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Merrimack Valley Magazine

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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:

 

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union logo

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2021 Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards, 2021 MVMAs, Burtons Grill and Bar, Butcher Boy Market, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Longevity in Business, Merrimack Valley, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards, milestone, MVMA, Ralphies Cafe Italiano, Red Arrow Diner, Trattoria Amalfi, Westford Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center

2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 1)

July 14, 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.

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:

Filed Under: MVMA Tagged With: 2020, Al Fresca Ristorante, Burtons Grill and Bar, Butcher Boy Market, Casa Blanca, Feng Shui, Good Eats, Jocelyn's Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge, Merrimack Valley Magazine Award, MVMA, MVMAs, Purple Carrot Bread Company, The Old Court Irish Pub and Restaurant, TreMonte Pizzeria, Winners

Taste of the Town Celebrates 33 Years

November 15, 2019 by Jaden Mendola

 

The Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary will host the 33rd Annual Taste of the Town on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center.

The Taste of the Town will feature an elegant evening of specialties from top area restaurants and chefs from across the Valley. This year’s lineup includes Burtons Grill and Bar, Chowder Factory, Evviva Trattoria, Harrows Chicken Pies, I Dream of Jeanne Cakes, The Irish Cottage Restaurant and Pub, Mr. Mac’s, Olympia Restaurant, Sodexo, Two Chefs are Better Than One, and more. This year’s event will once again be hosted by special guest Susan Wornick, who is known from her long career as a news anchor and consumer reporter for WCVB NewsCenter 5 in Boston.

Admission is $75 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the patients and services of Lowell General Hospital. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell quickly, so get yours while you can!

To purchase tickets or get more information, call Kelly Will at (978) 937-6696.

Tickets can also be purchased online here.

Filed Under: Community, Food & Drink, Health & Wellness Tagged With: 110 Grill, 33rd Annual Taste of the Town, Burtons Grill and Bar, Chowder Factory, Evviva Trattoria, Harrows Chicken Pies, he Irish Cottage Restaurant and Pub, I Dream of Jeanne Cakes, mr. macs, NoLo Bistro and Bar at Stonehedge Hotel and Spa, Olympia Restaurant, Sodexo, Susan Wornick, Taste of the Town, The Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary, Two Chefs Are Better Than One, WCVB NewsCenter 5

2019 MVMA Winners – Wine & Dine (Part 1)

July 23, 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.

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. 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
Fusion House Restaurant
The emphasis in on fusion at this cozy Methuen eatery. The scope of the dishes is wide: the many choices include sushi, pad thai, and Polynesian-style Chinese favorites. Wash it all down with one of their classic cocktails.
301 Merrimack St.  |  Methuen, Mass.
FusionHouseRestaurant.com

Pastry Shops/Bakery
Purple Carrot Bread Company
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.
107 Merrimack St.  |  Lowell, Mass.
PurpleCarrotBreadCo.com

Coffee Shops & Cafes
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 

Italian
Tuscan Kitchen
Inspired by owner Joe Faro’s travels throughout Italy, Tuscan Kitchen’s authentic Italian cuisine makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the boot. Tuck into a Fichi pizza with figs, rosemary, burrata and prosciutto, or go for the traditional rigatoni alla Bolognese. Want something lighter? They also offer delicious salads and meat dishes.
Burlington, Mass.; Salem, N.H.
TuscanBrands.com/Kitchen

Irish Pub
The Irish Cottage
The Irish Cottage bills itself as Methuen’s first authentic Irish restaurant and pub and features great food, drinks and music, all served up with a heaping of traditional Irish atmosphere. Enjoy watching sporting events on their numerous TVS while you chow down on classics such as corned beef and cabbage, cottage pie and Guinness beef stew. Every Saturday night at 7 p.m., The Irish Cottage features live Irish music.
17 Branch St.  |  Methuen, Mass.
TheIrishCottagePub.com

Mexican
Cafe Azteca
Ready for some authentic Mexican food? Look no further than Cafe Azteca. The restaurant’s owners, the Guerrero family, draw inspiration from their annual trips to visit family in Mexico, bringing back new recipes and colorful Mexican decor. Enjoy their delicious selection of margaritas while awaiting your tamales and tostadas.
180 Common St.  |  Lawrence, Mass.
Cafe-Azteca.com

Middle Eastern
Jocelyn’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
The lamb, kafta and kibbee dishes make this Salem eatery a carnivore’s paradise. 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 even a martini lounge.
355 South Broadway  |  Salem, N.H.
JocelynsRestaurant.com

Pizza
Tripoli Bakery
It all started with Italian breads and pastries. Luckily for us, in 1944 the Zappala family started making pizza, and one of the best pizzerias around was born. Now you can enjoy beach pizza and pick up some traditional Italian cookies and cannoli for later. Tripoli also offers specialty cakes and their signature fresh breads.
Lawrence, North Andover, Methuen, Salisbury, Mass.; Seabrook, N.H.
TripoliBakery.com

 

 

 

Stop by next week for the winners in the second half of our ‘Wine & Dine’ category.

The 2019 MVMAs are sponsored by:

Filed Under: Food & Drink, MVMA Tagged With: 2019, 2019MVMAs, american, asian, bakery, Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus, Burtons Grill and Bar, Cafe Azteca, Coffee Shops & Cafes, Food, Fusion House Restaurant, Good Eats, Irish Pub, Italian, Jocelyn's Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge, Merrimack Valley Magazine Awards, Mexican, Middle Eastern, MVMAs, Pastry Shops, Piza, Purple Carrot Bread Company, The Irish Cottage, Tripoli Bakery, Tuscan Kitchen, Wine and Dine

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