Category: Gloucester Perspectives Interviews

GMG Q&A With Kenny MacCarthy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)

thecutbridge.com . It’s a great show.

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

8 years. I was living in Magnolia for the first 3 months then my condo burned down.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Hmmm. REALLY hard to pick. Just one? Summer.

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

Yup. The path from Castlewiew Dr. through the marsh then out onto Coffin Beach. Great beach to run and walk. And the small beach/path next to Done Fudgin’.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Lately it’s Mike’s. Tends to change, though.
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
Don’t eat a lot of subs. But I love a “St. Joes on a roll” at Virgillios. The
chicken roll ups at Jim’s Donuts are great, too.
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?
The floor in front of our fireplace.

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

Last time I drank in Gloucester was at Little Earls. Remember that stainless steel dance floor.  Sheeesh. What a mess.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Sugar Mags.

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

The Wet Paint Auction at NS Arts and the Horribles Parade.

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Hmmm. Depends on who I’m with. Can’t run away on a boat. 🙂

Who is your favorite local artist?

This’ll get me in trouble. We own works by several but love ’em all. My favorites, alphabetically: Paul Ciaramitaro, Luisa Cleaves, Eddie Herman, Laurel Hughes, Ruth Mordecai, Melody Phaneuf, Patty Sullivan, Jeff Weaver

Which is your favorite local beach?

Coffin’s Beach

Who has the best chowder in town?

The Causeway.

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
Nope. Love ’em both.

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

Lots of fun to walk around, watch the people, yak with neighbors, eat a cannoli.  Tough night to sit down and eat. Not sure how the restauranteurs can cure that. Prep work must be horrendous.

What is your favorite local band?

Any band with a bagpiper. Don’t think we have one, do we?

Thanks, Joey

GMG Q&A Robert Newton- Head Cheese At The Cape Ann Community Cinema

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)
NorthShoreMovies.net. I’m wrangling all my unemployed movie critic friends to produce reviews and movie-related content.

How long have you lived in Gloucester?
Since the spring, but summers since birth. Actually, since before that. I’m pretty sure I was conceived in a cottage on Wheeler’s Point on Memorial Day in 1968.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?
The fall, after the tourists and before the freeze.
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?
Lighthouse Beach after dark at low tide, when the bioluminescent microorganisms in the sand glow when you step on the soft damp sand, crushing their tiny, tiny exoskeletons.
What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?
Sebastian’s. Best sauce ever. I think it comes from Heaven.
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
Virgilio’s, and not just because it’s next door.
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?
Squam Rock, despite the lingering fear of tripping and falling to my death.
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?
I’m not a big drinker, but Dog Bar sure does make good sandwiches.
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?
Two Sisters, and not just because it’s on my walk to work.
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?
I love the community vibe of the Block Parties, and the total chaos of Fiesta.
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?
I’m a delicate flower and don’t take sun well, but give me a burn on a boat any day.
Who is your favorite local artist?
Haig Demarjian. His creations fascinate and scare me. His giant “Phantom” is looking at me right now.
Which is your favorite local beach?
Good Harbor. Egg salad sandwiches and Lik-A-Maids from the snack bar make some of my favorite childhood memories.
Who has the best chowder in town?
Last Stop. One of the things I miss most about showing movies in East Gloucester.
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?
Kenny MacCarthy’s BlynmanWatch.com
Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
Clam chowder, no question about it (and do I even need to say “not Manhattan“?)
What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?
Extremely well organized, and I look forward to seeing them grow.
What is your favorite local band?
What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? Their debut album is a work of friggin’ aht.

GMG Q&A With Rocky Neck Artist In Residence Melinda Hannigan

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)
My website is www.melindahannigan.com

How long have you lived in Gloucester?
One month.
What is your favorite season In Gloucester?
Right now.
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?
Why would I want to get away?
What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?
I’ve only been to Sebastiani’s and it was great.
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
Oh dear.  Have a missed a Gloucester specialty?  I have a few more days here.  How about you telling me where I can get the best sub in Gloucester?
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?
How about a picnic at the beach: wine, great sandwhiches and soup from the Last Stop, chocolate cake from Charlies.
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?
The Rudder.  Not only do they make me welcome but I can stagger home after one of their martini’s without driving.
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?
I do my internet at the Lone Gull and have enjoyed their scones.
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?
I wish I had been here for the schooner fest.
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?
Maybe next time I am in Gloucester I will be here during the summer and would love to explore by boat.
Who is your favorite local artist?
This is hard. Rocky Neck has so many talented artists. But I would say the work of Ruth Mordecai suits my sensibilities.
Which is your favorite local beach?
Good Harbor.  What a treasure.  Puget Sound has so few sandy beaches.
Who has the best chowder in town?
I have made it my mission to have chowder everywhere I go.  I can assure you Gloucesterites that nothing in the seafood capital of the West Coast,  Seattle, compares with even the most mediocre chowder in Gloucester.  I’ve had so much chowder at so many places that I can’t pick a favorite.
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?
Is there another local blog?

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
I love clam chowder.
What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?
I wish I had made it to one but I saw the photos on the GMG blog.
What is your favorite local band?
I play doghouse bass.  Next visit maybe I could jam with the locals
Thanks, Joey

GMG Q&A -Gloucester Gran Prix Organizer Sherri Curcuru

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Don’t forget to check out today and tomorrow’s Gloucester Gran Prix.  i know the weather sucks today but don’t forget- there’s a Beer Tent!

Good Morning Gloucester Questionnaire

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

20 years 

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Fall

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

Ravenswood

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?


Delaneys

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Blyman Canal at Sunset ( spectacular)

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

Franklin

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Sugar Mags

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

All of them

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Beach

Who is your favorite local artist?

To many good ones to have a favorite

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?

Lobsta Land

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

Don’t have one

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Haddock

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

They did a great job, keep up the good work

Thanks, Joey

GMG Q&A With Dean Salah

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dean is the man behind the fantastic George’s Coffee Shop.   Gloucester’s most iconic  breakfast joint.  In a town with the best breakfast offerings anywhere, that’s saying alot.

Good Morning Gloucester Questionnaire

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)

U Dine 4 Less

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

forever (46 years)

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

spring

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

the rock at Stage Fort

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

frequent many but the polo primavera at Mikes is tremendous

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

again many to choose from but i think Destino’s salad bar puts it near the top

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Duckworth’s

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

Most social drinking I do is at the Elks

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Obviously partial to Georges, but on the rare occassion I do breakfast it would be Lobsta Land

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

Labor Day Sat. night boat parade and fireworks is an annual family event for us

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Boat

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?

Causeway

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

u dine 4 less

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

haddock

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

I think as a businessman in town that the hard work done by the committee is such a boon to downtown, kudos to all that make it such a huge success

What is your favorite local band?

Docksiders

Thanks, Joey

GMG Q&A With Kalesy

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Kalesy is the very gifted writer behind  the blog Life’s A Typo.  A semi recent transplant from Jersey, you can read about her life’s trials and tribulations (and oh my god there are a lot of tribulations).  Read about how she deals with CBL (Crazy Boss Lady), Good Buddy and other folks that make up her life.

Here’s her GMG Q&A-

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)

http://lifes-a-typo.blogspot.com

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

October 2007

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Every

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

I walk the backshore and spend some time just past where Grapevine meets Atlantic looking out past the large, flat rock that lives there

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Not sure. I’m from the New York area, so I’m a bit of a pizza snob.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Recently been a fan of Virgilio’s Nor’Easter. Also like the eggplant at Espresso’s.

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Lat 43 deck or the Rudder.

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

Hang out/good time bar – Cruiseport

Get drunk bar – Vinny’s (walking distance)

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Lee’s for a big breakfast, Cape Ann Coffees for bfast on the run

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

So many…

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Yes please!

Who is your favorite local artist?

WOW – I can’t answer that. There are so many talented artists in this city. I’m blessed to live within walking distance of all the galleries on Rocky Neck and love all of it!

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbor for a full day at the beach

Niles for quiet contemplation

Who has the best chowder in town?

Will I get killed if I admit I don’t eat chowder?

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

LOL! Can I self promote? I’ll be decent and say capeannonline

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
See above.

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

I love the Block Parties. Wish I could actually attend more of them.

What is your favorite local band?

Safety

Thanks, Joey

GMG Q and A With Jimmy Tarantino

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Jimmy T is a Gloucester Legend who won The International Dory Races with Partner Tom Jarvis in Lunenburg, Senior Seine Boats at The Fiesta aboard KAOS, and The Blackburn Challenge race also with partner Tom Jarvis.

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)

www.internationaldories.com

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

42 years

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Definately Summer!

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to
“get away”?

Several, some can only be accessed by boat.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Sebastian’s

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Mike’s, Steak Bomb Calzone! To Die For!

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Dog Bar

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

All of ’em.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Two Sister’s and Zeke’s

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

St. Peter’s Fiesta

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Beach

Who is your favorite local artist?

Jeff Weaver

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbah

Excluding GMG what is yoursecond favorite local blog?

Shooting My Universe.

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Haddock

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

Awesome, should be done every weekend.

What is your favorite local band?

Elegant Trash

Thanks, Joey

Culina Cafe-First Look Interview With Owner Daniel Macintyre

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

When driving to work two days ago I noticed the sign in the window of former Trupiano’s, Causeway Panini and Andiamo’s which read Culina Cafe.  I called and made sure we got in there to get you the scoop first.

Here’s Daniel Macintyre who brings an impressive culinary resume to the Culina Cafe.  Play the video to hear what he has in store for the place and why Gloucester is the right place to locate his business.

GMG Q&A With Jon Conant at The Hive

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Jon Conant is the head honcho over at The Hive.  If you haven’t heard about it or aren’t completely sick of hearing me rave about how vital I think The Hive is to our creative community check out The Hive Blog here
I’d love to see them move the space that is The Hive to a central location in Gloucester where they might get more foot traffic and exposure.
How long have you lived in Gloucester?   7 years

What is your favorite season In Gloucester? Fall

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?   Brace, breakwater, dogtown

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester? Last Stop

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?  Halibut

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester? Cape Ann Brewing

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester? 2 Sisters & Sailor Stans

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester? Blackburn Challenge

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?  boat

Who is your favorite local artist?  Don Gorvett

Which is your favorite local beach?  Good Harbor or Brace

Who has the best chowder in town?  ???

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?  The Hive Cape Ann

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?  Not a big Chowder guy

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year? Missed them cause they were all on Roller derby nights

What is your favorite local band? Qwill

TheHive>CapeAnn

GMG Q&A With Mover and Shaker Jane Fonzo

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Jane and Mike Fonzo have purchased and been in the process of renovating a good portion of the properties in the West End of Main Street- specifically (48 – 64, and 55 – 71 Main Street).  I’ll be touring the properties this morning.   Included in this morning’s tour will be the future headquarters for our club in the space above above Lat Trattoria.  I’ll be sure to bring back some interesting video in yet another space we’ve all walked past a million times but have never been inside.

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

9 Years

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

The ocean is beautiful during every season.  Every day is a new picture to view.

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

Gloucester has “secret outdoor spots?”  Who knew, and where are they?

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

LaTrattoria Pizzeria for thin crust cheese pizza, overcooked for a crispy bottom – it’s better than Regina’s of the North End.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Destino’s

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

The people of Gloucester demand good food, so any restaurant in Gloucester, open for any long period of time, has great food.  However, I can’t think of any restaurants in Gloucester that you could say were romantic (with candlelit tables, linen tablecloths, china, crystal, silver, extended wine and champagne list, etc.)

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

Bars aren’t my favorite pass time. We could all do without them.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

Atlantis Motor Inn during open season, Charlies Place, and Morning Glory.

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

The Christmas Season on Main Street.  Thank you Ringo Tarr for the lights and thank you Kathy Cuddyer for the Christmas decorations!

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Boat

Who is your favorite local artist?

Ohrvel Carlson

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?

Wow, hard to say, but I always order it at Lobsta Land, Gloucester House and The Causeway.

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

Who could compare to GMG?

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Haddock

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

I never attended (I’m in jammies by 7:30 PM), but my tenants on Main Street have been thrilled.  It reminds them of Italy where they close the streets every night at 6:00 PM and people walk from shop to shop until midnight, when they finally stop at a cafe for espresso or cappucino before going home.
Now that’s an idea!  Let’s make Main Street into a true “Little Italy“. Open the stores at 9:00 AM and close them at 12:30 PM.  Everyone goes home for an afternoon meal and siesta then re-opens there stores at 4:00 PM closing at 9:00 PM.

Getting back to the original question – Others I know that attended the parties have had accolades for the people responsible – THANK YOU, JOEY!!!

Thanks, Joey

GMG Q&A- Kate Glass Gloucester Times Photog

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Photo of Kate Glass By David Cox
Photo of Kate Glass By David Cox

We were honored to have a media slideshow from Kate Glass as one of the participants in the Downtown Gloucester Block Party media presentations last Saturday night.  Recently Kate won an award from the Associated Press News Executive Association for a photo of Anne-Margaret Ferrante and her mom moments after she won the election for 5th Essex District state representative.

Congrats Kate!

Here’s Kate’s GMG Q&A-

How long have you lived in Gloucester?
Sadly, I don’t live in Gloucester, but I’m trying to convince my husband that we should move here! I’ve worked in Gloucester for a little over a year though.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?
Fall. The weather is still beautiful and easier to enjoy without all the summer traffic.

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?
I don’t think these spots are much of a secret, but I do like Rafe’s Chasm in Magnolia. I also love Folly Cove.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?
Andiamos had the best pizza. I was very upset when I found out they closed.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?
I don’t eat too many subs, but for sandwiches and salads I’d have to say Willow Rest. Gotta be careful there though, because everything looks good!

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?
I liked the food and look of the Franklin when I shot it for the Cape Ann Magazine.

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?
I like the margaritas at Jalapenos. I am also a fan of the beer at Cape Ann Brewing.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?
Jim’s Bagels, though I am dying to try Sugar Magnolias.

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?
The Farmers Market and music. The block parties are good too. I never really get to enjoy Fiesta because I’m too busy running around looking for photos!

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?
Definitely the beach. (I get seasick)

Who is your favorite local artist?
That’s a tough one. There’s too many good ones. Jon Conant and the work he’s bringing into the Hive in Rockport is a nice addition to the area.

Which is your favorite local beach?
Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?
Halibut Point

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?
Clam.

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?
Love the outdoor dining. Gloucester needs more of that!

What is your favorite local band?
While I have seen some of the local bands, I can’t say I’ve seen enough to answer this one. I do love how all the musicians here show up and play at each other’s gigs.

Kate Glass
Photographer
Gloucester Daily Times

Photo Of Kate Glass By David Cox
Photo Of Kate Glass By David Cox

GMG Q&A With Leah Lovasco

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Leah is a Gloucester High School Docksiders mom and has been very involved with the local band for years.  This will be her last though.  Here is Leah’s GMG Questionnaire-

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

42 years

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Summer

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

If I told you, they wouldn’t be secret.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Delaney’s

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Leonardo’s

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Alchemy

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

George’s Coffee Shop

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

Too many to list.

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

Beach

Which is your favorite local beach?

Good Harbor

Who has the best chowder in town?

The Cupboard

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

Cape Ann Online

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Clam

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties?

I thought they were great!  Looking forward to many more.

What is your favorite local band?

Gloucester High School Docksiders!

Thanks, Joey

Charlee Bianchini At The Lone Gull Video

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Note how I have the table that the camera is sitting on in perfect focus!

Brilliant camerawork 🙂

Sail Gloucester Forum Video

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

courtesy Betsy Works (thanks Betsy)

Please forgive the blurriness- it’s a file that runs over an hour long which needed to be compressed so it would stream for y’all.

I’m particularly fond of the opening statement which I knew nothing about til I played the file after 8 hours of compressing and uploading.

click to play video
click to play video