-Neighborhood Spot-
 The Blue Ox
 for Upscale American Comfort

 

 

Want classy sophistication without heading into Boston? Also want an incredible burger with an inventive cocktail? Blue Ox, located in Lynn on the Northshore, has just that. Blue Ox is a gem! It's cozy, yet modern and sophisticated, with award-winning entrees and a unique list of cocktails. The award-winning Blue Ox Burgers are perfectly sized 1/4 lb. burgers on golden brioche buns. Aside from the applewood smoked bacon, the best part about this burger is when you take that first bite and the gorgonzola dolce slowly oozes out from the center. It's really a beautiful thing. I suggest trying one of the cocktails (I had the Old Meets New Fashioned)which reminded me of Mad Men. But that house-infused bacon bourbon with maple bitters may have to happen next time!  

SB *Restaurant Picks*

The Blue Ox

191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 01901

 Drink: The Old meets New Fashioned (whiskey, muddled orange & cherry, maraschino liqueur)

 Eat: Baked Stuffed Brie, Chop Salad, The Blue Ox Burgers, Herb Roasted Chicken 

 Perfect for: Date night, special occasion, cozy & intimate dining.

 

 

 Sunday Brunch: Scratch Kitchen

 

I almost forgot how nice Sundays can be-sleeping in after a late-night, lazily lounging around the table with the paper spread out, coffee brewing. Then going out for Brunch. I adore brunch. I could do brunch every day.

 The thing about brunch is that it really shouldn't be complicated. It should just happen. No one wants to wait in a long line with a hangover. You shouldn't have to travel more than 30 minutes away from home. And the food has to be hearty and plentiful because this really can be THE meal of the day.

Last Sunday, with family and boyfriend, I picked Scratch Kitchen in Salem for my long overdue Sunday Brunch. Scratch is a great new find that focuses on local, farm-fresh ingredients. The house- cured bacon (which I tried and loved!) is featured in several dishes and they make their own condiments. The eclectic menu features dishes such as baked beans on bacon-scented cornbread  and herb pesto scrambled eggs. The service was friendly, hospitable, and kept the coffee coming. Small neighborhood feel with a serious take on sunday's favorite meal of the day.

SB *Restaurant Picks*

Go: Scratch Kitchen (Salem, MA)

Try: The Bacon Benedict, Breakfast pizza (not on the menu) and Green eggs and ham w/ some Goat.

Perfect for: family, friends, and bacon lovers.

 

 

Eggs Benedict