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.

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

None listed

Music

Friday September 5th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Criticize w/ Supertonic (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Radio Scotvoid Productions (alternative, experimental, electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBD (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Big Time (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• The Classmates @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday September 6th

• TBD @ Bangkok Paradise
• Toolfist (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Rev. Bob & the Darkness (acoustic, gothic, blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Richie Rich and the 24K Funk band (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Hot like Fire @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Tropic Thunder (R)
Friday at 4:50, 7:15, and 9:40
Saturday at noon, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 and 9:40
Sunday at noon, 2:25, 4:50 and 7:15;

Pineapple Express (R)
Friday at 4:30, 6:45 and 9:30
Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 6:45 and 9:30
Sunday at 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 6:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday at 4:00, 7:00 and 9:10
Saturday at 11:40 AM, 1:50, 4:00, 7:00 and 9:15
Sunday at 11:40 AM, 1:50, 4:00 and 7:00

Insider Picks

I don’t know about you but after last weekend end of summer marathon partying I’m pretty beat this weekend.  That being said I’m going to muster up what I have left in the tank and rock out over at Dodge Street with Criticize.  Saturday I’ll start winding down early with the always entertaining Rev. Bob & the Darkness over at the Gulu. Summer is now over and we have a couple weeks before we are thrust into full time tourist town mode with more parties than you can shake a broom stick at.  Enjoy your down time while you got it.

Keep up with us on Twitter!

Jocelyn Callahan Benefit - This Friday night The Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem is hosting a fundraiser to help the Callahan family deal with their tragic loss.  Machine 475 will be heading the evening. Donations of any kind are welcome (we will be hosting a live auction that evening).  Cover charge will be $10 and all proceeds from the evening will be given to the family.

Music

Friday August 29th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6-9) Mamadou (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Starlight Grey (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Dave Retros (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Ted Solovicos (blues 8pm) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• The Hangovers (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Elle Gallow Band @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Saturday August 30th

• Karen Cameron (jazz 6-9) Speakeasy (10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Wicked Hawt Magazine CD Release party (rock) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• Acoustic Jam (2-5) Ross Livermore (acoustic 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Lee Harvey @ The Lobster Shanty
• Ted Solovicos (8pm)  @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80’s) @ Rockafellas
• Dis n’ Dat @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Sunday August 31st

• Jazz Jam (jazz 6-10)  @ Bangkok Paradise
• Big Shoes to Phil (jazz) @ Dodge Street
• Eric Reardon & Sarah Seminski (3pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Wildfire Labor Day Party (dance, rock, pop, 80’s 9:30pm) @ Rockafellas
• BAND-Lee Hawkins @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Longshots (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at  11:45 AM, 2:10, 4:30, 7:15 and 9:30

Pineapple Express (R)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 12:15, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30 and 9:45

Star Wars; The Clone Wars (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:15, 1:30, 3:45,  6:45 and 9:15

Insider Picks

Friday night whether you knew Jocelyn or not, swing by the Gulu and put your $10 toward something worth while,  you will gain mucho karma points.  Saturday get out there and party party party let DJ Cee Block kick your weekend into high gear with some fine beats over at O’Neills.  Remember that you have Monday off so keep the weekend rolling on Sunday, I’m going to make my annual pilgramige to the Rockmore for some day drinks then check out a set with Big Shoes to Phil at Dodge Street followed up by a little Labor Day party with Wildfire over at Rockafellas.   Monday you can find me In a Pigs Eye for a little hair of the dog with one of the best Bloody Marys around.

Keep up with us on Twitter!

Are you kidding me? It’s the beginning of summer.

Music

Friday May 23rd

• Alanna Manning (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Speakeasys (rock, punk 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Neurological Damage (alternative, metal, funk) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Machine 475 (electronica, pop, rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (classic rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Tony Gallo (jazz, r&b, pop 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Search Party (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Close to Home @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Saturday May 24th

• Sandi Bedrosian (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Terri Lee ( world 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Fair Warning (Van Halen Tribute) @ Dodge Street
• DJ Zati (10pm) @ Fresh Taste of Asia
• HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!!(blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Santarella – Kimball Duo (folk rock) @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, R&B) @ Rockafellas
• TBA @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby
• Wishful Thinking @ (8-11:30pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Sunday May 25th

• Jazz Jam! (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Big Shoes 2 Phil (Jazz) @ Dodge Street
• Gulu Sunday Morning Brunch featuring Eric Doucette (acoustic guitar 11am-2pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• TBA @ The Lobster Shanty
• Traditional Irish Music (4-7pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Lisa Love Experience (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• High Tide Party @ (2-6pm) Strombergs (new listing)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15 and 9:50
Sunday & Monday Memorial Day at 11:10AM, 1:45, 4:25 and 7:15

Ironman (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20 and 10:00
Sunday at 11:10 AM, 1:45, 4:35 and 7:20

Prince Caspian (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

Insider Picks

The cute weather girl on TV tells me its going to be a stellar weekend so lets plan on some out door fun.

Insiders know that when the weather gets good we all gather at the Shanty. You can meet all sorts of Salemites there and everybody is usually friendly. Kick off the long weekend with a true Salem fixture Grateful Ted. Cheap food, warm beer, lousy waitresses and classic rock older than you are. Saturday the HAPPY SPRINGALLOWEEN!! event is going on at Gulu-Gulu Dan Blakeslee as Dr. GASP, Orange Nichole, and our personal friend Monster Reusch (why he doesn’t live in Salem I don’t know) will all be preforming in a kooky ode to Halloween party. Newcomer to our musical offerings is Strombergs, this Sunday they will be having a High Tide Party and if it’s as good as their previous events you are in store for some fun, grab your fiends and head on over. Monday looks to be the best day yet weather wise so where better to spend your time than on the water. Since you probably wont be going to Bakers Island – do the next best thing and take a ride out to the newly opened (noon today) Rockmore. And for you slackers who want to take it easy, Salem Cinema has the new Indiana Jones flick (we saw it last night) its well worth your $6.

Here is the scoop: on Sunday, May 4th from 5-8pm for a nominal $20 ($30 at the door) you get to walk on a mini pub crawl and taste the best cocktails that some of our restaurants have to offer. A cut of the jingle goes to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. Pseudo-celeb Billy Costa will be at Finz for voting (why they didn’t ask our own Mr. Salem is still a mystery).

Here are the full details:

What: Complimentary cocktail tasting.
When: Sunday May 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Ten downtown restaurants all within walking distance.
Why: Spring is the perfect time to explore Salem’s burgeoning restaurant scene and find out why this city still bewitches.

Restaurants competing for the Best Signature Cocktail of Salem are: The Regatta at the Salem Waterfront Hotel, The Grapevine, Cilantro, Spirits, Strega, Passage To India, Edgewater Cafe, Rockafellas, Fresh Taste Of Asia and Finz Seafood and Grill.

Join TV Diner’s Billy Costa at 8 p.m. at Finz for a wrap party and to vote for Salem’s Best Signature Cocktail. Walk away with celeb-inspired swag, like souvenir shot glasses.

“We wanted to expand our signature cocktail event in the North Shore area, as it is unique from the standard wine tastings and bar crawls” Comments Lisa Knight, of Drinkwater Productions “ This event has the vibe of a big city event without having to drive to a city like Boston”. Drinkwater Productions is the event and promotions company hosting the event.

Tickets are $20 in advance/$30 at door and can be purchased at www.salemcocktail.com or at the Trolley Depot in Salem. Complimentary shuttle service provided by Salem Trolley.Partial event proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

The 1st Annual (?) Salem Save Our Schools/ Birthday Bash staring DJ Ondrej!
Tickets are available at the door for $10. All proceeds benefit the Salem Education Fund. The 1st 100 people will get their very own birthday cupcake! The 1st 25 people get a FREE t-shirt! Raffle prizes have been donated from some Salem businesses! Come dance with the world famous DJ Ondrej! The wild and crazy guy from Czech Republic returns to cruise and swing successfully in his tight slacks!

Music

Friday April 18th

• Steve Wark(jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The Speakeasys (rock, blues, soul 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Brake for Moose (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• DJ Ondrej! ( Techno / Minimalist / Electro 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Brian Maes Band (rock 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Love Dogs (dance, rock, swing) @ Rockafellas
• Matt Tentindo (singer / guitar) @ Spirit’s

Saturday April 19th

• Matt Dorko and Larry Kukers (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) The River Rock ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• 3 Ply (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Centripitalforce (Electronica / Drum & Bass / Breakbeat 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Jackknife Valentines @ The Lobster Shanty
• Brian Maes @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Big Time (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• Preacher Jack @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

The Forbidden Kingdom (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:20, 7:00 and 9:30
Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:35, 4:20 and 7:00.

Leatherheads (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at 7:15 and 9:40
Sunday at 7:15

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45

Nim’s Island (PG)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 12Noon, 2:10, 4:30, 7:30

Spoken Word

Witch City Poetry Series – Continues all month long Sunday from 5-8pm @ Gulu-Gulu

Insider Picks

Friday night offers up some interesting choices. Salem’s New Business of the Year Gulu-Gulu Cafeis hosting a birthday bash / Salem schools fund raiser. I’d love to support G2C on their first birthday but cant bring myself to throw more money at the education fund debaucle. Good thing our friends The Love Dogs are playing over at Rockafellas, they always deliver a good time. Saturday with the good weather supposedly hitting us a trip to the Shanty for cheap beers and Jackknife Valentines is in order. Outside under the stars with friends, thats how Salem insiders spend Saturday night.

Special Events / Festivals

None Listed

Music

Friday April 4th

• Christy Bluhm (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Sad Marvin (rock 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Preacher Jack(boogie woggie piano 8:30pm) @ Capt’s
• Catfish Lucy (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Los Sugar Kings (mambo-salsa dance party 9:30pm) @ Edgewater Cafe
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (Alternative / Experimental / Electronica 8pm)
  @ Gulu Gulu
• Three Toad Sloth (rock 8pm) @ The Lobster Shanty
• Janine Graham Jazz Group (jazz 9pm) @ Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Lost Daze (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Richie Rich and the 24K Funk Band (dance, soul, pop) @ Rockafellas
• No listing @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Saturday April 5th

• Suzanne Perel (jazz 6:30-9:30pm) Playing With Fire ( Folk Rock / Bluegrass / Country 10pm) @ Bangkok Paradise
• 3 Ply (rock) @ Dodge Street
• JP Jazz Collective (jazz 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• No listing @ The Lyceum
• Traditional Irish Music (6-9pm) DJ Cee Block (dance, pop, hip-hop 10pm) @ O’Neill’s
• Wildfire (dance, rock, pop, 80′s) @ Rockafellas
• No listing @ Spirit’s at 300 Derby (formerly Roosevelt’s)

Sunday April 6th

Spokenword Productions presents…
The Witch City Poetry Series – Hosted by Chris Keefe
Sunday April 6, 5PM – 8PM

Open Mic Format every Sunday in April at the Gulu-Gulu Café in Salem.

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Leatherheads (PG-13)
Friday & Saturday at11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00 and 9:35
Sunday at 11:30AM, 2:00, 4:30 and 7:00

Horton Hears a Who (G)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:15, 2:30, 4:45 and 7:30

Nim’s Island (PG)
Friday and Saturday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00, 7:15 and 9:25
Sunday: 11:20AM, 1:45, 4:00 and 7:15

Theatre

Salem Theatre Co. presents Seneca’s “Oedipus” Friday & Saturday 8pm @ The Griffen Theatre
This is the LAST WEEK of this performance.

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Winter is over and everybody is coming out to kick April off right. Capt’s and Edgewater are doing live music and The Lobster Shanty is back in action. Friday check out killer jazz vocalist Janine Graham, as she is back in Salem doing a show at the Lyceum. This is a real treat since she hasn’t played in town for quite some time. Saturday it’s time to mix it up a bit and shake your booty to DJ Cee Block‘s hip-hop grooves over at O’Neill’s. Usually we don’t give too much props to Sunday but this Sunday is different. Mr. Chris is starting up an open mic Poetry Night at Gulu-Gulu, if this is anything like his past projects this could be the start of something good.

Looking for a good night out in Salem every month but you aren’t a member of any fine civic organizations in town? The Salem Witches Pub Crawl is a fun night out and you don’t have to be a witch, or from Salem nor do you have to crawl or even drink at a pub. Here is the official word.

There are many fine organizations and groups in Salem and beyond that are dedicated to finding solutions to the serious issues that face the Witch and Pagan community …

The Salem Witches’ Pub Crawl is NOT such a group!

While we honor the work that others do, we also know that Witches just want to have fun once in awhile! So let’s get out, meet one another, and enjoy one another’s company! Our group is disorganized. We don’t have leaders. We don’t do public circles. We’re not battling for civil rights. And, we’re not interested in whether you have three degrees or for that fact three degrees of separation from someone somebody else doesn’t like. Nobody cares! Let’s live life to the fullest and enjoy ourselves!

Yeah, we meet in pubs but not every one of us drinks and we’re ok if you want to come and just relax. We feel this is a great way to build community and get to know one another and we’re excited to have you take part!

How It Works
Once a month, we pick a night that’s easy for a broad range of people and we pick a location in Salem and descend upon it like a flock of crows. You don’t have to be a Witch to participate. You just have to have an open mind. Best Witches!

Pub Crawl Tonight

So tonight is the night. Put on your cape, hop on your broom and fly down to Capt’s on the wharf at 7pm.

Oh and if you like Pub Crawls be sure to let us know, TheSalemInsider.com does a killer all day- all night crawl every September.

Music

Friday March 7th

• Acme Music (dance, rock, pop) @ Rockafellas
• Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Wendy Nottonson (jazz 6:30-9:30) The Kicking Moon (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (Alternative / Experimental / Electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Soul Baby (R&B, Funk, Soul) @ The Lyceum

Saturday March 8th

• New Life (dance, rock, pop, disco) @ Rockafellas
• Akiko Aoki (jazz 6:30-9:30) On 3 (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Winstons (rock) @ Dodge Street
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30PM – 5:30PM) 500 Plastic Dragons (cd release party- Indie / Pop / Country 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (classic rock 9pm) @ The Lyceum

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

10,000 BC (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00, 9:35
Sun: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00

Spiderwick Chronicles(PG)
Fri & Sat: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15, 9:30
Sun: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15

Vantage Point (PG-13)
no-times listed

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Last month their gig was canceled due to snow but tonight the insider pick goes to the always fun Soul Baby playing over at the Lyceum. Saturday get out an support local Salem band 500 Plastic Dragons as they celebrate their CD release. And for all you Sunday Brunchers, Sixty2 on Wharf is jumping into the heavily saturated market starting Sunday.

As always have a blast, don’t drink & drive and tell us about your weekend.

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.

I enjoy the bunghole for something fun and different once in a while. It’s also fun to share a friends first bunghole experience with them, I love to see the look on their face. The bunghole never fails to get a smile. I love Bunghole Liquors.

With the recent holidays, I hosted a few out of town guests who were excited to go to the bunghole of all places. This modest package store (packie and package store are Massachusetts slang for liquor store) probably sells more T-shirts than cases of beer. They have parlayed their unique name into an online brand and sell swag near and far.

Salem’s Bunghole has a storied past with the building being used as a funeral palour during the time of prohibition (19th century prohibition not Salem’s first prohibition in 1657). Downstairs in a room perhaps used for embalming, the funeral director and his cohorts would meet to put back a few cocktails (he put the “fun” back in funeral). For whatever reason, the group refered to this private drinking spot as “the bunghole.” A bunghole is actually a hole bored into liquor casks (think scotch, wine or rum) which is plugged by a large cork known as a bung. One of the owners drinking buddies suggested that if prohibition was ever lifted he should turn the place into a liquor store. On December 5th, 1933 when the Twenty First Amendment was ratified Bunghole Liquors applied for and was granted the second liquor license that Salem issued.

There are plenty of better package stores in town but the Bunghole is fine for a neighborhood packie. And if you are like many tourists you’ll want to swing by for a photo and perhaps a coosy, church key or t-shirt. Just don’t forget, they sell alcohol in there too.

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.