Merrimack Valley Magazine

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:

2019 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

August 27, 2019 by Merrimack Valley Magazine Leave a Comment

We are happy to present the winners of the 2019 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.

Milestone — 5 Years
Catie’s Closet
Did you know children are the largest age group living in poverty in the United States? Since 2010, Catie’s Closet has been helping these children by providing in-school resources for clothing. Schools equipped with a Catie’s Closet give students living in poverty the ability to discreetly pick and choose the clothing and basic necessities they need. Catie’s Closet also provides additional items that students need to be successful, including toiletries, shoes, backpacks, undergarments, bus passes and grocery cards.
19 School St. | Dracut, Mass.
CatiesCloset.org

Milestone — 10 Years
Chowder Factory
Nothing says New England like chowder, and this Lowell company produces some of the best in the nation. Their clam chowder, lobster bisque and seafood appetizers have won the hearts of devoted locals. Stop by and check out their new line of Herban Fresh soups.
101 Phoenix Ave. | Lowell, Mass.

Milestone — 20 Years
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
Borrelli’s is famed throughout the region for its fine Italian products. Stop in for a specialty sandwich such as the Sicilian or Neapolitan or go for a sub or club sandwich. In a rush but want a homemade meal? Borrelli’s offers lasagna, chicken parmesan, stuffed shells, shepherd’s pie and more.
322 Merrimack St. | Methuen, Mass.
BorrellisDeli.com

Milestone — 30 Years
Lazarus House
Since opening its doors as an emergency homeless shelter in 1983, Lazarus House has been breaking the cycle of poverty in the Merrimack Valley region. Their food and clothing programs assist families stretch their dollars so they can afford rent, heat and utilities. Additional services include transitional housing for individuals, families and at-risk and homeless women; a culinary arts program; and three thrift stores.
412 Hampshire St. | Lawrence, Mass.
LazarusHouse.org

Milestone — 40 Years
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley are a private nonprofit agency serving elders and disabled adults who reside in Northeast Massachusetts. Established in 1974, their mission is to support an individual’s desire to make their own decisions, secure their independence and remain living in the community safely. Elder Services Care contracts with over 70 different care providers to ensure services delivered meet a variety of individual needs.
280 Merrimack St. | Lowell, Mass.
ESMV.org

Milestone — 50 Years
Andover Bookstore
The Andover Bookstore is a gathering place for storytelling, authors, book groups and poetry readings. Authors such as Robert Pinsky, Donald Hall, Mary McGarry Morris, Jay O’Callahan, Marie Howe, David Ferry, Liz Michalski, Julia Alvarez, Tomie Depoala, Jan Brett, Brian Jacques, Lois Lowry and Andrew Dubus III do more than grace the shelves. They have also visited the store.
74 Main St. | Andover, Mass.
HugeBookstores.com/Andover

Milestone — 75 Years
Horseshoe Grille
Readers of this publication should be no strangers to The ‘Shoe. Their mouthwatering barbecue ribs were developed by a Memphis rib master and the southern twang in their barbecue sauce makes it the most authentic in the Valley. If you’d rather keep your hands clean, Horseshoe Grille serves steak, meatloaf and chicken.
226 Main St. l North Reading, Mass.
HorseshoeGrille.com

Milestone — 100 Years
Lowell Humane Society
Founded in 1873, the Lowell Humane Society is one of the oldest humane organizations in the state of Massachusetts. The purpose of the Lowell Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, provide care for homeless and distressed animals and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. Operations are supported through the support of individuals, businesses and foundations.
951 Broadway St. | Lowell, Mass.
LowellHumaneSociety.org

The 2019 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2017 MVMA Winners – Wine and Dine, Part 2

July 25, 2017 by Doug Sparks 1 Comment

Thousands of ballots have been cast, the results tabulated, and now we present the winners of the 2017 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!

Pizza
Oregano Pizzeria and Ristorante
Oregano has become a local favorite for good reason — real buffalo milk mozzarella, homemade marinara sauce and a brick oven imported from Genoa, Italy, earned the Newburyport spot this year’s top honors in the pizza category. But Oregano is more than just pizza, with gluten-free options, a healthy wine list and even an array of authentic Lebanese dishes.
16 Pleasant St.
Newburyport, Mass.
OreganoPizzeria.com

Specialty Market
Borrelli’s Italian Deli
For nearly 40 years, Borrelli’s has been offering fine Italian products. Stop in for a specialty sandwich such as 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

Water View
Seaglass Restaurant and Lounge
The panoramic ocean views at this casual upscale restaurant make it an ideal destination for a simple night out or a big celebration. Seaglass offers a wide selection of surf and turf entrees and local seasonal specials. Stop by Sundays for Seaglass’s Brunch by the Sea and enjoy a bloody mary with your water view.
4 Oceanfront North
Salisbury, Mass.
SeaglassOceanside.com

Wine Shop
Andover Classic Wines
Whether you’re throwing a party or need to pick up wine for dinner, Andover Classic Wines can help. Shop your favorite style or vintner, or browse by country. Find a cabernet from Argentina, a Riesling from Germany or a pinot from New Zealand. International beers and spirits are also on hand at this well-versed shop that offers expert advice to all.
Andover, Mass.
AndoverClassicWines.com

World Cuisine
Fuse Bistro
Chef-owned Fuse prides itself on making its food from scratch, right down to the chipotle ketchup and ice cream. The creativity of the seasonal and locally-sourced menu is matched by the easygoing ambience — for many locals, the outdoor seating evokes lazy summers sipping ice-cold craft cocktails with friends.
45 Palmer St.
Lowell, Mass.
FuseBistro.com

New Restaurant
Vasa Waterfront Kitchen & Bar
If the rum bar, outdoor seating and fresh seafood aren’t enough to draw you to this rising star on the local culinary scene, the waterfront deck is a must-visit. Owner Sean Toomey, the mastermind behind Amesbury’s Crave, and his team have created a menu focusing on classic dishes prepared with finesse.
175 Bridge Rd.
Salisbury, Mass.
VasaWaterfront.com

Frozen Treats
Heritage Farm Ice Cream & Restaurant
As famous for its summertime Monday night classic car shows as its ice cream, Heritage lives up to its name, having fed and entertained families in the valley for over 40 years. Order your ice cream and cross the street for a walk along the Merrimack. It’s a Lowell tradition that will likely endure for years to come.
163 Pawtucket Blvd.
Lowell, Mass.
HeritageFarmIceCream.com

Alfresco Dining
Black Cow Tap & Grill
Riverfront views and echoes of Newburyport’s maritime past earned Black Cow top honors in the alfresco dining category. Nothing makes a plate of seared monkfish taste better than salt air and a cool breeze. And here’s a tip — order a nightcap from their selection of coffee and hot chocolate-based drinks.
54 Merrimac St.
Newburyport, Mass.
BlackCowRestaurants.com

Caterers
Two Chefs Are Better Than One
Whether it’s a quaint family gathering or an extravagant gala with hundreds of guests, Two Chefs Are Better Than One Catering can create an ideal menu for any wedding or celebration. Let Two Chefs worry about the details while you enjoy your special day. Work with their event coordinators to customize a list of options that meets all your needs and desires.
Lowell, Mass.
TwoChefsFood.com

Seafood
Fishbones of Chelmsford
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. 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 & Wellness’ category.

The 2017 MVMAs are sponsored by:

2021 MVMA Winners – Good Eats

2019 MVMA Winners – Milestone (Longevity in Business)

2017 MVMA Winners – Wine and Dine, Part 2

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