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Merrimack Valley Magazine

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2021 MVMA Winners – Play

August 6, 2021 by Kristin Cole

We are happy to present the winners of the 2021 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.

Book by Local Author — Fiction & Poetry
“This Is No Time to Quit Drinking,” by Stephen O’Connor
Author Stephen O’Connor’s 2020 comic novel, “This Is No Time to Quit Drinking,” is a multilayered story chock full of clever humor and quirky characters. Set in Lowell, it features Bartley Hannigan, a middle-aged high school teacher doing his best to cope with the demands of his job while dealing with the death of his father and inheriting a haunted farmhouse in the process. 

 

Book by Local Author — Nonfiction
“A Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Recipes for Love & Romance,” by Dawn Aurora Hunt
Dawn Aurora Hunt is the founder of Salem-based food company Cucina Aurora. A proponent of what she calls “spiritual nutrition,” Hunt advocates for mindful culinary experiences. In her latest cookbook, avocado chocolate mousse, turmeric-ginger bone broth, spicy fried oysters, and red rose velvet cake are all on the menu.

Virtual Performance Programming or Museum/Gallery Experience
Merrimack Repertory Theatre
This season, the Merrimack Repertory Theatre is celebrating 42 years as the Merrimack Valley’s professional theater. The MRT maintains a commitment to new plays and strives to fulfill its mission — to “create remarkable new and contemporary plays that bring joy to our art form while engaging, entertaining and enriching our community.”
50 East Merrimack St.
Lowell, Mass.
MRT.org

Stop by next week for the winners of the ‘Milestone’ category.

 

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

 

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union logo

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2021 MVMA Winners, 2021 MVMAs, Dawn Aurora Hunt, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards, MVMA, play, Stephen OConnor

2021 MVMA Winners – Health & Beauty

July 23, 2021 by Kristin Cole

We are happy to present the winners of the 2021 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.

Alternative Health & Wellness
Massage Envy
Massage Envy is a perfect place for customized and convenient massages. Their professional massage and skin care services are performed by therapists and estheticians who care about helping you feel your best.
Billerica, Burlington and Methuen, Mass.; Nashua and Manchester, N.H.
Locations.MassageEnvy.com

Day Spa
Spa Nijoli and Salon
At Spa Nijoli, you can rejuvenate your body and soul with services such as seaweed wraps and their signature goddess treatment. The spa also offers massages, waxing, spray tans, nail and makeup studios, and more.
116 Pleasant Valley St.
Methuen, Mass.
Nijoli.com

Health & Fitness Clubs
SLS Fitness
SLS Fitness is a strength and conditioning center where people of all fitness levels are welcomed and supported. The wide array of services offered at SLS include group classes, personal training, nutrition counseling, kids programming, and physical therapy. Want to learn more? Check out our story on page 48.
345 Chelmsford St.
Lowell, Mass.
SLSFitness.com

 

Laser Therapy
Laser Aesthetic
Laser Aesthetic offers personalized hair removal and skin care solutions that include waxing and electrolysis, microdermabrasion, Botox and dermal fillers, and a variety of facials and chemical peels.
181 Swan St.
Methuen, Mass.
LaserHairMA.com/treatments

Oral Health
Dr. Joseph A. Cardarelli Jr. D.M.D., P.C.
For more than 35 years, Dr. Cardarelli of Cardarelli Orthodontics has been dedicated to providing the best specialized care orthodontics has to offer. Their practice maintains its reputation by delivering a full range of advanced orthodontics, from traditional braces to invisible braces.
234 Summer St.
Haverhill, Mass.
DrCardarelli.com

Salon
Salon Metta
Fostering a culture of kindness and camaraderie, Salon Metta in North Andover offers beauty services in hair and makeup. In addition to hair cutting, coloring and styling, Salon Metta specializes in waxing, facials, lash extensions, makeup and more.
70 Main St.
North Andover, Mass.
SalonMetta.com

Skin Care
Serenity Spa and Salon
Serenity Spa and Salon offers some of the most personalized skin care treatments around the Merrimack Valley, with over ten facial services as well as express services.
315 Middlesex Rd.
Tyngsboro, Mass.
SerenitySpaAndSalon.com

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

 

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union logo

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2021 MVMA, 2021 MVMA Winners, Dr Cardarelli, Health and Beauty, Joseph Anthony Cardarelli, Laser Aesthetic, Massage Envy, Merrimack Valley, MVMA Winners, Salon Metta, Serenity Spa and Salon, SLS Fitness, Spa Nijoli and Salon

2021 MVMA Winners – Good Eats

July 16, 2021 by Kristin Cole

We are happy to present the winners of the 2021 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.

Alfresco Dining
Cobblestones of Lowell
Known for their hand-cut steaks, burgers and seafood, Cobblestones of Lowell combines comfort food with regionally inspired American fare and contemporary selections. Dining outside at Cobblestones comes with its perks — beyond the sights of downtown Lowell, there’s occasional live music and entertainment.
91 Dutton St.
Lowell, Mass.
CobblestonesOfLowell.com

American
The Loft
The Loft in North Andover has created a rustic, inviting atmosphere for enjoying food and spirits. They serve fine USDA top-choice steaks, fresh seafood, poultry, produce and are open for lunch, dinner and private celebrations.
1140 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
LoftSteakAndChopHouse.com

Asian
Blue Taleh
Located in downtown Lowell, Blue Taleh offers Thai, Japanese and sushi cuisine as well as a famous martini menu. Visit them and enjoy their cocktails, traditional maki dishes, and much more.
15 Kearney Sq.
Lowell, Mass.
BlueTalehLowell.com

Butcher
Alpine Butcher
Alpine Butcher has remained in the Doyle family since its start in 1913. The beef is USDA prime, and their pork and chicken are humanely raised as well as antibiotic- and hormone-free.
963 Chelmsford St.
Lowell, Mass.
AlpineButcher.com

Coffee Shops & Café’s
Frobie’s Cafe
This family-friendly cafe brings coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, juices, breakfast sandwiches and more to the Merrimack Valley food scene. The pleasant staff and tasty treats have earned Frobie’s a loyal following since it opened in 2014.
101 Broadway Rd.
Dracut, Mass.
Frobies.com 

CSA
Farmer Dave’s
Farmer Dave’s is a farm that responsibly grows a myriad of vegetables and fruits. With their CSA programs and “pick-your-own” offerings, Farmer Dave’s is committed to keeping their community strong and healthy.
437 Parker Rd.
Dracut, Mass.
FarmerDaves.net

Frozen Treats
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream
Sullivan Farms Ice Cream in Tyngsboro is known for their variety. They offer over 50 traditional flavors and seasonal options such as Bailey’s Irish Cream and White Chocolate Caramel Latte.
176 Middlesex Rd.
Tyngsboro, Mass.
SullivanFarmsIceCream.com

 

Italian
Al Fresca Ristorante
Family-owned and run Al Fresca Ristorante brings a taste of Italy to Tewksbury. They offer homemade Italian cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a private dining space perfect for events.
1768 Main St.
Tewksbury, Mass.
AlfrescaRistorante.com

Irish Pub
Peddler’s Daughter
The Peddler’s Daughter has locations in Nashua and Haverhill. In addition to their Irish cuisine, they are open for brunch and dinner. Plus, they offer an extensive whiskey menu.
Haverhill, Mass. & Nashua, N.H.
ThePeddlersDaughter.com

Mexican
Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca’s Mexican dishes make them a staple for Mexican authentic cuisine in the Merrimack Valley. The atmosphere is inviting, the food is fresh, and the margaritas may be some of the best in the region.
Andover, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover, North Billerica and Wilmington, Mass.
CasaBlancaMexican.com 

Middle Eastern
Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
Jocelyn’s offers Lebanese and American food, a full-service bar and even a martini lounge. The menu boasts lamb, kafta and kibbee dishes, as well as a vegetarian combo appetizer plate.
355 South Broadway
Salem, N.H.
JocelynsRestaurant.com

New Restaurant
Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar
An original restaurant concept of Tuscan Brands, Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar features locally sourced seafood, a raw bar, pasta, and much more. With a waterfront location overlooking the Merrimack River, guests can enjoy harbor views and warm weather alfresco dining.
38 Rear Merrimac St.
Newburyport, Mass.
TuscanSea.com

Pastry Shops / Bakery
Purple Carrot Bread Co.
Every item on Purple Carrot Bread Co.’s 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 popular offerings.
107 Merrimack St.
Lowell, Mass.
PurpleCarrotBreadCo.com

Pizza
Flatbread Company
Beginning in Amesbury in the summer of 1998, Flatbread Company has prioritized serving real food, by real people, in a real environment. They partner with farms, supporting their surrounding communities and bringing an authentic taste to their pizzas.
Multiple Locations
FlatbreadCompany.com

Seafood
Seaglass Restaurant & Lounge
Located on the shores of the Atlantic, guests at Seaglass enjoy lunch and dinner with panoramic views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows while seated at tables over the ocean. Their seafood menu celebrates the ocean’s bounty by taking the freshest fish and treating it to the creative preparation of their culinary team.
4 Oceanfront North
Salisbury, Mass.
SeaglassOceanside.com

Specialty Market
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
Established in the Merrimack Valley over 50 years ago, Borelli’s Italian Deli is known for its Italian products, including their famous sausage and cold cuts. Borelli’s also offers hot subs, paninis, salads and specialty sandwiches.
322 Merrimack St.
Methuen, Mass.
BorrellisDeli.com

Wine Shop *TIE*
Andover Classic Wines
Locally owned and operated for its entire existence, Andover Classic Wines features more than 1,800 wines from every fine wine region, over 1,100 craft beers from around the world, and hundreds of the best bourbons, scotches, whiskeys, rums, gins, tequilas and other spirts.
209 N. Main St.
Andover, Mass.
AndoverClassicWines.com

Wine ConneXtion
Boasting “excellent wines at exceptional prices” customers at Wine ConneXtion can browse their large, open, cellar-style design that helps educate their clientele on everything from the characteristics of the wine to food pairings.
117 Main St.
North Andover, Mass.
WineConnextion.com

World Cuisine
Olympia Restaurant
Olympia Restaurant has been serving the Merrimack Valley Greek cuisine since 1952. They specialize in fresh USDA Colorado lamb, traditional Greek specialties, chicken, pork, Angus steak, chops, seafood and more.
453 Market St.
Lowell, Mass.
NewOlympia.com

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

 

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union logo

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2021 MVMA Winners, 2021 MVMAs, Al Fresca Ristorante, Alpine Butcher, Andover Classic Wines, Blue Taleh, Borrelli’s Italian Deli, Casa Blanca, Cobblestones of Lowell, Farmer Dave's, Flatbread Company, Frobie's Cafe, Good Eats, Jocelyn's Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge, Merrimack Valley, Olympia Restaurant, Peddler's Daughter, Purple Carrot Bread Company, Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge, Sullivan Farms Ice Cream, The Loft, Tuscan Sea Grill and Bar, Wine ConneXtion

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