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.

Last week our friends at Build Guild sent out a notice via Twitter:

Just received word that Spirits is about to be purchased by the owner(s) of the Pickled Onion. I spoke with a gentleman who said they’re excited to honor the Build Guild’s schedule/routine. April’s event is still on, May’s and/or June’s will be determined later.

So what the heck is going on?

According the the Salem News, Peter Kelly, owner of the Pickled Onion in Beverly, is indeed in the process of purchasing the former Spirits location  (which is the former Roosevelt’s location) to open up an Irish pub called Murphy’s.  The menu and entertainment style would be similar to the Onion, affordable pub food with music at night and traditional Irish music on weekends. The optimistic opening date would be in May.

This past weekend I heard that Murphy’s has already contacted some DJ’s in the area and are planning an open mic night as-well-as a Karaoke night.  There was much speculation but either way the local talent is looking for a venue and are hoping Murphy’s will be more receptive than Spirits.

We here at the Insider think the layout and location at 300 Derby St. has way too much potential not to be a major player in the restaurant/night life scene here in Salem, and welcome a pub owner that can make it a success. Many thanks to our friends over at Spirits and lets all hope the residents at Derby Lofts will take a chill pill and let Murphy’s do the best job they can.

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.

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

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-

• 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.

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

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+