For happy hour hors d’oeuvres or late-night nosh, there are a few North Shore haunts offering the unexpected. Take to task the humdrum mini burger and bun. Dare to try something original.
Lamb “lolly pops” from Café Escadrille in Burlington are a savory alternative to the standard sweet treat.
Roasted grapes with water buffalo’s milk blue cheese from Brassiere 28 in Andover cleverly combines two of the natural world’s wonders.
Irish nachos from Opus in Salem and Asian nachos from Turner’s Seafood (also in Salem) are two distinct and delicious oxymorons.
Bacon-dusted popcorn from Scratch Kitchen in Salem is a silly salty snack that’s fun to share.
Philly Pork Sandy (shaved pork leg, spicy stewed broccoli rabe, pecorino, and ciabatta) from Barrel House American Bar in Beverly is one of many creative dishes streaming from the hip new kitchen.
Kung Pao calamari from Yard House in Lynnfield marries candied walnuts, red peppers, celery, carrots, and rice with a classic fried favorite.
· Baked oysters with pistachio and arugula pesto, grana padano, and panko from Foreign Affairs Wine Bar & Bistro in Manchester-by-the-Sea turns the buttery briny mollusks into a symphony of perfectly paired flavors.
· Beet cheddar apple tart from Samuel’s at the Andover Inn in Andover showcases three vital food groups.
· Pumpkin seed scallops from Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport harmonize fresh sea scallops, pumpkin seed crust, mascarpone cream, and pomegranate raspberry drizzle.
· Roasted bone marrow (yes, really) from Alchemy in Gloucester is for adventurers interested in experiencing the combination of bone marrow, assorted herbs, lemon zest, black truffle oil, pink Himalayan sea salt, and crostini.