Category: Eats

HUGE REMATCH RESCHEDULED – Sugar Mags vs. Classic Cooks Tomorrow (Thursday) at 4pm

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

OK, you’ve waited patiently now for 4 weeks to see this epic rematch and tomorrow is the day — 4pm Stage Fort Park — weather looks great — and we have a special twist:  Thursday’s throwdown will help answer the question How does local seafood affect the health and diet of young people?  In addition to the pro judges (Lara Lepionka of Backyard Growers and Beacon Street Farm and Hallie Baker of Turtle Alley Chocolates) we’ll have 3 youth judges who will make sure the chefs’ creations are compatible with young people’s palates — a very tall order, indeed.  So bring your kids and get them to try the dishes too.

Here’s a video that Joey made of the last contest between these two culinary giants (check out the end of the video where Angela Sanfilippo tells you what to do with the head of a hake — delicious!)

And here’s the press release from Niaz Dorry of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, who sponsors the throwdowns:

Seafood Throwdown Brings Unique Partnership to Farmers Market
Highlights Local Seafood in Healthcare Industry’s Purchasing Decisions

 Gloucester, MA – Seafood Throwdown, a unique cooking competition that highlights the importance of local seafood in restoring a healthy ocean ecosystem, is back at Cape Ann Farmers Market on Thursday, August 23, 2012 with a twist: focus of this Throwdown will be to highlight the role of local seafood in young people’s health and diet while showcasing the work underway to assist healthcare industry in shifting their buying practices to support locally caught seafood. The Cape Ann Farmers’ Market and the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance have sponsored Seafood Throwdowns for the past four years to raise awareness about why “Who Fishes Matters.”

This Thursday’s event is a rematch between Classic Cooks and Sugar Mags. Last year’s Seafood Throwdown winner Julie Ann Geary of Classic Cooks Catering will be joined by Justin Grandin of The Happy Taco food truck. They will compete against 5 time winner Sugar Mags who will be featuring Lidia Sands and Sandro Carvalho with owner Missy Hart cheering from the sidelines … download the full press release PDF here.

After the throwdown, be sure to stay in town for a night of great music at 10 local venues.  See the full music lineup here.

Mile marker 1 Serving Breakfast 7 Days A Week

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Tobin writes-

Hey Joey,

So a lot of people now know that Mile Marker One serves Lunch & Dinner. However they might not know that we now serve BREAKFAST too!  Can you please help us out and shout out to all your GMG fans.

– Breakfast is served EVERYDAY starting at 7am.

– Directly on the water on our  River Deck or inside our new year-round dining room.

There is no view like the Mile Marker One view for a waterfront breakfast where you can watch the sunrise over the Blynman Bridge and enjoy your fresh brewed coffee and watch the waterfront start to bustle.  

Items you that might interest you include: Our Huevos Rancheros, Lumper’s Picnic, Lobster Benny, Annisquam (smoked salmon) omelet, or our Funky Monkey Pancakes to name a few.

Mile Marker One also serves lunch and dinner 11:30am-10pm.

Just looking for a place to have a drink? Hang out on our Bridge Deck, chill in our Adirondack chairs. Or hang in our Pool Bar and watch our new 60” flat screen TV. Live music continues Thurs-Sunday on our Bridge deck. Check out our entertainment schedule at www.MMarker1.com

Thanks!

Tobin Dominick

Mile Marker One – Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

FINALLY……You too can have a chance to see Sista Felicia in action and be a part of a Traditional Sicilian Dinner Preparation

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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After repeated requests, lots of begging, and downright cooking-night crashers…Sista Felicia has agreed to open her kitchen to the public.

Felicia will be cooking in her kitchen, with friends and family, at least 2 x a week and you now have an opportunity to watch Felicia in action, help with the food preparation, and finally eat all together at her famous dining room table.

The menus will be set with Mohan/Ciaramitaro traditional family favorites such as Sunday Zuggo, Braciule, and Meatballs, Dishes created from Gloucester’s Local Waters, Arancini Rice Balls and Pasta Bolognese Sauce, Chicken and Beef Speddini and Pasta, Homemade Pasta (Mmm), Homemade Sausage, Zucchini Night with 4-5 different Zucchini recipes, or Mudiga Bread Crumbs, Steaks, and Sangies.

Every meal will be accompanied by pre-dinner nibbles, specialty side salad, bread and dessert of Felicia’s choice. You will literally be eating your way through the evening.
The choices will be endless and you can feel free to request items you have seen on the Good Morning Gloucester blog site. You may also feel free to bring your favorite Italian wine or spirits to accompany your meal.

The Demonstration Classes will kick off on Wednesday, September 12th, at 6:30 PM… with Felicia’s all time favorite meal of a Traditional Sicilian Dinner. The cost will be $75 a person and the Space is Limited to 10 people.

Menus and Dates for Future Classes will be posted on Sista Felicia’s Kitchen’s Facebook Page and Good Morning Gloucester.

Special Demonstration Nights for Groups of 10 can be arranged.

To reserve your spot in Sista Felicia’s Kitchen….email sistafeliciaskitchen@gmail.com
Hope to see you there.
Mangia!!!

Susan McGee asks About Vegetarian Restaurant offerings Around Gloucester For her Visit

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Hello Joey,

How lucky I am to have stumbled upon your Interactive Eats page!  Great work!  I could use some of your help, if you have a few minutes. 

I have enjoyed several trips to Gloucester with visiting friends (we are in Salem, NH).  Very soon my family will be visiting and we want to explore Gloucester during the Schooner Festival.  We have an 87 year old Mom with us, so we are limited in speed and distance for walking.  We are planning to get to Gloucester early, and base ourselves around the Harbor Loop, take the water taxi for some easy water time to view the schooners, and go to different locations in Gloucester in the water taxi. 

Here is where I need your help – Do you know of any good places to eat that have at least a few vegetarian dishes?  While I am a huge seafood fan, one person is not, so ideally there is a place with good seafood and other options for vegetarians as well.  My plan is to park at Harbor Loop.  Hopefully we will find suitable parking if we get there early enough.  Maybe the water taxi goes to some great place within the harbor?

In the meantime, I will go through all the listings in your map and check out their menus.  Just thought you might know of something off the top of your head.  Thanks so  much for putting the map together!

Susan McGee

Anyone have some good suggestions for Susan?  Pipe right up in the comment section of this post.

Gloucester Waterfront Festival

Posted on by Matthew Green

There is still time to make it to the Gloucester waterfront festival! It continues today until 6PM.

Not marbles – water pearls!

Click here for a slideshow of some more of the neat people and products I ran into yesterday:

Community Stuff 8/19/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey,

Essex County Trail Association is having a surf-themed fundraiser party on September 7th in Hamilton.  Both of the bands playing are local Gloucester bands – The Runaround Sound and Johnny Carwash.  Dom from Cape Ann S.U.P. is helping out with decorations and promotions, and he and one of our board members, Dan Mayer, suggested that I contact you to see if you would be willing to spread the word about this event on your blog and Facebook page.

We’re really excited about this event – it should be a great night!

Here are the links to the party web page and the raffle web page:

http://ecta27.camp7.org/events?eventId=521400&EventViewMode=EventDetails

http://ecta27.camp7.org/events?eventId=525273&EventViewMode=EventDetails

If you need more information, I would be happy to give you more details.  You can email me, or call my cell at 978-500-4014.

We really appreciate your help!

Ashley Hill
Outreach Coordinator
Essex County Trail Association

EPDS is having a Free Kid’s Science and Arts Activity Day on Tuesday 8/21 from 2-6.

The Annisquam Exchange, 32 Leonard St., is having a red dot sale on antiques and collectibles beginning Friday, August 24. Select merchandise and jewelry on sale and 15% off our inventory of Annisquam merchandise. The annual furniture sale will take place Saturday, September 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the schoolyard. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Annisquam Exchange, a community-based nonprofit organization, offers antiques, collectibles, linens, cards and gifts.Call 978-281-0358.

 

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WHAT:                 Each month throughout the summer, Chef Frank McClelland hosts a themed dinner at his home on Apple Street Farm to showcase the farm’s seasonal and organic produce, protein and eggs. For the month of August, Chef has designed a four-course meal inspired by the versatile tomato. Rather than farm-to-table, the Festival of Tomatoes Dinner will bring the table, and the guests, to the farm for an evening of wine, moonlight, and tomatoes.

Guests are encouraged to explore the beautiful grounds while enjoying cocktails and savory hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs of L’Espalier and Sel de la Terre restaurants. Seated under the moonlight, guests will enjoy an evening of the freshest fare Chef McClelland has to offer. The Festival of Tomatoes menu includes:

WHEN:                 August 24 & 25

                                5:30 p.m. arrival

6:30 p.m. dinner begins

WHERE:               Apple Street Farm

                                35 Apple Street

                                Essex, MA 01929

Other:                   Tickets to this event are $175.00 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Space is limited so call L’Espalier at 617-262-3023 to make a reservation.

Dinners will be held rain or shine.

 

For more information, please visit: www.applestreetfarm.com.

Hi Joey,
We have two opportunities for kids this week at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.  One is Tues. & Thurs. morning, poetry and art combined with artist/teacher Jayne Lacey.  The other is drawing and painting with artist/teacher Ed Touchette on Wednesday morning.  Kids can register through the Rocky Neck Art Colony website – www.rockyneckartcolony.org, click on CALENDAR, and register directly with the teachers – info is all there and space is limited!
Thank you, as ever!
Karen

Jayne Lacey’s 2 Day Poetry/Art Workshop for Ages 9-13

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 and Thursday, August 23, 2012 from 10:00am to 11:30am. Cost: $25.00 (this includes the cost of all materials) For more information, please call 978-283-9026 or jaynela@gmail.com .

     Poetry is an accessible mode of writing for children with all ranges of writing abilities. Whether an apprehensive or a confident writer, finding success in creating poems is possible for all.
     This workshop is designed to bring a sense of fun, satisfaction, and pride for each child. The timing may be perfect for the transition back to school. Children will enjoy the process of coming up with ideas, choosing words, playing with language, and ultimately creating a small portfolio of poetry. Simple art projects will be used to enhance the presentation of the poems.
Jayne Lacey is a Boston Public School teacher, a writer, and a resident of Gloucester.

Watercolor Art Class with Ed Touchette for Ages 7-14

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Cost is $25.00 per student.
All fees benefit the Cultural Center. Contact: Ed Touchette at eddesign@nii.net

Auction for the W.Gloucester Trin. Cong. church ends tomorrow. Great local items.
Easy to bid just register online. Just click on the following link to see.
http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=161214803

After Hours at the Cape Ann Museum

Posted on by Matthew Green

If you were not at the Cape Ann Museum Summer “After Hours” event last Thursday, August 16, you really missed out!  This museum is one of the under-recognized jewels in Cape Ann’s cultural crown.

There was great music, great food from Alchemy,  live music/dance pieces featuring Sara Slifer, Kristen Miller, and 3rian King… and the personable staff and breathtaking art that you can always find at the Cape Ann Museum. Here are some photos.

Their next event is today at 3PM:

Elyssa East, author of Dogtown: Death and Enchantment in a New England Ghost Town, will discuss Hartley’s sixteen-year relationship with Cape Ann and how it changed his life and work. $10 Museum members; $15 nonmembers. Reservations are required; to make a reservation please call (978)283-0455 x16 or email info@capeannmuseum.org. Dogtown Lecture series generously sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank.

– Fr. Matthew Green

Big weekend starts NOW ~ Get ready to DANCE, PARTY, SHOP & WIN with this Classic, Camera-Swinging Video!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

It all starts tonight with live music at 14 venues.  See the full schedule here.  Don’t worry about sleep (“I’ll sleep when I’m dead” – who said that?  Leave a comment if you know).  Get up tomorrow (Saturday) morning and go to the Rotary Pancake Breakfast — best deal in town and for a good cause.  To get you in the right spirit, I thought it would be fun to reprise Ed Collard’s classic, camera-swinging coverage from 2010 (pants, shoes, turf & all).

Once you’re full of pancakes, walk down to the Waterfront Festival (click the STOP button on the video camera before you start walking — unlike Ed).

Be sure to stop by the GMG booth where you can enter to Win 2 free tickets to ORLEANS at North Shore Music Theatre PLUS 2 Killer GMG Mason Jars of Iced Tea.

Head right from the Waterfront festival to the Block Party for an evening of al fresco dining, dancing, shopping, music, kids’ games & prizes, street performers, life-sized street chess, robot squirt gun fights & more.

Then take the Block Party inside @ 8 local clubs until the wee hours.  Check the complete live music listings for Saturday here.  You’re guaranteed to find something you like — even if you don’t like to party.

How many people went to the last Block Party?

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

TONS!  As you can see by this photo of a small section of Main St.  The whole street was this packed.

Small section of Main St @ Downtown Gloucester Block Party July 21, 2012

These block parties just keep getting bigger … and bigger … and bigger.  More music, more dancing, more dining, more kid shows … you get the picture.

If you were there in July, you know what we’re talking about.   If not, come down tomorrow and you’ll see what we mean.

And speaking of Kid activities: Just look at this photo to the right.  Kids with painted faces, balloons in hand playing chess after dark in the middle of the street!  How cool is that?  Only in Glosta!

Be sure to visit Kid Town run by YMCA Kid & Teen Guru, Rick Doucette, who also makes all the balloon animals.

See complete the Block Party Schedule and more info here.

Sista Felicia Pasta Bolognese Featured on GDT

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Click here for the entire story video and recipe at the Gloucester Daily Times Site

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August 15, 2012

Bolognese Sauce

By Times StaffGloucester Daily Times

There are many variations for what is known as Bolognese sauce, and every Italian American home usually has its own.

Felicia Ciaramitaro Mohan’s version is typical. In her home, as in most other Italian American homes that take their Italian food seriously, it is a staple sauce, especially for the traditional Sunday dinners.

Felicia says that the best way to think of this sauce is as “a meat sauce, it is thick and not juicy.” There are two types of meat — ground hamburger and ground veal — but relatively little tomato sauce.

“I use it as the stuffing along with some peas for my arancini,” she says. “It is almost always served on pasta for Sunday dinner as well.”

Pizza from Mike’s Place

Posted on by Matthew Green

First, thanks to those who prayed for me this week while I was on retreat.  I got a good spiritual boost!

This evening, after my return, Fr. John Kiley (the pastor) and I decided to have pizza for dinner.  We have a sort of tradition of getting onion & roasted red pepper pizza from Sebastian’s (58 Washington Street).  However, after six phone calls I still could not get through to them, so we decided to try the same kind of pizza, but from Mike’s Place this time. I’ve read good reviews here on GMG and elsewhere, and it’s right around the corner from the rectory.

The pizza was ready on time, fresh and hot, and the staff were busy but friendly.

It tasted as good as it looked. It was especially good with a bottle of Gloucester Soda which I bought at the street bazaar.

In short, since the pizza was great, and the location is very convenient with respect to the parish rectory (and they have sufficient parking), Fr. John and I will probably start to frequent Mike’s Place more often!

-Fr. Matthew Green

Cooking with "the Godmother" From Sista Felicia

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Joey,

OMG! what a night !

Rosalia Favazza & Pietra Locontro Twin Sisters ( who both had twins themselves) & the Sefatia" The godmother….

I cant she the recipes now with the public but will in the cookbook!

cooking with sefita aug 8 2012 110cooking with sefita aug 8 2012 123cooking with sefita aug 8 2012 126cooking with sefita aug 8 2012 189

Baccala recipes from Sefatia Romeo and Mark McDonough at yesterday’s Harbor Walk Ribbon Cutting

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Right after the ribbon cutting and before Mayor Kirk led us on the walk, I had a chance to try the salt cod, a.k.a. baccala, get a preview of the dish that is available at Latitude 43 (while supplies last) and a lesson on how to prepare baccala from Sefatia.  Enjoy!

If you listen carefully you can hear Bob Ryan (of CATA) in the background while Sefatia is talking — explaining the origin of the word “Stage” in “Stage Fort Park”.  Leave us a comment if you know why it’s called “Stage Fort Park”.

In the video, Sefatia references a cooking show she taped with Sista Felicia.  See that show in the three videos below

Tree-top Dining at the 7th Wave Restaurant

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Snapshots from one of our favorite restaurants, the 7th Wave, Rockport, on Tuna Wharf. Disclaimer: Our son Alex Hauck is a chef there, nonetheless, we wouldn’t go if the food was anything but super delicious.

The atmosphere is so pleasant–relaxing, family friendly, and with lovely views all around. The wait staff is a great bunch of young college students and Elaine, the owner, always stops by to say hello. Pictured are just some of the yummy dishes from their eclectic seafood menu. We always ask what station Alex is working–sautee, grill, fry, etc. and place our orders based on what he is cooking that evening. The seafood is fried to perfection–the most beautiful golden orange brown-and simply out of this world.

Fabulous seafood medley of fresh calamari, shrimp, scallops, and clams

Mussels Fra Diavolo–and yes, the broth truly is ‘Fra Diavolo,’ or Brother Devilishly Hot! The Chef says he uses both red hot chilies and habaneros.

My kids just love it when I pull out the camera.

Charming Cottage Garden Rockport

Lovely mature catalpa tree shading gallery entrance, Bearskin Neck, Rockport

SAVOUR WINE AND CHEESE – BEACH GOURMET (Making Progress)!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

I am writing to give you a quick update regarding the progress of Savour Wine and Cheese and Beach Gourmet toward the reopening of our businesses in the new location at 76 Prospect St. in Gloucester.
We are actually about 75% of the way there. Bob and I purchased the Connors building in March, have completed demolition (which included removing 5 layers of flooring), as well as rough plumbing, electrical, architectural plans, and insulation. And the wine machines have been ordered! We have passed the plumbing and electrical inspections and are now ready to start on dry wall, cabinets, shelving, kitchen equipment, fireplace, and many other wonderful things that will make this a great place to visit, linger over a glass of wine, taste artisanal cheeses and gourmet foods, and even to experience an outstanding evening at the private chef’s table. There is nothing like this on Cape Ann, or on the whole North Shore. So, Bob, Matt, John, and I are incredibly excited.

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As far as we have come, we have hit a very challenging "bump in the road." We finally heard back from the insurance company. The news was more than disappointing. As a result of significant errors, we had to file our claim with our insurance agency’s liability carrier (for "errors and omissions"). This took over 8 months, and in the end, we received an offer that was less than 3% of the claim. We have rejected this offer and have obtained legal counsel. This was devastating to us as we were counting on these funds to move forward and finally reopen.

Savour Keystone Investors Card

Despite all of the progress we have made so far, the reality of the situation is that we are going to have to raise more capital if we are going to get our doors open for the fall quarter. This is an important goal as both Beach Gourmet and Savour need the holiday season to get us back on our feet. Many people have asked how they can help get us up and running again, including investing in the businesses. To help bridge the gap of financial uncertainty as we fight with the insurance company, we have decided to extend a limited, one-time offer to some of our greatest supporters. We are offering, for purchase, discount cards of 5% at a cost of $1000,10% for $2500, and 15% for $5000, applied to all retail items, including wine, cheese, charcuterie, wine tools, pantry items, and books. Even special orders are included. These discounts cards will not expire. I should mention that they cannot be combined with sales and other discounts because that could result in selling alcohol below costs, which is illegal in Massachusetts. We are limiting these special discount cards to approximately 15 in each category, as we do not want to hinder the long-term health of the business. So we are extending this first to our most ardent supporters.
We never expected this outcome from our insurance leaving us in the position of having to raise additional capital. We are anxious to be open for the crucial Fall Season, so that all of us (Matt, John, Skip, Tonya, Patsy, and myself) can get back to work, doing what we love and bringing you some of the best food and wine in the area.
So, please consider purchasing a "Keystone Investors" discount card. This is a long-term investment in local business, in your community, and in "raising the bar" for exceptional food and wine on Cape Ann. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers, words of encouragement, and constant, unfailing support. It means the world to all of us.
If you would like to become a "keystone investor" of Savour Wine and Cheese and receive a lifetime discount, you can send a check, made out to "Savour" in the amount that corresponds to the discount card you choose, to:

Savour
Kathleen Erickson
17 Rowe Point
Rockport, Ma. 01966

I will give you a receipt with a written explanation of the "keystone investors" program and will have a discount card made for you. We will also provide a personal guarantee that if, for whatever reason, Savour does not open within a year, you may opt to receive a full refund. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to discuss the idea and wish us well!

Kathleen Erickson, "The Wine Ph.D."
978 546-3549 – home
312 286-1924 – cell

(Oh by the way – we have a record of all gift certificates and wine club memberships Savour sold during the 10 weeks we were open, and will honor them when we reopen. Also, if you are a wine club member, your club card will work in the new machines. They do not expire, so hang on to them)!