BEAUTIFUL BEAUPORT HOTEL BREAKFAST REVIEW

Beauport Hotel Dining Review -1 copyright Kim SmithOverlooking Pavilion Beach in Gloucester’s beautiful historic working harbor front district, the Beauport Hotel is the North Shore’s newest coastal getaway. Prior to the official opening, my husband Tom and I had the pleasure of previewing the dinner menu (read preview here). The Beauport emanates a feeling of relaxed and casual elegance, and Tom and I shared in the sense of being transported to a world of leisure and luxury.

Most recently, and joined by our son, we had a delightful breakfast on the open air deck. With incomparable views, delicious and fresh locally sourced food–served by friendly and efficient waitstaff–any meal at any time of day at the new Beauport Hotel promises to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review omelete copyright Kim SmithTom enjoyed a hearty and satisfying Beauport Scramble and it was as good as it looks, with Vermont ham, Cabot cheddar cheese, golden potatoes, toast, and choice of bacon or sausage. 

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review waffles copyright Kim SmithAlex had the wonderfully tasty Belgian waffles with sweet strawberries, whipped cream, and authentic Vermont maple syrup. The market fresh bowl of fruit was simply outstanding, no unripe duds as is more often than not the case with offerings of mixed fruit.

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review fresh fruit copyright Kim Smith

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review Eggs benedict copyright Kim SmithEverything looked inviting and it was challenging to decide what to order; I finally chose the Eggs Benedict and they were delicious. The eggs were perfectly poached and served with a light and lemony Hollandaise sauce. The chef kindly allowed spinach instead of Canadian Bacon and I should mention that the spinach was super fresh and plentiful. The chopped chives are a nice touch, too.

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review -4 copyright Kim SmithThe coffee was hot and fresh and poured often. Don’t you love the shape of the cups? The coffee cups are just one of the many attractive and thoughtful design details that abound throughout the hotel. Note, too, the crisp linen napkins and mercury glass candle lanterns.

Beauport Hotel Dining Review -2 copyright Kim Smith

The Beauport can readily accommodate large parties for breakfast, making the terrace an ideal location for business meetings.

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review copyright Kim SmithFor chilly mornings, heaters and blankets are provided, as well as the fantastic fire pit.
Beauport Hotel Gloucester Interior copyright Kim SmithIndoor dining during inclement weather

Beauport Hotel Dining Review copyright Kim Smith

Beautiful views of Pavilion Beach, the Dog Bar breakwater, and the working harbor are had from every vantage point. We were there on an overcast morning; imagine the light on a sunnier day. We loved watching the comings and going of the fishing boats.

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review -7 copyright Kim Smith

Beauport Hotel Gloucester Dining Review -8 copyright Kim Smith

1606 at Beauport hours of operation: Breakfast: 7 AM – 11 AM. Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4 PM. Dinner: 5 – 10 PM. An additional Bar/Tavern Menu is available from 4 PM – 11 PM. The 1606 at Beauport and the adjoining bar are open to the public.

For the most up to date information on 1606 at Beauport, visit their Facebook page here.

Click menus to view full size.13422449_1759825674262156_5807214247751432937_o

GLOUCESTER’S S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R FIREWORKS DISPLAY!!

The view from the Beauport Hotel restaurant looking towards Stage Fort Park. Happy 4th of July!

Gloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 -9 copyright Kim Smith

Gloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 -12 copyright Kim Smith

Gloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 -11 copyright Kim SmithGloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 -7 copyright Kim SmithGloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 -5 copyright Kim Smith

Red, White, and Blue Grand Finale

I thought the fireworks this fourth extra stupendous. If you agree, the Gloucester Fireworks Committee is looking for donations, small and large, for the fireworks display during Schooner Festival over Labor Day Weekend.  If you haven’t already contributed, they would appreciate your help. You can donate by clicking here or sending a check to:

The Gloucester Fund
45 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA  01930

Please make the notation on your check “Fireworks.”

A few more

Gloucester Fireworks July 4 2016 copyright Kim SmithSpectators Along the Boulevard

PAVILION BEACH GORGEOUS TWILIGHT FROM THE BEAUPORT HOTEL RESTAURANT DECK

Pavilion Beach Sunset Gloucester Greasy Pole Beauport Princess copyright Kim SmithBeauport Princess and Greasy Pole

Last night’s spectacular fireworks display was preceded by a glorious twilight. After photographing the parade, I met my husband at the Beauport for a fabulous al fresco dinner of fresh, locally sourced fish and veggies. The deck was filled to capacity with expectant firework’s viewers yet despite that, our meals were delicious and the service exceptional. Marly was our waitress and although it was her first night on the job, she is top notch. Colleen was the hostess. Many may recall what a sweet and welcoming person she is from her years at the Studio and Rudder. It was a treat to see Colleen at the Beauport!

The sky changed from golden violet to violet pink within seconds and it was fun to see all the boats jockeying into position for firework’s viewing.

Pavilion Beach Sunset Gloucester Greasy Pole Thomas Lannon copyright Kim Smith

Schooner Lannon and the Greasy Pole

Pinky Ardelle and Ten Pound Island copyright Kim SmithPinky Schooner Ardelle and Ten Pound Island from the Beauport Hotel Deck

Schooner Lannon copyright Kim SmithSchooner Thomas E. Lannon

DSCF1747Beauport Hotel’s very helpful and friendly concierges  Emily Jermyn and Chris Horack

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROMEO THEKEN: #gloucestermovingforwardtogether

“Local Foods, Local Places” Launched in Gloucester
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Posted: Sunday, June 19, 2016 5:05 pm
BOSTON, Mass. —

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Curt Spalding visited Gloucester, Mass., recently to applaud the commencement of a workshop to help the city of Gloucester promote use of underutilized fish species as a way to enhance and make the local economy more robust, to advance public health and nutrition,
as well as revitalize the downtown. The workshop is being conducted as part of the White House Rural
Council’s effort to promote Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative that helps communities increase economic opportunities for local food producers and related businesses, creating vibrant places and promoting wellness by improving access to healthy local food.Gloucester is one of 27 communities in 22 states that has been selected to participate in this program, and is the only New England municipality selected under this program.

“EPA is pleased to be working with the city of Gloucester and their diverse partners to ensure that the Local Foods, Local Places program will help these hardworking people to continue with their livelihood and provide healthy local seafood for local residents and other New England families,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “By working together to bring healthy local food to market, we can ensure we are making the right decisions for our environment, for public health and for our economy.”

The workshop started with a public meeting at the Gloucester House Restaurant and continued with an action planning session at City Hall. After the workshop ends, Gloucester will receive a “Next Steps” report
that describes options for actions the city and their partners can take to support a healthier and stronger Gloucester through local food and community planning strategies.

“Gloucester is proud to continue all efforts around healthy, community-based initiatives through Local Foods, Local Places. Our partnership starts with local leaders and is maximized with care and support from our friends at the EPA. We strongly endorse this economic opportunity to better help local farmers, foster entrepreneurship and improve access to healthy food,” said city of Gloucester Mayor Sefatia
Romeo Theken.

Developed as a partnership among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority, the Local Foods, Local Places Initiative is part of the White House Rural Council’s Rural Impact work to improve quality of life and upward mobility for children and families in rural and tribal communities. As one of the 27 projects selected under the program, Gloucester’s
program was chosen from more than 300 applicants. The Local Foods, Local Places partnership is bringing a team of experts to Gloucester this week to help community members with technical assistance to integrate seafood into food systems planning and use local foods to improve health and drive downtown revitalization.

SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

LOVERS OF SAINT PETER’S FIESTA DON’T MISS THIS FILM FOOTAGE OF FIESTA PARADES OF YESTERYEAR

St. Peter’s Fiesta Parades of Yesteryear

So many thanks to Grace Parisi for sharing these clips that her Dad Anthony J. Parisi took from the 1950s and early 60s. It is amazing to see the beautiful floats and costumes, and the amount of work that surely must have gone into making the floats.

Grace writes, “Various clips of the parade from 1955 to 1960’s (?). This is an old film and a bit long but I hope you enjoy. The work that went into these floats absolutely wonderful. Maybe you will see yourself or a friend on a float, marching or riding a donkey. Thank you to my Dad, Anthony J. Parisi, for taking most of this video.”

STUNNING VIDEO FROM MARTIN DEL VECCHIO – CARNIVAL!

Beautiful and gorgeous drone video from Martin Del Vecchio, of Saint Peter’s Fiesta carnival lit up at night. Love this and thank you for sharing Martin!

Last Chance To Catch Albatross at Gloucester Stage

unnamedDSC_7740

Last Chance To See Award Winning Albatross At Gloucester Stage Company

The critically acclaimed Albatross by Matthew Spangler and Benjamin Evett runs through July 3 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. The production has been receiving rave reviews and nightly standing ovations during it run in Gloucester. Inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Albatross brings Coleridge’s tortured seaman into the present day to recount one man’s doomed journey on the open sea. A fast paced adventure filled with sea battles, storms, and ice-bound ships, Albatross uses visually thrilling stagecraft powered by the latest multimedia technology to bring The Mariner into the modern world. Directed by Rick Lombardo, this rollicking sea yarn features actor and co-author Benjamin Evett recreating his bravura 2015 Elliot Norton-winning solo performance of The Mariner in his Gloucester Stage debut. In 2015 Albatross enjoyed an acclaimed premiere at The Poets’ Theater in Boston winning two Elliot Norton Awards for Outstanding Production by a Small Theater and Outstanding Solo Performance. Following the limited engagement at GSC, Albatross will move to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, 2016 and Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in New York City in January, 2017.

Matthew Spangler and Benjamin Evett’s Albatross July 3rd at Gloucester Stage Company. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Single ticket prices are $28 to $38 with discounts available for Senior Citizens and Patrons 25 years old and under. Gloucester Stage Flex Passes for the 2016 Season are also on sale now. All performances are held at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. For more information about Gloucester Stage, or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 978-281-4433 or visit http://www.gloucesterstage.com.DSC_7799

 

SAINT PETER’S FIESTA CARNIVAL PHOTOS

St Peter Fiesta Gloucester City hall carnival copyright Kim SmithPhotos from Thursday evening after the 5k race when the light and clouds were simply exquisite. Anyone else feeling the post-Fiesta blues? 

St Peter Fiesta Gloucester Carnival Patriot Nation copyright Kim SmithPatriot Nation

St Peter Fiesta Gloucester Carnival copyright Kim SmithSt Peter Fiesta Gloucester Carnival -4 copyright Kim Smith St Peter Fiesta Gloucester Carnival -3 copyright Kim SmithYou’ll-Never-See-Me-On-This-Ride

St Peter Fiesta Gloucester Pavillion Beach greasy Pole sunset -11 copyright Kim SmithAfter filming the 5k and the rides, I walked over to Pavilion Beach and caught a Seine boat practicing by the Greasy Pole in the very Fitz Henry Lane-like luminous atmosphere. It’s all captured on film and am fortunate that the one evening that I could film at the carnival, the twilight could not have been prettier. Viva!

St Peter Fiesta Gloucester sunset twilight Pavillion Beach copyright Kim Smith

 

WAITING TO WALK

If you were wondering why there were Greasy Pole Walkers seemingly everywhere Sunday afternoon, it’s because the boat to take them to the pole was a no show. The Walkers waited out the delay at Saint Peter’s Club before heading through the fair grounds to the beach. Next stop was the Greasy Pole Walker’s shrine, then to the dock. Back at the beach some Walkers decided to swim to the pole, when at long last a kindly yachtsman picked up the Walkers and gave them a lift to the pole.Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers -5 copyright Kim SmithSunday Greasy Pole Walkers -1copyright Kim Smith Kyle Barry Steve LeBlanc Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers copyright Kim Smith

ANTHONY GIAMBANCO SIX TIME GREASY POLE CHAMPION CELEBRATING 40TH YEAR WALKING

Anthony Giambanco Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers copyright Kim SmithAnthony has been walking since 1975. He has missed one year in 41 years because of a shoulder injury. His number one advice to the new walkers coming up is Don’t Drink!Anthony Giambanco Joe DaSilva Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers copyright Kim Smith Anthony Gimabanco Sunday Greasy Pole Walkers copyright Kim Smith

 

SALVI BENSON SAINT PETER GREASY POLE TATOO

Salvo Benson was at Saint Peter’s Club cheering on the Sunday Walkers. Salvi Benson is the All Time Greasy Pole Champion, with 4 Saturday wins and 6 Sunday wins.

Steve LeBlanc Salvi Benson Joe Staline Dave Foote copyright Kim SmithSalvi Benson, Steve LeBlanc, Joe Staline, and Dave FooteSalvi Benson Greasy Pole tatoo copyright Kim Smith

salvi-benson-all-time-greasy-pole-champion-gloucester-ma-c2a9kim-smith-2014-2Salvi Benson from his 2014 walk

SATURDAY 2016 GREASY POLE CHAMPION LENNY TOARMINA AND MOM!

Lenny Taormina Saturday Gresay pole champion copyright Kim SmithLenny Taormina, your Saturday Greasy Pole Champion, with his Mom

THANK YOU SAINT PETER’S FIESTA SPONSOR MAMA ROSIE’S PRESIDENT NICK SARDO!

Faye Puopolo Nick Sardo Saint Peter's Fiesta 2016 copyright Kim SmithMama Rosie’s President Nick Sardo and the beautiful Fay Puopolo, Fiesta Committee Member Ralph Puopolo’s wife, Sunday Saint Peter’s Fiesta procession

For information about Mama Rosie’s visit their website here

Lenny Taormina Mama Rosies copyright Kim Smith

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE ST. PETER’S FIESTA COMMITTEE PRESIDENT JOE NOVELLO AND TO ALL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Thank you to the Saint Peter’s Fiesta Committee President Joe Novello and to all the Fiesta Committee members for making this year, and every year, a truly beautiful and unique tradition for our fair City. The committee members are as follows, and if you see them around town, please thank them:

Joseph Novello –  President

Michael Linquata – Vice President

Anthony Cusumano  Treasurer

Rose Aiello  – Clerk

Christopher Palazzola – Committee Member

Salvatore Ferrara – Committee Member

Ralph Puopolo –  Committee Member

Carlo Barbara – Committee Member

Rose Aiello – Committee Member

Alphonse Millefoglie – Committee Member

Tom Favazza – Committee Member

Lucia Sheehan – Recording Secretary

We are so blessed to have this extraordinary team working on all our behalves. It is astounding that with all its moving parts, Fiesta comes together so beautifully each year to honor Saint Peter, the patron Saint of fishermen. Viva San Pietro!

Joe Novello Saint Peter's Fiesta 2016 copyright Kim Smith

St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee President Joe Novello and his adorable grandchildren.

 

KYLE BARRY YOUR SUNDAY 2016 GREASY POLE CHAMPION!

Congratulations to Sunday Greasy Pole Champion Kyle Barry!Kyle Barry Sunday Greasy Pole Champion 2016 copyright Kim Smith Kyle Barry Sunday Greasy Pole Champion 2016 -2 copyright Kim Smith

Kyle Barry Sunday Greasy Pole Champion -2 2016 copyright Kim Smith