Rant: Seeking Accurate Information

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
--Anonymous

When you read a food or drink article, you'll find a number of alleged "facts" within that article. However,  are those alleged facts the truth, or merely errors which are being offered as "facts?" The same can be said for articles about all other topics as well. We are flooded with information from the media and plenty of it isn't true. 

The key question is always: Who can you trust for accurate information?

That cannot be easily answered. In the end, it's an assessment based on various factors, including a source's motivations, biases, knowledge base, experience, skills, and more. It's a crucial assessment if we want accurate data, if we want correct and honest information. If these matters are important to us, then it's our duty to seek the truth, or at least as close as we can get to the truth. And that's a sentiment applicable to so many topics, not just food and drink.

You'll sometimes hear the phrase "Data is truth," but it's not accurate. Data may or may not be accurate dependent on numerous factors, such as who is collecting the data, how they are collecting it, any definitions that were used, and much more. Plus, one's interpretation of that data may not rise to the level of fact or truth. Statistics can be easily manipulated to prove one's own agenda. Facts can also be cherry picked to do the same. We see this occurring all the time in the media. 

During the course of researching and writing my numerous historical articles, I've found plenty of claims, which were "common knowledge," and accepted by many as the truth, yet in the end, proved not to be true. It was easier for some media sources to repeat this common knowledge rather than do their own detailed research. Even some authoritative sources make errors, and sometimes those errors can be easily discerned through additional research. 

Over this past weekend, I perused a Facebook thread dealing with Chinese food, and I found a number of incorrect claims, some repeating "common knowledge" that wasn't actually true. The posters seemed so sure of their claims, but I had done my own extensive research on these issues and knew the "common knowledge" was wrong. However, I know those same erroneous claims will continue to be promoted by others. Too many people accepting information without verifying its accuracy, some refusing to change their minds even if confronted with the actual facts.

The key to discerning an accurate source, to determine what to believe, is to question everything. Question motivations, knowledge levels, biases and more. Don't accept anything at face value. Yes, it takes more time to do this, but it pays off in the end by providing you better and more accurate answers. That questioning can help you trust your source more. For example, the longer you follow a writer, the better you will understand them, and the better you can assess their biases, preferences, and knowledge level. That will lead to a better bond of trust.

Besides questioning everything, you should also consult other resources and not just a single one. The more references you consult, the better your chances of getting accurate information. Don't just consult Wikipedia for your information. Yes, it might take longer to do all of the necessary research, but in the end, you will get closer to the truth, a worthy goal. 

With the information overload found online, please remember that not everything can be trusted. Question everything, and seek as many references as possible. Trust and accuracy comes with time and effort.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Committee, the Greek restaurant in the Seaport, announces a special all-day Brunch menu in celebration of Labor Day. On Sunday, September 1st, the Seaport favorite will offer some of its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired brunch dishes all day from 11AM to midnight, alongside the full restaurant menu. This gives guests plenty of opportunity to try the brunch menu created by Committee’s Executive Chef Sebastian Zuluaga, formerly of Saltie Girl, who joined the team this year and explore the new space as the team has also just completed a total refresh of the space, including the coveted outdoor patio.

The all day brunch menu will include:
Strapatsada Omelette – roasted cherry tomatoes, broccoli, onions, feta, served with potatoes and grilled pita
Smoked Salmon Pita – cucumber, crispy & pickled shallots, sesame seeds, scallion–manouri cream cheese
Pancakes – wild blueberries, whipped cream, caramel sauce
Greek Yogurt Parfait – fresh berries, maple sesame granola, Greek honey
Roasted Lamb Hash – sunny-side eggs, slow cooked pulled lamb, roasted potatoes, spicy tzatziki, pickled shallots, grilled sourdough

2) ‘Twas the night before (Allston) Christmas and all through the Sil, the creatures were stirring… but they weren’t a mouse. This Allston Christmas – the ritual, made legendary by college students ditching their apartment lease and furniture on the curb, with Gen Z dumpster-divers scoring big for their new digs – the Silhouette Lounge is getting the party started early with Allston Christmas Eve. Opening early on August 31, from 12pm-1am, the lounge will be decked in Yuletide décor complete with an inflatable Santa dancing in the wind atop the roof.

While jamming out to Christmas classics, scarf down The Sil’s signature “Sil Dogs” – all-beef franks nestled in their buns with the option to top them with ketchup, mustard and relish – for only $1* per ‘dog with the purchase of a boozy beverage. 

*Limit of one per customer at $1 pricing with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage

Channel your inner Clark and Ellen Griswold with festive drink specials: All I Got for XMAS is Storrowed, a High Noon peach vodka seltzer with a Pasoa passionfruit float ($10); The Grinch Who Stole My Parking Spot, a shot of Rumchata peppermint and crème de menthe ($7); and On the First Day of Allston XMAS My… bartender gave me their choice of a shot and beer ($10).

Rock around the Christmas tree in your signature ugly sweater that usually only makes its annual appearance in December and be sure not to sleep on the budget-friendly pitchers, pool, darts, pinball, Big Buck Hunter and – of course – free popcorn.

Rant: Drinking Advice After Labor Day

One week from today is Labor Day, what many people see as the unofficial end of Summer, despite the fact that the official end isn't until September 22. Labor Day also presages changes in the wine and beverage world, beyond the fact it's grape harvest season, and consumers need to pay attention. There are opportunities now that they should take advantage of, to learn more about wine and other beverages, to experience different drinks, and to enjoy plenty of delicious drinks. I've compiled some drinking advice for the Fall and rest of the year. 

1) Don't Stop Drinking Rosé 
It's a myth that Rosé is only a Summer wine. The reality is that Rosé can and should be consumed year-round, no matter what the season, especially as it's excellent with food. Don't be fooled by those who try to claim it's only a seasonal wine. The better wine stores understand that Rosé is great all year round and thus they will stock Rosé throughout  the year, even though many distributors don't push Rosé during this time. Thanksgiving is an excellent occasion for Rosé. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Don't Stop Drinking Rosé.

2) Celebrate International Port Wine Day on September 10

Port wine, produced in Portugal, comes in a variety of styles and types, from Ruby Port to Tawny Port, from White Port to Rosé Port. There are Vintage Ports as well as Ports of various ages, from 10 Years to 50 Years. This holiday is a great time to explore the wonders of Port wine, as well as its food pairings. For myself, Port and Blue Cheese is one of my favorites. You can learn much more about Port HERE, with links to my many Port articles, from the Origins of Port to numerous reviews.  

3) Celebrate Sake Day on October 1
Nihonshu no Hi, known in English as Sake Day, originated over 40 years ago, in 1978, by a declaration of the Japan Sake Brewers Association and is now celebrated worldwide. Japanese Sake remains a niche beverage in the U.S. so this is a perfect day to learn more about it, to sample some delicious Sake, and understand its wonders. Some local restaurants and wine shops may offer Sake Day celebrations and you should avail yourselves of that opportunity. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Celebrate Sake Day!

4) Celebrate International Sherry Week in November
This year, International Sherry Week will be held from November 3-9. Sherry may be one of the tastiest, most intriguing, and unique wines that you're probably not drinking. It remains a tiny niche beverage in the U.S. and like Sake Day, this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about Sherry, to sample some delicious bottles, and understand its wonders. This will be at least a couple thousand Sherry events across the world. For more thoughts on Sherry, check out All About Sherry.

5) Don't Stress Over Thanksgiving Wines
The holidays are a stressful enough time that you really shouldn't add to your stress by worrying about the wine. Do you really need specific Thanksgiving wine recommendations? I don't think so. The more I ponder the question, the more I realize that all you need for Thanksgiving are some good wines, the varietals and/or blends being much less important. As long as they don't blatantly clash with the meal, then they should work and few wines are going to so blatantly clash. Drink wines you'll enjoy and don't worry so much about "perfect pairings." For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: Stop Stressing Over Thanksgiving Wine.

6) Don't Be Cheap Buying Holiday Wines
As the holidays approach, you might be planning to host parties for your family and friends. You might need a selection of wine for these celebrations. Price is usually a significant factor in your decision as to which wines to purchase. However, instead of buying just the cheapest wine at a shop, ask the staff at that store for their recommendations for the best value wines. They might be able to suggest wines you might not have considered, wines which offer excellent value as well as taste. These are also some great discount wine shops worthy of your attention, offering compelling wines at a low price point. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: Holiday Wines? Don't Be A Cheapskate.

7) DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!
This is one of the most important pieces of advice you'll receive this season. Please give this your full attention. If you've had too much alcohol to drink, if there is any doubt in your mind, don't drive. Just don't do it! Err on the side of caution so that if you have any doubt of your capacity to drive, then please do not drive. Take a taxi or Uber, catch a ride with someone else, walk or sleep it off. Just don't drive! For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: DON'T DRINK & DRIVE...OR ELSE!!

What post-Labor Day drinking advice would you like to add?

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) On Wednesday, August 27th, at 6:30 PM, join Bistro 5, in Medford, for A Journey to the Italian Coast Wine Dinner.  Chef-Owner Vittorio Ettore states: "When I travel to Italy, I dream, I eat, and then I dream again. And like so many others, I find myself asking: Why is the food so good? Is it the skill? The sun? The bounty of the land and sea? Perhaps it is something deeper — a collective connection between people and their environment, expressed through food and wine. With that in mind, our fish is sourced as locally as possible, and our produce comes from the beautiful Kimball Fruit Farm in Pepperell, MA. This dinner is also a true collaboration, created together with our friends at Wine-Sense of Andover and Mucci Wine Imports." 

The Menu includes:

Antipasti: Chef’s inspired passed appetizers
La Sabbiona Vermouth Cocktail

Fiori di Zucca “Sardi” (Stuffed zucchini blossoms with Maine lobster, herbs and sheep milk ricotta, zucchini and basil emulsion, and Bottarga di Muggine)
Muscari-Tomajoli ‘Nethun’ Lazio Vermentino 2023

Paccheri Trabaccolara (Locally sourced seafood, large rigatoni shaped pasta, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, lemon zest)
Reale 'Getis' Costa d'Amalfi Tramonti Rosato DOC 2024

Tagliata di Tonno (Bluefin tuna loin, crusted with “Scaccia”, toasted fennel seed and pink peppercorns. Plum, Etna Rossa and orange zest “agrodolce”. Eggplant, plum and mint caponata.)
Palmento Costanzo 'Mofete Rosso' Etna Rosso DOC 2022

Torta della Nonna (Basil infused Ligurian tart, peach-lemon Mostarda)
Cantina Lilliu 'Dunkas' IGT Bianco Passito, Sardegna

The dinner costs: $150 Tasting Menu & Wine Pairings (tax and gratuity not included) and you can make Reservations HERE. 

2) On Wednesday, September 10, during normal operating hours, Anna’s Taqueria is ready to party like it's 1995 as they celebrate their 30th anniversary at the homegrown brand’s 10 Greater Boston locations. From open to close, Anna’s will roll back the hands of time and offer its legendary super burritos – 12″ fresh hot flour tortillas customized to your taste and packed with a main filling, cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, hot sauce and jalapeños – at its original 1995 pricing, $3.50 per oversized bundle of love (Premium add-ons priced à la carte). Additionally, the first 50 faithful through the doors of each location on September 10 will score a commemorative 30th anniversary t-shirt with their purchase. 

Inspired by San Francisco’s Mission District, Anna’s Taqueria was first conceived with the goal of bringing the homestyle flavor of Mexican street food to the people of Boston. Brookline became Anna’s Taqueria first home in 1995, with an additional nine locations joining the family over the decades. Anna’s passion for bringing the best in Mexican food to Greater Boston is only outdone by its passion for supporting the people and causes in its communities.

2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé: A Puglia Prize

Apulia, also known as Puglia, is an Italian region which occupies the "heel" of the Italian "boot," bordering the Adriatic Sea on its east coast. This region is best known for its red wines, especially those made from Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, you can find other interesting red grapes there, although their total acreage may be small. One such grape, of ancient lineage, is Susumaniello. 

The name, "susumaniello," may derive from the term "somarello," which roughly translates as "small donkey." This may refer to the hardiness of the grape, as the donkey can handle a great load, or it may refer to the grape bunches, which some claim resemble an overloaded donkey. DNA analysis indicates the grape is a cross between Garganega and Uva Sogra, and there are some claims that the grape originated in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, although proof of such is largely lacking. However, as it's known Primitivo originated in Dalmatia, it wouldn't be a stretch to consider Susumaniello had a similar journey. 

During the 20th century, Susumaniello fell out of favor, as it became low yielding, and farmers preferred to work with more productive vines, like Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, in time, the low yields of Susumaniello became seen as a strength, indicative of higher quality, by a number of wineries, and the grape was saved from extinction. It's now used as a blending grape, as a single varietal, and in Rosé wines. 

Varvaglione 1921 is a family-owned winery based in Leporano, on the coast of the Ionian Sea, in Puglia. It was established just over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest wineries in southern Italy, and is currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Varvaglione family. The winery focuses on the native grapes of the region, including Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aglianico, Verdeca, Falanghina, Malvasia Bianca and Fiano. They own about 150 hectares of vineyards, and also purchase fruit from low grape growers. They are also certified sustainable. 

I recently received a media sample of the 2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé (about $19), which is produced from 100% Susumaniello and has a 13% ABV. The wine is aged in stainless steel, with periodic suspension of the lees. With a vibrant pink color, the nose is alluring with plenty of red fruit aromas and hints of spice. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with bright red fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, along with subtle spice notes. On the lengthy finish, there's hints of minerality, and it's simply delicious. This would be excellent on its own, although it would also be an excellent food wine. 

Overall, this was an impressive Rosé, perfect for the summer, but which would be great year round. It would make a very good choice for Thanksgiving dinner. And at under $20, this wine is a good value as well. 

Non-Rant: Choosing A Wine Store

Introduction: Over 18 years ago, on May 9, 2007, I posted the following article with advice on Choosing A Wine Store. It was only the second article ever posted on The Passionate Foodie blog (and now there are over 5500 articles). With the first anniversary of Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet having occurred last Friday, I thought once again about this old article. I believe it's held up very well, and although today I might make some minor tweaks to it, the basic ideas remain solid. So, I'm presenting it as it was originally posted, without any revisions or changes. 

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If you wish to just pick up a bottle of wine, something under $10, then almost any store would do. Any local package store, grocery store or wine shop could cater to that need. But, what if you desire more than that? What if you are looking for a good wine store, a place to buy some different wines, maybe a case or two? What are the factors that differentiate the good wine stores from the mediocre ones?

Price: One of the primary factors for many people is price. We all want a good bargain when making any purchase. And wine prices can vary, sometimes significantly from store to store. You can see the price for the same bottle vary from $1 to $20 dependent where you buy it. Some stores cater to less expensive wines, such as $15 and under. Other stores have a variety, with some less expensive wines but also a selection of pricier ones too. Much will depend on the type of wine you are seeking.

Bottle price alone is not always indicative of the expense of a store. Many stores offer discounts, such as 10-20%, for purchasing a case of wine. And usually that can be a mixed case. So, even though a store's prices may be a bit higher than another store, the case discount may even matters out. In addition, some places run regular sales where you can get bargains. There are also stores that run promotions where you earn points based on your purchases, providing special gifts once you have acquired a certain amount of points.

Selection: You generally want a store that has a diverse selection of wines. Who wants to see the same old wines all the time? Some stores specialize in certain wine regions. Others may sell wines from more unusual regions. A good selection will also include varied prices, from $10 to $100 bottles, something for everyone. Remember that there are literally thousands of wines available so no store can carry them all. But, do look for places that try to acquire a good variety of wines from a number of regions.

Service: You want friendly and helpful staff at a good store. They should have a good knowledge of wine and those they sell. They should be personable and not snooty and pretentious. They should make you feel welcome rather than nervous. They should offer suggestions and recommendations without being pushy. Good service can include being able to order wine for you if they do not carry what you want.

There are a number of other factors, of less importance, but which can enhance or detract from your wine buying experience.

Appearance: A good wine store is clean and should not have dust all over their wine bottles. Display racks should be easy to see the individual bottles and their prices. They might have note cards describing the wines, or providing ratings and reviews from wine magazines.

Tastings: A good wine store will hold free tastings where you can try some of their wines. This can help you decide on which wines you might like to buy. Many stores now have weekly tastings.

Extras: A good wine store will sell more than just wine. They might sell other alcoholic drinks, from beer to hard liquors. They might also sell various foods, such as cheeses, chocolates and sauces. This can make the wine store a better one-stop place to stock up for a festive evening.

Website/Email: A good wine store will have a website providing information about the store and any upcoming events. Some even may an email list that will keep you up to date on their events.

But, there is one factor which I think is the most important of all. Passion.

Passion: The best sign of a good wine store is the passion of the owner. You can see that passion in them when they help you, when they answer your questions and make suggestions. The owner clearly enjoys wine, and is sincere in desiring to spread that joy to others. You can see that passion in them when they help you, when they answer your questions and make suggestions. These are the store owners who will truly work at making a good store. They will take care to make your experience as fine as possible. Their passion will show in every aspect of their wine store, elevating them above the rest.

No one wine store will probably cater to all of your needs, especially selection-wise. So, it is beneficial to visit different wine stores, to see what wines they offer that other stores do not. Your favorite wine store might not stock Greek wines but another store might. Your favorite wine store might sell 12 different Oregon pinot noirs but you might be looking for an Oregon producer that your store does not sell. But, in the end, you will probably have one or two wine stores which you frequent often, those places which you feel are the best. And I am willing to bet that the owners of those places have a true passion for wine.

Happy 1st Anniversary To Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to the owners of Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet in Melrose! And Best Wishes for many more years to come. 

A year ago, I first met the new owners, Vijay, Andy, Puja, and Brian, and it was with a little trepidation that we discussed their plans for the shop. That's a normal situation with new owners of any business. What is their objective for the business? How will the business change? Will the staff be retained?

Their answers were very positive, and uttered with complete sincerity, so that my trepidations vanished. They wanted the shop to be an artisan wine, beer and spirits store. They certainly didn't want to turn it into a package or convenience store. They also planned on retaining any of the staff who desired to work there. Finally, there would be changes, but they hoped only positive ones, those which would further their primary objective. 

After this past year, I'm pleased to report that they have lived up to everything they told me that first day. All of the new owners are sincere and hardworking, fully open to suggestions from all of the staff. And all of the current staff previously worked for Beacon Hill Wine.  

Victoria Hill is a destination shop, not just a neighborhood shop, a place which attracts people from all of the surrounding communities. In large part, this is accomplished by offering products that aren't available at many other local wine and liquor shops, including the big box shops. The diversity of their selection continues to always expand, and have been greatly welcomed by the customers. 

For example, the wine selections, numbering around 600, include offerings from about 25 different countries, including less commonly available wines from regions including Croatia, Lebanon, Georgia, Armenia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Peru, Brazil, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland, and more. Wines from additional countries, such as Mexico, Canada, and England, may be added in the future when good choices can be found.    

To expand their wine selection, new wooden wine shelves, such as the ones pictured above, have been added, allowing the shop to stock even more wines. These two shelving units are devoted to Portuguese and Spanish wines, from Vinho Verde to Port, from Albarino to Txacoli.  

There's also a new shelving unit for Sparkling Wines (from Crémant to House Champagne, Cava to Grower Champagne) and Rosé Wines (from Provence to Txakoli, Italy to California). The shelving unit also has some Ciders, Non-alcoholic Wines, Mocktails and Mixers. 

In addition, about 25%-30% of their wine selection are "Natural Wines," which is used as an overall designation for wines that are Biodynamic, organic, sustainable, or similarly produced, whether certified or not. To more easily locate the Natural wines, you simply have to check the new wine price labels, shown above, and look for an "N" in the right hand corner. More Natural wines continue to be added all the time.  

The store also carries a variety of interesting and delicious Sakes, from Junmai to Honjozo, Ginjo to Daiginjo, Sparkling Sake to Yuzu Infused. And if you need help selecting Sake, just ask me while I'm working and I'll be more than willing to help you.

I continue to conduct Wine Tastings every Thursday evening, from 5-7pm, and every Saturday afternoon, from 1-4pm. The tastings showcase diverse wines, exposing many customers to wines, countries and grapes they have never previously sampled. Customers have been very appreciative of this approach, and open to tasting more unique wines. They have often found new favorite wines, buying wines they wouldn't have purchased on their own, wary of buying a wine they've never experienced or knew little about. There have also been plenty of repeat customers who regularly come to the tastings to experience these new wines. 

On Friday nights, there are also often additional tastings, of Wine, Beer or Spirits. Please come by any of these tastings to expand your palate and taste some delicious and fascinating new wines, beers and spirits.  

Besides the diverse wine selection, the Beer chiller contains an excellent assortment of craft beers and ciders, many from local breweries, as well as some of the usual favorites, from Modelo to Budweiser. Customers have been very complimentary about the beer selection. 

The Spirits selection is diverse as well, including some harder to find selections, from Blanton's Bourbon to Chartreuse. Local spirits can also be found, from producers such as Barr Hill and Short Path.

Another physical change to the store has been new and extra lighting, to make the store brighter and easier for customers to see all of the selections. A new chiller case was also added, which holds wines, single beers, and hard seltzers.   

More changes are in the planning stages as well, such as the addition of more wooden wine racks, and possibly a new wine tasting station. As the holiday season approaches, even more wines will be added, included more higher end wines, which are great gifts for family and friends. 

Many thanks go to Vijay, Andy, Puja, and Brian, for creating an excellent store, for carrying a diverse and interesting selection, and for being open to suggestions. They have worked very hard during this past year, and it has been a real pleasure to work for them. 

If you live in Melrose, check out Victoria Hill and see what your new neighborhood wine, beer & spirits shop has to offer. If you live outside Melrose, please also check out this destination spot as you are likely to find plenty of selections that aren't available at your own neighborhood wine shop. And please come to the tastings and learn more about the wonders of wines, beer and spirits from all over the world! 

Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet
538 Main Street, Melrose
(781) 665-3332
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-9pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm. 

A Restaurant Crawl in Newburyport: Cormorant, Park Lunch & Bar-25.

Last Wednesday, I visited my good friend, Adam, in Newburyport, where he docks his fishing boat, the Wharf Rat. Although we didn't go out fishing, we engaged in a short restaurant crawl, with Adam showing me some of the local highlights, including The Cormorant, Park Lunch, and Bar 25. It was a fun and tasty evening, including both food and cocktails, and enticed me to return soon to explore more of the culinary options in Newburyport. 

Our first stop was The Cormorant, a small burger restaurant, reminding me almost of a diner. We began with a winner, and which I give a hearty recommendation. 

The restaurant has a counter, with stools, on the left side, and several tables on the right side. It gives the diner vibe, and we chose to sit at the counter. Adam mentioned that as this restaurant is very popular, you might have to wait in line during the busier times. Fortunately, we had no trouble finding space on a Wednesday evening. 
  

The restaurant is open for Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday to Saturday, and Brunch on Sundays. The Lunch/Dinner menu has Starters (4 options for $17-$18), such as Street Corn, Gauc & Chips; Salads (3 options for $16-$21), such as Salmon Kimchi Salad; Sandwiches (7 options for $17-$20, with fries or salad), including Pork Cutlet Parmesan and Italian Tuna; and Burgers (6 options for $17-$20, with fries or salad, and there's an option to design your own burger). Each day, there's also a number of Specials, such as those in the photo above. If you check their Facebook page, you can see photos of their daily Specials. 

They also serve Wine, Beer and Cocktails. They have a list of seven Housemade Cocktails ($10-$12), and are able to make plenty of other cocktails if you ask. I was intrigued by the Bourbon Cream Soda ($10), made from Bourbon, Cream Soda, and Bitters, over ice. You can also make it a Float for an additional $2. It turned out to be delicious, and wasn't overly sweet. It was refreshing, a great choice for a summery day, and now I want to make them at home. A simple idea but one that worked very well. 

I opted to create my own Burger, with 2 Patties, Cheddar, Swiss, Bacon, and BBQ sauce. The Brioche type bun was butter grilled, and was soft and flavorful, while the burger itself was excellent! The large, smashed patties possessed a nice meaty, grilled taste, enhanced by the toppings, which added a touch of smoke and salt, as well as a mild sweetness. A top notch burger! The French Fries were also delectable, with a great salty crispness to them. I certainly cleaned my plate, immensely pleased with my burger and fries. Overall, the Cormorant now enters my list of my Favorite Burger spots. 

After our burgers, we traveled a short distance to Park Lunch, an old-school sports bar, which has been around since 1957. One of their decorative highlights are all of the university and college flags on their walls, and it's said that wherever you went to school, you'll be able to find its flag. Coincidentally, when I looked up from the booth where we sat, I saw the flag for my own university, Suffolk, on the wall above us. 

Park Lunch has an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, steak, chicken, pasta and more. They are especially well known for their Fried Clams, and that's the reason we stopped there. The restaurant was fairly busy that evening, and it seemed many of them were regulars.

I began with a cup of their Clam Chowder ($5.95), and it was quite tasty. It was on the thinner side, not the overly thick chowders you find elsewhere, and contained plenty of clams and pieces of potato. It had a fine taste, and was something I'd order again. 

We ordered a Small Order of Fried Clams (Market Price, in the $40s), and received quite an ample mound of clams, more than sufficient for two people to share. The clams were generally plump and flavorful, although the coating had a touch of a gritty texture. It definitely wasn't a sandy grit, but it seemed to be an element of the breaded coating. Overall, they were tasty, but they didn't top my favorites from the Clam Box.  

We ended the evening at Bar-25, which has a Middle-Eastern inspired menu and a Prohibition-inspired bar. It has an elegant vibe, an excellent bar, and would be great for an intimate date or just a night with friends. It was relatively quiet that evening, but I can easily see how it would get crowded on the weekends.

They have plenty of offerings of Wine, Beer, Spirits, Cocktails and Mocktails. The Cocktail list (13 options for $13-$16) was inventive and intriguing. I opted for the BLT, made from sun-dried tomato infused Mezcal, bacon washed Ancho Reyes Poblano, Triple Sec, Lime, and Organic Agave. This was a superb cocktail, subtle and complex, well-balanced and absolutely delicious. This will likely end up as one of my favorite cocktails of the year. Highly recommended!  

The Food Menu is primarily divided into Mezze (small plates) and Entrees. The Mezze have about 19 options ($8-$22) and Entrees have about 8 options ($22-$38). Some of the dishes include: Braised Lentil & Naan, Persian Empanada, Fried Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Kebab, and the B25 Burger. There were plenty of options which appealed to me, but at this point, we chose to select just a single Mezze. 

We opted for the Haloum ($14), breaded Halloumi cheese, pecorino romano, and spicy shakshuka. Halloumi originated in Cyprus, and has a texture that reminds me of cheese curds. It's also a great choice for frying, as its melting point is high. Their Haloum had a nice crispy coating over the firm and tasty halloumi, enhanced by the mildly spicy sauce. 

This was a pleasant introduction to their cuisine, but this is definitely a restaurant to which I want to return, because there is no much more on the menu that I want to experience. Plus, I want to try more of their cocktails. 

What are your favorite restaurants in Newburyport?

Win 2 Tickets To A Wine Dinner at Matria!

You can win 2 Tickets to a special Stags’ Leap Winery wine dinner being held at Matria in the InterContinental Boston on August 21! 

On Thursday, August 21, at 7pm, Matria, at the InterContinental Boston, will be hosting a three-course wine dinner, showcasing the wines of Stags’ Leap Winery. The menu will include:

• An Amuse-Bouche: A deconstructed Short Rib Arancini, featuring layered creamy risotto and a tender braised short rib center, finished with roasted red pepper sauce, shaved Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest, paired with Stags’ Leap Sauvignon Blanc. 
• First-Course: A Classic Caesar Salad served in a parmesan crisp bowl, topped with a whole white anchovy, garlic chickpeas, and lemon zest, paired with Stags’ Leap Chardonnay. 
• Main Course: Filet Marsala, seared beef filet finished in a Marsala reduction with parsley-swirled pappardelle, trumpet mushrooms, and white and green asparagus segments, paired with Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. 
• Dessert Course: Tiramisu, made with whipped mascarpone cheese, lady fingers, cocoa powder, and espresso, paired with Stags’ Leap’s ‘Lead The Investor’ red wine. 

The dinner costs $120.00 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). However, I've been given 2 Tickets to this exclusive wine dinner to give away to my readers. So, I'm holding a Contest for these tickets, and all you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on this post and tell me which of the four food/wine pairings at this dinner sound the most appealing to you. 

On Friday, August 15, at 3pm, I will randomly select one of the entries to win those 2 tickets. Please note this contest is only open to people 21+ years old. Please also note that you are responsible for leaving a gratuity for your servers. 

So which pairing appeals to you most?

Rant: Dires Times For Restaurants

These are dire times for restaurants, with a combination of factors contributing to the perils facing the restaurant industry. And it doesn't appear that these factors will lessen anytime soon. 

A recent CNN article addressed this issue, stating: "Local restaurants across the country are reeling as some key costs skyrocket and consumers — who remain nervous about the economy’s future — cut back and become less willing to pony up for higher prices."

Anyone who has gone shopping at their local supermarket understands the rising costs of many products, and of course restaurants face that same problem, rising ingredient costs. For example, beef prices, from ground beef to steak, have been rising to record levels and are up 10%-12% since last year. The prices of plenty of other ingredients have risen significantly as well. Thus, restaurants, which already operate on small margins on their food, have had to raise prices because of increased ingredients costs. 

In addition, many restaurants are facing labor issues, finding it difficult to find good help. This problem has been facing restaurants for a number of years, even before Covid, and is probably even worse now. That too has led to increased restaurant costs, which often lead to higher prices. I've spoken to a number of chefs in the last several years who have mentioned their difficulties in hiring quality staff. Plenty of other industries are having a similar problem.  

Complicating matters, and leading to further restaurant woes, is that consumers, of both lower and middle-incoming, are not dining out as much as they once did. They are having their own economic woes, and restaurant dining, often seen as a luxury, is one thing they feel they can more easily cut back on. And as restaurants are forced to raise their prices, it makes it more difficult for consumers to dine out.    

What's the solution? This is certainly not an easy situation to resolve. However, part of the solution likely requires consumers to dine out more. When you dine out, you can take some cost-cutting measures, maybe order less appetizers or less cocktails. Get take out from some of the better restaurants, rather than the usual fast-casual ones. Make dining out a special experience, so you feel you are getting your money's worth.

What other solutions do you suggest?

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) New England’s largest food recovery organization, Spoonfuls, is announcing “Battle of the Bites”, a new event series featuring head-to-head live cooking competitions where guests will try both dishes and vote for the winner. The first event will be on August 20 and features Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Somaek, Temple Records, ZURiTO) and Cape Cod seafood sensation Chef Drew Grosse (The Lobster Trap). 

These two culinary luminaries, along with hosts, Chefs Nick Dixon and Rick Tormey of Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, are donating their time and cuisine to ensure all proceeds support Spoonfuls’ mission to reduce waste and fight hunger. Tickets are just $50 at https://onecau.se/battleofthebites and include appetizers from Lincoln, signature cocktails from presenting sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka, opportunities to taste both chef’s creations, and more.

Chef Jamie Bissonnette shared, “I’ve been a proud champion of Spoonfuls’ mission and member of their Culinary Board for years. Given the way of the world right now, it’s never more important to do what we can for our neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table. I’m excited for a night of fun, friendly competition with my old pal, Chef Drew. You better bring your A-game, buddy!”

Said Spoonfuls’ Chief Advancement Officer, Erin Keohane, “Spoonfuls is fortunate to have impactful, longstanding partnerships in the hospitality community, whose generosity is instrumental to our fundraising strategy. In the wake of cuts to federal funding, programs, and safety net resources, Spoonfuls’ deliveries of fresh, healthy food have become even more critical for our 200+ partner organizations and the communities they serve. Knowing we can call upon the likes of Chefs Bissonnette, Grosse, and Dixon - among many others - to get creative with us during a time of uncertainty, is incredibly encouraging and exciting. We look forward to a great night!”

2) On Thursday, August 21, at 7pm, join InterContinental Boston’s Matria for a wine dinner with Stags’ Leap Winery, an exclusive three-course dining experience. The evening will showcase a curated menu highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and artful presentation, with each course paired with an exceptional wine from Stags’ Leap Winery.

The curated menu begins with an amuse-bouche: a deconstructed Short Rib Arancini, featuring layered creamy risotto and a tender braised short rib center, finished with roasted red pepper sauce, shaved Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest, paired with Stags’ Leap Sauvignon Blanc. For the first-course, enjoy a Classic Caesar Salad served in a parmesan crisp bowl, topped with a whole white anchovy, garlic chickpeas, and lemon zest, paired with Stags’ Leap Chardonnay. The main course highlight is Filet Marsala, seared beef filet finished in a Marsala reduction with parsley-swirled pappardelle, trumpet mushrooms, and white and green asparagus segments, paired with Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. To end the evening on a sweet note, indulge in Tiramisu, made with whipped mascarpone cheese, lady fingers, cocoa powder, and espresso, paired with Stags’ Leap’s ‘Lead The Investor’ red wine.

Cost: $120.00 (excludes tax and gratuity).
Reservations: Space is limited, to reserve a seat, visit Resy.

3) The new Tacos El Chikis—a fast-casual taqueria is debuting on Northern Avenue in the Seaport. George Aboujaoude and Dominick Minots, the team behind Eva on Newbury Street and Committee (located next door in the Seaport), have partnered with José Antonio Paredes on the project. Culinary direction is led by Eva’s Executive Chef, Vince Carideo.

The name Tacos El Chikis is a playful nod to the casual, beloved taco stands found throughout Mexico for generations. “Chikis” is also an affectionate term meaning “little ones”—and like those street stands, their dishes will deliver bold, unforgettable flavors that match. Chef Vince Carideo and George Aboujaoude, both of Lebanese heritage, have thoughtfully incorporated their roots into the menu at Tacos El Chikis. Mexican cuisine itself has long embraced Lebanese influences—take al pastor, a dish inspired by shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. To celebrate this cultural connection, Chef Vince has introduced a lamb al pastor, offering a distinctly Lebanese twist on the beloved Mexican classic.

"We’re excited to bring Tacos El Chikis to the Seaport. This passion project blends the bold flavors of Mexico with the cultural influences of our Lebanese heritage. My partner Dominick and I have had our eye on this space for a while, so it’s especially meaningful to open right next to our other restaurant, Committee. Tacos El Chikis is a fun, fast-casual spot where people can enjoy something fresh and flavorful—whether it’s a quick lunch, a late-night bite, or anything in between. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and become part of the neighborhood,” says owner George Aboujaoude.

The Opening Menu: For tacos, choose from Pollo (grilled dark meat chicken), Carne Asada (grilled skirt steak), Pastor (marinated pork with pineapple), Portobello Pastor (marinated mushroom), Vegetariano (roasted seasonal vegetables), Quesabirria (braised spiced beef), Chicharrones (crispy pork belly), and/or Lamb Pastor (slow-roasted lamb with pineapple). For heartier appetites, guests can try Quekas (flour tortillas stuffed with beans and cheese), Cemitas (Mexican sandwiches filled with Milanesa (breaded pork cutlet), carne asada, or vegetarian. Bowls are loaded with your choice of protein, rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce—plus the option to make it a burrito. Sides include chips and guac, rice and beans, and chicharrones. Tacos El Chikis will also offer curated lists of Mexican beers and wines.

Tacos El Chikis will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Friday and Saturday nights from 11 AM to 1 AM.

4) MAZÍ Food Group (Desnuda Cocina & Bar, Gigi, Ilona, Kava Neo-Taverna) has just debuted the newest addition in its growing restaurant collection: Louis Corner. Situated on the corner of Tremont and Waltham streets, in the South End,  Louis (pronounced Lou-ee) Corner will be an elevated American gastropub concept.

MAZÍ Food Group’s executive chef and owner Jesus Preciado has reimagined a menu rooted in core American cuisine with occasional Irish influences. Designed for sharing, guests can expect a collection of starters like pickled vegetables, Rockefeller oysters, fried cauliflower, deviled eggs, and a variety of local oysters. Spanning regional specialties from the Northeast to the south, highlights from the dinner menu include a smashburger, mac and cheese, fish and chips, and jambalaya while classic sandwiches preparations – from a lobster roll to roast beef and a Cubano – grace the menu at lunchtime.

Louis Corner’s beverage program will encompass cordials, beer and wine while paying tribute to classic American cocktails. The wine program has been curated to celebrate American vintners, with endeavors based both stateside and overseas, while the beer selections will showcase local and craft offerings available by the can and bottle. I'm excited to see their wine list including offerings from Virginia, the Finger Lakes, Long Island, and New Mexico. Most of the rest of their wines comes from California, Washington, and Oregon with a smattering of European wines.  

The Origin of Scali Bread: A Fitchburg Original

If you grew up in Massachusetts, you're probably familiar with Scali Bread, a braided loaf, covered in sesame seeds, which is soft and light. 

I grew up with Scali bread, and enjoyed plenty of sandwiches between two thin and long slices of this bread. The origins of Scali bread are murky, and most sources allege that it was created by the Scali family in the North End, but none of those sources offers a shred of evidence to prove their claim. No one provides a specific date of its creation, or can name the first bakery to produce it. No one offers the first names of those in the Scali family who were part of its creation. The allegation simply sounds appealing to people, despite the lack of any proof. 

I've done my own research, and found evidence that Scali bread likely originated in Fitchburg, in 1941, at the Sunlight Bakery. I didn't find evidence of Scali bread in Boston until the 1950s, and none of those references dealt with the North End. I didn't find evidence of the involvement of the Scali family, and I have my own alternative theory for the reason for its name. 

The first documented reference I found for Scali bread was in the Fitchburg Sentinel, February 12, 1941. There was a large ad for Brockelman's Bros Inc., and part of that ad mentioned the offerings from their Sunlight Bakery, including "New Tasty Crusty Italian Scali Bread" for 12 cents. This indicates the bread was something new, although it doesn't describe the bread in much detail, or indicate the reason for the name. 

The Brockelman's Brothers opened a small grocery store at 400 Green Street in Fitchburg in 1887. By 1936, this small store had grown to a small chain, with locations in Clinton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Gardner, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Nashua, and Worcester. Their Sunlight Bakery produced all of their own breads and other baked goods. And throughout the 1940s, they would be the only store in Massachusetts advertising Scali bread! That's certainly indicative that they invented the bread. 

Why call it Scali bread? In Italian, the word "scali" translates as "stairs, terraces or steps," and derives from an older word that translates as "ladder." When you look at the braided Scali loaf, it can resemble a ladder, so it's my theory is that is why the bread acquired its name. 

The Fitchburg Sentinel, February 11, 1947, also had a large ad for Brockelman's Supermarkets, and offered "Scali Bread (Italian)" for 15 cents. A few months later, in April 1947, the price of Scali had risen to 16 cents. And by December 1950, the price of their Scali bread had risen to 19 cents. 

The first mention of Scali bread outside of the Brockelman's Brothers in Fitchburg occurred in the Boston Sunday Herald, April 2, 1950. The newspaper had a large ad for the new Waltham Super Market, in Waltham, which had its own bakery and offered Scali bread for only 12 cents. Both of these grocery stores were baking their own Scali bread, and weren't buying it from elsewhere.

The first mention of Scali bread in Boston didn't appear until 1957, sixteen years after is appearance in Fitchburg. The Boston Globe, April 23, 1957, printed an ad for the Elm Farm, a chain of Boston-area supermarkets, offering Scali bread for 21 cents. Interestingly, the Scali bread appears to have been packaged in a plastic wrapper like many commercial breads, rather than the clear plastic Scali bread more commonly seen today. 

An ad in the Boston Globe, April 30, 1958, explained the source of the Scali bread at the Elm Farm, noting it was "Baked fresh...Sold fresh every day" and delivered by Warren's. This was probably the Warren Baking Co., an Italian and French bakery that was once located in Cambridge. We also see that the Scali was packaged in a plastic bag resembling what you might see for Wonder Bread. Again, there was no connection to the North End. 

The Boston Sunday Herald, April 26, 1959, had a small ad for the Mazzola Bros., French and Italian bakers, located in Newton, who also made "Sliced Italian Scali Bread."

It wouldn't be until the 1960s and 1970s that there started to be mentions of Scali bread in the North End, although none of the references ever claimed that Scali bread originated there. Scali bread eventually became a staple at many Italian bakeries in the North End, so people began to assume that is where it originated. However, it's far more likely that it was first created in Fitchburg in 1941. During the 1940s, there weren't references to Scali bread from any other source. It wouldn't be until the 1950s that other sources were mentioned, in Waltham, Cambridge and Newton. Not the North End.

Rant: Eat More Lamb!

Why do so few American eat lamb?

For many Americans, they might only have lamb maybe once a year, during the Easter holiday. Still others won't eat lamb even on these holidays. Others might have lamb only at Greek restaurants, such as in a gyro, although I've been told multiple times by Greeks that lamb isn't a common meat in their country. 

Lamb consumption in the U.S. has seen a drastic decline over the years and that needs to change. More people need to eat lamb and there are multiple reasons why they should do so. Lamb is nutritious, delicious, versatile, and uses less resources than some other meats, such as beef.

Back in the early 1940s, there were about 56 million sheep and lambs in the U.S. but that number has dropped to just over 5 million, less than 10% of its previous count. In comparison, there are over 90 million cattle in the U.S.  Beef is far more popular than lamb and that is plain to see. Half of the lamb that is now consumed in the U.S. is imported, primarily from Australia and New Zealand.  

As for lamb consumption, the average American, during the early 1960s, ate annually about 4.5 pounds of lamb. By 1990, this amount had significantly declined to 1.6 pounds and by 2012, the amount had dropped down to less than one pound, and recent statistics indicate consumption is still less than 1 pound. In comparison, the average American annually consumes about 225 pounds of meat, including about 82 pounds of beef and 127 pounds of poultry.  

If we examine who is eating lamb, we also realize that certain ethnic groups, such as Greek, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Native Americans, consume far more lamb than others. Lamb consumption also occurs far more often on both the East and West coasts. In the middle of the country, there are plenty of people who never eat lmab. We can also see that lamb consumption, for many, is confined to certain holidays.

Lamb often seems to be a polarizing meat, one you either love or hate. The most common complaint I have heard about lamb is that it possesses a strong, gamey taste which many find off putting. Although some lamb does have a gamey flavor, much of it doesn't possess that nature or only to a very mild degree. It seems to me that much of the opposition to lamb is actually psychological, due to misconceptions about its actual nature. Maybe in the past, some lamb had a stronger, gamier taste, but that is largely changed. In addition, much depends on how the lamb is prepared. 

There are also sometimes complaints that lamb is too expensive and too difficult to cook. First, you can find less expensive cuts and preparations of lamb, such as ground lamb. Second, you don't need to eat a large portion of lamb, just as you don't really need to eat a large steak. Smaller cuts of meat are less expensive. As for cooking, it's a versatile meat, which can easily be prepared in a wide manner of dishes. It's not a difficult meat to cook, and that's a misconception which needs to be overthrown.

Consumers need to get over their fears of lamb and simply taste more lamb dishes. I'm sure, if they give it a chance, they will find they actually enjoy the taste of lamb. Besides its great taste, it is also a healthy meat. I've spoken often about the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, and lamb possesses five times as many Omega-3s as does beef.  It's also a very good source of Protein, Vitamin B12, Niacin, Zinc and Selenium.

Break out of your prejudices against lamb. Embrace it, buy it, cook it, order it at restaurants, explore its versatility, and put it on your plate. It's a healthy and delicious choice. What are you waiting for?

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) In celebration of Boston’s 115th Fisherman’s Feast, North End favorite Prezza is offering a special seafood-focused menu available from August 1–17. Prezza is marking the occasion with six limited-time dishes, available a la carte, that showcase New England seafood with a Mediterranean twist.

The ‘Fisherman’s Feast’ menu includes:
Patriot Oysters with Cucumber Mignonette and Cocktail Sauce
Fried Clams paired with a Lemon Caper Aioli
Bluefin Tuna Crudo including Cara Cara Orange, Fennel, Citrus Vinaigrette, and Calabrian Chiles
White Anchovy Crostini with Garlic, Wine, Cherry Tomatoes, and Olive Tapenade
Octopus Flatbread containing Potatoes, Arugula, Lemon, Black Olive Tapenade, Feta Cheese
Warm Buttered Lobster, Brioche Toast, Lobster Butter, as well as Italian Cole Slaw, and Old Bay Fries

2) On August 6, MAZÍ Food Group (Desnuda Cocina & Bar, Gigi, Ilona, Kava Neo-Taverna) will debut the newest addition in its growing restaurant collection: Louis Corner. Situated on the corner of Tremont and Waltham streets, in the South End,  Louis (pronounced Lou-ee) Corner will be an elevated American gastropub concept.

Using a blend of seating options to encourage a lively social experience, the 48 seats are a mix of bar settings, brown leather banquettes and mid-top tables flanked with bronze-studded chairs.  MAZÍ Food Group’s executive chef and owner Jesus Preciado has reimagined a menu rooted in core American cuisine with occasional Irish influences. Designed for sharing, guests can expect a collection of starters like pickled vegetables, Rockefeller oysters, fried cauliflower, deviled eggs, and a variety of local oysters. Spanning regional specialties from the Northeast to the south, highlights from the dinner menu include a smashburger, mac and cheese, fish and chips, and jambalaya while classic sandwiches preparations – from a lobster roll to roast beef and a Cubano – grace the menu at lunchtime.

Louis Corner’s beverage program will encompass cordials, beer and wine while paying tribute to classic American cocktails. The wine program has been curated to celebrate American vintners, with endeavors based both stateside and overseas, while the beer selections will showcase local and craft offerings available by the can and bottle. Louis Corner will be open weekdays beginning at 11:00am with brunch service available weekends beginning at 9:00am. 

A Culinary Road Trip To Ipswich+

Are you looking for a day trip idea, especially one with a culinary theme? One of my favorites is to drive up to Ipswich, and the surrounding communities of Rowley, Salisbury, and Newbury, visiting farms, bakeries, butcher shops, a clam shack, a candy shop, wine shop, and more. I've had a number of people ask me for a list of the places I visit, as they too would like to check out those places when they visit the Ipswich area. 

So, I'm now offering a curated list of my favorite places, but please note that this isn't a complete list of all of the potential stops, and you might find something else that appeals to you while you're driving around the area. There is much to explore in this area, so keep your eye out while you're in the area in case something catches your eye. 

I believe Friday is the best day for this Ipswich trip, with Saturday a close second, for two reasons, which I'll explain below. You can go on any other day if you wish, but a couple of excellent options won't be available. 

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Sandpiper Bakery: When I visit Ipswich, one of my first stops is usually this bakery, to have a breakfast snack. It's a bit hidden, in a building next to the Public Library, and it doesn't have a large sign indicating its presence. Inside, there's two small counters where you can sit, and they have multiple tables outside on their patio. They are open for breakfast and lunch, offering sandwiches and salads, and have a full case of bakery treats. 

I usually get a Ham & Cheese Croissant, which is flaky and buttery, and often slightly warm. This is definitely one of top favorite croissants, and highly recommended. It's a great way to start the day before exploring Ipswich.

Some of the other tasty items you can purchase include Scones, Banana Bread. Cardamom Muffins, Coconut Macaroons, and more, 

One of my other favorites is their Whoopie Pies! They appear to be seasonally available, and now is that season. The light chocolate cake is soft and tasty, with a satisfying creamy filling, and the entirety is not overly sweet. This is one of my Top Favorite Whoopie Pies and I always get some when I stop here and they're available.

Russell Orchards: On my day trip, I usually visit about four farms in the Ipswich area, each with its own special attractions, but I'll note there are even more farms in the area that you can visit. Russell Orchards sells its own produce, some kitchen supplies, books, ice cream, baked goods, gourmet foods, wine and cider. You can pick your own fruit, dependent on the season, such as blueberries, raspberries, apples, and more. Plus, they have some farm animals which you can see, which is a popular attraction for children.   

My favorite Cider Donuts are made here, a light and flavorful donut with such a delicious apple flavor. They don't need a dusting of cinnamon/sugar, and are much better than the heavy, cake cider donuts you find elsewhere. If you're lucky, you'll get some when they are still warm. I'll usually eat a donut or two before I even reach my car in the parking lot. You can even get a Cider Donut Sundae at their ice cream booth. 

And if you enjoy wine and/or cider, you can check out their tasting room and sample some of the variety of the wines and hard ciders they produce.

Northern Lights Farm Stand: Located diagonally across from the Clam Box, Northern Lights has a small farm stand with produce, including Duck Eggs (which I enjoy), and a variety of jarred fruits and vegetables produced by the Mennonites (also a good choice). 

One of their main attractions is also all the animals they have on their property, including donkeys, a pot-bellied pig, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, and more. 

One of the stars is Samson, a HUGE rabbit, and this photo doesn't do justice to his great size. Samson usually wanders free on the property, is fairly friendly, and can be petted. Children will love all the animals. 

Marini Farmstand: This farmstead has lots of produce, including some of their own grown fruits and vegetables, as well as a bakery, and some chilled cases with meats, dairy products, beverages and more. At Christmas time, this farmstead has a beautiful display, with lots of decorations and ornaments for sale.  

This is one of the only local farms where I've found Purple Peppers, which have a spicy heat to them. They currently also have Sicilian Eggplant, which certainly looks different from the usual eggplant. 

And if you want Cider Donuts, covered with cinnamon/sugar, you can find them here.

Tendercrop Farm: This local farm has farmstands in Newbury, Wenham, and Dover, and I usually stop at either the Newbury or Wenham location on my Ipswich journey. Both are fairly similar, offering lots of fruits and veggies (many of their own grown), as well as flowers and plants. They also sell dairy products, baked goods, frozen foods and snacks. 

In addition, they have a butcher shop, offering meat from the many animals on their farm, including beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. Their meats are excellent quality and reasonably priced, and I've never been let down. Their Boneless Pork Chops ($6.99/lb) are thick cut, very tender and flavorful. Such a great deal and I usually get some when I stop here. I've seen other butcher shops offering the same thing for twice the price. I've also enjoyed their grass-fed Filet Mignon, Marinated Steak Tips, Duck Breast, Turkey Tips, Sausages, and more. Definitely a great stop to satisfy your carnivore cravings.

Clam Box of Ipswich: For lunch, I can't consider going any place else except the Clam Box. It's my favorite clam shack and never disappoints. It's celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year! Their fried seafood is superb, from the fried clams to the fried scallops, and their service is top notch. They are very customer-driven and have impressed me multiple times in the past. You can dine inside or outside, and during the summer you might have to wait in line as it is very popular.  

On Fridays only, they commonly offer Fried Lobster Tails, which are difficult to find elsewhere. Each lobster piece is basically half a lobster tail, and you can see above the plentiful portion you receive. The lobster is delicious, with a nice, light and crispy batter, sweet lobster, and some melted butter for dipping. The dish comes with two sides, and I always opt for French fries and onion rings. This is one reason why I recommend making an Ipswich road trip on Fridays.

The Fried Clams and Scallops Combo plate is also delicious, with plenty of fried seafood, and some of the sweetest fried scallops you'll find. You can get the clams with or without the bellies, although I prefer with the bellies. Plus, the Clam Box nows offers Steamed Clams, which I recently enjoyed and would recommend. 

Dairy Queen: After you leave the Clam Box, you'll probably be too full for dessert, but you might still be able to drink something else. Just down the road from the Clam Box is a Dairy Queen, and it serves the Orange Julius, a frothy orange drink. I've been drinking them since I was young, and still enjoy an occasional one. 

Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market: Once you've enjoyed lunch at the Clam Box, you might still have a hankering for some seafood, but which you can prepare at home. So, only on Fridays and Saturdays, you can check out this seafood pop-up, which is my favorite seafood market. This is the second reason why journeying to Ipswich on Friday is a good idea.

They have plenty of fresh, local seafood, as well as some excellent frozen fish. Quality is high but prices are reasonable, and the service is excellent. The staff can cut the fish to any size you need, and can offer suggestions for preparation as well.  

They also sell a variety of prepared foods, from tinned seafood to pasta, to their owns soups, sauces, and seafood entrees. Their house-made Corned Bread is delicious, moist and flavorful.

Every Thursday, they post a menu for their Friday and Saturday offerings. For instance, they currently stock local Halibut, Swordfish, Striped bass, and Bluefish. You'll also find seafood from Alaska, Canada, Norway, Iceland, and more. You can find frozen Lobster Tails, split for the grill, as well as live lobsters. So many choices! In the past week, I've dined at home on their King Salmon and local Halibut, and both were absolutely delicious. Highly recommended!

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Winfrey's Fudge & Chocolates (Rowley):  Just a few miles from the Clam Box, you can find U.S. Route 1, also known as the Newburyport Turnpike. At 42 Newburyport Turnpike, you can check out the chocolates and candies at this large store. They have stores at four other locations. I especially enjoy their Chocolate Turtles. 

Agawam Diner (Rowley): At 166 Newburyport Turnpike, in Rowley, you'll find the famed Agawam Diner, which is celebrating its 85th Anniversary this year.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

They have an excellent breakfast menu, with delicious pancakes, homemade hash, breakfast sandwiches, and more.  

They also have a bakery in their basement where they produce numerous pies and pastries. If you just stop by the diner, they have some whole pies and pastries available for purchase, but if you want to ensure you get a specific type of pie, you should order ahead of time. Over the last few months, I've stopped by the diner a few times and purchased their three cream pies: Coconut, Banana and Chocolate. They were all delicious, quite amply sized, and not overly sweet. They generally cost $30 each. 

Market Basket (Rowley): At 231 Newburyport Turnpike, there's a Market Basket, which I think is one of their best locations. It's very clean and has a greater variety of products than many of their other locations. And prices are very good compared to many other supermarkets.  

Nancy's Marshview Cafe & Bakery (Salisbury): If you continue to follow U.S. Route 1, about 8 miles from Market Basket, you'll cross a bridge into Salisbury. You'll soon come to Nancy's Marshview Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch, and also has a bakery. I haven't yet eaten breakfast here, but the menu looks enticing, and I've enjoy their baked goods very much.

Doughnuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, chocolate desserts, and more can be found here. They also sell a variety of pies, and their Banana Cream Pie is excellent, and the price was only about $20. It's worth coming here just for the pies. I plan to have breakfast here in the near future, and will report back then. 

Bucciarelli's Butcher Shop & Deli (Salisbury): Very close to Nancy's Cafe is this butcher shop, which also sells gourmet foods and wine. It's worth checking out, although their meat prices seem to be higher than at Tendercrop. 

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Cellar Door Culinary Shop: Back in Ipswich, check out the Cellar Door, a place for gourmet food, wine and beer. You'll find cheese, cured meats, sauce, olive oil, noodles, chocolates, and much more. 

The wine selection is well curated, with wines from all over the world, including many natural wines. These are not your usual suspects, but less commonly known wines, and well worth checking out. 

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Some other spots you might want to check out, which aren't on my usual route, in the Ipswich+ area include:

The Ipswich Green Grocer

Ipswich Butcher Bros.

1634 Meadery

Mill Rivery Winery (Rowley)

Stephanie's Village Pancake House (Rowley)

Three Sweet Peas Bakery Cafe (Rowley)

If you have any other suggestions in the area, feel free to send them on to me.