Al Fresco

Scoring a seat on the deck at The Black Cow Tap & Grill in Newburyport in the summertime is well worth the wait. The waterfront setting sizzles in the summer months with guests enjoying the taste of the salt air, honeymoon-like harbor views, and the soothing sounds of the sea. For a perfect end to a summer’s day, enjoy a raspberry cosmopolitan with some tuna sashimi and watch boats sail in and out of the harbor. Indoor guests enjoy harbor views as well. » 54 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-499-8811, blackcowrestaurants.com.

Reader’s Choice: Danversport Grille & Bistro, 161 Elliot St., Danvers, 978-774-8620, danversport.com

Bakery (bread)

It takes more than hot buns to be dubbed the best bread bakery on the North Shore. At A & J King Artisan Bakers, Andy and Jackie raise artisan baking to a new level. The baguettes, ciabatta, and croissants are worth the extra carbs and the sticky buns are (dare we say?) almost orgasmic. » 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com.

Reader’s Choice:A & J King Artisan Bakery, 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com

Bakery (sweets)

Cassis Bakery Inc. gets the nod again this year with its exquisite line of mini pastries and cakes. Chef David Tsypkin stimulates the sweet tooth with tarts, tortes, and treats worth every calorie and cavity. Check out the mini Havanas as an example of what constitutes sweet dreams. » 261 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-2053, cassisbakery.com.

Reader’s Choice: I Dream of Jeanne Cakes, 978-869-6013, jtcakes.com

BBQ

Y’all hankering for some Southern-style hickory wood- smoked meats? Take a short ride to Lester’s Roadside BBQ, where you can enjoy an authentic Southern barbecue meal. The meats are rubbed with secret seasonings and spices and cooked slow and low. » 376A Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-221-7427, lestersbbq.com.

Reader’s Choice: The American Barbecue 5 Railroad Ave., Rowley, 978-948-2626, theamericanbarbecue.com

Beer Selection

Looking for an ale from Africa or a brew from Brazil? Thirsty for some suds from Scotland, a malt from Mexico, or that rare microbrew from Maine? Andover Liquors boasts a massive selection of local, national, and international craft brews. » 209 N. Main St., Andover, 978-470-0500, andoverliquors.com.

Reader’s Choice: Gulu Gulu Café, 247 Essex St., Salem, 978-740-8882, gulu-gulu.com

Brazilian

The Fire Bull Restaurant is a Brazilian meat lover’s paradise. The barbecue (Churrasco) features endless cuts of 10 types of meat including lamb, beef, chicken, and pork sliced until you say uncle. Complete with accoutrements,
the all-you-can-eat barbecue is ideal for hearty appetites. » 5 Central St., Peabody, 978-531-5744, firebullrestaurant.com.

Reader’s Choice: Fire Bull Restaurant, 5 Central St., Peabody, 978-531-5744, firebullrestaurant.com

Breakfast

With only 13 seats, the converted boxcar in Peabody, known as The Little Depot Diner, serves up a classic breakfast of eggs Benedict, huge pancakes, and plenty of bacon. Enjoy an old-fashioned ambiance (the car was built in 1929), where breakfast is served with a smile and friendly supersedes fast. Ditch the cell phone and savor the simple joys of great food and nice people. » 1 Railroad Ave., Peabody, 978-977-7775, thelittledepotdiner.com.

Reader’s Choice: Red’s Sandwich Shop, 15 Central St., Salem, 978-745-3527, redssandwichshop.com

Brunch

It’s hard to go wrong with Sunday brunch at Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel. With a top-notch, elegant atmosphere, live jazz, and a buffet selection that features just about every ingredient you could want in a brunch, this is what Sunday mornings were made for. » 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 978-744-4080, hawthornehotel.com.

Reader’s Choice: In a Pig’s Eye, 148 Derby St., Salem, 978-741-4436, inapigseye.com

Burger

A basic burger won’t make the cut once you sink your teeth into the “Wolf’s Neck Farm” Burger at Alchemy Café & Bistro. Cooked to perfection and dressed with smoked bacon, red onion, jam, tomato, and lettuce, the burger is served on a fresh onion roll with cheddar or herbed cheese. » 3 Duncan St., Gloucester, 978-281-3997, alchemybistro.com.

Reader’s Choice: Ten Center, 10 Center St., Newburyport, 978-462-6652, tencenterstreet.com

Catering Company

Wow your friends and family with some phenomenal food at your next party by leaving the catering up to Celebrations Gourmet Catering. For over 25 years, this catering company has been the life of the party, whether it’s a corporate event, wedding, backyard family reunion, or a bat or bar mitzvah with great service and food (if you need it Kosher, they’re on it). » 58 Park St., Beverly, 800-506-3663, celebrationsgourmet.com.

Reader’s Choice: Timothy S. Hopkins Catering, 8 Scot’s Way, Essex, 978-768-9990, tshcatering.com

Chinese

Mention Chinese food anywhere within a 20-mile radius of Lawrence and just about everyone will point you to Lee Chen Chinese Cuisine. Everything on the menu is fresh, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t try the pork dumplings and the Chicken Amazing which is…well, you know. » 230 Winthrop Ave., Lawrence, 978-689-9888.

Reader’s Choice: Su Chang’s, 373 Lowell St., Peabody, 978-531-3366

Clam Chowder

If Periwinkles Restaurant were a casino, the clam chowder would be a sure bet. Creamy, rich, and swimming with clams, the award-winning chowder gets nods at the annual Essex Clamfest. Sweet and flavorful, it’s great as an appetizer or summertime meal. » 74 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6320, periwinklesrestaurant.com.

Reader’s Choice: Danversport Yacht Club Grille & Bistro, 161 Elliot St., Danvers, 978-774-8620,  danversport.com

Coffee Shop

A great coffee shop should not only have outstanding java and plenty to choose from on the menu, but also an honest vibe where you can languish over a cup of coffee with a friend for hours. Jaho Coffee and Tea has all of that nailed and more. Founder and barista Anil Mezini’s cafe is teeming with great energy, barrels of beans, and unique drinks. Be sure to sample the Extreme Toffee Coffee Frosticcino and the White Chocolate Mocha Espresso. » 197 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-4300, jahocoffee.com.

Reader’s Choice: Jaho Coffee and Tea, 197 Derby St., Salem, 978-744-4300, jahocoffee.com

Fish Store

Andover might not be the first choice for those looking to buy fresh fish but for those in the know, you can’t beat the quality and selection at Hometown Seafoods. The family-owned business owns a spot on the docks in Gloucester where the finest fish of the day is selected then driven straight to Andover. You’ll also find the widest selection of native and imported seafood along with a staff who can tell you exactly how to prepare your next fish dish. » 28 Chestnut St., Andover, 978-475-7426, hometownseafoods.com.

Reader’s Choice: Hometown Seafoods, 28 Chestnut St., Andover, 978-475-7426, hometownseafoods.com

Gourmet

Shubie’s Market Place may just be the best place on the planet to shop for gourmet food. What better way to spend an afternoon then sampling spreads and crackers and munching on gourmet popcorn and pretzels? Whether you need a perfectly prepared gourmet meal, fancy cheese, a bottle of fine wine, a box of naughty or natural nibbles, or a decadent pastry, Shubie’s is the go-to place for gourmet. » 16 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, 781- 631-0149, shubies.com.

Reader’s Choice: The Grapevine, 26 Congress St., Salem, 978-745-9335, grapevinesalem.com

Greek

When it comes to Greek food, Ithaki Mediterranean Cuisine is the real deal. And with numerous awards and accolades under its belt from national publications, it’s no surprise. Lucky for us, it happens to be in our neighborhood. Ripe olives, aged feta, and the freshest ingredients under the sun inspire native Greeks to visit and recall childhood memories while the rest of us can simply indulge in some of the finest Greek cuisine anywhere. » 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com.

Reader’s Choice: Ithaki Mediterranean Cuisine, 25 Hammatt St., Ipswich, 978-356-0099, ithakicuisine.com

Ice Cream

Remember the days when a piled-high ice cream cone brought you immense joy? Those days are here again, thanks to the homemade goodness of Benson’s Ice Cream. Pick from a host of flavors and then rediscover the sheer pleasure of sitting at a picnic table and licking a mountain of delicious ice cream. Be sure to check out the reverse chocolate chip—you won’t be sorry. » 181 Washington St., West Boxford, 978- 352-2911.

Reader’s Choice: Richardson’s Ice Cream, 156 S Main St., Rte 114, Middleton, 978-774-5450, richardsonsicecream.com

Indian

When it comes to fine Indian cuisine, there’s no arguing about the consistency and flavor of the dishes at The Jewel in the Crown. We love the assortment of fresh breads, and the food is fantastic whether you dine in or take out. We’re thinking of getting a clay oven after trying the Mix Tandori Grill. » 23 Pleasant St., Newburyport, 978-463-0956, newburyportjewel.com.

Reader’s Choice: Passage to India, 157 Washington St., Salem, 978-832-2200, passageindia.com

Italian

Chic meets old-world farmhouse at the Tuscan-inspired trattoria L’Andana. The menu boasts an assortment of tasty pastas, pizzas, and wood-grilled meats and fish. Save room for dolci, which includes a warm chocolate molten cake topped with vanilla gelato and salted caramel sauce. » 86 Cambridge St., Burlington,
781-270-0155, landanagrill.com.

Reader’s Choice: Bella Verona, 107 Essex St., Salem, 978-825-9911, bellaverona.com

Lobster

Bring on the bib! At Roy Moore Lobster Co., you won’t find a fancy restaurant with lots of frills. Instead, you’ll discover a casual eatery serving up the best lobster on the North Shore. The tiny shack right on Bearskin Neck is for folks who simply want to enjoy the freshest and meatiest lobster around. The outdoor seats out back overlooking the water make you feel as if the owner just pulled up the trap five minutes ago. » 39 Bearskin Neck, Rockport, 978-546-6696.

Reader’s Choice: Captain Joe & Sons, 95 East Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-1454, wholesalelobster.com

Meat Store

Butcher Boy Market is the one-stop shop for the biggest selection and best quality meat you can find on the North Shore. Along with homemade sausage, fresh-ground beef, and oven-roasted turkey, you’ll find expertly marinated meats and top-of-the-line deli meats. It’s hard to go wrong with a pound (or four) of their slab bacon and a couple bags of the  teriyaki steak tips. So good.
» 1077 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-688-1511, butcherboymarket.com.

Reader’s Choice: Fowles  Gourmet Market, 341 High St., Newburyport, 978-465-9028, fowlesmarket.com

Meet the Author Event in Salem

Four local self-published authors are hosting a Meet the Author event. All books are the author’s first published book.  They have all received outstanding reviews. This event is open to the public. The authors will be available to speak with guests and sign books.

Meet the Author will take place at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem on Dec. 5 from 1 pm to 3 pm and refreshments will be served throughout the event.

The authors include:

HAMILTON, MA - Rob Dinsmoor “Tales of the Troupe”

Funny, bittersweet stories from the 80’s of the edgy comedy troupe CHUCKLEHEAD following their hopes and dreams in NYC.

BEVERLY, MA - Jacqui DeLorenzo “A Thread of Hope”

A story that will inspire and offer hope in the choice between being a victim or a conqueror.

BEVERLY, MA - Chava Hudson “Sarah’s Secret”

Journey with Sarah on her quest for love and self discovery while she finds happiness in unexpected places.

SOMERVILLE, MA - Stephanie Blackburn “Summer at 19″

Kaylee’s 19th summer is a memorable one spent on the beach learning to trust and to love with help from her family and Adam, the handsome neighbor.

Books will be available event day for sale. Cash, checks and PayPal accepted. Perfect personalized holiday gift ideas.

All authors are available for interviews and have articles ready for submission regarding their book.

For additional information or for a sample copy of a book, please contact:

Jennifer Flynn

Phone 978.626.1212

Fax 978.560.1444

JenniferFlynn@boostbooksales.com

www.boostbooksales.com

Mexican

Newburyport’s Agavé Mexican Bistro takes Mexican dining to another level. Choose from the staples like burritos, tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas or go for the gusto with their carne asada plato. Chef’s specials are outstanding as well, especially the lime-glazed blackened shrimp and scallops, peppers, and onions served with coconut rice. With a elegant ambiance and over 60 tequilas to choose from, Agave is the kind of place where you need to come back more than once to truly savor. » 50 State St.,Newburyport, 978-499-0428, agavemexicanbistro.com.

Reader’s Choice: Agavé Mexican Bistro, 50 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-0428, agavemexicanbistro.com

Middle Eastern

Sure, they’ve got your traditional hummus, tabbouleh, and grape leaves. But Shadi’s Restaurant and Lounge is doing things we’ve never seen before, like their haddock with taratoor—a broiled fillet of haddock with their homemade spicy tahini sauce. Yum! » 58 Osgood St., Methuen, 978-687-9698, shadisrestaurant.com.

Reader’s Choice: Shadi’s Restauarant & Lounge, 58 Osgood St., Methuen, 978-683-9559, shadisrestaurant.com

New Restaurant

Last year, Antonio Bettencourt set out to create a unique neighborhood bistro. Lucky for the North Shore that Bettencourt brought his passion and talent to Pickering Wharf in Salem with Sixty2 on Wharf. His attention to detail is evident in the ever-changing original wine list and creative menu that is a fusion of cultures and a celebration of the senses. Patrons joke that if Tony could make the furniture, he would. » 62 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-0062, 62onwharf.com.

Reader’s Choice: The Original Café, 88 Lowell St., Methuen, 978-689-8469, theoriginalcafe1.com

Pizza

Flatbread Company isn’t just the best place for a pizza, it’s also where you can help save the world, one pie at a time. Organic produce, free-range meats, and a funky vibe create a slice of pizza nirvana. Saddle up to the bar or pick a seat in front of the giant wood-fired oven. Either way, you’re in for a pizza night you’ll not soon forget.» 5 Market Sq., Amesbury, 978-834-9800, flatbreadcompany.com.

Reader’s Choice: The Upper Crust Pizzeria,
44 State St., Newburyport, 978-463-3313, theuppercrustpizzeria.com

Portuguese

When visiting Gloucester, one would expect to find the sun and the waves, but what a delightful surprise also to discover the colors and cuisine of Portugal at Azorean Restaurant & Bar. Patrons can enjoy authentic Portuguese fare with soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees, or sample six tapas from an eclectic selection of over 20 authentic varieties. » 133 Washington St., Gloucester, 978-283-5500, azoreanrestaurant.com.

Reader’s Choice: Azorean Restaurant & Bar, 133 Washington St., Gloucester, 978-283-5500, azoreanrestaurant.com

Pub Food

For over thirty years, The Grog has been a staple of the North Shore’s landscape; a comfortable place to meet friends, enjoy music, and sip a nice drink. Its namesake celebrates the English Navy’s tradition of water and rum, but The Grog has become synonymous with saluting the spirit of a neighborhood pub in Newburyport. Sip on a cup of clam chowder then dive into the Reuben over a pint or two of Guinness and you may find yourself never wanting to leave, especially when it comes time for the live music. » 13 Middle St., Newburyport, 978-465-8008, thegrog.com.

Reader’s Choice: Champion’s Pub, 114 Foster St., Peabody, 978-531-7776, championspubpeabody.com

Romantic

If you can’t fall in love at Duckworth’s Bistrot, it’s likely that you’ve lost your mojo. The intimate and cozy ambiance and alluring menu (which you can conveniently order in half portions, so you can nibble together) are just the beginning of the stirring of the senses. Chef Ken Duckworth, trained in Paris and at Boston’s famed Maison Robert, creates nightly masterpieces capped by his pastry chef and wife Nicole’s sweet creations. » 197 E Main St., Gloucester, 978-282-4426, duckworthsbistrot.com.

Reader’s Choice: Ten Center, 10 Center St., Newburyport, 978-463-6652, tencenterstreet.com

Sandwiches

Quantity and quality are packed in every freshly made sandwich on the menu at Atomic Cafe. The cranberry walnut chicken salad and grilled pesto goat cheese sandwich are amazing and are served with crunchy pickles, chips, and a smile. It’s the ideal place for coffee and dessert, too. » 265 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0042, 14 School St., Marblehead, 781-631-6464, atomiccafe.com.

Reader’s Choice: Chick-fil-A, Northshore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody, 978-977-0740, chik-fil-a.com

Seafood

When it comes to freshness, price, and atmosphere, you can’t beat Brown’s Seabrook Lobster Pound. It is the epitome of a New England seafood experience and a must on your way home from the beach. Pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine before you get here, select a lobster from the “pound,” or go for the New England standards (clams, oysters, shrimp, haddock, scallops), and get them cooked any way you like. Eat outside on the deck or inside and watch the sun set over the marsh. Classic New England-style seafood dining doesn’t get any better than this. Flip-flops highly encouraged. » Route 286, Seabrook, NH, 603-474-3331, brownslobster.com.

Reader’s Choice: Finz Seafood & Grill, 76 Wharf St., Salem, 978-744-8485, hipfinz.com

Spanish

Olé Restaurant and Tapas Bar continues the custom of believing that small bites of food served with wine make for a healthy life. This place may be off the beaten path, but we can’t resist their bright personality and spicy live music performances every Saturday night. Stop in to get your hips swinging and the famous sangria flowing! » 76 Merrimack Plz., Lowell, 978-735-4470, oletapas.info.com

Reader’s Choice: Tatiana’s Restaurant & Lounge, 70 Market St., Lynn, 781-477-0700, tatianasrestaurant.net

Steak

Why drive to Newbury Street when the pearly gates to Porterhouse are here at Wayside Commons in Burlington? The Capital Grille’s debut on the North Shore a couple of years ago raised the bar for fine dining. If you’re looking for a dry-aged steak cooked to perfection or a seared tenderloin that’s impossibly moist with butter-poached lobster, dining at The Capital Grille should be your first choice. We’re still dreaming over the last filet mignon we ate there.                                                                                                                 » 10 Wayside Rd., Burlington, 781-505-4130, thecapitalgrille.com.

Reader’s Choice: Champion’s Pub, 114 Foster St., Peabody, 978-531-7776, championspubpeabody.com

Sushi

When thinking sushi, Peabody is probably not the first place that comes to mind. But for sushi aficionados in the know, the freshness and variety of Fuji Sushi make all the sense in the world. With over 50 types of maki and a wide assortment of sushi and sashimi, there’s more than enough to choose from. Be sure to check out the volcano maki, the lobster maki, and the Red Sox maki. » 136 Newbury St., Peabody, 978-535-1182, myfujisushi.com.

Reader’s Choice: Kame, 250 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-9333, kamerestaurant.com

Thai

Sawasdee Danvers is the type of place where you walk in and instantly know the owners take tremendous pride in everything they do. Impeccably clean with a nice decor, Sawasdee Danvers boasts an extensive and creative Thai menu. Fresh ingredients, expert seasoning, and superb cooking combine to create a delightful dining experience. » 49A Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-8424, sawasdeedanvers.com.

Reader’s Choice: Sawasadee Danvers, 49A Maple St., Danvers, 978-774-8424, sawasadeedanvers.com

Vegetarian

Rawbert’s Organic Cafe is a vegetarian’s stomping ground. Enjoy pizza, roll-ups, soups, salads, sushi, maki, and more. There’s even a kid’s menu, plus prepared foods and a juice bar. Yes, it’s raw as in raw lasagna, nori, and pies, but Rawbert’s does a great job of preparing veggies that are actually cooked, too. » 294 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com.

Reader’s Choice: Rawbert’s Organic Cafe, Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com

Vietnamese

You simply can’t beat the luncheon specials at the recently renovated Sugar Cane Restaurant in Peabody. Where else can you get white or fried rice, soup or salad, and grilled seasoned pork chops for $7? And it’s all amazingly fresh and expertly cooked. The dinner entrees are also a great value, with our vote for the chicken curry. Dive into a bowl of beef pho and you may need a noodle of your own to stop you from floating. » 106 Main St., Peabody, 978-532-7800, sugarcanepeabody.com.

Reader’s Choice: Sugar Cane Restaurant, 106 Main St., Peabody, 978-741-9463, sugarcanepeabody.com

Wine List

With over 400 of the top wines from all over the world you simply can’t beat Pellana when it comes to ordering that perfect bottle with your meal. The vintages and selections change daily, but the promise to pour the best never changes. Cap it off with a lovely list of dessert wines and vintage ports. » 9R Sylvan St., Peabody, 978-531-4800, pellanarestaurant.com.

Reader’s Choice: Salem Wine Imports, 32 Church St., Salem, 978-741-9463, salemwine imports.com

Wine Shop

Oenophiles unite! The Shahian family truly has the spirit at Rapid Liquors. This is one of those great local places that not only has a fabulous selection of fine, rare, and popular wines, but where there is also a staff that is more than happy to share their extensive knowledge and unbeatable prices. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; they live, breathe, and sleep wine at Rapid. » 171 Main St., Stoneham, 781-438-0595, vinninliquors.com

Reader’s Choice: Salem Wine Imports, 32 Church St., Salem, 978-741-9463, salemwineimports.com