Merrimack Valley Magazine

2019 MVMA Winners – Wine & Dine (Part 2)

July 30, 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.

Specialty Market
Butcher Boy Market
Break out the grill and grab an apron. Butcher Boy Market’s 60-foot meat counter has all the poultry, beef, lamb, veal, pork and homemade sausages you need. Not sure what you want? Their experienced butchers are happy to help you decide. Pick up some fresh fruit and beer for the perfect summer spread.
1077 Osgood St. | North Andover, Mass.
ButcherBoyMarket.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.
Andover, Mass.
AndoverClassicWines.com

World Cuisine
Fuse Bistro
Chef-owned Fuse prides itself on making its food from scratch, right down to the ice cream and chipotle ketchup. 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
The Keep
The Keep has quickly rose to prominence as a go-to spot in downtown Lowell for craft beer, dinner with the family or cocktails with friends after work. Featuring beer from award-winning breweries both near and far, signature cocktails and fresh, locally sourced food served in an approachable atmosphere. The Keep also boasts an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection.
110 Gorham St. | Lowell, Mass.
TheKeepLowell.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.
244 Appleton St. | Lowell, Mass.

Frozen Treats
Kimball Farm
Kimball Farm has been making ice cream for more than 75 years. With a variety of sherbet, sorbet and frozen yogurt, in addition to more than 50 flavors of ice cream, there’s something for everyone. Vanilla ice cream is a traditional crowd favorite, particularly in hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, and the Kimball Special — three softball-size scoops of ice cream, three toppings, marshmallow, whipped cream and nuts.
Carlisle, Lancaster and Westford, Mass.; Jaffrey, N.H.
KimballFarm.com

Alfresco Dining
The Deck
The Deck is located at historic Bridge Marina, the oldest marina on the Merrimack River, and offers delicious drinks and a simple, refined menu. The food is freshly prepared each day from scratch to deliver a unique and tasty experience and the waterview is one of the best in the region. After a recent expansion, there is now a second-floor roofed lounge area.
179R Bridge Rd. | Salisbury, Mass.
TheDeckSalisbury.com

Caterers
Two Chefs Are Better Than One
Two Chefs Are Better Than One Catering can create an ideal menu for any wedding or celebration, whether it’s a quaint family gathering or an extravagant gala with hundreds of guests. 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
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

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

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:

Some Like it HOT

December 21, 2016 by Dean Johnson Leave a Comment

Local Hot Cocktails to Help Get You Through the New England Winter.

My wife and I were visiting Florence for the first time, and we were enjoying the Italian city’s heady mix of art, history and shopping. Because it was a chilly autumn day, we slipped into the legendary Harry’s Bar and ordered a couple of hot coffees spiked with Baileys Irish Cream.

“No,” said our impeccably dressed waiter — an older gentleman in a smart white apron, starched white shirt, black bow tie and perfect hair. “I’m sorry, what did you say?” I asked.

“No,” he repeated. “I will bring you the coffee and the Baileys, but I will not bring you the Baileys in the coffee. It ruins both.”

So, being Americans, we did what Americans do. We did what we wanted. We ordered two coffees and two shots of Baileys, and when he wasn’t looking …

Thankfully, on these shores we are not as hung up on keeping our beverages so separate. Even in Colonial times, our forefathers liked spiked hot drinks that mixed all manner of ingredients on a chilly day.

A flip, for example, was a popular Colonial tavern drink as far back as the 1690s. A blend of beer, rum, molasses (or dried pumpkin), and eggs or cream, a flip was usually mixed in a pitcher and then whipped into a froth by plunging a hot fire poker (called a flip-dog) into it. Some historians say the drink had the taste of “liquefied earth.” Ugh.

We’ve come a long way since then. Pop into many of the Merrimack Valley’s fine bars and taverns this winter and you’ll be treated to a wild variety of spiked hot drinks that will keep you warm and toasty, and not taste a bit like liquefied earth.

hot_drinks_buono — Caitlin McLaughlin of Buono Bistro. Photo by Kevin Harkins.).

The Buono Hot Chocolate

The favored seasonal drink at Buono Bistro in North Andover is definitely not for children … unless they are at least 21. Some of the ingredients seem innocuous: mint leaves, fresh cream, 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps. But when you learn that another key component is an ounce of gold “1800” tequila … suddenly you’re not in Kansas anymore. “It’s not the most obvious drink,” says restaurant manager Caitlin McLaughlin. “But we’ve found the flavors go really well together.”

(978) 258-0658 / BuonoBistro.com

The Black Honey Jack

Palmers Restaurant & Tavern in Andover has updated the traditional hot toddy this season in an awe-inspiring way. Go ahead, try making this at home. I dare you. Mix a half teaspoon each of black currant and fig jams with a dash of honey and lemon to taste, then add 2 ounces of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and hot cinnamon-infused water to taste. Yikes. Palmers owner John Ingalls says the drink has already been a big hit with the staff. “It has a nice wintery flavor,” he says, “with a little sweet and cinnamon to warm you up.”

(978) 470-1606 / Palmers-Restaurant.com

The Dirty Chai

Downtown Lowell’s Fuse Bistro has come up with a welcome variation of the standard coffee-based drink. Bartender Alia Jones says the place often creates its own hand-infused liqueurs, and it’s whipped up one that should please many imbibers: chai-infused coffee liqueur. Take 1.5 ounces of that, combine with 1.5 ounces of vanilla vodka, and add good coffee to taste. Voilà! Your basic java never went down so easily

(978) 323-0424 / Fuse-Bistro.com

Eggnog Hot Toddy

You say you want a little eggnog in your cutting-edge hot toddy? Not a problem. Just head over to Stonehedge Hotel & Spa in Tyngsborough. Bar manager Jared Bracci has just the thing. Bracci likes to use local products whenever possible, so Stonehedge’s cider-based drinks, for example, use cider from an orchard in his hometown of Hollis, N.H. His hot eggnog toddy includes 1.5 ounces of a local rum, such as Privateer out of Ipswich. Then he adds 1.5 ounces of Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, a splash of Grand Marnier, and a few ounces of eggnog. Good night, everybody.

(978) 649-4400 / StonehedgeInnAndSpa.com

Few experiences help us endure our often frigid New England winters like good hot drinks in cozy environs. Whether you decide to make them yourself or to visit a local watering hole for some good conversation and a little pampering, you now have some very appealing options.

And even though our Florentine waiter expressed dismay over our “American” drinking habits, I’ve often thought that he might have tried our requested coffee drink as soon as we walked out the door.

2019 MVMA Winners – Wine & Dine (Part 2)

2017 MVMA Winners – Wine and Dine, Part 2

Some Like it HOT

Who We Are

Sections

Links