Are you hungry? Prepare for some fabulous photos and restaurant picks within the coronary heart of New England and past. Included on this information are Boston, Somerville, and Newton within the Boston space, Portsmouth and Hampton NH, Kittery Maine, and Lenox Massachusetts. We additionally embody a couple of eateries in Rockport and Gloucester on the way in which north to the NH coast and Route 1.
Anneke Jans in Kittery Maine
We returned to Gloucester’s Rocky Neck to enterprise down reminiscence lane (see our journey many years ago which was explored by bike). Actually, if you happen to examine the pictures, you’ll see loads of similarities: the quirkiness of the outlets, the inventive flare of the artists’ exterior studio facades, the colourful flowers in entrance of the stained-colored buildings and galleries. The weathered look from chipped paint on entrance homes, bikes, boats and cafe doorways. It was a lot quieter than I remembered.
A standard scorching spot is The Salted Cod which mixes their love of foods and drinks with artwork.
The Salted Cod Arthouse is famend and locals will ship you there if you happen to speak to at least one lengthy sufficient.
Gloucester
Rocky Neck isn’t all there may be to Gloucester. There are a number of quaint neighborhoods together with a couple of purchasing areas which I really like to walk. Who doesn’t love cafes, vintage shops and quaint boutiques in New England? When you don’t, then I’d argue you won’t gel with New England. In any case, it’s the connection to all issues historic (a minimum of by American requirements) that convey folks to the Northeast. Since Anthony and I grew up right here, it was like going residence. The residence we grew up figuring out by means of its distinctive smells, tastes and sights. For instance, if you wish to have tea with teddy bears, you possibly can in Gloucester.
Teddy Bear Picnic anybody?
Rockport
A stone’s throw from Gloucester lies Rockport, and it tends to be custom to go to at any time when I’m within the space. Perhaps the draw is Rockport’s acquainted toffee and ice cream outlets, or the pewter retailer I do know so nicely. Or maybe its the numerous enjoyable instances I’ve had alongside its pedestrian walkway and the handfuls of lobsters I’ve eaten there, inside and out. Probably the most notorious picturesque views in New England could be present in Rockport though some Maine natives would possibly argue with me on that one.
Rockport in all probability isn’t one of the best place to get lobster within the space, principally as a result of it’s dearer than heading just a little additional north alongside Route 1. There are many locations to get seafood, both sitting down or grabbing a cup of New England creamy chowder to go. On the very finish of Bearskin Neck (#68 to be exact), you’ll discover My Place by the Sea and it didn’t seem like it modified in any respect for the reason that final time we went there for a really romantic meal on the deck roughly eight years in the past. We had been planning to repeat the expertise however it was closed, so we went to Fleur Delicacies Harborside on the wharf as a substitute. The ambiance was pretty; nonetheless, the meals was solely good, not nice and the service was little bit of a disappointment.
Boston
A stroll by means of the historic district and Quincy Market was a good way to spend our closing afternoon.
The Boston Waterfront
Under are among the delights within the Meals Court docket. Okay, so I bought carried away by a l’il dessert coloration.
Then we headed to the North Finish for dinner and occasional, beginning at Naples-influenced Ristorante Saraceno, good for Anthony’s heritage and choice for Italian dishes. It’s a staple — not one of the best Italian meals on the earth, however it’s GOOD and the ambiance is epic.
A basic should order in any Italian restaurant in my humble opinion…
Then there’s Francesca’s alongside the identical principal drag and solely a stone’s throw from Seraceno.
Though locals could argue that there are different cafes that trump the cappuccino at Caffe Vittoria, it stays considered one of my favourite spots, largely due to the reminiscences of my youth. All these late nights ingesting espresso there after lengthy work nights. And to prime it off, little or no has modified concerning the place. In different phrases, it’s as I remembered it. The ambiance. The tables, chairs, espresso, desserts, lighting — all of it.
Generally, you’ve simply bought to indulge your interior little one and relive the tastes, smells and experiences of yesteryear simply because. Fortunately our associates indulged us each step of the way in which.
Tiramisu at Caffe Vittoria within the North Finish
Somerville
Though I wrote earlier that so many issues felt related strolling on outdated roads, stopping in outlets of outdated and re-visiting favourite eating places and cafes, it wasn’t the identical, largely as a result of I’m not the identical. That stated, it introduced me nice pleasure to drink and dine once more in a few of my outdated neighborhoods. Somerville’s Dali remains to be alive and kicking. This Spanish Tapas Bar was the proper spot to assemble twenty or so outdated associates from my time dwelling within the space.
Whereas the tapas are nonetheless heavenly, it’s the ambiance that brings me again many times. And so they nonetheless ship on that distinctive old-world expertise fifteen years later.
Shrimp and Garlic Tapas at Dali in Somerville
Simply take a look at the ceiling….
And the magic of the Tiles. The Lights. The Bar. The Ceiling. The Partitions. The Colours. You wish to go to, don’t you?
New Hampshire’s Coast
There’s a lot to additionally see inland, which embody nice hikes and weekend getaways, however we simply love the coast. This previous journey solely allowed for southern New Hampshire adventures; nonetheless, we used to drive up Route 1 usually from Boston, spending time in all of the cities alongside the coast and we did the identical for a lot of Maine as nicely.
Like Maine, there’s loads of lobster shacks alongside the coast however the trendier city of Portsmouth not solely affords fashionable culinary spots to dine however has nice structure. Additional south simply over the Massachusetts border is Newburyport the place I spent a number of time in my thirties. We stayed with associates in Hampton and went out to dinner nightly, visiting their favourite eateries—what a deal with. Scroll beneath for a couple of of these experiences.
Throughout the day, we spent out time strolling the seashores (and gathering seaweed, rocks and shells for my numerous artwork tasks as I at all times do once I journey). In and round Hampton, you possibly can dine in or buy clams, oysters, lobster, crab and different seafood to cook dinner at residence.
In and Round Hampton NH
There’s not a lot to this artsy little city simply over the Maine border, however we went major to drink and eat. And take a look at artwork in fact. It’s a stunning stroll down the primary drag; nonetheless, and there are some fantastic walks and hikes close by. Make sure to scroll down for our favourite picks from Kittery: Anneke Jans and The Wallingford Dram.
If you need a extra informal expertise merely to get your “lobster repair” in southern NH, a couple of choices embody Brown’s Lobster Pound (we had one picnic desk type earlier than heading out of city) and Markey’s Lobster Pool, each in Seabrook, Al’s Seafood in North Hampton, Smitty’s State Pier Lobster Pound in Hampton, Ray’s Seafood in Rye and Lobster Boat Restaurant in Litchfield, the latter of which is a recognized spot for old-school seafood and pasta.
Above and beneath, in and round Hampton NH
My lobster order earlier than and after.
Whereas I needed to succumb to 2 roadside lobster meals, we additionally wished to attempt a couple of elegant and tasteful eating spots and our native associates Gail and Steve had been the proper hosts.
First, we ventured to Black Trumpet in Portsmouth which affords a seasonal, eclectic menu, with loads of gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and nut free choices besides. They’ve a superb Cheese and Charcuterie Plate or scrumptious Shrimp Ceviche Tostada with Cucumber-Nasturtium Pico to kick off your meal. Anthony and I needed to attempt the Tea-Smoked Duck Breast with Beet-Noodle Seaweed Salad and Black Garlic Nigella Emulsion, which was to die for.
Above and beneath: Black Trumpet in Portsmouth NH
Essential course choices embody a Brandade crusted Halibut with Succotash, Swiss Chard, Marinated Tomatoes and Zucchini Sauce, a Soy-Brined Iberico Pork Loin with Buckwheat Noodles, Bok Choy, Umeboshi Plum Puree and Tempura Scallions and a Pan-Fried Zucchini Feta Cake with Mushrooms, Native Greens, Beet Yogurt and Orange Blossom Honey. (Word the Asian affect)
Desserts had been equally divine, with Chocolate and Cherry Clafoutis and Spiced Mascarpone and Cherry Syrup, and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Shaved Enna Chocolate and Nilla Water Crumbs. And the way about this one? Sweetheart Beet and Plum Swiss Roll with Mascarpone Buttercream and Maple Creme Anglaise. Are you able to say Heavenly 3 times after a couple of cocktails and any of those to-die-for sweets?
For cocktails, a should go to is a novel gem in Kittery Maine referred to as The Wallingford Dram.
The Wallingford Dram in Kittery Maine
Let’s simply say that all of their cocktails had us at hey. Uncommon mixes embody the next (too wonderful to not put up intimately):
- A Fist within the Mouth of Time: Bourbon, Smoke, Fernet, Espresso Brandy, Bitters, Lavender
- We Are Nonetheless Us: Buttered Hay Washed Brandy, Black Pepper, Cumin and Orange Curacao with Egg White and Lemon
- Victims of Late Success: Bourbon, Aperol, Mango, Pine, Preserved Lemon, Coco Blast, Nogori Sake (sure, actually), Seltzer and Mint
- Jupiter Jazz: Jalapeno-infused Mezcal, Amaro Montenegro, Passionfruit, Lemon, Orgeat, Szechuan Peppercorns
- By Witchcraft: Cranberry Infused Gin, Dry Curacao, Lime, Cassia, Creme De Violette (good for the area)
- Tankgirl: Tequila, Aperol, Cherry Heering, Lemon, Orgeat, Pineapple and African Birdseye Chili
- Excessive Priestess: Raspberry-Hisbiscus Gin, Blackberry, Lime, Dry Curacao, Chocolate Bitters and Egg White (gotta love the identify)
- Dame Shrub: Gin, Rosemary Pear Shrub, Lemon, Ginger, Essential Hemlock, Seltzer
- A Secret Backyard Highball: Earl Gray Tea Vodka, Home Bitter Lemon Soda
- Boat Cowboy: Tequila, Boubon, Allspice Dram, Pineapple Gomme, Birds Eye Chilli and Bitters
- Northsea Lineman: Rye with Islay Scotch, Maraschino, Pune e Mes, Bitters and Salt
- Leatherman: Bourbon, Carpano Antica, Lapsang Souchong Liqueur and Bitters (Anthony had two – hey, we weren’t driving)
- One thing for Timmy: Olive Oil Washed Bourbon, Inexperienced Chartreuse and Bitters
- Eddy and the Bridge: Strawberries, Peychaud’s Bitters, Pineapple Gomme, Tequila, Guajilo Pepper, Lemon, Seltzer and Thai Basil
Cocktails at The Wallingford Dram in Kittery Maine
Okay, I may go on. However you get the thought. Extremely inventive, numerous and strange. We may have sat there all night time.
Additionally in Kittery Maine is Anneke Jans, which can be an uncommon discover for the realm. Additionally in Wallingford Sq. (begin your night time with cocktails at The Walllingford Dram after which stroll over to Anneke Jans for dinner. They provide European-influenced American dinners, small plates & drinks in a snazzy, cosmopolitan setting.
We began off with Oysters and Mussels as a result of who may you not in the event that they’re on the menu? The chef prepares their Maine mussels with bacon, onions, white wine, cream, and Nice Hill Blue Cheese. Yum, proper?
Different delicious bites at this magical spot embody Lobster Salad with Inexperienced Corn Relish and Avocado Mousse, Grilled Scallops with Succatosh, Candy Corn Soubise, Citrus and Leeks, their Scottish Salmon with Mango Quinoa Salad, Shiitake Mushrooms, Bok Choy and Miso Ginger Glaze, and Steak Frites with Romesco.
Lenox Massachusetts is a enjoyable place to cease if you happen to’re heading to upstate New York. Make sure to cease by the standard and ever-so historic Pink Lion Inn. Sit on the porch, order some biscuits, a cheese plate and a large pot of tea. We browsed in among the cute outlets alongside the primary drag of Lenox for an hour or so earlier than grabbing some drinks and assembly an outdated pal.
Outdoors The Pink Lion Inn in Lenox, Mass.
Additionally on the way in which is Coxsackie New York. There’s not a lot there, however a pleasant cease is Yanni’s Restaurant alongside the river for lunch, the place I managed to meet up with an outdated highschool pal.
At Yanni’s Restaurant on the River in Coxsackie New York.
Make sure to take a look at two latest articles on simply meals within the space: Top Boston Foodie Picks by Category. And for different issues to do, see my New England Favorite Spots article which incorporates the foodie picks from this piece as nicely.
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