Merrimack Valley Magazine

2020 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

August 4, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

We are happy to present the winners of the 2020 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards. This spring, the top picks in all categories were chosen by our readers via our online voting platform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the winners.

Fashion Accessories
Red’s Shoe Barn
Since 1958, Red’s Shoe Barn has been providing Merrimack Valley residents with the highest quality shoes at a great value and with legendary service. Those qualities are what help Red’s Shoe Barn remain successful today in the era of the impersonal, big-box stores. They have one of the largest selections of shoes in New England, and a wide selection of apparel to boot — no pun intended.
22 Plaistow Rd. | Plaistow, N.H.
RedsShoeBarn.com

Florist
The Flower Mill
Since it opened in 2012, The Flower Mill has provided the Lowell community with a wide variety of custom floral arrangements for all occasions. Owner Joanna Hall is a self-taught designer who studied fine arts in Italy and at Manchester’s New Hampshire Institute of Art. She also makes the store’s 100% soy wax candles. Did you know they offer a weekly flower subscription service?
183 Dutton St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellFlowerMill.com

Fine Jewelry
Naser Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
As a leading family-owned jeweler in New Hampshire for over two decades, Naser Diamond’s customers have experienced a level of service, craftsmanship and value that is unique in the retail jewelry industry. They offer free warranties, diamond settings, sizing, insurance appraisals, cleanings and maintenance for their customers.
Plaistow and Salem, N.H.
ShopNaser.com

Mens Fashion
Shaban’s of Andover
Shaban’s of Andover is a high-end men’s specialty store and is a favorite for one-stop shopping featuring classic modern suits, business casual attire, exciting dress shirts and ties and sharp weekend wear. Shaban’s offers custom tailoring and alterations as well as quality dry cleaning. Owner and custom tailor Shaban Catalbas was inspired by his father from whom he learned his tailoring skills. He has been custom tailoring for over 40 years.
9 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ShabansOfAndover.com

Womens Fashion
Humanity
Launched in 2008, Humanity sells overlooked and timeless pieces for women who like to live, and lead, in style. As a Lowell boutique, they incorporate the culture and style of the city into this mix and attitude. Owner Ani Vong sees her mission as an expression of personal values: sisterhood, community and lifestyle.
128 Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
HumanityStyle.com

Consignment Shop
Chic Consignment
Clients come from all over the Merrimack Valley to visit this Andover consignment shop. They offer an ever-changing selection of fun, trendy and high-end clothes and accessories, with a head-turning selection of handbags. Make sure to visit the blog on their website for insights into everything from fashion trends to closet organization tips.
44 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
ChicConsignment.com

Apothecaries / Natural Products
Red Antler Apothecary
Red Antler Apothecary is located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5, a repurposed factory on Jackson Street. The apothecary sells soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and even mustache wax — many of the products are made using their own bee hives. Their ethically created, home crafted products include a pine tar soap recipe that is over 100 years old. Environmentally conscious clients can bring their own containers — Red Antler’s cream, lotions and cleaners are sold by the ounce.
Mill No. 5 | 250 Jackson St. | Lowell, Mass.
RedAntlerApothecary.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Play’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Health & Beauty

July 28, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Day Spa
Spa Nijoli and Salon
Rejuvenate your body and soul with treatments at Spa Nijoli. Treat yourself to a soothing seaweed wrap or bring out your inner queen with your signature goddess treatment. Bring your man in for a facial or couples massage. They also offer waxing, spray tans and a salon with hair, nail and makeup studios, not to mention the “full day of bliss” package, with massage, facial, body wrap, manicure, pedicure and even lunch.
116 Pleasant Valley St. | Methuen, Mass.
Nijoli.com

Salon
Eyeful Beauty
For over a decade, Eyeful has brought a sense of fun and fashion to downtown Lowell. Pinups adorn the walls, The Clash plays on the stereo — this is not your mother’s salon. Unless your mom is cool. Lowell’s premier salon for keratin, color and cuts is located right in the heart of the city. Soy wax treatments and hair extensions round out their menu of offerings.
33 Middle St. | Lowell, Mass.
EyefulBeauty.com

Health & Fitness Clubs
SLS Fitness
Sherri Laffey Sarrouf had a lifelong dream of offering holistic fitness coaching through a “whole-body wellness” approach. In 2010, she opened SLS Fitness Strength and Conditioning Center and, over the course of ten years, has expanded the facility from 7,500 to 18,000 square feet. In addition to the flagship site in Lowell, SLS Fitness also manages several corporate fitness programs and facilities.
345 Chelmsford St. | Lowell, Mass.
SlsFitness.com

Laser Therapy
Laser Aesthetic
Laser Aesthetic offers personalized hair removal and skin care solutions, whatever your need. Their top-of-the-line laser, the GentleMax Pro, removes unwanted hair, as well as sun and age spots and facial and leg veins. They also offer alternative options including waxing and electrolysis. Their additional services include microdermabrasion, Botox and dermal fillers, and a variety of facials and chemical peels.
181 Swan St. | Methuen, Mass.
LaserHairMA.com/treatments

Alternative Health & Wellness
Massage Envy
Need to find the perfect place for customized, affordable and convenient massages, stretch, and facials? Look no further than the Massage Envy location in Methuen. Their professional massage and skin care services are performed by qualified therapists and estheticians who care about helping you look and feel your best.
70 Pleasant Valley St. | Methuen, Mass.
Locations.MassageEnvy.com/Massachusetts/Methuen

Skincare
Serenity Spa & Salon
Serenity offers an array of services including salon services, spa packages, makeup, hair removal, hand and foot treatments, massage, and, of course skin care. Contact them for a complimentary skin care consultation and to discuss their signature facials, express skin services and treatment add-ons.
315 Middlesex Rd. | Tyngsborough, Mass.
SerenitySpaAndSalon.com

Oral Health
Dr. Joseph A. Cardarelli Jr.
Cardarelli Orthodontics of Massachusetts delivers a full range of advanced orthodontics, from traditional braces to Invisalign Teen. Dr. Cardarelli’s practice features an in-house orthodontic lab and has been serving the Merrimack Valley for over 35 years. He is an assistant clinical professor in the department of orthodontics at Tufts University.
234 Summer St. | Haverhill, Mass.
DrCardarelli.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Retail Therapy’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 2)

July 21, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Butcher
Alpine Butcher
Alpine Butcher, a fourth-generation butcher shop, has remained in the Doyle family since its start in 1913. All of the beef is USDA Prime, their pork and chicken are humanely raised as well as antibiotic-free and hormone-free, and their seafood comes directly from the docks of Boston.
963 Chelmsford St. | Lowell, Mass.
AlpineButcher.com

Wine Shop
Drum Hill Liquors
Drum Hill Liquors offers a wide selection of fine wine, rare cordials, liquors, tequila, whiskies, scotches and domestic and imported beer, as well as craft beer and unique spirits. They host many weekend tastings to showcase seasonal and new products and pride themselves on warm, friendly customer service.
83 Parkhurst Rd. | Chelmsford, Mass.
DrumHillLiquors.com

World Cuisine
Moonstones
Moonstones, the younger sister of Cobblestones of Lowell, delivers on variety with their globally inspired menu. Stop in for brunch, lunch or dinner and enjoy Turkish mezze, a croque madame, or Korean pork belly with a few of their signature cocktails. For less adventurous diners, there are plenty of American options. Need to translate a foreign word? Check out the global glossary at the bottom of their menu. Want to enjoy their dishes on your own time in the privacy of your home? Their new menu features prepared meals perfect for a family of ’stones fans.
185 Chelmsford St. | Chelmsford, Mass.
Moonstones110.com

New Restaurant
Panela
Panela offers a modern take on the traditional flavors of Colombian cuisine. Chef and co-owner Viviana Acevedo was born and raised in the city of Medellin, Colombia, and attended Lowell High School before studying at Le Cordon Bleu. Her restaurant is independently owned and family operated, its name inspired by panela — raw sugar cane — a staple of Colombian cooking.
7 Hanover St. | Lowell, Mass.
PanelaRestaurant.com

Diner
Four Sisters Owl Diner
Breakfast at this historic diner is guaranteed to start your day off right. Old favorites are given new life in Owl’s savory steak and eggs, homemade corned beef hash and creamed chipped beef on toast. Soups, salads and sandwiches make up the lunch menu. Wake up and fuel up at the Owl Diner, a Lowell landmark since 1982.
244 Appleton St. | Lowell, Mass.
TheOwlDiner.com

Frozen Treats
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream
Sullivan Farms offers an array of homemade ice cream flavors, including standout offerings such as Jen’s Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Caramel Latte. They also sponsor the annual John Carson annual road race, named after a much-loved Chelmsford High School track star who died tragically during team practice in 1987.
176 Middlesex Rd. | Tyngsborough, Mass.
SullivanFarmsIceCream.com

Alfresco Dining
Grazie Italian Restaurant at Four Oaks Country Club
Prominently situated at the Four Oaks Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course, you can’t miss Grazie unless the incredible views distract you. Their wood-burning oven was imported from Naples, Italy — it produces pizzas with a fire-kissed crust. Traditional Italian appetizers such as calamari fritti and prosciutto di parma and entrees such as pappardelle with braised boar and porcini mushroom ragu are perfect for outdoor dining.
80 Meadow Creek Dr. | Dracut, Mass.
Grazie.Restaurant

Caterer
Lenzi’s Catering
You may have heard of their famous baked chicken pot pie and maybe even the zucchini bread, the virtues of which are extolled even by those who otherwise hate zucchini bread. The wedding packages are a Merrimack Valley institution. Want to really wow your guests? Ask about the Champagne waterfall. Suitably, the establishment looks out over our namesake river.
810 Merrimack Ave. | Dracut, Mass.
LenziCatering.com

Seafood
Fishbones
Since 2006, Fishbones has set the standard for fresh seafood. From steamers to herb halibut, this is the place for lovers of the grand New England culinary tradition. Their shellfish are harvested in Elliot, Maine, and the smoky, silky clam chowder regularly shows up on local “best of” lists. Find out why.
34 Central Sq. | Chelmsford, Mass.
FishbonesOfChelmsford.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the ‘Health & Beauty’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 1)

July 14, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

American
Burtons Grill & Bar
Burton’s Grill is the place to go for cuisine from the traditional to the innovative. Perfect for power lunches, after-work socializing and fine wine, Burton’s offers paleo, vegetarian and gluten-free options as well as classic American cuisine. Additionally, their scratch kitchens are able to customize menu offerings for your dietary needs and wants. Takeout is always available and several locations feature seasonal outdoor patios.
North Andover, Peabody, Burlington, Westford and Hingham, Mass.; Nashua, N.H.
BurtonsGrill.com

Asian
Feng Shui
With fun and unusual sushi offerings such as the Red Sox Maki roll (scallop tempura, spicy mayo, tuna and avocado) and the lobster tempura roll, Feng Shui’s extensive menu offers a playful spin on Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Executive Chef Patrick Shao’s background includes work at a five-star hotel in Beijing and top chef Johnson Ping Zhu did a stint at the famed Gramercy Park Hotel in New York. Their other chefs put on a show with their onion volcanos and knife wizardry at the hibachi grills.
Chelmsford and Tyngsborough, Mass.
GoFengShui.com

Pastry Shops / Bakery
Purple Carrot Bread Co.
In April 2018, Purple Carrot Bread Co. opened its doors as a cafe and eatery on Merrimack Street in downtown Lowell. Every item on the menu is made from scratch, from hearty stews to salad dressings and condiments. Rustic breads are the heart of Purple Carrot’s menu: Country Blonde, Kalamata olive, rosemary and garlic ciabatta are among the more popular offerings. Can’t make it to Lowell? Their wares are featured at summer farmers markets throughout the Valley.
107 Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
PurpleCarrotBreadCo.com

Coffee Shops & Cafes
Frobie’s Cafe
This family-friendly cafe is relatively new to the Merrimack Valley scene. The pleasant staff and tasty food and coffee have earned Frobie’s a loyal following since it opened in 2014. They offer the unexpected: cherry blossom ice cream and homemade jalapeno Sriracha cream cheese are included on their updated menu. Plus, there’s outdoor seating.
101 Broadway Rd. | Dracut, Mass.
Frobies.com

Italian
Al Fresca Ristorante
A family-owned and run independent restaurant serving homemade Italian cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails, Al Fresca offers a taste of Italy in Tewksbury. Al Fresca is also the perfect host for social gatherings, business functions and family events. Need a place for outdoor dining? Call for reservations — their full menu is available.
1768 Main St. | Tewksbury, Mass.
AlFrescaRistorante.com

Irish Pub
The Old Court Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Old Court is an authentic Irish pub and restaurant located in historic downtown Lowell. Since opening in February 2001, they have become an integral part of Lowell’s bustling dining and entertainment scene while retaining their unique Irish identity. Their kitchen features the best in contemporary American cuisine. They also serve traditional Irish classics including shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips.
29-31 Central St. | Lowell, Mass.
OldCourtIrishPub.com

Mexican
Casa Blanca
In 2006, the first Casa Blanca opened in North Andover. Its authentic Mexican food appealed to locals, and soon the Vargas family opened more locations throughout the Merrimack Valley. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is fresh, and the margaritas may be the best in the region. The tamales de pollo alone make Casa Blanca worth a visit, and with six locations in and around the MV, one shouldn’t be far away.
Locations throughout the Merrimack Valley.
CasaBlancaMexican.com

Middle Eastern
Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
The lamb, kafta and kibbee dishes make this Salem eatery a carnivore’s paradise. But fear not, herbivores — the vegetarian combo appetizer plate is so packed with freshness and flavor that you’ll forget it’s healthy. Jocelyn’s offers Lebanese and American food, a full-service bar and a martini lounge. Since May, they have offered outdoor seating.
355 South Broadway | Salem, N.H.
JocelynsRestaurant.com

Pizza
Tremonte Pizzeria
Tremonte Pizzeria specializes in Neapolitan thin-crust, hand-tossed pizza cooked in a stone hearth oven at over 700 degrees. They also serve burgers, wings and a variety of authentic Italian specialties. The comfortable dining environment is complemented by a wraparound bar featuring 36 beers on tap. Want something different for dessert? Try the warm apple crostata.
Lowell and Tyngsborough, Mass.
TremontePizzeria.com

Specialty Market
Butcher Boy Market
Featuring everyday favorites and hard-to-find specialty items, Butcher Boy Market has everything you need for your summer dining. While their 60-foot meat counter has all the poultry, beef, lamb, veal, pork and homemade sausages you need, you can also find baked goods, craft cheese, wines and spirits, as well as an eye-popping array of treasures for those with a sweet tooth. They’ve been around since 1955. Stop in and find out why.
1077 Osgood St. | North Andover, Mass.
ButcherBoyMarket.com

Stop by next week for the winners in the second half of our ‘Good Eats’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Home Chic

July 7, 2020 by Terry Suzuki

Custom Cabinetry & Remodeling
Blackdog Builders
Blackdog is a design/build firm started by Dave and Brenda Bryan in 1989. It was born out of a spare room and a beat-up pickup truck and has since grown into a world-class residential remodeling company. They consistently and efficiently build unique projects and thrive on the challenges remodeling offers. Currently, they offer virtual consultations, too.
Nashua and Salem, N.H.
BlackdogBuilders.com

Indoor/Outdoor Furniture & Accessories
Rogers Pool, Patio & Toy Co.
Rogers Pool, Patio & Toy Co. has been family-owned and operated for over 70 years. From chlorine to an expansive collection of product lines, their selection is comprehensive. They also offer a huge range of toys, both vintage and modern, including classic board games.
150 Middle St. | Lowell, Mass.
RogersPools.com

Home Decor
Mill 77 Trading Company
In August of 2010, the Bergerons found themselves “outsourced” from their corporate careers. Like many during that time, they lost their home to foreclosure. While searching for a place to sell what they couldn’t take with them, they came up with the idea for Mill 77 Trading Company. Mill 77 offers a variety of unique items, antiques, collectibles, custom-built furniture and home decor.
22 Graf Rd. | Newburyport, Mass.
Mill77.com

Kitchen Design
Jackson Kitchen Designs
In the market for a new countertop? How about freshening up the cabinetry? Ready to throw in the towel on your entire kitchen? Family-owned and operated since 1946, Jackson Kitchen Designs can help you love your kitchen again. Work with their designers to create a perfect space for your style and needs.
Amesbury and North Andover, Mass.
JacksonKitchenDesigns.com

Landscape Supply
M. O’Mahoney Company
Make your backyard your next vacation destination with M. O’Mahoney Company. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional, they offer stone and masonry supplies to help you build with confidence. Offering construction and landscaping products such as decorative stone, brick and pavers, visit the O’Mahoney showroom for design inspiration. Make sure to top off your masterpiece with their outdoor living products: fireplaces, pizza ovens and fire pits.
175 Market St. | Lawrence, Mass.
MOMahoney.com

Landscaper
Marty’s Landscaping
Marty’s Landscaping was established in 1997 and serves customers throughout the Merrimack Valley. Their landscaping services include mulch renewal and removal; flower, lawn, stone wall, walkway and patio installation; and hydroseeding.
167 Stedman St. | Lowell, Mass.
(978) 454-0100

Stop by next week for the winners in the first half of our ‘Good Eats’ category.

The 2020 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2020 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

2020 MVMA Winners – Health & Beauty

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 2)

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 1)

2020 MVMA Winners – Home Chic

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