Author: Pat D

We noticed the regular traffic lights were restored at the Cut Bridge so it seems the construction is moving along right on schedule.From the City Facebook page:

We happened to be driving through Manchester but had somewhere to be shortly so we decided to stop at Boo Bird on Central St for lunch. We are always pleased with our experience there. It was a little quiet mid afternoon on a weekday but the service and food was excellent. I ordered the American Rice Bowl and Jim had a chicken sandwich. Perfect portions, great setting and varied menu add up to a win-win.

Every year at about this time, I get antsy to see some color springing forward. The croci and daffodils are trying their hardest but I could use a burst of color sooner than later. So we drove about and hour and a half to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill in Boylston for the orchid exhibition. The show is closing today and I know most of you aren’t interested in taking the ride, but I am happy to share by bursts of color with you.

Additional pictures can be seen at Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

We look forward to the re-opening of The Lobster on East Main St April 1, especially with Easter coming right up that weekend. The Lobster is offering Easter Brunch! Sounds perfect.

Do you have company coming in for Easter ? Do you need some ideas for activities? Maybe you just want them to clear out so you can prep for Sunday?? We’ve got you covered for Saturday April 4. There will be a sip and shop Spring Market at Minglewood from 11-4. Pat D’s Photos will be there among other local vendors. Then you can swing over to the Elks on Atlantic Road for the LRC fundraiser tournament from 4-7 (sip and shoot the dice). Maybe you’ll win a prize from Pat D’s Photos in the raffle! Mark the date! See you there.

Spring is a time of transition, so that means saying “See you later” to some of our bird friends as winter wraps up and “Welcome Back” to spring returnees. Jim and I came across a beautiful Long Eared Owl yesterday. Their time remaining in our area is limited so this was a special find. Later, we also spotted our first Great Blue Herons of the season. It’s a lovely time of the year!! You’ll probably be seeing one of these Long Eared Owl pictures at 44 Main St sooner than later…..for additional pictures and story details, check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook link here.

I was craving a taco salad so GMG Jim took me to Tacos Lupita on Washington St for lunch recently. Just the right bright spot on a somewhat grey day! Order pickups were hopping and quite a variety of diners came in from young adults to working guys on lunch break so it’s clearly popular with a wide range of customers. And the pricing is very reasonable. Jim got a chicken taco and I had the salad. We sat to eat so we could watch the world go by along Washington St.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It seems only “proper” that we should wrap up the occasional and random Irish Coffee tasting series with a Proper Irish Coffee from Mile Marker on Essex Ave. As always, we were greeted warmly when we arrived with Irish Coffee on our minds. It is indeed the proper Irish Coffee served hot with lightly whipped cold cream and (I believe) Proper Irish Whiskey. My cup overflowed! Thank you Mile Marker! Slainte to all! See you around town today!

I don’t care if we are in “false spring”, it was a beautiful day to be on the harbor and spring IS coming sooner than later! All variety of vessels on the water entertained us recently.

Here’s a visual update on the progress at the Good Harbor Beach Inn on Salt Island Road. I see they are accepting reservations as of July 1. Check it out at this link. I think it;s going to look quite lovely there!

In my March quest for local versions of Irish coffee, we couldn’t miss The James on Main Street in Essex. We stopped by for a little dinner and topped it off with Irish coffee and carrot cake. Jim had the short rib and ale pie which was super satisfying. He also enjoyed his carrot cake, but another local carrot cake takes first place in his opinion. As for the Irish coffee, no one asked about Baileys or whipped cream which is fine. It was hot and “sturdy” and I will have another someday. Slainte!

There will be a Left Right Center Fundraiser at the Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Road to support the Lily Jean families on April 4. Be there or be square.

Another in my limited series featuring random and occasional Irish Coffee reviews as we lead into St. Patrick’s Day! Today we are highlighting the Gloucester House on Rogers St. It has been our wintering-over tradition to go to the Gloucester House on Sunday afternoons. Last weekend when returned from our journeys we decided we’d love to go back to the Gloucester House. It’s always warm and welcoming, not unlike their version of Irish Coffee. I was asked if I wanted whipped cream and Bailey’s…that’s affirmative. This coffee was pleasingly hot and tasty. And, by “tasty” I mean I could taste the whiskey. So that’s an A+. Slainte Gloucester House!

From the City of Gloucester Facebook page:

We noticed the new window signage on Main Street at the former Oliver’s Harbor. We are looking forward to the new location for a local favorite. And I cannot lie, the sight of those pretty magnolias made me smile. See you soon Sugars Mags!

Cripple Cove as the sun began to set recently.

Progress is definitely being made at the site of the former Zeke’s on East Main St. Very interesting!

We returned to the Azorean on Washington St recently on a weekday for dinner. We had placed our orders and mused that we always see such an interesting crowd at the Azorean including a variety of family groups, couples, and friends. Just as I was thinking about this, Ann stopped by our table to ask if she’d being seeing our visit on the blog….so here you go Ann!

We always order the bread and oil…we just love that start to the dining experience. Jim had the shrimp cataplana and I ordered my favorite Bife Touriero. The beef was done to absolute perfection. Jim had enough cataplana to bring some home for lunch. As my dessert, I asked for the Winter White Martini….mmmm….shout out to our server Marisa who did a great job for us. As always, we enjoyed our dinner and our fellow dining companions!

To continue the occasional series featuring Irish Coffee around town from now until St. Patrick’s Day: next up: Minglewood on Rogers St. As many of you already know, Minglewood is a favorite stop for us to eat, have a drink, or just hang out. Their Irish Coffee is served in a nicely sized glass mug. I say yes to Bailey’s AND whipped cream most of the time so I kind of expect to be asked those questions. It was hot and delicious and the coffee was fresh. Slainte Minglewood!

From the Rise Baker Senior Center Facebook page: