For those of you who haven’t been following, it’s in the former spot of Nonni’s By The Sea and Mooters Liquors.
Category: Eats
Sista Felicia Kitchen Live Streaming Right Now With St Joseph Pasta Making Day
We Will Be Live Streaming Sista Felicia’s St Joseph’s Past Making Day
TODAY At 10:30AM!!!
Click Here At 10:30AM For The Live Stream-
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sista-felicia-s-kitchen
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@SistaFelicia Unveils The @CapeAnnGiclee Designed Special Aprons Just In Time For St Joseph’s Pasta Making Day
Live Streaming Sista Felicia’s St Joseph’s Past Making Day
TODAY At 10:30AM!!!
Click Here At 10:30AM For The Live Stream-
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sista-felicia-s-kitchen
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You Don’t Win Friends With Salad!
A wonderful time was had by all at Passport’s Restaurant’s superb “New Wines” pairing event. That’s Passport’s owner and chef Eric Lorden in the photo above. Don’t let the guise mislead; Passport’s has fabulous salads. The front of Eric’s t-shirt is all about oysters.
Each course of the four-course “New Wines” dinner was superb; the service provided by Nicole, India, and Sally was top-notch (and always so welcoming), and the new wines paired were exquisite. Several of the favorites-of-the-favorites were the Beef Bracciole, especially enjoyed by my husband, and mine (if I had to choose) was the exquisitely-cripsy-on-the-outside-sweetly-tender-and-richly-flavorful-on-the-inside Jerk Duck Leg, accompanied by a delightfully zippy mango salsa, and served with yummy mashed sweet potatoes.
Nick DiFazio from MS Walker was our sommelier and he did an outstanding job describing the wines. Tohu’s Sauvignon Blanc is a fabulous blend of grapefruit and other citrus flavors, and the Lamberti Prosecco–light, fresh, and sparkly, not overly sweet. The absolute knock out of the evening was Brazen’s Zinfandel. More than just a big bold red, the undertones were richly mellow and tasted wonderfully of dark cherries and was very chocolatey!
The new wines are a great addition to Passport’s stellar wine list and we are looking forward to trying them with the usual delicious dishes on the main menu, as well as with Eric’s fabulous nightly specials.
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Madame Mayor Visits The Open Door
Hi Joey,
The Open Door was lucky enough to be one of eight nonprofit organizations receiving a grant from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation this quarter in the form of a $7,500 grant.
Madame Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken recently visited the food pantry where she helped Kevin Brisson, our food pantry shift leader, stock the vegetable cooler with fresh produce before the last big storm. I sent along a few pictures to show how we are putting this resource to work for the community!
“BJ’s Charitable Foundation is proud to provide assistance to eight local nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving the lives of those in each of their communities,” said Jessica Newman, executive director for the BJ’s Charitable Foundation, in a statement. “These donations will assist thousands of individuals and families in the areas of hunger prevention, education, healthcare and self-sufficiency.”
A quote from me? “This is wicked awesome! Thank you, BJ’s for investing in our community.”
A reminder to readers and anyone out there who needs help, we are here to help. Don’t be shy!
Onward!
—
Julie LaFontaine
Executive Director
The Open Door
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Breaking Restaurant News- #RockportMA Approves Change Of Use For Year Round Sushi Joint
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Brunch at 525 Tavern on Sunday
525 has a great brunch on Sunday morning starting at 9:00. Rick and I enjoyed our breakfast at our local restaurant. Please check out their great menu.
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Check Out Passport’s Wine Dinner Thursday Night!
There are only a handful of reservations remaining for Passport’s Wine Dinner tomorrow, Thursday, night. If you’ve not yet been to one of Passport’s special wine and food pairing dinners, GO!! You will have a wonderfully enjoyable evening of four fabulous food and wine courses for the unbelievable price of only $35.00. This month’s event features several new wines that are being added to the Passport’s wine list.
Call to make your reservation today because after Eric goes to market tomorrow, they will not be accepting any more reservations. 978-281-3680. Dinner begins at 7:00pm.
I hope to see you there!
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Greatest Headline Ever- It’s Official “Naps & Lobster Are Good For Health” vis @CBSBoston
Uhmmmm, Heloooo I’ve been saying this for years!-
Naps & Lobster Are Good For Health
CBS Local-Feb 11, 2015
BOSTON (CBS) – For years doctors have been advising Americans to avoid eating certain foods high in cholesterol like eggs, lobster and shrimp, but new research suggests that this is not sage advice.
It turns out your blood cholesterol is dictated much more by genetics than by how much cholesterol you eat in your diet.
That said, saturated fats, like butter, cream, cheese, and animal fats play a larger role in the level of bad cholesterol in your system and those foods should still be limited to maintain ideal cholesterol levels.
Dr. Mallika Marshall says people with diabetes and certain other medical
conditions should limit cholesterol-rich foods, but for everyone else, eating eggs and shellfish is probably fine.
Absolutely the greatest headline I’ve ever read. Great work CBS Boston
Thanks for the tip Bippy
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Not So Local Favs
A few weeks ago I took a short trip to New Orleans with some friends. As tempting as it is to share some more “colorful” photos with you all…I think I’ll stick to the food.
Honestly, I didn’t take many photos while there, but while in and out of different local grocery stores and shops, some of the local favorite foods gave me a good chuckle.
I was ready for the crawfish, the Louisiana Shrimp, the Cafe au Lait, and the incredibly yummy beignets (heaven) BUT I wasn’t as prepared for the frog legs, the armadillo eggs, and the turduchen sausages.
So, I got to thinking. When people visit Cape Ann, what would they find that would surprise them in regards to our local fare?
Thoughts? I’d love to hear.
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Singing Praises for Mile Marker 1
I know what you’re thinking….”Nichole is going to tell us to go swim in the pool again”….and I am….but, that’s not all. So there. Bear with me.
Yes, for sure, the pool passes at Cape Ann Marina’s Aqua Room are a total no-brainer and if you’re looking to kill some easy time with the kids you’d be crazy to not log some hours there….but, more importantly, I can not say ENOUGH about the staff and their graciousness, hospitality, and patience.
Seriously, I’m not going to lie, if you aren’t taking kids to the pool, this may not be where you want to be during a school vacation week (but hang in there because it is almost over). Quiet will soon prevail and then, if you’re looking for some peacefulness in the pool, get yourself down there. I’ve been there 3 times this week so far and it is not for the faint of heart. It can get a bit loud…and peaceful it is not. Fun, however, it sure is!
That having been said, we have had fantastic and gloriously low-maintenance days hanging by the pool. Today, for example, the boys and I met three other families….with a staggering total of 10 kids. We logged 7.5 hours. The children were well-behaved and HAPPY for each and every second!
We all had a delicious lunch, the kids had frozen shirley temples AND ice cream, and we treated ourselves to some incredibly yummy pina coladas. Why not?
The real point of this post, however, is not to tell you about how my boys spent their day, but rather to tell you that I was beyond impressed with literally each and every member of the staff! Joe Loicano is the manager of all managers! He is incredibly hands-on and makes the rounds talking with guests, high-fiving the kids, clearing tables, sharing funny stories, and making sure everyone is happy. He’s busy each and every second…yet somehow manages to make everyone feel like they are his top priority. Think The Captain, Gopher, Doc, and Isaac all rolled into one. Hopefully, you all got the Love Boat analogy or that last sentence just seemed weird.
The bartenders and servers are phenomenal. We joked several times about how this week, with so many kids laughing and splashing, must be their worst nightmare but, even with the window open to express their dread, they all responded by saying different versions of, “No, it’s totally fun.” Seriously. The girls who were making drinks, taking lunch orders, checking in on everyone, and clearing tables were incredibly friendly and accommodating. I really can’t say enough positive sentiments about them….and I really hope that they get a chance to read this so that they know how relaxing and wonderful they made our day today!
Kudos to the entire team for being so kind, helpful, and incredibly hard working! You’ve all taken hospitality to the next level.
So, from Team Schrafft, THANK YOU!
If, by chance, you’re reading this and you don’t know much about Mile Marker 1 and Cape Ann Marina….check out this great video that Joey C. filmed while interviewing Joe Loicano back when the restaurant was getting ready to first open a couple of years ago. Makes me long for summer just a little bit more.
Cape Ann Marina Mile Marker One
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Yum.
I met a co-worker who has been gone on maternity leave this school year for a bite to eat and a couple of drinks last night at the Seaport Grille. As always, it did not disappoint.
We both started with a “West End” which tasted maybe even better than it looks…if that’s possible.
We shared some oysters that totally hit the spot! For dinner, she ordered the Scallop and Bacon Pizzetta and I had one of my all-time favorites….the Eggplant Panini with sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious!
While school vacation week is all about the kids…I am a huge fan of carving out some “me time” and a long talk at the bar with a good friend was exactly what I needed last night.
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GIFT SHOPPING AT ALEXANDRA’S BREAD and FYI, PARKING IS A BREEZE ON MAIN STREET!
Needing a gift for a friend who loves to bake, I stopped by Alexandra’s Bread this morning. Thanks to our hard working DPW, I just pulled right into the parking space, easy, peasy! A blast of scents, yummy fresh-baked bread and cranberry scones greeted me, along with an equally as wonderful blast of color in their fun gifts and wonderful handmade treasures. Alexandra’s Bread is the perfect anecdote to yet another snowy day! While shopping, you can also stock up on their fabulous and fresh baguettes, olive bread, and scones.
See more treasures here ~ Continue reading “GIFT SHOPPING AT ALEXANDRA’S BREAD and FYI, PARKING IS A BREEZE ON MAIN STREET!”
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Blizzard Valentine’s Dinner
As the blizzard started, we walked over to the Emerson Inn for a special dinner (it’s always special there). I had the pan seared scallops with lentils and wine sauce. It was delicious, but because of what chemo has done to my taste buds, I ate sparingly. The leftovers will make great omelettes at home. It was nice to dress up. The place is not as formal as my outfit indicates.
Janet, my Valentine: She had the Rack of Lamb, rubbed with brown sugar and dijon mustard, served with a Port Wine reduction. She cleaned the plate with a simile on her face. Leftovers: 4 bare lamb bones.
http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/
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Kids Eat Free…and the Beer is Good Too
I love when restaurants offer great deals like this….especially during a school vacation week!
Cape Ann Brewing Company wrote this on their Facebook page today:
Happy Presidents Day! Remember Monday through Thursday kids eat free 11 – 4 (1 Kid per adult!). Bring the little guys in and we can lavish them with stories of walking 5 miles to school, up hill, in cardboard shoes and no World Wide Web.
I, for one, plan on taking advantage of this awesome deal at least once this week!
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A Duckworth’s Valentine’s
Sweet Valentine’s inspired cappuccino made by Michelle
Thanks to the fabulous Chef Ken Duckworth, along with his wonderfully welcoming and hard working staff, for making a Valentine’s to remember. Duckworth’s was overflowing with guests last night–no one wanted to leave as it was so warm and cozy there–and Tom and I just had the best time catching up with neighborhood friends. We all relished in our good fortune to be seated at the Duckworth’s Table for Valentine’s Day. Thank you Chef Ken and Family for the Best Ever Valentine’s Day Dinner!
Dan, Colleen, and Michelle
Chef Ken’s Sublime Lobster Risotto ~ Tip: order the full serving and eat half (not to worry, the portions are hugely generous). Eat the other half for lunch the following day–doubly delish! Apologies please, my grainy phone photos don’t do this favorite dish justice.
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Chocolate Amaretto Truffles and Men Trying on Valentine’s Lingerie
Happy Valentine‘s Day!
A chocolate lover’s delight ~ handmade truffles, super simple and kid fun-favorite-to-make, too!
Making truffles for my friends and loved ones tonight and keeping my fingers crossed that despite the ominous forecast, we’ll still get together this weekend. Please stay warm and cozy and safe!
Reposted from 2011.
Ingredients
Mini baking cups
2 ounces Baker’s sweet German chocolate, broken into small bits
6 ounces Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ C. Disaronno Amaretto liqueur
2 Tbs. strong coffee
Few drops almond extract
2 ounces (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
½ C. pulverized Jules Destrooper almond thins (or Anna’s, or any super fine, thin cookie)
Confectioner’s sugar to taste (approx. ¼ cup)
½ C. Ghiradelli unsweetened cocoa powder for final powdering
Melt sweet chocolate bits and semi-sweet chocolate chips over a gently simmering double boiler.
Whisk in liqueur, coffee, almond extract, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously, over gentle heat, a few minutes more until mixture is shiny and smooth. Gradually add the butter by tablespoons. With a wooden spoon, beat in the pulverized cookies. Beat in sifted confectioner’s sugar, to taste. Remove the pan from the double boiler and place in a bowl of ice with water. Stir until well chilled and firm enough to form into balls.
By teaspoonful, gather up a gob and form into a rough, truffle-like shape. Roll in cocoa powder and drop into frilled paper cup.
Makes about 22, depending on size. Refrigerate in an airtight container. They will keep for several weeks or they may be frozen. Very loosely adapted from Julia Child’s Chocolate Amaretti Truffles The Way to Cook Page 485.
* * *
Hilarious Adendum!
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For the Love of Chocolate
Maybe because Valentine’s Day is coming up….or maybe because we’ve had a gazillion feet of snow and it has been downright miserable out….either way, I’ve had chocolate on the brain.
Without getting all mushy or TMI on you, there’s something undeniably romantic (in my humble opinion) about chocolate. Not like the average box of chocolates, but like a super yummy chocolate fondue spread, a chocolate martini, or some hot chocolate coffee liquor kind of dessert in a glass…or a crazy rich and decadent gourmet chocolate mousse. That’s what I’m talking about.
And maybe a little bit of John Legend. Just saying. A girl can dream.
So, with that in mind, and while thinking about “Things to Do Over February Vacation” my mind traveled to hot cocoa. Because honestly, insert my humble rude awakening, hot cocoa with the kiddos is much more likely these days than any of the afore mentioned romantic types of chocolate indulgence.
So, on that note, I started to do some research as to where to find the best hot chocolate in Boston. Why Boston, you ask? Well, I also have a small love affair with getting over the bridge. I LOVE living here on Cape Ann, but I also adore taking the boys into the city, flying by the seat of our pants, and making a day (or even better yet…a night) of it.
So, while looking around, I stumbled on a great little piece by Boston.com and figured “Why reinvent the wheel?”
Check this link out for some of the top spots to hunker down with a giant mug of chocolate!
Some of the places look great for a day with the little ones….and some look like a perfect place to snuggle down for a while with a significant other for some quality time and warm fuzzies. You choose.
One of the top spots listed is the Langham Hotel and its Cafe Fleuri. Every Saturday from September to June they boast a Chocolate Buffet to shame all others. It isn’t cheap…and reservations are a good idea…but what a fabulous alternative to tea with a little sweetheart….or a romantic date with a grown-up one.
Take your taste buds on a decadent trip across the globe with The Langham, Boston’s famous Chocolate Bar.This season presents a new theme, the “World of Langham,” which pays homage to the upcoming 150th anniversary of The Langham, London. Featuring more than 100 chocolate dessert combinations, Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Pike feature chocolate dishes from Langham Hotels across the globe, every Saturday in the hotel’s Café Fleuri restaurant.Stations with varying levels of chocolate intensity and flavors – from white to dark and everything in between – feature a never ending supply of desserts from every continent along with local classics from the past 25 seasons including Boston crème pie, whoopie pies, brulées, bread puddings and more. Action stations feature crepes, chocolate fountains, chocolate lava cake and ice cream sundaes as a contemporary jazz band sets the tone for the afternoon.
If anyone else has great, and more local, suggestions as to where to mug up for a Winter Treat, please share and comment! There’s still several weeks to go and we need to make the most of it! We’re in this together, friends.
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Valentine’s Pop-up Coming to East Gloucester Next Weekend
Hi Joey,
I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know about an event I’m hosting with another local business on Friday night and all day Saturday.My name is Lyndsay and I make terrariums and other potted items, which I call lynzariums. I sell these to a lot of local businesses, Lula’s Pantry in Rockport, Willow Rest in Gloucester, have a booth at the Cape Ann Farmers Market during the season and do outdoor plantings for The Market in Annisquam every year. Last month I opened a planting studio in East Gloucester across from Beacon Marine, 186 East Main Street (Ken Gore’s art studio).My friend Jocelyn Pierce of Mayflour Confections will be joining me at the event, she has a commercial kitchen in Rockport and makes custom cakes and desserts for weddings and events.We will be hosting a pop up shop for Valentine’s Day, serving refreshments and selling terrariums, potted plants and succulents, cupcakes and a few other sweets. I’ve attached what we have been using on social media. I would love if you could help us spread the good word- and if you’re around, please stop in and say hello!All the best,Lyndsay and Jocelyn
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Cape Ann Bus Tale #1
I took the CATA bus to work this morning, and my driver was Gloucester’s Eddie Salah. Knowing that he owned George’s Coffee Shop on Washington Street at one time, I asked him if he was a good cook. “Hell no, I can’t even scramble an egg! Gloucester attorney Mike Faherty ordered a scrambled egg breakfast, and I had folded it over like an omlette. Mike showed me how to cook it right, and I’m sure he remembers that hilarious event. That was about 40 years ago, when I was a 17 year old trainee.” Eddie is one of the most colorful and entertaining people I’ve met, and a good driver too! Today, Georges is one of the best breakfast joints around, and is still owned and operated by a Salah. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=george’s+coffee+shop+gloucester+ma&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl
Good Morning Gloucester 