Author: Pat D

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:

Sunday March 8: Spring Ahead. Hallelujah! We got this far……

I noticed a post from Stone’s featuring a drink called “Black Velvet” and I was intrigued. When we were there for dinner recently I ordered one. I understood a Black Velvet to consist of Guinness and prosecco or champagne but the drink I got was Guinness and cider also called Black Velvet (*although one of my favorite bartending experts Bekah tells me her bar calls it a Bruised Apple….more appropriate*). Regardless, I gave it a go. Wasn’t my favorite combo if I’m honest but it was nice to get geared up for St Patrick’s Day right at Stone’s on Main St.

Jim ordered sausage peppers and onions and I got the garlic parm wings that were on the specials menu. I remember getting the specials wings previously and they are YUMMY. And, in order to kick off my occasional and random Irish Coffee posts, I ordered that as well. The Stone’s Irish coffee came in a good size mug with Bailey’s and whiped cream as ordered. I will say this Irish Coffee is “sturdy” in portion and alcohol content. Definietely a win-win. Slainte Stone’s!

Sugars Mags had announced they plan to open late this month or early next month on Main Street ! *Happy Dance* And they are hiring! Drop resume off Friday March 6 if interested at 64 Main St (formerly Oliver’s Harbor)

Don’t forget to vote today! Polls open 7 am – 8 pm but keep in mind that school is in session so that may affect traffic congestion and/or areas within the schools open for voting. Voters in Ward 1 and 4 should take special note. If you aren’t sure of your polling place or ward, check at this link: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm

The day before the most recent storm, I decided to stock up on take out in case we lost power or were a little bit stuck at home. Since Poseidon’s is on the way, we choose from their menu offerings. I ordered online (easy peasy) and the pickup was ready right on time. We got a variety of items including pizza, salad, sausage roll, and soup. I have to pat myself on the back for the preplanning because it worked out great. We were among the lucky ones who did not lose power but we felt we should stay off the roads and out of the way of the various work crews. In a bonus surprise, because Poseidon’s is located at the one way traffic lights at Centennial and the Boulevard, it was actualy easier than usual to pull up for pickup, swing around the little block to wait for our turn to go over the bridge. Thank you Poseidon’s! Remember they are open during the brdige work.