After a surprise visit to Annisquam by artist group friends Alice Gardner (organizer), Carol McKenna and Alma McLaughlin, we all went to lunch at my favorite spot on this side of Gloucester, Willow Rest. Melissa Donati has beautifully re-invigorated the Willow Rest, and provides locals and visitors alike a wonderfully expanded selection of foods and services:
- Home Style Breakfast & Lunch
- Fresh Baked Goods
- Artisanal Cheese and Meats
- Fresh Produce – Local when in Season
- Hot and Iced Coffee
- Prepared Foods
- Hot from the Brick Oven Focaccia
- Local Artisan’s Gifts & Crafts
I had the Dogtown sandwich – lemon herbed chicken with baby arugula, roasted peppers, goat cheese, tomato brushetta and extra virgin olive oil. It was so fresh and delish.
Melissa is also great about carrying local artists’ creations, including my 2012 Dogtown and Babson Boulder Calendar – not as edible as her Dogtown sandwich, but it will last alot longer. If you’re traveling along Washington Street, say on the art studio open house tour this weekend, stop in at Willow Rest at 1 Holly Street for a great breakfast or lunch, and check out the wonderful selection of locally crafted gift offerings. She also has Godiva chocolates and many other delectible treats for special stocking stuffers, or to take over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house. For more info, visit http://www.willowrest.com/index.php.
E.J. Lefavour
Good Morning Gloucester 
The only place in the world besides my kitchen I will order a BLT. And the Cuban isn’t too shabby either but I have to take an afternoon nap if I eat the whole thing. It’s the sauce and the pickle that makes that one killer.
(Working on my avatar) -Rubber Duck
LikeLike
Yea , EJ ~ great photo with your camera ~ It was great fun and company and the restaraunt was awesome ~ Got to go again in the mid winter ~ to shake the ‘winter blahs’ away! ~ thanks, namaste, CArol (Share the Creative Journey and A Creative Harbor) blogs ^_^ ~ Thanks, Alma and Alice for getting us all together ~ Happy Holidays ~ ^_^
LikeLike
Carol, it was nice to see you and Alice at the Christmas party last night. Lindsey came by as well, but late.
LikeLike