Merrimack Valley Magazine

2021 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

August 13, 2021 by Katie DeRosa

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.

5 Years
Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center
Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of affordable animal emergency care. The team is made up of skilled veterinarians and nurses who offer board-certified surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology and animal cancer care, many of the same medical options available in human health care.
11 Cornerstone Sq.
Westford, Mass.
WestfordVeterinary.com

10 Years
Burton’s Grill & Bar
Burton’s coastal New England roots instilled them with a passion for fresh seafood, high-quality meats, bountiful vegetables and craft cocktails. Cooking from scratch allows them to cater to guests with many different lifestyles and dietary preferences.
Multiple Locations
BurtonsGrill.com

20 Years
Trattoria Amalfi
Since owner Gerardo Cammarano and his wife were both born and raised in Italy, it’s no surprise that guests at Trattoria Amalfi are treated to an authentic experience. Surrounded by an array of Italian wall murals and aromas of herbs, cheeses, garlic, and good-quality olive oil, customers enjoy delicious Italian fare “family style.”
385 South Broadway
Salem, N.H.
TAmalfi.com

30 Years
Merrimack Valley Food Bank
The Merrimack Valley Food Bank is one of four food banks in Massachusetts that serves food pantries, shelters and meal programs that support individual families. As a community-supported nonprofit organization, the MVFB provides nutritious food and personal care items to emergency feeding programs serving the low-income, homeless and hungry.
735 Broadway St.
Lowell, Mass.
MVFB.org

40 Years
Ralphie’s Cafe Italiano
A staple Italian eatery in Salem, N.H., since 1978, Ralphie’s is a friendly neighborhood establishment where everyone is treated like family. Only the freshest and finest high-quality ingredients are included in their locally famous dishes, which include red sauce, hand-breaded cutlets, and extra-large rolled meatballs.
91 South Broadway
Salem, N.H.
RalphiesCafeItaliano.com

50 Years
Butcher Boy Market
With a 60-foot full-service meat counter that features everyday favorites and hard-to-find specialty items, Butcher Boy Market has the selection you need — from grocery items and spirits to meats and marinades.
1077 Osgood St.
North Andover, Mass.
ButcherBoyMarket.com

75 Years
Red Arrow Diner
The Red Arrow Diner is a 24-hour diner offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus all day long at each of their N.H. based locations. A famous landmark for celebrities and politicians, the diner has welcomed visits from Paul Newman, Guy Fieri, the band Bare Naked Ladies, and Diane Sawyer; and is a favorite of Manchester’s own Adam Sandler.
Concord, Londonderry, Nashua and Manchester, N.H.
RedArrowDiner.com

100 Years
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union is a nonprofit,
member-owned financial institution based in Lowell. Since 1912, their goal has been to provide members and their communities with the highest-level of service and convenience for all their banking needs.
Multiple Locations
JDCU.org

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2021 MVMA Winners – Play

August 6, 2021 by Kristin Cole

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:

2021 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

July 30, 2021 by Kristin Cole

Apothecaries / Natural Products – Retail
Red Antler Apothecary
Red Antler Apothecary, located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5, sells ethically created products such as soaps, moisturizers, cleansers and mustache wax. They grow, forage and farm many of their ingredients and 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

Consignment Shops
Chic Consignment
Clients come from all over the Merrimack Valley to visit this Andover consignment shop. They offer a changing selection of fun, trendy and high-end clothes and accessories, with a head-turning selection of handbags.
44 Main St.
Andover, Mass.
ChicConsignment.com

Fashion Accessories
Red’s Shoe Barn
With one of the largest selections of shoes in New England, Red’s Shoe Barn is known for providing Merrimack Valley residents the highest quality shoes at a great value and with legendary service.
22 Plaistow Rd.
Plaistow, N.H.
RedsShoeBarn.com

Jewelry — Fine
Nazarian’s
Since opening in 1943, Nazarian’s belief in family and tradition has helped them become one of the top purveyors of diamonds, fine jewelry, watches and giftware in the New England area. Over the years, the business has been operated by four generations of the same family who are eager to help customers create memories and traditions that will last forever.
Andover and Newburyport, Mass.; Salem, N.H.
NazarianDiamonds.com

Men’s Fashion
Giblees Menswear
For over 50 years, Giblees has been providing the finest of menswear and personalized service. Whether your style is casual or formal, customers can find unique merchandise from around the world while browsing one of the largest inventories of men’s designer clothing in New England.
85 Andover St.
Danvers, Mass.
Giblees.com

Women’s Fashion
Opal & Oak Boutique
Haverhill’s Opal & Oak Boutique is a contemporary women’s clothing boutique that offers trendy clothing at reasonable prices. Their bright, warm atmosphere holds items including tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories and more.
50 Washington St.
Haverhill, Mass.
ShopOpalAndOak.com

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

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2021 MVMA Winners – Good Eats

July 16, 2021 by Kristin Cole

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:

2021 MVMA Rules and Regulations

February 1, 2021 by Katie DeRosa Leave a Comment

The 2021 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Voting for the 2021 MVMAs (Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards) is open through midnight on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Limit one ballot per person. Each ballot must come from a valid email and IP address, which will be verified. Multiple or duplicate ballots will be disqualified.

Privacy Notice: By submitting a ballot, you are consenting that your data will be collected and stored for the purpose of tallying and determining winners for the 2021 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards (MVMAs). Information gathered from ballots will be kept private and never shared with another company.

No ballot-box stuffing: We encourage you to use social media and point-of-sale to promote your nomination, this is a great opportunity to get in contact with your customers. (Click here for promotional materials). However, in the past, some establishments have taken their in-house mailing lists, sent in entries for their customers, and attempted to ‘stuff’ the ballot box. Large quantities of entries coming from the same IP address within the same time period will be called into question and may be subject to disqualification.

No buying votes: Trading votes for services or discounts is also not allowed. If we see a marketing mailer, website ad, social media post, etc., that offers a discount or free service with proof of a vote, your organization will be removed from the nomination forms.

Nominations and write-ins: Only local organizations and locally owned franchises will be qualified nominees – no national chains or franchises, please.

Winners will be announced in the July/August issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine and online at MVMag.net, on or around July 6, 2021. Click here to subscribe.

All decisions of Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc and Merrimack Valley Magazine are final.

2021 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

2021 MVMA Winners – Play

2021 MVMA Winners – Retail Therapy

2021 MVMA Winners – Good Eats

2021 MVMA Rules and Regulations

Who We Are

Sections

Links