Category: Eats

SATURDAY at the Rockport Farmers Market!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

BOf3K0iCQAEyzT7The Rockport Farmers Market always provides fresh surprises. Artist Leslie Wind has stopped by a few times and done a little spinning of wool and on-the-spot knitting, which has been a great complement to all the handmade and small-batch food at the market.

More great vendors are on for this coming week, the first week in August. Pick up a little something for your weekend, whether you’re hanging out at home or headed out to the boat or the beach. The Rockport Farmers Market offers everything from lettuce to grass-fed beef to apple slaw to fresh pasta to pickles to….you get the idea!


 Vendors

Wally’s Blackburn Bistro

Seaview Farm

Prides Osteria

Sullivan’s Sugarhouse

Ma’s Tomato Marmalade

Brothers’ Brew

First Light Farms

Home Grower’s Wheelbarrow

Rockport Festivals Market booth

Twin Lights Soda

Sea Biscuit Bakery

The Big BLT at Willow Rest

Posted on by paultmorrison

Your standard BLT at Willow Rest. There are two things to add (besides the company of a blue eyed Rubber Duck).

1) Ask for the spicy mayo. (Not hot, just the right amount of tang.)

2) Grab a San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa (blood orange) with the fancy foil top out of the cooler while you wait.

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A “Signature Sandwich”, served on Ciabatta bread. The BLT and the Cuban are amazing. Unless you want to take a nap, split the Cuban with someone and have a cup of soup with it.

Willow Rest Menu

Sidewalk Bazaar Starts Tomorrow (THURS) ~ Outdoor Dining, Shopping, Music, Kid Fun & Great Prizes

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Every year the Gloucester Sidewalk Bazaar gets better.  This year, there’s an excellent music lineup all three days (see here).  Plus North Shore 104.9 will host a prize wheel at which you can win very cool prizes including fall-series concert tickets from GIMMESOUND and CDs from top local artists including Chelsea Berry, Julie Dougherty, Michael Thomas Doyle, Allen Estes, Tom Hauck, Will Hunt, Orleans “Still the One Live”, Andy Pratt, Renee & Joe and T Max!

Sista Felicia’s Cookbook Just Went over 100 Books Sold

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

If you would like to reserve your copy click here (guys, think perfect Holiday or Birthday present)  you can reserve your copy now and have a back up present ready to go in the inevitable situation when you forget.

Here’s the link-

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/95596299/sista-felicias-sicilian-cookbook?ref=category

Click to check out her video produced by our boy Craig Kimberley-

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Baked Stuffed Lobster and Oyster Beat Down With My Boys Toby and Enrico Pallazzo

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Made with Only The Finest Ingredients Including Damariscotta Oysters, Captain Joe and Sons 2.5 lb Lobsters, Entre-Deux-Mers Vino, Oysters, Crabmeat, ect, ect, ect…

video coming

Sista Felicia Thanks Her Team Who She Never Could Have Created Such A Beautiful No-Compromises Cookbook

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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She writes-

The push to finish the cookbook the past several months has been an experience I will never forget. Months ago I began assembling a team of local creative people, to help me physically bring to life my vision for my cookbook “Gifts of Gold.” Each team member is truly amazingly talented in their field, passionate about what they do, generously giving of time and resources. Working together countless hours, to make important deadlines necessary to keep the project on schedule was always done with laughter and professionalism. Everyone had the same goal, and determination to do whatever it would take to get, to have, or provide whatever was needed when we needed it. I am so very proud to live in our community surrounded by so many creative, passionate, and fun people. What “Team Sista” pulled off the past few months is simply incredibly, even more incredible is that it was all done local and on this beautiful Island of Cape Ann we all call home.
If you need any of the following services, don’t walk, run and experience firsthand how incredible they are to do business with.  My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the following people and Businesses. Please help me support them as they supported me.
 

James and Anna Eves at Cape Ann Giclee.  If you need photo editing of any kind I personally grantee they are the best of the best, dig out your old photos and get them to James.

Cathy Kelly graphic designer gifted in so many creative levels, if you need help with design for any type of publication she is awesome to work with. 

Rick Moore and Donna Ardizzoni at Circle Consultanting Group provide incredible computer services, they are the best computer problem solves.

Craig Kimberly the best videographer on planet earth his eye behind the camera is like no other!

Hannah Kimberly a gifted writer, proofreader and professional educator.

Cape Ann Museum houses so many treasure from Gloucester’s history its truly a magical place and destination must for everyone. 

Ryan Wood Distilleries, their Folly Cove Rum is delicious visit them and take a tour! 

Gail McCarthy and the Gloucester Daily Times.

Charlie Carroll Photography, his still life photos are stunning. 

Kim Smith photography, “The Butterfly Lady” you simply must see her documentary.

Audrey’s flower shop Heather, David and Dee always creating beautiful arrangements for all types of occasions. 

Gallo productions, for start of the art, top quality, video production needs.

Cruiseport Gloucester, another Gem in our city, beautiful location for celebrations. For all your beauty needs visit Soft Touch Salon, Envouge Salon, Elite Nails and Vanesssa Linquata. Kahn Studio on Rocky Neck, always a fun art gallery to visit!
Thank you for all you support
Sista Felicia

To order yours and support her effort- http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/95596299/sista-felicias-sicilian-cookbook

In Case You Didn’t Hear Sister Felicia’s Cookbook Kickstarter Project Went Live and Was Selected As A Staff Pick It The Food Category

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click here to check it out and reserve yours

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Check out the video and reserve your copy today!!!

Huge help from so many FOB’s that I’m scared to death to try to compile a list for fear of missing someone but I’m sure Felicia will put together a nice thank you soon.

Dinner Dealer Founder Jessica brand writes-

I’ve yet to meet Felicia but I have to tell you that her kickstarter video was so heartwarming. I could listen to her talk for hours. They way she talks about Italians cooking for memory, I know exactly what she means. I only lived and worked in Italy for 6 months, a long time ago, but I experienced first hand what she was talking about. So incredible, I couldn’t resist sending you a note.

Buona fortuna!

Jess

SATURDAY at the Rockport Farmers Market!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

BN7kmniCIAEz3hAExciting times coming up this Saturday! We have the Cape Ann Waldorf School joining us to offer a fun, food-related activity for kids. And we also have Alek Razdan, who is just an amazing musician, playing a set or two for market-goers. Wally’s Blackburn Bistro will be on hand with coffee to jump start your morning (or afternoon), and Sea Biscuit Bakery is back with their amazing bread and granola. And those are just a few of the amazingly delicious items on offer this week! Don’t forget to pick up fresh produce from Mike of First Light Farms. He manages to bring beautiful produce week after week, no matter the growing conditions. We’re so happy that Mike, along with our other hard-working vendor — all of whom offer delicious, high quality items — are a part of the Rockport Farmers Market!

p.s. After selling out the first week they went on sale, reusable Rockport Farmers Market totes are back! Pick up yours this weekend at the market and fill it with good things to eat…


 Vendors

Seaview Farm

Prides Osteria

Sullivan’s Sugarhouse

Ma’s Tomato Marmalade

First Light Farms

Home Grower’s Wheelbarrow

Rockport Festivals Market booth

Batter Up Bakery

Sea Biscuit Bakery

Wally’s Blackburn Bistro

 

Musician

Alek Razdan

 

Children’s Activity

Cape Ann Waldorf School

You’ve been Hearing About It For 2 Years- Sista Felicia’s Cookbook Kickstarter is Finally Live!!!!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click here to check it out and reserve yours

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Check out the video and reserve your copy today!!!

A unique & colorful cookbook that will bring to life lost recipes & traditions from my Sicilian kitchen to yours. My Gifts of Gold!

Funds raised through Kickstarter will allow me to realize the first step in my dream of publishing a series of four cookbooks that includes recipes and stories I learned growing up in a Sicilian family. When I became a mother of twins, I was compelled to collect the stories and the recipes I felt were being left behind because I wanted my children to be raised with all the same traditions and rich cultural heritage I had experienced.

What started out as a gift for my children quickly evolved into a hardcover 250 plus page restoration of Sicilian culture and foods. Through my cooking videos onGoodMorningGloucester.org and Media Program Network (MPN), a demand has developed for a text copy version of all my recipes so they may be shared with others within my community and beyond.

My first book is ready for print; it is written, is loaded with photographs, and awaits funding. Monies raised will pay for current  expenses related to editing, book design and layout, photography, and publication.

With your help, Kickstarter will enable me to bring my passion for all things Sicilian to your kitchen to share with your loved ones. This book embodies my commitment to ensure the past is not lost but is forever saved for future generations.

“Spirit of Gloucester Cocktail Contests” Crowns Champion Mixologist- Felicia Grossi Of Alchemy Bistro

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Champion mixologist, Felicia Grossi Of Alchemy Bistro, was announced today at Ryan & Wood Distillery as the winner of the first “Spirit of Gloucester Cocktail Contests” with her drink “Simpler Tides”. The contest is being held at each of the 3 Downtown Gloucester Block Parties of 2013 and Block Party Organizers designed it to increase the synergy and camaraderie between the Sponsoring Supporter Ryan and Wood Distillery, local restaurants and the block party participants.

For More information about Gloucester’s Ryan and Wood Distillery Check Out Their Very Informative Website Here http://www.ryanandwood.com/

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Gloucester mixologists in the block party were challenged to create a winning cocktail using Ryan & Wood’s Folly Cove™ Rum and these restaurants rose to the challenge: Short & Main, Dogbar, Giuseppes, Ohana, Topside Grill, Alchemy and Lat43.

Ryan & Wood is a local distillery based in Blackburn Industrial Park whose owners Bob and Kathy Ryan are natives of Gloucester. The Ryans branded the name of each of the participating 7 restaurants on an oak cask which they placed side by side at their Block Party table on Main Street. Partygoers were encouraged to go and try a sample of the different drinks at each restaurant, which were also offered on the menus in a full-size for purchase. They then voted for their favorite concoction by placing a wooden nickel, distributed to the restaurants by the sponsor, in that restaurant’s cask.

Over 400 people voted in the spirited contest, which is an astonishing 20%, assuming even that 2000 people attended the first block party.

The contest was feverish and the vote was close. Grossi’s success was said to be due to her careful research of the rum, and a team effort in which Owner and Serenitee Executive Chef Jeff Calas suggested his favorite drink “Pain Killer” as the inspiration; Restaurant General Manager Danny came up with the drink name and Alchemy Executive Chef Scott Jensen added the final “Midas Touch” with his special, traditional Italian meringue which Grossi torched into a brulee before garnishing it with a fresh-cut flower.

Bob Ryan expressed his gratitude and amazement when he said “This was about Gloucester for Gloucester and everybody contributed. I had not realized how much the staff of each restaurant would have to do to get the thing going. I had friends tell me that they went into restaurants they had never been in, to try the cocktails, so I do think these great efforts were rewarded.”

Gloucester Downtown Block Party Committee Head Valerie Marcley commented “This contest fits into our block party criteria for any sponsor or event: It has to be free, fun and adds to the party. Stay tuned for the GDBP August 17th contest, featuring Ryan and Wood’s Beauport Gin™.”

A Huge Thank You To Our Buddy EJ and The Castle Manor Inn

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

EJ put on a spectacular show at Castle Manor Inn, curating the East Meets West show showcasing 8 of of fellow East Gloucester artists traversing the Great City and showcasing in West Gloucester’s castle Manor Inn.

First off the castle Manor Inn might be my first choice for a summer soirée out on that back covered deck.  the views, the set-up, the food- all spectacular.  Joey C A+ recommendation.

But on top of that I can’t thank our buddy EJ for all the hard work she put in curating this show.

I don’t sing her praises nearly enough.  But she really is one very special lady for all she does not only for herself but for everyone around her.

Thanks Laura Baker from Castle Manor and Thanks EJ

You rock!

Killer Beer Battered Fish Tacos at The Castle Manor Inn

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Marshall’s Farm Stand has a Farmers Market at Gorton’s

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Anthony Marks writes-

Hi Joey
In case anyone misses the farmers market on Thursdays at Stage Fort
Park, Marshall’s Farm Stand has a farmers market at Gorton’s on Rogers
Street every Monday and Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. I tried their
native corn and it was sweet and tender! It’s the best i have had this
season.
    Best, Anthony

Note from Joey C:

Check out The Marshall’s Farm Stand Website

www.marshallsfarmstand.com

they also have a CSA which you can find out about here 

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The Great Gloucester Steak Bomb Challenge

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Directed by Joey Ciaramitaro, with thanks to judges Ed Collard, Chris DeWolfe, Craig Kimberley, and Brian O’Connor. Special thanks to Alicia and Chris at Mamie’s Kitchen for hosting the challenge. Thanks to Bex and Toby for all their help with keeping the competition organized.

The top four Steak Bomb challengers, voted for by the Good Morning Gloucester community, are: Cape Ann Brewing, Captain Hooks, Destino’s, and Leonardo’s.

Music ~

James Bond Theme (Dr. No)

Peter Gunn Theme

Mambo Italiano Dean Martin

Produced by Kim Smith for Good Morning Gloucester

Judges Ed Collard, Chris DeWolfe, Brian O’Connor and Craig Kimberley took their judging duty very seriously.  The one part I would say would not be a fair comparison is Cape Ann brewing based on price since their price includes fries, slaw and a pickle.  However even if you threw the value category out Cape Ann Brewing would have come in last.

Captain Hooks wins People Choice with far and away most number of nominations.

Overall Best Gloucester Steak Bomb Challenge winner Based on Value, Taste, Packaging,  Lack of Sogginess and Equal Distribution of Meat is Destinos.

Once again it was noted by all four judges that each one of these subs was a winner.  To be nominated out of all the incredible sub shops in Gloucester is in itself a testament to how great each one of these Steak Bombs are and Cape Ann Brewing, Captain Hooks, Leonardos and Destinos all deserve accolades

Thanks To Mamie’s Kitchen for providing a neutral stage for judging.  Thanks to our sub picker uppers.  thanks to Kim Smith for filming (look for her awesome video Thursday).

You’d be happy to patronize any of these fine eateries.  Today at Mamie’s Kitchen Chris will be serving up his killer Cheese Steak Sub in honor of yesterday’s competition.

Dramatic Come From Behind Win For Newly Crowned GMG Gloucester Steak Bomb Champ Destinos!!!!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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After four rounds it looked like Captain Hooks Had It In The Bag But in the Final Taste Round (accounting for 40% of the scores) Destinos Pulled Out A Dramatic Come From Behind Win.

We had Bex, Chris DeWolfe, Kim Smith and Brianmoc go in for the sub pick-ups last night.  Brought the subs in and weighed and recorded the weights and sequestered the judges in a separate room while we marked each sub Sub A, Sub B, Sub C and Sub D to insure no bias and a blind tasting.

Judges Ed Collard, Chris DeWolfe, Brian O’Connor and Craig Kimberley took their judging duty very seriously.  The one part I would say would not be a fair comparison is Cape Ann brewing based on price since their price includes fries, slaw and a pickle.  However even if you threw the value category out Cape Ann Brewing would have come in last.

Captain Hooks wins People Choice with far and away most number of nominations.

Overall Best Gloucester Steak Bomb Challenge winner Based on Value, Taste, Packaging,  Lack of Sogginess and Equal Distribution of Meat is Destinos.

Once again it was noted by all four judges that each one of these subs was a winner.  To be nominated out of all the incredible sub shops in Gloucester is in itself a testament to how great each one of these Steak Bombs are and Cape Ann Brewing, Captain Hooks, Leonardos and Destinos all deserve accolades

Thanks To Mamie’s Kitchen for providing a neutral stage for judging.  Thanks to our sub picker uppers.  thanks to Kim Smith for filming (look for her awesome video Thursday).

You’d be happy to patronize any of these fine eateries.  Today at Mamie’s Kitchen Chris will be serving up his killer Cheese Steak Sub in honor of yesterday’s competition.

 

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The scoring sheet from last night-

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Susie and Her 6 Foot Lobster Roll

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I went to a friends cookout and another friend of mine Darren Surette made this giant 20 some pound cheese burger. I told him at my next cookout I would have to out do his burger. So with much thought i decided to make a 6 foot lobster roll. Joe Virgillio made the 6ft roll for me and 30 lobsters later a 6ft lobster roll was born. What a sweet sound it was when Darren spoke those words~~ Yes, Susie you won !!

971932_120327491508276_773489952_n974087_10201480190790203_414965472_n1044770_633797633299211_704172299_nLOBSTA ROLL 2lobstaroll 1

Don’t even think about the weather — just get out and have fun tonight!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

HarborLoopCrowdJust because you can get the weather on your phone doesn’t mean the prediction has gotten any better.  As of right now, tonight’s Harbor Loop Concert is cancelled due to bad weather.  It was raining when we talked to Bradley Royds about this, but the sun is coming out now.  You just never know what’s going to happen, so be sure to check the local live music listings for last minute changes.

Gloucester weather may be unpredictable, but here’s a prediction you can count on: You can go out tonight — every night — and have a great time without even knowing what the weather will be.  This is the advantage of living in a town with a vibrant music, entertainment & cultural scene —  something Patty Hecht pointed out at last night’s Downtown Visioning Meeting at City Hall (see Joey’s interview with Patty @ 191 Main St. here).

So don’t fret about it.  Just go downtown.  If the weather cooperates, you can sit, eat and be entertained outside.  If not, you can stroll around in the rain (kinda fun in the summer) and pop in and out of all the restaurants offering music until the wee hours of tomorrow morning (see schedule here).   And don’t forget to be grateful that you live here.

Uhmmmm, Tomorrow Is The Cape Ann Farmer’s Market–Must Attend IMO

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Don’t be the dope that misses out.

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Like ‘em https://www.facebook.com/CapeAnnFarmersMarket

It’s one of those things.  You go and it’s beautiful weather, in a beautiful location, surrounded by a ton of super friendly people.  Maybe you buy a bunch of stuff, maybe you don’t but I guarantee that you’ll be glad you went.

You can’t help but enjoy the positivity and smiles all over that place.

Rumor Has It Sista Felicia’s Iced Tea Will Be Served.

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