2016 MVMA Winners – Wine+Dine ( Part 1 )

We are happy to present the winners of the 2016 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. The top picks in all categories were chosen by you, our readers, this past spring via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, and congratulations to all the winners!

American
The Loft
This restaurant, nestled in a 200-year-old barn, is the perfect venue for lunch, dinner and even functions. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere while watching the game at the bar or settle in at a booth upstairs. Serving salads, burgers and fan favorites like chicken pot pie and lobster mac and cheese, the Loft has a meal for even the pickiest eaters.
1140 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
LoftSteakAndChophouse.com

Asian
Tokyo Steakhouse
Tokyo Steakhouse is an area go-to for Japanese cuisine. Diners at hibachi tables can watch chefs prepare their meals from start to finish, while other visitors can indulge in the extensive sushi menu. Not a sushi fan?
Tokyo Steakhouse also offers a variety of salads, soups, and meat and
noodle dishes.
560 S. Main St.
Andover, Mass.
TokyoSteakhouse.com

Bakery
Fisichelli’s Pastry Shop
Biscotti, pastaciotti and cannoli, oh my! Indulge your sweet tooth with a trip to Fisichelli’s Pastry Shop. Offering cakes, pies, cream pastries and more than 30 types of handmade cookies, this family-owned Italian bakery is a one-stop shop for all things sugary. Make sure to pick up some macaroons while you’re there, available in five flavors.
55 Union St.
Lawrence, Mass.
Fisichellis.com

Brunch
Cobblestones of Lowell
For a true American brunch experience, head to Cobblestones Restaurant. In the mood for eggs? A burger? A chicken and bacon waffle? Find it all at Cobblestones while sitting at tables once filled by celebrities like Ricky Gervais, Barry Manilow and Mark Wahlberg. Top it all off with a brunch cocktail. It’s five o’clock somewhere!
91 Dutton St.
Lowell, Mass.
CobblestonesofLowell.com

Butcher
Butcher Boy Market
Break out the grill and grab an apron! Butcher Boy Market’s 60-foot meat counter has all the poultry, beef, lamb, veal, pork and homemade sausages you need. Not sure what you want? Their experienced butchers are happy to help you decide. Pick up some fresh fruit and beer, too, for the perfect summer spread.
1077 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
ButcherBoyMarket.com

Coffee Shop
Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus
With free WiFi, compostable cups, outdoor seating and custom-roasted beans, what more could you ask for in a local coffee shop? Find all this and more at Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus. Offering Equal Exchange fair trade coffees and three in-house roasts, Brew’d Awakening is a great place to do some work, chat with friends, or just sit and sip.
61 Market St.
Lowell, Mass.
BrewdAwakening.com

Deli
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
For nearly 40 years, Borrelli’s has been offering fine Italian products. Stop in for a specialty sandwich like the Sicilian or Neapolitan, or go for something simpler with a sub or club sandwich. In a rush but want a homemade meal? Borrelli’s also offers lasagna, chicken parmesan, stuffed shells, shepherd’s pie and more.
322 Merrimack St.
Methuen, Mass.
BorrellisDeli.com

Food Truck
Pipe Dream Cupcakes
Catch that truck! Since 2012, the Pipe Dream Cupcakes food truck has been zooming around Andover and North Andover delivering more than 100 different flavors of all-natural cupcakes. Pipe Dream is also available for cupcake catering and can ship nationwide. Check out their Twitter feed for their latest locations!
Across Andover and North Andover, Mass.
PipeDreamCupcakes.com

Frozen Treats
Richardson’s Farm
Hang out with the cows while enjoying a delicious helping of Richardson’s ice cream. Family-run since 1695, the working dairy farm and ice cream shop offers more than 50 flavors of ice cream along with a selection of frozen yogurt, sherbet and sorbet.
156 S. Main St.
Middleton, Mass.
RichardsonsIceCream.com

For a complete list of winners, pick up the July/Aug issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine on newsstands now.