The 11th Annual Salem’s So Sweet Festival returns February 8 – 14

A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures and Valentine’s Day shopping returns for its 11th year. Kicking off with a Chocolate and Wine Tasting on Friday, February 8th, the week-long festival will feature chocolate tastings, shopping promotions, chocolate-infused menus at local restaurants, and the annual Golden Ticket drawing for a fabulous Salem So Sweet gift basket.

The luscious Chocolate and Wine tasting event will be held at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, a location that is fully-accessibly, and will feature wine and chocolate samplings from premier Salem restaurants, stores and sweet shops. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Salem Chamber of Commerce, 265 Essex Street Suite 101. This event is the highlight of the season and is anticipated to sell-out.

More than 16 large ice sculptures will be installed around downtown Salem on February 9, and restaurants and retailers will be offering chocolate samplings and great discounts throughout the weekend, with some promotions continuing until February 14th. Ice sculptures will include an engagement ring, the Taj Mahal, The Salem State University logo, an octopus, a Valentine Teddy, and others.

The Salem Trolley will offer trolley rides around the festival route, weather permitting, on February 9 & 10 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Adult rides will cost $1, and children are free. Pick up locations include the Salem Visitor Center, Pickering Wharf and Washington Street near Eastern Bank.

With more than 60 places to eat downtown Salem is the perfect place to plan a romantic dinner or casual lunch. In celebration of the chocolate weekend, many of Salem’s finest restaurants will feature special chocolate offerings on their menus, including desserts, cocktails, and inventive sauces. Participating Salem retailers will offer in-store promotions, innovative displays and items geared toward chocolate and Valentine’s Day ranging from a chocolate fondue fountain to Valentine inspired dog treats.

Golden Tickets will be available for a chance to win a Salem’s So Sweet Gift Basket. Pick up your Golden Ticket at participating businesses or the Salem Chamber of Commerce, and have it validated at participating businesses (no purchase necessary). Validated Golden Tickets can be returned for entry into a drawing for a Salem’s So Sweet gift basket which features many fine items from area retailers.

Salem So Sweet is presented by The Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Main Streets, and local retailers, restaurants and businesses. For more events and details about the festival visit Salem-Chamber.org.

 

“Café Polonia” and “Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse” Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: “Café Polonia” and “Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse” Restaurant Week Preview

In October of 2010 Café Polonia opened its second location in the historical downtown area of Salem, Massachusetts. The restaurant features an expanded menu with German, Hungarian and Eastern European specialties as well as a German style outdoor “bier garten,” or beer garden. While Café Polonia is best known for home style comfort food, the restaurant’s features also include a cozy décor reminiscent of a country cottage in Poland’s mountain region and superb guest service. To take a close look at what they’re offering for Restaurant Week click here for their Dinner Menu. Here is what Geoff M. had to say about his dining experience, “I’m not an expert on Polish food, but this place is just delicious. The potato pancake sampler (especially the goulash), the cheese and potato pierogies, the Wurst platter, the kielbasa platter, all yummy”. So if you’re looking for something “out of this world” to satisfy your taste buds, stop in to Café Polonia.

Overlooking Salem harbor, Victoria Station & Vic’s Boathouse has established themselves as a destination for friends and family for decades and have committed to providing lasting memories for generations to come. Offering a wide variety of fine American cuisine from succulent steaks to the freshest seafood and one of the last remaining “All you can eat” salad bars there is something for every member of the culinary community. To see what’s on the specialized menu during Restaurant Week click here. Here’s what Meaghan Q. had to say about her experience, “Victoria Station has never let me down. I really enjoy sitting on the patio on a nice day with one of their Margaritas. I’ve tried several things on the menu. My favorite -although it was a special- would be the pulled pork sliders. Yummmmm! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Their service is always great, too. All around good place.” So have a scenic seat on the waterside and enjoy a nice evening out at Victoria Station.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org

62 Restaurant and Wine Bar The Great Escape Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar and The Great Escape Restaurant Week Preview
62 Restaurant and Wine Bar is a Modern Italian trattoria serving contemporary versions of regional Italian classics. Chef Antonio Bettencourt and his team are dedicated to using the best locally-sourced, all natural ingredients in season and at the peak of flavor. The food at 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar shows true soul and a commitment to the true “craft” of cooking. Their all-Italian wine list is chosen especially to match their distinctive cuisine and highlights premier and hard to find Italian winemakers. You can view 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar’s Menu here but if you take Justin B.’s word for it, “Salem… Italian… I never expected food this good in Salem, MA. This is hands down the best pasta I have had outside of Italy.” If you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience and a meal that can transport you straight to Italy, enjoy a nice night out at 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The Great Escape Restaurant located in historic downtown Salem, MA has a unique history; it is located in a former jail! Great Escape Restaurant opened in 2010 and features a menu created by Chef Fredie Barbosa. The restaurant was designed with a jail theme featuring brick walls, the original two foot thick granite floor, a bar made out of recycled cell doors, and cell bars all around to enhance guests’ dining experience. To check out the specialized dinner menu offered during Restaurant Week click here. Here is what Maria M. had to say about her jail-time experience, “The food at the great escape is delicious! I’m a vegetarian and the kitchen staff was very accommodating and made me this special, vegetarian mushroom tortellini, wine sauce, veggies dish that was absolutely amazing! They also made me the eggplant tower minus the prosciutto, so good!”  So go serve some time at the Great Escape and you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave!
For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org

 

43 Church and Howling Wolf Taqueria Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: 43 Church and Howling Wolf Taqueria Restaurant Week Preview

Located in Lyceum Hall in the historic downtown district, 43 Church graces the cobblestone streets of Salem in a building with a lot of history. Lyceum Hall served as Salem’s community lecture hall, where ideas and debates on politics, society, technology and science flourished. 43 Church serves refined New England Fare featuring locally sourced ingredients with an active Gastropub lounge scene– a restaurant that serves truly great food and lets it speak for itself. You can check out 43 Church’s menu here but if you take J.W. B’s word for it, “Went during our annual Halloween trip to Salem. Food was amazing. Price was a pleasant surprise. The atmosphere was warm and cozy while maintaining a mildly upper-class aesthetic. Good beer list. I highly recommend the poached pear salad”. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, we are sure that you will enjoy your meal.

Howling Wolf Taqueria is an authentic Mexican and Southwestern taqueria serving New Mexican inspired cuisine. Located at 76 Lafayette Street in historic Salem, Massachusetts, they are on the corner of New Derby & Lafayette, across from the Salem fire station. Come savor all of the freshness and flavor on their specialized menu offered only during Restaurant Week. The owners at the Howling Wolf make sure that the value of the food is their highest priority. Here is what Stephanie H. had to say about her spicy experience, “I have been here plenty of times now and truly love the service and menu. What they have done with the place since they first opened is amazing. Food is great. Portions are huge. Free chips and salsa. Plenty of drinks to choose from. Staff is awesome.” Head over to Salem and pretty soon you’ll find yourself howling for more at the Howling Wolf Taqueria!

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org.

Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill and Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill and Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel Restaurant Week Preview

Finz Seafood Restaurant & Grill has had a long standing reputation for its fresh straight-off-the-boat seafood in Salem and around the New England region. Known for its innovative seafood, grill fare and raw bar, not to mention delicious specialty drinks, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy outstanding food and drinks. Zagat’s rated Finz Seafood & Grill one of the “Top 10 Waterfront restaurants in New England” (August 2011). Here is what Elle C. had to say about her dining experience, “Totally lived up to the hype. Everyone says you have to go to Finz. We had a party of 6 and everyone had amazing meals and drinks for $40 a person”. To check out their special Dinner menu during Restaurant Week click here. If you’re looking for some top-notch “out-of-the-Atlantic” fresh seafood while you’re in New England, Finz is a must.

For an unforgettable fine dining experience during your visit to Salem, Massachusetts, enjoy the ambiance, warm hospitality and award-winning seasonal cuisine of Nathaniel’s Restaurant. The menu offers dishes ranging from historic items of a bygone era to contemporary, eclectic fare. Nathaniel’s offers demi-portions of its most popular items including its signature dish, Scallops Sophia. Their carefully crafted wine menu and scrumptious desserts complete any special occasion. And don’t miss their popular weekend Sunday Jazz brunch! To see their customized Dinner menu during Restaurant Week click here. Here is what Alex V. had to say about her experience, “Great food, Great variety of menu selections, AMAZING service and the prices are more than fair. Nathaniel’s is that unique restaurant that manages to have an upscale environment without coming off stuffy”. So if you’re looking for an upscale, classy evening out and a meal that you’ll always remember, go to Nathaniel’s to satisfy your palate and create a wonderful memory.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar and Salem Beer Works Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: Adriatic Restaurant and Bar and Salem Beer Works Restaurant Week Preview

Adriatic Restaurant and Bar is a casual dining restaurant featuring the cuisine of the regions surrounding the Adriatic Sea. Fresh fish and seasonal vegetables, together with brick oven pizzas, create the main menu. In addition to that, a nice cocktail list, a great wine program, and a professional staff help the guests to enjoy a lunch or dinner with family and friends. To see all that Adriatic has to offer on their Dinner menu, click here and if you’d like to view their Lunch menu click here. Here is what Chris R. had to say about his dining experience, “A hidden gem of Salem: I went there with two friends – the food and the service was absolutely top-notch, and I mean ‘Ritz-Carlton’ top notch. Wait staff wouldn’t let a glass get half-empty before checking back. For just a few extra bucks you are getting a first date dining experience. This is a great place for a date or to bring out-of-town visitors”. With its Mediterranean flair and modern atmosphere, we are sure you will enjoy your dining experience at Adriatic.

Located in Historic Downtown Salem since 1996 and completely renovated in 2011, Salem Beer Works offers over 90 menu items and 15 hand-crafted beers daily. Guests enjoy the seasonal patio and proximity to the Salem waterfront, as well as brewery tours and tastings! Get a tasty preview of their specialized menu during Restaurant Week. Here is what Aynia T. had to say about her experience, “We had Shepherd’s pie pizza (which is as awesome as it sounds), the Rajun Cajun, and a steak, shrimp, and loaded mashed potatoes dish. Each one was super tasty and was nice to share. They even made us a side dish of fried okra on request that was huge and very reasonably priced. If you’re in Salem, this is a great stop. You know you want to, so don’t deny yourself the experience”. Whether you’re looking for a great beer or a hearty meal, you’ve come to the right place if you stop at Salem Beer Works.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org

Brodie’s Seaport and Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: Brodie’s Seaport and Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar Restaurant Week Preview

Both locals and tourists can agree on another great new restaurant in Salem! Brodie’s Seaport offers casual excellence at the corner of Derby and Wharf Street. The menu features signature seafood, fresh salads, sandwiches, chowders and soups, tips, burgers, and a little bit of everything! To check out all of their tasty options, click here. Here is what Lisa B. had to say about her dining experience, “The chowder was great, it melted in your mouth. Everyone loved their selections and our group tends to be picky. We will definitely go back the next time we are in Salem”. With their fresh-off-the-boat signature seafood, you’re sure to enjoy the warm atmosphere and New England dining experience.

Red Lulu Cocina and Tequila Bar was recently recognized as the Best New Restaurant North of Boston in the 2012 Best of Boston edition of Boston Magazine. Red Lulu brings a sultry, bordello-inspired cantina setting to downtown Salem. The full-service restaurant and bar offers a wide array of spirits including over 180 tequilas, mezcals and rare Mexican spirits. All of the margaritas feature fresh squeezed limes and agave nectar, expertly iced and served with a healthy dose of premium tequila. The menu executed by Executive Chef Brian Roche, features signature entrees and culinary creations that highlight the true spirit of Mexico. To see what the Red Lulu will be offering on its Dinner menu during Restaurant Week click here. Here is what Kim D. had to say about her experience, “Love LOVE this place. We were blown away by the quality of food and the quality of the cocktails. We loved the mojito, Diablo margarita, and Naughty pineapple Margarita. Guacamole Was great. Coming from the west coast we had to try the lobster tacos, they were excellent. We came here for the Halloween fun but we felt like we hit a home run by finding this restaurant.” So get ready for a fun and always memorable night out at the Red Lulu Cocina & Tequila Bar.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org

Grapevine Restaurant and Village Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar Restaurant Week Preview

Don’t miss Salem Fall Restaurant Week, November 4 – 8, 11 – 15: Grapevine Restaurant and Village Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar Restaurant Week Preview

Readers in Zagat Boston’s restaurant survey write that the Grapevine Restaurant is hands down “one of the best on the North Shore” and mentioned it compares favorably “with some of the best restaurants in Boston”. This hidden gem of Salem specializes in eclectic cuisine using only the freshest ingredients in their dishes which include Prosciutto. To get a taste of their customized dinner menu during Restaurant Week click here. Here is what Jim H. had to say about his dining experience, “Went to the Grapevine Saturday night and had the best time. I have been coming here for 20 years, and the food is amazing. Everything we had was incredible. Two that should not be missed.. the Fish soup is to die for and the Linguini with shrimp scallops and mussels – terrific. I have to tell you that all of the staff is amazing there. They have all been here for many years, and they are wonderful caring and so helpful. Don’t miss this amazing place.” So have yourself an Italian night out at Grapevine Restaurant that you will never forget.

The Village Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar is a warm inviting environment, serving as a local neighborhood bar & tavern. It’s a great location for meeting friends and small groups to eat, drink, and mingle. The Village is available for lunch, dinner, and late night fare, and also every night of the week for great entertainment. Check out their tasty specialized menu during Restaurant Week. Here is what K.R. had to say about her dining experience, “The food was pretty good- I’d love to get my hands on their chowder recipe. We also had oysters and we were chatting with the waitress and she said that they were from a local company which is pretty cool. Steak tips were great! The location was fun- after dinner we did a little bar hopping with friends. It was in the middle of all the fun Salem activities.” So come get a taste of the local flavor at the Village Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar.

For more information and a full listing of participating restaurants please visit www.salem-chamber.org