2020 MVMA Winners – Good Eats (Part 2)
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.
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:
Blue Ocean Event Center
Four Oaks Country Club
Merrimack Valley Golf Club
Middlesex Community College Foundation John Nesmith House
Tuscan Kitchen
UMass Lowell Inn
Blue Ocean Event Center – Do you dream of salt air kisses, waves lapping beneath your feet, wowing guests with picture perfect views, and an elegant reception by the sea? At Blue Ocean Event Center, the only thing we overlook is the ocean, the perfect setting for the day of your dreams. Weddings at Blue Ocean Event Center feature breathtaking ceremony options with the ocean as a backdrop, elegantly modern and versatile waterfront reception spaces for 35 to 450 guests, menus and set-up styles to reflect your personal style and tastes, and customized planning with our expert event managers to create the wedding of your dreams. Catered by the on-site Seaglass Restaurant culinary team, our menus celebrate the bounty of the land and sea offering guests fresh, seasonal cuisine with an array of menu options and reception styles. Invite your guests to experience the beauty of a seaside wedding and award-winning dining in an exclusive beachside atmosphere that is unique and rejuvenating.
Four Oaks Country Club – Offering something for every bride and groom, Four Oaks Country Club provides a very unique experience when creating the wedding of your dreams. The contemporary-styled Clubhouse and Grand Oaks Ballroom sit on Marsh Hill, offering beautiful views extending as far as Boston.
Merrimack Valley Golf Club – Located at the Beautiful Merrimack Valley Golf Club, Merrimack Valley Events by Simply Elegant Catering has over 23 years of experience and will ensure that your wedding day far surpasses your expectations. We offer premium, full-service catering at the highest quality, and guarantee that the entire planning process will be stress free and enjoyable! You are about to embark on a journey that starts with making the first of many thoughtful decisions. It will culminate with the perfect day that brings your guests together in celebration of your marriage. It will be the day you have always dreamed of. Whether you choose a wedding at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club or at an off-site location,
Middlesex Community College Foundation John Nesmith House – An elegant setting for intimate weddings and receptions, the MCC Foundation’s John Nesmith House reflects the splendor of the era when Lowell was home to some of America’s first captains of industry. Built in 1843, this 22-room Greek Revival mansion has been beautifully renovated – with central heat, air conditioning and a full professional kitchen – and features period furnishings throughout. The spiral staircase can provide the bride a grand entrance. The beautifully landscaped grounds offer several unique indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, and spectacular photography opportunities. Nesmith House can accommodate up to 100 guests for a cocktail reception or 65 for a plated dinner. Our experienced staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure your special event is everything you want it to be.
Tuscan Kitchen – At Tuscan Kitchen, our finely appointed event spaces are designed to offer an intimate atmosphere to entertain your guests with exceptional service and artisan cuisine in a beautiful, tasteful environment. Our chef will custom design a menu for each guest’s individual needs, budget and taste. We create personalized menus and an event program that features the same artisan cuisine we serve in our dining room. Our private dining and event rooms are designed to offer guests flexible space to have events ranging in size from 20 to 500. Whether it is a family style dinner for 12 or a dinner party for 150, our private dining space and warm hospitality will make your next event truly memorable.
UMass Lowell Inn
Blue Ocean Event Center – Our oceanfront event spaces feature breathtaking, panoramic Atlantic views, freshly prepared local, seasonal cuisine and experienced event professionals to ensure each detail is just right, making for a seamless event. The shores of Salisbury Beach are the perfect backdrop for the day of your dreams. Allow your guests to experience the colorful history of Salisbury with its vibrant attractions and award-winning dining. Create an unforgettable wedding amid breathtaking ceremony options, just steps from the water. Whether you are planning a special event for 20 or 500, we strive to make the planning process personal, reflecting your style, tastes and dreams. We offer comprehensive options for ease in planning, and can also customize events to conform to your desires. Four grand event spaces. One captivating lounge. Panoramic ocean views. The only thing we overlook is the ocean.
Cobblestones – A national historic monument, COBBLESTONES boasts excellent dining and hospitality amongst magnificent architecture and ambience. Widely known for incredible hand cut steaks, burgers, local seafood and oysters on the 1/2 shell, 24 years’ worth of Chef created specialties, classic American cocktails and dozens of locally crafted beers. Equally suited for casual tavern fare or special private dining celebrations. “A must” in the Merrimack Valley. COBBLESTONES Restaurant is within walking distance of all of Lowell’s attractions and entertainment venues, including The Paul E Tsongas Arena, The Lowell Memorial Auditorium, The Merrimack Repertory Theater, Boardinghouse Park and The National Park Visitors Center.
Four Oaks Country Club – Offering something for every bride and groom, Four Oaks Country Club provides a very unique experience when creating the wedding of your dreams. The contemporary-styled Clubhouse and Grand Oaks Ballroom sit on Marsh Hill, offering beautiful views extending as far as Boston. Our experienced Wedding Director will provide you the undivided attention and service you deserve throughout your day.The Grand Oaks Ballroom seats up to 230 guests and has multiple options for arrangements and decorations. It also includes a full dance floor. The cuisine at Four Oaks Country Club is as exceptional as the venue. We can tailor any menu to delight you and your guests!
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