2018 Domaine Pichot Clos St. Mathurin Sparkling Vouvray: Loire Bubbly & Mussels

This past Friday night, I enjoyed a dinner of mussels at home, having purchased them earlier that day at the Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market in Ipswich. They were organic PEI Mussels, which were rope grown, for only $7.49 for a bag. I love mussels, steamed in a flavorful broth, and accompanied by a crusty bread for sopping up the broth. 

Wild mussels have been consumed for thousands of years and farmed mussels extend back at least to the 12th century, when they were cultivated in the waters off the coast of France. The Pilgrims probably feasted on mussels during the first Thanksgiving. Farmed mussels are one of the most sustainable forms of aquaculture. They are easy and quick to grow, better than probably any other bivalve. They are also filter feeders, which eat algae, plankton and other microscopic sea creatures, and help to purify the water. They make the oceans cleaner which is a great benefit. 

Mussels are also a healthy choice, one of the best seafoods you can consume. They are a good source of protein, with the added benefit of being low in calories and saturated fats. In some respects, that makes it a better choice than beef. In addition, mussels are a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, zinc and folate. Most importantly, mussels also possess a significant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is important in reducing the risk of heart disease. A 3 ounce portion of mussels contains about 700 milligrams of Omega-3s, placing it high on the list of seafood with significant amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, mussels have a far less risk of mercury and PCBs. In many ways, mussels are an excellent nutritious choice and should be a regular visitor to your dinner plate.

To accompany the mussels, I selected a bottle of bubbly from the Loire region of France, the 2018 Domaine Pichot Clos St. Mathurin Sparkling Vouvray (about $27), which is supposed to be an excellent pairing for seafood, from oysters to crab. I received this bottle as a media sample. 

Although the Domaine Pichot winery was established in 1996, the history of the Pichot family extends back to at least 1739, when they were restaurateurs. They purchased their first vineyards around 1770, so they could supply their restaurant with wine. When Domaine Pichot was founded, the family brought together three family vineyards: Coteau de la Biche, Le Peu de la Moriette, and Le Marigny. The vines are generally about 30 years old, and are planted with only Chenin Blanc. Their vineyards are organic and certified sustainable. 

The Clos St. Mathurin Sparkling Vouvray is produced from grapes, about 35 years old, from a small, 1.5 hectare vineyard within the Le Marigny site. The soil in this vineyard is limestone and flint. The sparkling wine is made in the méthode traditionnelle (like Champagne), with fermentation in 70% in stainless steel and 30% in 400 liter used barrels, followed by two years on fine lees in the bottle. No dosage is used. Only 6,000 bottles are produced each year.

On the nose, the wine was expressive, with notes of white flowers and stone fruit, and in the glass, there were plenty of tiny bubbles. On the palate, it was elegant and crisp, fresh and flavorful, dry and pleasing. It possessed a complex melange of flavors, including peach and green apple, a subtle nuttiness, a touch of toast, and hints of baking spice. The finish was persistent and satisfying, and each sip beckoned you to take another. It paired very well with the mussels, and I could easily see it pairing well with other seafood too. This bubbly over-delivers for its price point, and I heartily recommend it. 

Rant: How Much Would You Pay For a Lobster Roll?

Summer is the time when many people in New England, from residents to tourists, will enjoy Lobster Rolls, whether a cold lobster roll (commonly called a Maine-style roll) or a warm buttered lobster roll (commonly called a Connecticut-style roll). My personal preference is for a warm buttered lobster roll and I enjoyed my first one of the summer season last Friday.   

However, how much would you pay for a Lobster Roll?

This season, Lobster Rolls are pricier than other years, especially due to a smaller lobster catch in Maine, the fourth year of continual decline. Plus, restaurant prices have been rising, due to many factors, from higher ingredient costs to higher labor costs. If you try to purchase live lobsters at your local market, you'll see how pricey they can be, commonly $10-$20 a pound. 

At many local restaurants, lobster rolls are now selling for $30-$60, usually accompanied by French fries or chips. On the menu, lobsters rolls are usually listed as "Market Price," so you should ask about the price before ordering, to prevent sticker shock later. Some consumers draw a line at how much they are willing to pay for a lobster roll, while others will pay nearly any price for such an iconic sandwich.

Last Friday, for lunch, I dined at Row 34 in Burlington, and I had an urge for a Lobster Roll. Their Warm Buttered Lobster Roll, with slaw and home-made chips was listed at Market Price, and the actual price that day was $48. Considering everything, I thought this was a reasonable price, especially as I've enjoyed their Lobster Rolls before and understood their quality. 

There was plenty of sweet, tender lobster, covered with a rich butter, and within a thicker hot-dog style bun. The bun was grilled perfectly, and its thicker bread helped keep the sandwich from falling apart. With thin buns, the bread can get too moist from the butter and fall apart, so it becomes much harder to eat it. Fortunately, I didn't have this issue at Row 34. The lobster roll sated my urges, was quite delicious, and it was everything I wanted. I felt I got my money's worth. 

I'll also mention that I love their homemade chips as well, a nice companion to the lobster roll. 

In addition, as an appetizer, I was also impressed with their Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp, accompanied by a peanut sauce and nuoc cham. A crunchy, clean coating on plump, tender shrimp, and both sauces were very tasty. 

How much would you pay for a Lobster Roll? 

Rant: Why Don't You Eat More Seafood?

Eat More Seafood! Eat More Seafood! Eat More Seafood!

I've been pushing this sentiment for many years, and I consider it one of the most important food issues in the country. Unfortunately, it remains a serious problem, so it's necessary to once again try to highlight this matter, to bring attention as to why it's so important that people consume more seafood. 

As summer approaches, local clam shacks will become more popular, more lobster rolls will be consumed, and salmon will be grilled in backyards. It's great to know people will be eating more seafood, but the vast majority of people still need to eat even more seafood. As I've said repeatedly before, seafood consumption will significantly lessen your chances of dying from the leading cause of death in the U.S.: Heart Disease. That's a powerful reason why you should consume more seafood and it's far from the only reason. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. is heart disease, and in 2023, it killed over 919,000 people, which was over 200,000 more than died in 2022. That's a scary statistic, showing many more people are dying of this disease, even though there is an easy way to help reduce these deaths.

We all have had family and friends who have died from heart disease, and we should be doing what we can to reduce our own chances of acquiring heart disease. Do you want to die prematurely, leaving your loved ones without your presence? Do you want to die from heart disease when you could have adopted a small lifestyle change which might have saved you?  

Seafood consumption is a significant key to reducing your chances of heart disease. Since the 1970s, over 20,000 research studies have been conducted on the health benefits of seafood and they have concluded that eating seafood twice a week can reduce your chance of dying from heart disease by about 36%. You won't find another single food that has been scientifically proven to reduce heart disease so much.  

Low seafood consumption is blamed for at least 84,000 deaths in the U.S. and 1.4 million globally. Besides helping to reduce heart disease, research has also been providing growing evidence of the health benefits to the brain and bones as well as against cancers and inflammatory diseases. Eating more seafood is such a simple change to your lifestyle and it can bring so many health benefits. Why wouldn't you want to make this change?

According to recommendations from the USDA, and many other bodies, Americans should consume at least 26 pounds of seafood each year, essentially meaning you should eat 4 ounces of seafood twice a week. The average American doesn't consume this much seafood. Per capita seafood consumption peaked in 2021 at 17 pounds (still 9 pounds short of the USDA recommendation), but has been on a slight decline since then. In 2024, per capita consumption was only 16.5 pounds, nearly 10 pounds less than what is recommended. 

In comparison, in 2025, the average person consumed 58.5 pounds of beef, about 50 pounds of pork, and 102 pounds of chicken. It's easy to see then how little seafood is consumed by the average American. 

Besides the health reasons for eating more seafood, another compelling reason is the taste. Seafood is delicious! It's diverse in its flavor profiles so there should be something to cater to all preferences. Even if you dislike shellfish, then maybe you will enjoy a flaky white fish or a richer salmon. Fish can be prepared in a myriad of methods, from raw to baked, fried to grilled. Add it to soups or risottos, casseroles or sauces. There's something for everyone. Want some new recipes? Check HERE for recipes from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. 

I know some people worry about mercury poisoning from seafood, but that is a greatly exaggerated danger. And the benefits to preventing heart disease far outweigh any chances of being negatively affected by mercury poisoning. How many people do you know have died from mercury poisoning? And how many do you know who have died from heart disease? The National Fisheries Institute has stated: "There are no confirmed cases of methylmercury toxicity in the United States from consumption of commercial seafood. The amount of mercury equated with serious illness has only been seen in international industrial accidents and poisonings several decades ago."

I know that one of the major obstacles to increases seafood consumption is price. People perceive that seafood is expensive, so they are less likely to buy it, opting for less expensive proteins. However, those less expensive proteins come with their own cost, and won't provide the same reduction in heart disease as seafood. How much is it worth to you to save your health?

However, there are also plenty of ways to get better value when purchasing seafood. First, buy seafood types, like mussels, which are very good values. Second, seek out local seafood as it often can be less expensive than imported seafood. Third, buy seasonal seafood as it's usually less expensive because it is more abundant in season. If you buy fish out of season, the price may have a premium added to it. Fourth, check out some of the less popular fish species, which may be cheaper because there is less demand for it. Try wild drum fish, snook, or cobia rather than tuna and cod. Fifth, consider eating smaller portions of fish, rather than you would a large steak or pork chop at one sitting. You only need 4 ounces of seafood, twice a week, and that smaller size works out to be a less expensive meal overall.  

I've been purchasing most of my seafood from the Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market, a pop-up market in Ipswich that is open on Fridays and Saturdays. I was just there this past Friday, buying some Soft Shell Crabs and Chinook Salmon. They have a very good variety of seafood, fresh and frozen, generally dependent on what's seasonally available. The fresh fish looks great, is reasonably priced, and tastes delicious. Plus, their service is excellent, from cutting your seafood to order to providing cooking advice. If you love seafood, I highly recommend you check out this market. 

Step up your game and eat more seafood. Try to consume seafood at least twice a week. Your heart will thank you. 

What's your excuse for not eating enough seafood?

"In the hands of an able cook, fish can become an inexhaustible source of perpetual delight."
---Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin 

2025: Favorite Food-Related Items

What were some of my favorite food-related items of the past year?

Let me continue my lists of my best recommendations and favorite restaurants and food items of 2025, addressing my Favorite Food-Related Items. This is certainly not a complete list but it's more a sampling of memorable food items I've experienced and/or posted about over the past year. This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more food-related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

Favorite Culinary School: NECAT is a local culinary school which trains people from challenging backgrounds, from ex-convicts to recovering addicts, from the homeless to the chronically unemployed. NECAT fills an important need for culinary help while helping numerous people achieve a better life. It is such a worthy school, helping to transform lives, and it really touches my heart. It helps individuals while also helping the community, and I continue, year after year, to try to raise awareness of NECAT so that its good work can continue and even expand. It's one of my favorite causes and is well worthy of your continued support.

Favorite Overall Bakery: This is a very tough category, as there are a number of worthy candidates, so besides this Favorite, I've had to add some Runner-Ups as well. My Favorite is Lulu's Bakery & Pantry, in Salem, which offers a wide variety of sweet and savory treats, including a number with a West Virginia connection. The owners, Nikki & Jim, have excellent culinary resumes, and evidence the passion I seek. Pepperoni rolls, corn bread, biscuits, chocolates, cupcakes, muffins, sandwiches, and so much more. Their large Whoopie Pies are some of the best I've ever eaten, with almost a chewy brownie-like cookie filled with a sweet, creamy filling. Any time I visit the Salem area, I try to stop here to pick up something to take home. 

Runner-Up Overall Bakery: Quebrada Bakery, with four locations including one in Arlington where I most often patronize, has my favorite Snickerdoodles cookies anywhere. You can even buy the frozen cookie dough to easily cook the Snickerdoodles at home. They have plenty of other delicious baked goods, from croissants to pecan rolls. Their Whoopie Pies are also excellent, with a soft chocolate cake sandwiching a very creamy filling. 

Runner-Up Overall Bakery: Sandpiper Bakery in Ipswich is another killer bakery. Their small Whoopie Pies are delicious, but they don't carry them on a regular basis. Their Croissants are superb, buttery and flaky, and I especially love the Ham & Cheese croissants. They have plenty of other fresh and delicious baked goods, from Scones to Banana Bread. The bakery is a bit hidden, but is well worth seeking out. 

Runner-Up Overall Bakery: New to me, Eva's Little Kitchen, with locations in Bedford and West Concord, was impressive. A wide range of excellent baked goods, from the Shakshuka Breakfast Danish to their Banana Bread. I need to return again soon to check out some of their other baked goods as well as their Sandwiches.  

Favorite Greek Bakery: Greek Habits by Eva, with locations in Arlington and Peabody, is an impressive spot. Their Handmade Greek Pies, such as Ham & Cheese and Spinach, have a tasty flaky crust, and plenty of fillings. The warm Bougatsa, a Greek custard pie (pictured above), is amazing! They also sell a variety of pastries, many Greek, but also other interesting ones, including plenty of chocolate treats. In addition, they have a number of appealing sandwiches, such as Bifteki, Smoked Salmon, and Caprese. 

Favorite New Hampshire Bakery: Agape Cakes and Confections, in Raymond, New Hampshire, is a bakery with Greek influences. They make excellent Greek pies, such as Ham & Cheese and Feta, and desserts like Baklava and Galaktoboureko. They make plenty of other tasty baked goods as well, such as Chocolate Banana Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls, Whoopie Pies, Pop Tarts, and much more. If you're in the area, this is a must stop destination. 

Favorite Donut Shop: Donuts With A Difference, in Medford, is an old-school donut shop that still makes their donuts in-house. They make more traditional donuts, and not the fancy ones available at some of the other donut shops. Their donuts are fresh and delicious, and frequently even still warm when you receive them. They are also very inexpensive, roughly half the price of many other donut shops. I especially love their Coffee Rolls! 

Favorite Cider Donuts: For me, the best Cider Donuts are found at Russell Orchards in Ipswich. They don't need a sugary coating, and impress with the fullness of their apple flavor. They are lighter than the more cakey cider donuts found at many other places. Their donuts are soft and moist, with a slightly crusty exterior, and the right balance of apple and spice flavors. Each bite is pure pleasure. And when they are warm or even hot, it's hard not to eat several on your way from the cash register to your car.  

Favorite Cream Pies: Nancy's Marshview Cafe & Bakery, in Salisbury, serves Breakfast and Lunch, and also has a Bakery. At the Bakery, you can find tasty donuts, cookies, turnovers, cupcakes, eclairs, and more. However, I'm most impressed with their Cream Pies, such as their Coconut Cream Pie pictured above. Reasonably priced, the amply-sized cream pies have plenty of delicious fillings, and are topped with a creamy and sweet whipped cream. 

Runner-Up Favorite Cream Pies: The Agawam Diner, in Rowley, also makes delicious, and quite large, Cream Pies, including Coconut, Banana, and Chocolate. They are pricier than the ones at Nancy's Marshview Cafe, but you won't go wrong with their taste. They also make a lengthy list of other types of pies, from Apple to Strawberry Rhubarb, Pecan to Custard. 

Favorite Seafood Market: The Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market, which is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, is an excellent spot for seafood, both fresh and frozen. The fresh fish looks great, is reasonably priced, and tastes delicious. They have a good variety of seafood, all dependent on what's seasonally available. Their frozen seafood is also very good, such as their Swordfish steaks and Shrimp. Plus, their home-made corn bread is delicious! It's become a regular stop for me, and have always enjoyed everything I've bought. As I've said many times, you need to Eat More Seafood, and this is a great place to buy your fish.

Favorite Seafood Dinner: The Seafood didn't get any fresher than at a Bluefin Tuna dinner at Tonno in Wakefield. Chef/Owner Anthony Caturano butchered a large Bluefin Tuna in front of everyone, and then the tuna was prepared in various ways for our dining pleasure, from Tuna Tartare to Grilled Tuna Steak. The butchery demo was fascinating and the tuna dishes were amazing. It would be great to see more chefs do something similar, combining a butchery demo (whether seafood or some other protein) with a multi-course dinner. 

Favorite Japanese Food Market: Maruichi (with locations in Arlington, Brookline and Connecticut) is an excellent Japanese grocery store, and I usually go to their Arlington location. It offers a diverse selection of Japanese foods, fresh and frozen, as well as plenty of fresh vegetables, including some Asian varieties. Their meat selection is compelling and they have a superb selection of sushi-grade fish. You can get sushi meals, onigiri, and other dishes made in-house. Plus, there's a wide range of Japanese foods, from tea to sauces, candy to chips, breads and pastries, and much more. And their prices are generally very reasonable. 

Favorite New Spot For Lunch: This year, Karma Asian Fusion, in Winchester, started serving two multi-course Lunch Specials, including a Chinese Wok lunch ($22, with several different entree options) and a Sushi lunch ($28). You receive an ample portion of delicious and well-prepared food, all at a very reasonable price considering the quality and quantity. And their Sushi is amazing! Plus, they offer some reasonably priced and tasty appetizers as well, from Salmon Carpaccio to Crispy Wonton. 

Favorite Poutine: New this year, the Skinny Pancake opened in Peabody, a creperie which began in Vermont. They serve breakfast all day, and besides crepes, also offer burgers, burritos, salads, and more. One of their sides is Poutine, crispy French fries topped with Vermont Cheese Curds and Screamin' Ridge Farm Gravy. All of the elements are excellent, from the crisp fries (which hold up with to the gravy), the squeaky curds, and the flavorful gravy. You can also order the Poutine with a vegan vegetable gravy.

Favorite Pizza: The most impressive pizza I enjoyed this past year was the Roasted Garlic White Pizza at Posto, at Assembly Row in Somerville. They used to be in Davis Square but moved to Assembly Row this year. The pizza was made with bacon, mozzarella, roasted garlic, parmesan, oregano, and aleppo pepper. I've never seen more garlic on a pizza, large and plump cloves of roasted garlic. The thin-crusted pizza also had a nice char, and the crust was also both crisp and chewy. Superb! 

Favorite Sandwich: Anthony's Italian Specialties, in Stoneham, has long made some of my favorite sandwiches, which are always over-large and filled with quality ingredients. They are famous for their Italian Sandwiches, but they make plenty of other excellent sandwiches, from Pastrami to Chicken Parmigiana. And their sandwiches, which come in several different sizes, are reasonably priced. My current favorite is their Chicken Cutlet with Prosciutto & Fresh Mozzarella, topped by oil, seasonings and balsamic glaze. The above is on their braided roll, and you can see that it's large enough to feed two people, or one very hungry person. Such a delicious combination of flavors and textures. 

Favorite Unusual Meat: This year, I purchased some ground camel at Savenor's Butchery in Cambridge. I made some camel burgers with the meat, adding only some Berbere spices (an Ethiopian spice blend). The burger tasted much like a beef burger, and you probably wouldn't have tasted any difference, but the camel is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef. Many people might be wary of eating ground camel, but if they tasted it, they would have liked it, and wouldn't have tasted anything objectionable. And it's better for your health. 

Favorite Farm Stand: Tendercrop Farm, with locations in Wenham, Newbury and Dover, New Hampshire, has it all, from fresh produce to a bakery, a butcher shop to frozen foods. Their butcher shop, which uses animals they raise on their own farm, has delicious, tender and flavorful meats, from Filet Mignon to Boneless Pork Chops, as well as a variety of marinated meats. Prices are very reasonable, less than many other butcher shops in the area. They also carry a large assortment of fruits and vegetables, many locally grown. Whenever I'm in the area, I stop by the farm to stock up, and am never disappointed. 

Favorite Food & Drink Shopping Itinerary: This year, I posted an itinerary for a food & drink Road Trip to Ipswich and the surrounding towns and cities. The itinerary has about 14 locations for food & drink shopping and dining, from the Clam Box to the Sandpiper Bakery. And it will be updated in the near future, adding even more locations. On numerous Fridays this past year, I've visited the spots on this itinerary, often hitting 10 or more of them in a single day. I probably will create more Road Trips in 2026. 

Food History Articles: During the pandemic, it was tough for many food and drink writers, as restaurants were closed and large scale food and drink events were canceled. Some writers simply wrote sporadically. However, for myself, I've devoted many hours to researching and writing numerous historical food articles, combing through thousands of newspapers and books. I've especially delved into the origins of numerous foods, trying to seek out their true origins, and not just accepting the unsubstantiated claims of others. I've continued to do so, finding great joy in the research and discoveries that I've found. Here are the historical food articles I completed this past year. 

• The Origin of the Steak Bomb
• The History of Sake Brewing in the U.S. (4 parts)
• The Origins of Moo Shu Pork in the U.S.
• A Brief History of Teriyaki 
• An Early History Of Boston's Italian Restaurants (2 parts)
• Chef Prince Ranji Smile: The First Indian Chef in the U.S
• The Origin of Scali Bread: A Fitchburg Original 
• Chinatown: A History of Henry Wong & Shanghai Printing
• A History of Bread & Butter at Chinese Restaurants    
• Origins of Anadama Bread, a New England Classic

Favorite Old Tradition (Which Needs a Revival): In 2022, while researching some other items, I stumbled upon a fascinating old Thanksgiving tradition, having donuts on your Thanksgiving table! This tradition extends back at least to the 1830s, and probably to the start of the 19th century. It apparently started in New England, but expanded across the entire country, even to Hawaii. Sometime in the later 1940s or early 1950s, the tradition largely died off, and the reasons are obscure. It's time to revive this tradition! For every Thanksgiving since my article, I've been having donuts as part of my Thanksgiving table and have been encouraging others to do the same, some who have also adopted this tradition. This year, I expanded my original article, adding even more fascinating information. Hopefully in 2026, even more people will embrace this old tradition. Who wouldn't love donuts on Thanksgiving? 

Unfortunate Restaurant News: Tambo 22, a Peruvian-Italian restaurant in Chelsea, will be closing its doors on December 20, 2024. They have stated, "The past few years have challenged the entire restaurant world. The pressure of rising costs, staffing obstacles, and the realities of our location made this one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make." Chef Jose Duarte, Taylor & Brian Corcoran, and the rest of their team created an excellent restaurant, with a unique and delicious cuisine, and they should be very proud of their accomplishments. I've known Chef Duarte for 15 years, and he's one of the nicest and most talented chefs in the industry, passionate and compassionate. It will be a great loss to the local restaurant industry when this restaurant is gone. I wish them all the best of luck in the future and hope they will return soon with another culinary endeavor.

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What were some of your favorite food-related items this year?

2025: My Top Five Favorite Restaurants & Four New Restaurants

As 2026 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. It's the time for my Annual Year-End Favorite lists, from restaurants to wine. And I'm starting this year with my Top Five Favorite Restaurants of 2025 & Four New Restaurants. 

These end-of-the-year lists should provide a comprehensive summary of my favorites, allowing my readers to more readily locate such gems, the best of my recommendations. I'll note that last year this list included only my Top Four Favorite Restaurants. However, this year, I decided to add one more restaurant, which continues to impress me with its consistent excellence. It's more than worthy of being on this list, but the other four restaurants already on the list remain worthy as well. So, this year, there will be a Top Five list, to accommodate this new Top Favorite.

This list is also in no particular order, and is purely a subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. However, all of the restaurants here earn my heartiest recommendation and I hope you'll enjoy them as well, as so many others have done. For more Restaurant reviews, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

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My Top Five Favorite Restaurants are those exceptional spots which are consistently excellent, offering great food and drink as well as top notch service. These are the five places which first come to my mind when I want a celebratory dinner, or just want a sublime dining experience. They receive my unqualified highest recommendation. These are also the restaurants I most frequently recommend to others when I'm asked for my top restaurants. And those people who then go to these restaurants usually become big fans of these restaurants too.  

Krasi Meze & Wine (Boston)

Part of the Xenia Greek Hospitality group, this Greek restaurant is amazing, where nearly every innovative dish is exceptional. Their menu consists of a wide selection of small plates, perfect for sharing, and offers creative Greek cuisine, with roots in tradition but it's not afraid to experiment. Their Greek wine list, the largest in the country, is superb with so many delicious and interesting options. Service is excellent, and the servers are very knowledgeable of the food and wine. Krasi never disappoints. This past year, I celebrated my Anniversary there, and it proved once again that it's thoroughly worthy of being one of my Top Five restaurants. 

Nightshade Noodle Bar (Lynn)

Offering inventive and delicious French/Vietnamese inspired-cuisine, with their own unique spin, this restaurant offers Tasting Menus, of various number of courses. Their dishes are exceptional, bursting with flavor, and creatively composed. Plus, they have an excellent wine list and cocktail program. I like their homey vibe, service is always excellent, and they have an open kitchen, which I've always loved. Be adventurous with your palate and you'll be amply rewarded. This year, they were also awarded recognition, and duly deserved, by the Michelin Guide. 

A Tavola (Winchester)

This excellent Italian restaurant in Winchester is owned by Chef Joe Carli, who is very talented and personable. His Italian cuisine is as good as anything you'll find in the North End. The restaurant is relatively small and intimate, perfect for date night or a business dinner. Much of the sourcing is from local farms. I especially love their superb home-made pasta dishes, as well as when they have Duck Wings as a special. Their wine list concentrates on Italian wines, and there are many good choices. You also should check out their event list, which includes fun and tasty wine dinners and cocktail classes. Recently, they also introduced a special Pasta tasting menu on Wednesdays, but only for those seated at the chef's counter. 

Il Ponte (Woburn)
Chef Beni Kurti of Il Ponte has brought his deep passion, lengthy culinary experience, and charm to Woburn. It's a homey restaurant, with a casual elegance, and the Italian cuisine is top notch, from home-made pasta dishes to exquisite Neapolitan pizza. During this past year, I've thoroughly enjoyed so many different dishes here, such as the Lamb Lollipop Milanese. Their Swordfish Puttanesca, which is a Special all the time, is amazing, an ample piece of tender and moist Swordfish with a compelling puttanesca sauce. Service is excellent, the servers being genuinely personable and attentive, without being obtrusive. It's consistently superb and every person I've recommended has raved about their own dining experience.  

Row 34 (Burlington)

This year, I've decided to add Row 34 to my Top Favorites, as this seafood restaurant has continued to impress me since it replaced Island Creek Oyster Bar. Fresh seafood, from raw oysters and crudo to lobster rolls and fried clams. Every seafood dish pleases the palate, even something as simple as their delicious Tuna Melt. They have an excellent wine and cocktail program, and service is always top notch too. Whether I want a tasty lunch or a celebratory dinner, Row 34 doesn't disappoint, and is well worthy of being included in my Top Five.

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I want to now address four restaurants, which were "new" to me this year, and impressed me. One of these restaurants recently moved their location, and I hadn't dined there for several years, so I now consider it "new" to me. These four are definitely restaurants I want to dine at again, and which are worthy of a hearty recommendation. 

Karma (Winchester)

This high-end, Asian fusion restaurant is part of a small chain, with locations in Westford, Concord, Burlington, and Andover. Though each restaurant shares much in common with the others, they also have some of their own identity. They have superb Sushi, and many other delicious dishes, from Soup Dumplings to Wagyu Beef. They offer tasty and reasonably priced Lunch specials, a great way to experience their cuisine. 

Posto (Somerville)

Posto recently moved their location from Davis Square to Assembly Row. I hadn't been to the Davis Square location since before the pandemic, so had to check out their new location. And the food was just as delicious as I remembered, which is why it used to be on some of my prior lists of Favorite Restaurants. For example, their Roasted Garlic pizza was amazing, with maybe more garlic than any other pizza I've ever had. Thus, it has earned its space back as one of my Favorites. Posto has also recently opened a second location in the South End.

The Cormorant (Newburyport)

With a diner-like vibe, this small restaurant serves a killer burger and fries. The Brioche type bun was butter grilled, and was soft and flavorful. 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. They also serve alcohol, and I enjoyed their Bourbon and Cream Soda cocktail. They have other appetizers and sandwiches, but the burgers are certainly a star. I can't wait to dine there again.

Sung Kong Restaurant (Malden)

Though I haven't yet reviewed this spot, I plan to in the near future. The restaurant gives me a Chinatown vibe, and it's well known for its Dim Sum, which is available every day. I have enjoyed lunch there several times, and most of the food has been excellent, from the fried rice to the sesame chicken. It's very inexpensive as well, and they provide complimentary hot tea. I still need to check out their Dim Sum, especially as the menu is intriguing.  

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What were some of your Favorite Restaurants this year?

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. 

Herrick Farm (Rowley): At 77 Dodge Road, not far from the Agawam Diner, Herrick has a small Farm Store, stocked with some of their own products, including frozen meats, fresh milk, eggs, and some vegetables, such as squash. Behind the store, there is a large chicken coop and an enclosure for goats. Seasonally, they also operate a small produce stand on Route 133. I've purchased several different meats here, from grass fed Shaved Steak to Ground Pork, and they have been excellent and tasty products. Their Shaved Steak is tender and flavorful, great for stir fry or sandwiches. Also love their eggs and milk. 

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. 

Annarosa's Bakery (Salisbury): At 175 Elm Street (Route 110), this bakery produces plenty of different breads, as well as cookies, croissants, scones and other pastries. Plus, they make their own delicious pizzas, including cheese, pepperoni and goat cheese. You can get a small individual-sized pizza or a larger one, for 2-3 people to share. 

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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. 

(Updated as of 12/16/25, adding a couple new destinations)