked bar and plenty of dining area. Upon entering, we were greeted by a hostess and promptly seated. The back wall of the semi-circular room was painted red with some sort of hand-painted design and built in frames, which couldn’t contain the artists vision.

Our server (not yet fully familiar with the one page menu) was attentive and did her best to be pleasant. The restaurant felt full while less than half of the tables were occupied. We were disenchanted to learn (after ordering) that for an establishment with this much hype, they still did not have their full liquor license and can only serve beer and wine (a growing trend here in Salem).

Forgoing pre-dinner cocktails we focused on our starter, lobster potato gnocchi ($15). Chunky lobster claw pieces in a light cream sauce with a fresh potato gnocchi. This starter was small on portion size but big on taste. The chef should feel confident in the gnocchi and winter lobster and be less heavy-handed with the salt.

Entree was hand-rolled garganelli with braised duck ($21) which was delicious. The al dente pasta absorbed some of the duck flavor, and the adequate portion size complimented this rich dish. Our medium-rare ribeye ($25) arrived well-done but our server promptly brought it back to the kitchen. A few minutes later a new steak arrived (along with the manager) perfectly prepared.

Dessert allowed Sixty2 on Wharf to shine. The warm toffee pudding ($8) was akin to a flowerless chocolate cake and served with home made whipped cream. Cappachino and espresso topped it off.

Once we got what we ordered we were quite happy with it, although everything (except dessert) could do with less salt. We noticed other tables sending back some dishes but are unsure of what their issues were. The staff was always friendly and the restaurant clean and well-maintained. Don’t expect to get out for under $100 for a dinner for two.

Atmosphere: C
Drinks: n/a
Food: A
Value: n/a
Overall: B

Vegan friendly dining in Salem

1. Cafe Kushco
   Lots of vegan options but the best thing is their desert, frozen tofu made to order.
2. Passage to India
3. Asahi
   A sushi restaurant with plenty of non-fish, vegan friendly items on the menu.
4. Fresh Taste of Asia
   Contemporary Asian cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
5. Boston Hot Dog Company
   Yes, a hot dog restaurant. These guys serve tofu pups and you can get vegan friendly buns with no butter.
6. Salem Jade
7. New England Soup Factory
   Soups, with a menu that changes daily and always featuring vegan options.
8. Bangkok Paradise
   Both appetizers and entrees.
9. The Grapevine
   When there menu doesn’t specifically feature vegan items the chef usually has a vegan dish or two ready to go.
10. Salem Beer Works
    great veggie burgers and fried pickles to die for.

If you want to learn more about being a vegan in Salem checkout the Salem Vegan Society.

This Greek style deli gives off a cafeteria vibe but the food is a far cry from school lunch.

Breakfast is served all day for you late risers. And as with any good deli, daily specials are posted up front and change each day. I was impressed with how fresh all the pre-made food (side dishes, chicken drummies, gravies etc.) looked and how clean the kitchen was. I expect any restaurant I eat at to have clean facilities but this kitchen was impeccably spotless.

Whenever I go to a deli my rule of thumb is to try the special, so today I ordered a bowl of beef stew (on special) and a steak, cheese and mushroom sub. My food was served up in a matter of minutes. The stew had a tomato base which I was somewhat skeptical of (I’m used to Irish beef stew) however it tasted delicious and was chock full of beef and veggies. The steak sub was cooked to perfection with the meat being moist and having some crispy parts with the cheese melted on the bottom. In true deli fashion a sour pickle was served with my meal.

The deli was about 1/4 full and well staffed with two cooks, a cashier and one attentive busboy. Three large HDTVs hung on the wall with different programming on each (sports, news, discovery/nature). The dining room was spacious but felt somewhat sterile and lacked any personality. Once again I was impressed with the cleanliness of the dining room.

With close proximity to the Waterfront hotel and many of the tourist attractions, Brother’s Deli is a good bet for quality food at a reasonable price in this area. I look forward to going back and trying their liver & onion dinner.

Atmosphere: C
Food: B
Service: B
Price: B
Overall: B

Update: Spirits closed their doors in May 2009 and has reopened as Murphys.

One time Salem hot spot Roosevelt’s, after a few owners, much speculation, and many months of being closed, has reopened with a new name – Spirit’s.

We went in for drinks and appetizers the other night and our first impression is that Spirits has potential. The restaurant / bar is brand spanking new but the overall feel of the place is dark and not too inviting. Exposed dark wood beams, and a stone back wall give off a cavern vibe. There is a large stone fireplace opposite the bar in the dining room. The dining room holds a good number of rich wood tables set on a mix of dark stained wood and cream colored tile. Everything was kept very clean (including the spacious bathroom facilities). We were told the second floor space is set to be a function area.

The horse shoe shaped bar can easily fit 25+ people and was full from about 10pm on. We found the bartenders to be attentive and affable. One stand out feature of the aptly named Spirit’s is their exceptional top shelf liquor selection. Someone obviously with knowledge has taken the time to stock the bar with a wide variety of high quality spirits at reasonable prices.

While we did not order dinner, we did try the spinach dip and the nachos. Neither were very impressive. The dip was heavy on the cream and light on the spinach while the nachos were uninspiring with some cheese and veggies dumped on a heap of chips.

We are, however, looking forward to the summer at Spirit’s. They have by far the largest outdoor patio around which should make for some serious summer fun.

As was the case with Fresh Taste of Asia we will give Spirits some time to work out the kinks and go back in a month or two.

Atmosphere: C+
Food: C
Drinks: A
Staff: B
Overall: C+

While we were out Friday night talking to local business owner Natan Lin about his latest project we snapped the above photos of Bangkok Paradise mixologist Jay serving up one of his specialties, the Flaming Jay.

Jay keeps his recipe close to the vest but is happy to instruct you as to the proper way to drink down one of these combustible concoctions. Served partly in a martini glass and also from a flowing creamer, the lights are turned down so others can enjoy the blue flame waterfall while you focus on the mint green beverage.

For those of you who don’t want your eyebrows singed off Jay suggests a house favorite the Bangkok Cocaine. Other favorites of the Salem Insider crew are the Fire and Ice and the Lychee Martini, an Asian treat.

Salem has a host of breakfast nooks today we revisited Fountain Place, diagonally across from the Samantha statue on the corner of Essex and Washington.

It had been over a year since we last reviewed Fountain Place and with that information long gone the time had come again to try it out. Nothing much had changed. They still have a stellar location on the corner of the block with big windows so patrons can look out on the morning hustle and bustle. The interior is bland and could use a makeover, its not bad just somewhat worn. The waitress was very friendly and had a surly diner waitress air about her.

We ordered the eggs Benedict (with home fries), eggs Florentine, and French toast. Coffee, OJ and chocolate milk rounded out our order. Service was quick with the food being served up nice and hot. Everything was good but none of it was inspired. The hollandaise was fine but unremarkable, Florentine also was satisfactory but nothing to write home about.

Unlike other breakfast joints in town there is nothing bad about this place, on the other hand nothing stands out either. Bland.

Atmosphere: C
Food: C
Service: B+
Price: B+
Overall: C

Prior to our New Years Eve bash, some of our contributors were making the rounds and met up with a couple from New York City who were looking for a taste of something different. What they found is sure to spice up your new year.

Rockafellas “helltini” will make fire shoot out your ears, it’s so spicy you have to sign a waiver before you will be served. I had only a few drops and while tasty my tongue and lips were dancing a Cajun two step for the next 10 minutes. Made with vodka, cinnamon, jagermeister and an evil looking spice concoction this martini doesn’t come cheap. But if you are man (or woman) enough to finish this $20 drink you are rewarded not only with a warm glow but you choice of souvenir t-shirt.

A warning from our new tourist friends – “do not take part in any sort of amorous activities directly following consuming this beverage or you run the risk of incinerating your partner’.

• Gulu Gulu is hosting a bash featuring DJes spinning Jazz / Funk / Trance / House (no $ info)
• You can get your hippie grove on with Taboot a phish cover band playing over at Dodge Street (no $ info).
• Over at Nathaniel’s and Sophia’s in the Hawthorne hotel you can have an elegant four-course, prefixed dinner. Live Jazz music (no dancing). . Price is $75.00 per person.
• Rockafellas is having dance band The Lisa Love Experience for a $20 cover or you can get the limited dinner special for $65.00 per person.
• Strega is having an Old Skool dance party with DJ Chuck, tickets are $10.00 In advance and $15.00 at the door

As for The Salem Insider crew, we will be doing a mini-pub crawl followed by a late night party.

Have a safe one.

Formerly McSwiggins Pub (a much better name IMO), The Old Spot established in ’06 (that’s 2006) is a legit English pub serving up good food, good beer and good music.

Growing up in an English/Irish family I’m always on the lookout for a restaurant serving up some traditional meals. You can find a bunch of traditional favorites at The Old Spot including bubble and squeak, black pudding, ploughman’s lunch, coddle, meat pie and some pub favorites like fish n’ chips and toad in the hole. The Old Spot doesn’t stop there they always have seasonal fish and fowl dishes alongside burgers, steaks and chops.

Last time I was in for dinner I had the green green salad – mixed greens, caramelized walnuts with a balsamic vinegar and the hog wings – slow roasted pork ribs with a buffalo sauce served up with carrots, celery and blue cheese. I washed it down with a pint of Guinness from there ample drought beer selection. Delicious.

The Old Spot is a traditional pub and the atmosphere does not disappoint. Dark mahogany wood, bright yellow paint and old photographs from the  UK compliment the fireplace and textured seat cushions. Live music is scheduled from 8pm to 11 (or midnight) most days, and the kitchen serves up a late night menu available until 12:30.

Food: B
Atmosphere: A
Service: B-
Overall: B

photo from the February ’06 blizzard

So there’s a snow emergency, I know what your thinking – “I need to run to the grocery and get some bread, milk and eggs.” Why? Are you planning on eating French toast for the duration? Calm down and I’ll talk you through this harrowing time.

First, look up. Do you see those street lights with the flashing blue lights on them? If you do, you are seeing a reminder that all vehicles must be totally removed from the street. So if you live in any of the areas within a walking radius of down town and your parking situation is at all questionable, get over to one of the municipal lots and park your car for free. When the blue lights are on any resident can park in any municipal lot for up to 24 hours after the emergency is over.

Okay, now that your car is safely nestled in one of the garages it’s time to enjoy what mother nature has thrown at you. Instead of being all miserable and complaining as you trudge through the muck and slip through the slush on your way home, make a pit stop.

Best places to go in Salem during a storm:

• Rockafellas – You get a great view of downtown and there will always be a bunch of people hanging out watching the weather whip down the street.
• O’Neils – Warm yourself by the fire with a hot toddie and a bowl of shepards pie.
• The Old Spot – Super cozy (now that they have their heavy winter drapes up) grab a pint and some toad in the hole, there’s no better place to be than in an Irish pub when the snow is pounding.
• Witches Brew – If you’re down by the wharf this neighborhood melting pot is always welcoming and serving when the flakes are flying.

After a few pints, a full belly and some good Christmas cheer with your neighbors, walking home in the snow becomes a treat. That snow that falls down the back of your neck no longer irks you, but makes you laugh and remember that time you went sledding as a kid. Take the time to enjoy the sparkle that those crisp snowflakes make as they dance across the air back lit by street lamps.

Remember, it’s going to stink getting up for work tomorrow morning so have fun tonight!

One step inside this shop and you understand the difference between a normal bakery and an “Artisan Baker.”

photo by harold schmid

The husband and wife team of A&J King opened up earlier this year (June) on Central Street across from the currently (but not for long) defunct Roosevelt’s. Closed Mondays, their morning to evening (7am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm on weekends) hours are perfect for picking up delicious pastry treats and succulent breads. While you’re in there for your morning sugar high check out the new coffee bar, I suggest a hot chocolate, by far the best in town.

Quality and artistry doesn’t come cheap though with sticky buns, and chocolate bouchon pastries at $2.50 and coffees $2.50 for a tall 12 oz. and $3.oo for a grande 16oz., still a much better deal than Starbucks. Speaking of quality, you can watch all the breads and pastry’s being made right on premises. Let’s hope they start forming relationships with some local restaurants, everyone should get in on this fine local business.

A hip big city feel nestled in an artsy down town space.

You really can’t get more down town than Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Situated on the corner of Washington and Essex behind the Samantha statue since August, G²C has become a hot spot for the 20 & 30 something crowd. Their winning combination of a massive beer menu, constantly changing art shows, live music and light fare brings a cool energetic vibe unique to Salem restaurants and bars.

Food menu is limited but tasty. Deserts, coffee’s and cordials are available to those who aren’t counting calories. Service can be spotty at times. Don’t expect a quick in and out experience here, take your time and soak in the atmosphere. This cafe gets slammed on the weekends with their night staff being more attentive and less frazzled than the day staff.

Their location, huge glass windows, inviting interior and outside seating (during the good weather) bring in a diverse crowd. Don’t be surprised to see punk rockers and local artists hanging out with your grandma.

Food: B
Beer Selection: A+
Atmosphere: A
Service: C
Overall: B+

Sometimes you just want a slice or two because a whole pie is too much. For my money, Engine House pizza is your best bet.

Don’t get me wrong, Engine House serves up more than just pie, they also have subs, salads, sides and wraps. It’s just that their slice of pizza is the best in town.

As a pizza expert (worked in pizza restaurants for almost10 years as a teenager/young adult) I know a thing or two about good pizza. Engine House always has fresh slices in their rack. Their slice pies (industry term for a pizza that you serve slices from – this is different from a normal pie you serve as one unit) are made with a bit more cheese than a normal pie so that each slice has a good amount of cheese on it. Also, they take the slice pie out of the oven on the light side so that when you order a slice and have it heated up it does not burn.

Their crusts seem to be tossed with 100% flower and no semolina, which gives it a smooth crunchy texture and an even crust with no burnt gritty dust on the bottom.

Engine house is a true pizzeria (with an antique firefighter motif) , serving beer and wine with traditional Italian style pizza tossed by hand. If your appetite demands more than just a slice or two, Salem insiders know that for every 10 pies you take out or have delivered you get one FREE!

Atmosphere: B
Service: B-
Food (slice): A
Overall: B

• Starbucks Coffee
  211 Washington St
  978.825.0824
  Many people gravitate towards this monolith of evil because they enjoy spending up to $8 for a cup of coffee. What a waste. Hold on to your cash and buy yourself 4 better cups at a local establishment.
• Dunkin’ Donuts
  • 152 Washington St
    (978) 744-9888
  • 282 Derby St
    (978) 741-4062
  • 31 Bridge St
    (978) 741-1353
  • 105 North St
    (978) 745-5658
  • 68 Boston St
    (978) 741-8658
  • 272 Highland Ave
    (978) 744-6003

  D&D are everywhere, which is to be expected since this is Massachusetts. They are less evil, easier on the wallet and the Washington Street location across from the Post Office and the Salem News building is open 24 hours for when you get a late night craving.

• Fuel Coffee & Juice Bar
  196 Essex St
  (978) 741-0850
  Not overly impressed with Fuel, the few times I’ve been in there the counter help was not very helpful, but the coffee was adequate. They get bonus points for longevity and being an independent (sort of, they are a sibling to the Front Street Cafe). Outside seating on the pedestrian mall is available in the good weather.
• Front Street Coffeehouse
  20 Front St
  (978) 740-6697
  By far the best of the bunch. Front Street has a great variety of coffees and teas but you can still get a small coffee for $1.25. Service is usually friendly. Of special note, if you pick up a Front Street card (near the register and free) they will stamp it each time you buy something there. When the card is full you get a free coffee. Salem Insiders know about this wonderful bonus and use it to their advantage.
• Honorable Mention
  New Civilitea
  318 Derby St
  978.740.2832
  While not a coffee shop New Civilitea is relatively new in town and is a Tea house. You can have a cup there or buy a wide variety of teas to bring home.
• Honorable Mention II
  Gulu Gulu Cafe
  247 Essex St
  978.740.8882
  I realize that Gulu Gulu is not a coffee shoppe but for anyone who wants a bit of zip in their caffeine these guys have a rather large menu of coffee cordials. I recommend the Barrier Breaker, its just what you need to warm up on a chilly autumn/winter night.

Update

• A&J King Bakery
  48 Central Street
  978.744.4881
  Primarily a bakery recently A&J King have added a coffee bar which serves up a variety of coffee, latte, tea and hot chocolate. While the coffee is okay, their baked goods are to die for.
• Jaho Coffee & Tea
  197 Derby Street
  978.744.4300
  Jaho offers a huge selection of coffee and teas along with some light fare. They remind me of a “starbucks light” with less attitude and more affordable coffees.

Nestled on the edge of down town Salem sits what I can only describe as an adult contemporary dining experience.

Stregas exterior does nothing to inform you as to what lies beyond its doors. Once inside you enjoy a beautiful wood bar with impressive columns, warm walls with geometric patterns, and fun retro-style lighting. Three plasma screens at the bar were tuned into the sporting game du jour (Patriots Sunday night game) while the room was filled with the sounds of latin hip-hop and later ambient chill out lounge.

We were promptly seated and a waitress took our drink order. I was disappointed to find out they did not have Bombay Sapphire, a staple at any respectable restaurant. I opted for a Hendrix martini while my dining companion ordered a cosmo. The menu was robust with an emphasis on Italian far. We opted for the PEI Muscles as an appetizer which was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked.

Entrees were priced from $12 -$26 and there was a three course price fixe option. We chose the rigatoni ala vodka and the seafood scampi. Portions were hearty and prepared well. The seafood was delicious but the scampi sauce and pasta left much to be desired. The rigatoni hit the spot and forced me to move my belt one notch to finish it.

The desert menu offered standard choices so we went with a creme brulee and a Bailey’s chocolate mousse. The mousse was rich and just melted in your mouth, the creme brulee was creamy with a hint of vanilla and caramelized just enough to impart a touch of flavor. Desert was capped off with an Irish coffee.

Reservations are not required but suggested especially for Friday or Saturday night.

Atmosphere: A
Drinks: A
Food: B
Overall: B+

With 16 years of history in down town Salem I figured Cafe Graziani had to be doing something right. Boy was I wrong.

Here at theSalemInsider.com we are always looking for a good breakfast. Nobody I talked with ever mentioned Cafe Graziani so I figured it’s time to give it a try. The first thing I noticed when we walked in were a bunch of uncleared tables. I usually take this as a good sign as a sign of a busy restaurant. Unfortunately in this case it was a sign of being understaffed.

The waitress was quite friendly and attempted to make a personal connection with all the patrons and the menu prices were very reasonable. That is where things started to fall flat.

Our coffee was luke warm at best, and tasted horrible. I got the ham and cheese omelet which was paper thin and made with what appeared to be one extra thin slice of ham and one piece of cheese, it too was cold. The side of “homefries” were nothing more than chopped potatoes with a shake of parsley on them, slightly warmed – not cooked through.

There are plenty of great breakfast locations in Salem, this is not one of them.

Atmosphere: D
Service: B
Food: D
Overall: D

I had pizza from Upper Crust on Friday night and wasn’t too thrilled. We ordered a small two topping pizza (pepperoni and mushroom) and two beers. The pizza was quite large (14 inch for a small and 18 for a large) which I was thriled with, but that size came with an expensive price tag. Total bill was about $28.

All their pizza’s are the thin Neopolitan style crust. The toppings were fresh and I have to admit if you like thin pizza this was pretty good. The manager was chipper and friendly but the girls that took our order and served us were quite snooty.

Decor was cute with pizza pans hanging from the drop ceiling and mirrors on the wall but felt sterile, not very Salem at all. I don’t want to see every place in Salem be a clone of itself but I prefer a little life in my dining experience.

If you are a fan of over priced flat pie perhaps you should try the take out or delivery.

Overall Rating: C

NOTE:  The Shanty still opens in April but now closes on January 15th and is apparently under new ownership.

The Lobster Shanty is a no-frills restaurant and bar with a really laid back attitude. If your looking for some local food don’t come here on Monday, the kitchen is only open Tues – Sun till 9pm. But if you’re looking to grab a cheap beer and chill out, grab a seat at the bar or sit outside and enjoy the summer air.

Along with the limited food they have a limited schedule, The Shanty is seasonal and opens in April(?) and closes up in November. But if you’re in town on a nice night in the summer this is the place to be. Live music fills the night air and the locals stay up past their bed time eating nachos and drinking $2 beers.

Food: D
Drinks: C
Value: A
Fun Factor: A

Tucked away on the corner of Crombie and Norman, Hong Kong King a hidden gem.

While they have no dining space to speak of, if you are looking for decent Chinese delivery or take-out Hong Kong King is the place for you.  Fast service and reasonable prices have made this a favorite for the downtown neighborhoods.

There are many familiar favorites, seasonal specialties are also available. Combos and dinner specials on the menu offer generous portions that are sure to fill you up (and then some) while being gentle on your wallet. The Salem Insiders suggest the steamed or pan fried dumplings (they are both great) and if you like your Chinese food with a little spice, make sure you ask for the hot mustard.

If you are a local you must have Hong Kong Kings take out menu in your kitchen drawer.  For tourists looking to eat in your hotel or B&B you will not be disapointed.

Delivery Time: B
Food: B
Overall: B

One of Salem’s oldest pubs can be found a stone’s throw from the House of Seven Gables and Pickering Wharf. Celebrating 20+ years, this place is always bustling and fills up quickly due to it’s small capacity and great reputation.

In a Pig’s Eye is a friendly neighborhood restaurant that serves up lunch, dinner  and Sunday brunch (as well as $1.50 pint of PBR, we like that!) and offers weekly performances of local musicians and displays the talents of local artists.

The service is friendly, it doesn’t feel touristy at all and the menu offers affordable comfort foods (just thinking about the New England Crab Cakes make our mouths water)  as well as nightly specials. It’s dark, intimate atmosphere is cozy but if it’s busy when you go prepare to keep your elbows in tight so the hurried waitstaff doesn’t bang into you on the way by.

Food: B
Drinks: A
Atmosphere: B
Service: B
Overall: B

There are a few dining bargains to be found in Salem if you keep your eyes open. The historic Hawthorne Hotel named for famous Salem resident and author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is home to two different restaurants; we checked out the Two Dinners for $26.00 special at the Tavern.

The Tavern feels like a true tavern (go figure). On the first floor inside the hotel just off the left side of the lobby (it’s handicapped-accessible) you’ll find a nice-sized room with light wood walls and plenty of windows to watch life go by on the Common. In the cold weather months you can sit on one of the couches by the fire, or in the summer you can watch the game on one of their plasma screens. Also of note: many of the seats are plush wing back chairs while the majority of seating is made up of oversized wooden chairs. It really is a comfy inviting atmosphere.

After we were seated the waitress took our drink order, we got a couple of draught beers. I was disappointed to receive a little 10 oz glass for $4.50- I had expected at least a pint. Dinner starts off with a mixed greens salad and fresh rolls. Next came your choice of three different entrees, I got the Fusilli Toscana while my partner in crime opted for the Filet of Sole Florentine. Both were delicious. After dinner you are treated to the chef’s choice of dessert, which for us was a moist white cake with butter cream frosting topped with raspberry sauce. All that was capped off with a good old fashioned cup of coffee.

All portions (except for the beer) were good sized while not going overboard, and everything was to our liking. We felt the 2 dinner special was well worth the $26.00. Keep in mind the menu changes every month and this special is only served Sunday through Wednesday. Also do yourself a favor and walk across the street to McSwiggins (now The Old Spot) for a beer if you really want one.

Since this is in one of Salem’s large hotels it is an easy find for many out-of-towners, and a hidden treasure for the locals.

Drinks: C
Food: B
Atmosphere: B
Overall Rating: B

Salem’s own award-winning microbrewery and restaurant. The Beerworks has a fun sporty atmosphere, plenty of micro-brewed beers to choose from, friendly service, lots of seating, and large screen tvs to watch whatever sporting event happens to be on.

A true microbrewery, many of the Beerworks 30 plus beers are seasonal but all of them are tasty. The Salem Insiders suggest the Black Cat stout available around haloween, or the Blueberry beer with real blueberries. For all you faint of heart you can’t go wrong with the North Shore Light.

Salem Beerworks also offers an extensive, appealing menu with such favorites as home made angus meatloaf, their signature series of burgers and the best turkey tips in town. The fried pickles are a must try and the jalepeno poppers have just the right bite. Whether you bring your entire family for lunch or dinner, or you decide to watch the game and have a beer at the bar, this a great place to come.

Overall rating: B

Taste of Thyme is worth the trip as long as your not in a hurry. This quaint, bustling diner is easily found right in the middle of downtown. It’s a bit overly lit, always busy on the weekend & offers easy access for baby strollers and people with disabilities. However it’s known by Salem insiders as the “cheap food, slow service diner.” Don’t expect to be acknowledged by the waitstaff until you’ve been waiting for quite a while. You need to be proactive to get noticed and seated.

Once you get to sit and order you’re food, it doesn’t disappoint. We know the blueberry muffins made in-house, are huge and a great bargain. We were a bit disappointed when they ran out of chocolate milk on a Sunday, but forgot about it when our heaping breakfast plates were put down on the table.

The inexpencive prices make Taste of Thyme a hit with the seniors and tourists, their portions make it a hit with us.

Portions: A
Service: D
Value: B
Food: B
Overall Rating: C

O’Neill’s is a chameleon restaurant/pub/nightclub right in down town Salem.   It’s the place to go after work if you want a good pint in a dark pub setting. Their burgers and shepard’s pie are tasty and filling, just the kind of home cooking you need on a cold winters night.  Early Friday nights young familys show up with kids in tow so mom and dad can have a pint with dinner while the kids listen to a live Irish band.  Friday and Saturday nights is all about the 30 somethings hanging out.

There are things going on all week at O’Neill’s but on Thursday they break all the rules of an Irish bar. Thursdays around 9pm the true duality of this joint shows itself as a place for college kids to hang out, drink and dance. Good DJ + decent drinks + college kids=good old-fashioned meat market.  Its sled-dog central with the bass thumping and a line out the door.

Both locals and tourists love O’Neill’s for the warm atmosphere (they even have a stone fireplace) hearty food,  good drinks and friendly service.

Atmosphere: Depends on when you come B
Food: B
Drinks: B
Overall: B

We checked out Fresh Taste of Asia when they opened and were less than impressed. Because they were new we vowed to go back.

A few months later…

We had a hunkering for some sushi. Our tried and true Asahi happened to be closed for a holiday so we gave Fresh Taste another chance. This time the restaurant was quiet and we sat directly at the sushi bar. Noting the help-wanted sign in the window for a bartender, we ordered sake and a plum wine to be safe, while we perused the sushi menu. The sushi chef, with a thick accent that was difficult to understand at times, was attentive and helpful with suggestions.

We were reassured while we watched him prepare our Rainbow Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki and TNT Maki with skill. He asked us many times how things were during our meal and we were pleased to say that things were great and actually mean it.

Updated Rating: B

A better name for this crepe joint should be the Crappy Cafe. It rates as the worst place to eat in Salem.

Before I go off on how bad this place was let me just tell you that the interior is spacious and the spartan euro decor was a refereshing change from many of the tightly packed breakfast joints and coffee bars. Now for the low down. The girl taking our order was clueless and had a hard time responding to simple questions. She was flustered, didn”t know how to use the register and couldn”t add our order up. We had to cut her a little slack because it was only her second day. Our order consisted of a cinimon crepe, a zippy crepe, a “frozen” capacino and an iced tea. We paid an ridiculously overpriced $18.90. After about five minutes (there was only one other couple there so the wait time was pathetic) we recived our drinks. The “frozen” cappacino was a hot cappacino with 3 icubes thrown in it. When I brought it back and suggested there was a mix up I was informed that was a “frozen” cappacino. I explained it was hot and therefore not frozen and asked it to be remedied. A few minutes later i was given the same thing back but with more ice. We then informed the service person how to make a frozen cappacino and was finally given what I origanally ordered. Shortly after that debaucle our $7.50 crepes showed up. The cinimon crepe tasted fine but was only 3 bites. The atmosphere doesen”t warent your waste of time and money.

Do yourself a favor and stay away from the Crepe cafe.

If you like your restaurants dark and eclectic with a bit of kitsch-  this is the place for you. We recommend sticking with the Thai cuisine and staying away from the sushi, this is not the best place in town for it. For starters we suggest the chicken satay or if you’re a newbie try a Paradise Platter so you can sample a few things at once. If you like soup, the Tom Yum soup never disappoints. Heading straight to the entree we suggest the  Drunken Chicken or Pad Thai (oh hell, it’s ALL good!), just don’t forget your side of peanut sauce!

The service can be a bit slow during peak hours so try sitting at the bar (if you can find room to sit) where you’ll get primo attention and you can also try one of their specialty drinks.

Most nights feature live music with Jazz from 6-9 on Friday and Saturday followed by some sort of rock, pop, reggae or metal band from 10-12.

The ‘kok is a regular stomping ground for the Salem Insiders and a must for jazz lovers.

Often touted as the best breakfast in town, Red’s is housed inside the Old London Tea House, which was around during the Revolutionary war (but don’t worry the coffee was made 20 minutes ago). This is the place to be for breakfast.

On the weekends Red’s quick-moving line is out the door but you’re seated before you know it. Service is prompt, friendly, and efficient and food magically appears in no time. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is family-friendly for locals and tourists alike. Portions are decent sized, except for the pancakes which are huge. Be wary of getting a full stack unless you are a professional competitive eater (Salem insiders always get 2 not the whole stack).

Weekdays its a localpalooza of Salem residents. From 5AM the smell of breakfast wafts though the air and brings residents in to chat about the days events while having their “usual”. If ever there is a big time politician in Salem you will find them at Reds for a photo op and a cup of Joe.

Parking is limited although there is plenty of on-street and lot spaces within a short walk. Don’t sleep in too late, Red’s closes at 1pm on Sunday and 3pm every other day.

Portions: A
Service: A
Overall: A

The first thing that hits you about this mexican restaurant is it’s kitschy decorations: chili-pepper lights, mexican blankets and hats adorn the interior and exterior. You almost get the feeling that they’re trying a little too hard. The service at Edgewater is a bit iffy, some days you get great service, other days not so much. The margaritas are always potent and and their sangria is nice and fruity, but if you’re thirsty it might take you a while to get your server’s attention.

Unfortunately while the drinks are excellent, the food tends to be as questionable as the service. The portions of their “authentic mexican fare” are large, but the true flavor has yet to surface because many of the dishes are so overpoweringly encased in melted cheese that you can’t really taste whats underneath. The appetizers have yet to disappoint, the red hot buffalo wings are meaty and not overly breaded and the amadillo eggs are a must for those who enjoy the spicy things in life (and they ARE spicy!). Overall, if you go in with low expectations you might actually be pleasantly surprised.

Edgewater offers a Sunday brunch and live music Wednesday- Friday. In the good weather months the small capacity interior seating is expanded by their outdoor patio which offers a  view of the downtown hustle and bustle.

Service: D
Food: C
Drinks: A
Overall: C

resh Taste of Asia is one of the newest sushi and Asian cuisine restaurants in downtown Salem. Within the first days of it being open we decided to give it a try. The wait was long, the wait staff frazzled and inexperienced and the entire place just seemed completely unprepared. After a 15 minute wait we were finally seated and had to order off of take-out menus because their regular menus weren’t ready yet.

Our drinks came (we both ordered Mai Tai”s) and were completely undrinkable. The steamed Beijing Ravioli appetizer was tasty but the dinner of Lemon Chicken was disappointing (and for the price didn’t even come with rice-hey that rhymed). We left unhappy and decided to wait a few months for them to work the kinks out.

Overall Rating: F

A few months later we gave it another shot.

One of the most well known of Salem’s downtown restaurants, Rockafellas serves up good food, a wide variety of specialty cocktails and live music- all in a primo location. You”ll find Rockafellas on the corner of Essex and Washington streets, right where we left it.

As with many of the local businesses this restaurant is housed in a building that has quite a history. The Daniel Lowe Building was constructed in 1826; the second floor was used by First Church which owned the property since 1629. In 1874, the building was remodeled in the High Victorian Gothic style and retains much of its architecture today.

Why am I telling you this?

Because when you head in you will find many of the original accents, beautiful wood beams, windows and hardwoods. Also, prior to becoming a restaurant it appears Rockafellas was a bank at one time; on the back marble wall you will find the walk in safe which has been converted into wine storage.

We go to Rockafellas every once in a while and have had mixed luck with the service personnel. While they all tend to be friendly and somewhat attentive, on one occasion the hostess had seated us at a table apparently in none of the waitresses sections. After waiting 25 minutes (we wanted to see how long it took) the manager noticed us, apologized and from there on we were well taken care of (on their dime).

Rockafellas constantly changes up their drink menus and always has something fresh for the season. New on the menu for the summer are the Blueberry and Pear martinis, both were smooth and refreshing- as well as a Strawberry Mango mojito to die for. This is also one of the few places around where you can try a Dark and Stormy if you are looking for something a bit different.

When you get your drinks your server will also give you some fresh focaccia bread and home made pesto, one of the best freebies in town. The appetizer menu is chock full of yummieness. If your longing for the good old 1970”s try the Cheese Fondue, loaded with gouda, crabmeat, and a hint of horseradish served with a overflowing plate of focaccia, fruits and veggies, this is almost too much food and too rich for two people.

After 8:30pm the live music starts along with a cover charge, Salem insiders know to get in for dinner or drinks by 7:30-8pm to assure a good seat and no cover.

Overall rating for Rockafellas: A

This is a true hidden gem in Salem. A very small, atmospheric place with a few cozy tables and the warm glow of candlelight makes Bella Verona by far the most intimate and romantic restaurant in the area.

Tucked over by the Hawthorne Hotel a small white door is the gateway to gastronomic delights. The menu and specials showcase many fantastic italian dishes and smell of garlic is prevolent in the air. All you need is a carafe of wine and an order of calamari to know that you’re in for a culinary treat.  We have tried the veal, pasta and fish dishes and were never let down.

The wine list is decent (so I was told, wine is not my forte) and priced reasonably, inline with the food.  Bella Verona offers exceptional food and service in a wonderful atmosphere.  Its worth every penny.

Service, food and atmosphere, a trifecta! Rating: A

In a coastal New England town, seafood restaurants are in abundance. You would think it’s easy to find good sushi here but in Salem fresh sushi is hard to find. Luckily we have found Asahi.

Located on Essex Street outside the Museum Place Mall this Japanese restaurant is the only place in Salem to have sushi and not regret it in the morning. The menu selection is not as extensive as we would like but the fish is fresh and all the cuts are quality. The presentation shows that care goes into making each roll, the sushi chef obviously pays attention to detail.

If your not a big raw fish eater, there is a hibachi where chefs prepare steak, chicken or seafood in front of you while cracking bad jokes. The atmosphere is very dull and calm in a sea-foam green kind of way and if you listen you can hear the dulcid sounds of bad Japanese pop music in the background. Unfortunately the waitstaff isn’t as attentive as the chefs, service is slow and on one occasion our bill was wrong (in our favor).

Don’t let the poor waitstaff dissuade you from Asahi, the sushi is exceptional.

Waitstaff: C
Sushi: A
Drinks: A
Atmosphere: D
Overall Rating: B