Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1272086
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 56 AUGUST 2020 Back in March, while area schools were scrambling to figure out how to feed the kids who rely on free and reduced priced breakfast and lunch programs, Port City Sandwich Shop was all over social media, offering free lunch to kids in need from anywhere in the area—all around the North Shore and up into New Hampshire. Jamie Karopoulos, who owns Port City with husband Tyke, grew up in Malden and immediately recognized the need in the community. They quickly put together a menu of four sandwiches—grilled cheese, turkey, peanut butter, or ham and cheese—each served with a bag of chips and a bottle of water. Anyone in need in the community can call in an order, then pick it up. "We've had people come out of the woodwork, offering to pay for it, helping us make sandwiches, but up to now, we've declined," Karopoulos told Northshore. Even after local schools figured out how to feed kids, Karopoulos stood ready to continue to provide lunches. "We're not going to say no to anybody," he says. Supporting businesses that give so much back is a no-brainer. The sandwiches, like the grilled chicken Caesar wrap and the ultimate grilled cheese—thick Texas toast with melted swiss, American, cheddar and provolone cheeses, are generously stuffed with fresh, high-quality ingredients, perfect for a socially distanced picnic on the waterfront. PA N D E M I C P I VO T Port City Sandwich this cozy spot focuses on using what is fresh and local from the waters outside their door and from area farms to craft French-inspired comfort food. Service is gracious, the ambience is intimate, and reservations are strongly recommended. Plan ahead, because parking can be tricky, especially in the summertime. If you're up for a romantic stroll, park at Rocky Neck and plan to window shop at the galleries after dinner. 197 East Main St., Gloucester, 978-282-4426, duckworthsbistrot.com (Temporarily closed at press time.) R E A D E R S ' C H O I C E TH E F R A N K LI N GLOUCESTER With dark wood paneling and cool urban vibe, this cozy spot serving upscale new American cuisine has been a magnet for couples for two decades. 118 Main St., Gloucester, 978-283-7888, franklincapeann.com Salad E D I T O R S ' C H O I C E S H O RT & M A I N GLOUCESTER With the exception of citrus, avocados, and other things that don't grow in Massachusetts, all produce at Short & Main comes from local, organic farmers. And the menu calls out growers by name—spots like First Light in Hamilton and Iron Ox in Topsfield that place importance on sustainable and organic practices. No surprise, since Nico and Amelia Monday, who co-own the restaurant with Matt Cawley, met while working at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, a restaurant at the forefront of the local food movement. 36 Main St., Gloucester, 978-281-0044, shortandmain.com R E A D E R S ' C H O I C E TO PP SA L A D DANVERS Locals Thanasi Pantazelos and Nathan Sotis opened ToppSalad five years ago, offering a healthy alternative to the cluster of fast food restaurants around Liberty Tree Mall. 198 Endicott St., Danvers, 978-762-TOPP (8677), toppsalad.com Sandwiches E D I T O R S ' C H O I C E P O RT CIT Y SA N DWI C H NEWBURYPORT The classic sandwiches, like the hot pastrami, cranberry walnut chicken salad and the ultimate grilled cheese, are generously stuffed with fresh, ingredients, perfect for a takeway summer lunch. 40R Merrimac St., Suite 102E, Newburyport, 978-358-8628, portcitysandwichco.com R E A D E R S ' C H O I C E F LI P TH E B I R D BEVERLY Forget those cartoon chain restaurant chicken sandwiches. Flip the Bird is the real-deal made from scratch to order, right down to the buttermilk ranch dressing and the coleslaw. 407 Cabot St., Beverly, flipthebirdfriedchicken.com Seafood TO N N O GLOUCESTER Chef/owner Anthony Caturano takes full advantage of Gloucester's working waterfront to offer innovative Italian- influenced preparations of pristine fish. From the daily crudo to the delicious shellfish, like stewed clams with white beans, mussels with tomato-fennel broth, and the Cioppino, an Italian fish stew, it's all delicious. The historic space, with low ceilings and exposed beams, feels like heading back in time, but the modern cocktail and wine list are the perfect balance. 2 Main St., Gloucester, 978-879-4795, tonnorestaurant.com