Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1281965
115 produce and New England seasons." But while dishes like pho and banh mi are familiar to the North Shore from Vietnamese restaurants in the area, the Laotian versions might be a bit surprising. They call for more spice mixed right in—a lot more spice, says Theth. "For many items on our menu, we offer a spice level system," she explains. "It goes from a warming spice at level one, and progressively gets spicier—rather rapidly." Boldly order a five, the highest level, she says, and you'll experience "a burning spice that almost gets spicier as you keep eating." Tuscan Sea Grill's Faro is also the child of immigrants. His parents arrived from Sicily and founded a bakery in Haverhill, but he's excited that the Newburyport location has encouraged him to explore further. "Our brand is evolving beyond Tuscan Kitchen," he says. "All the activity from the marina and the boardwalk inspired us to do a spin on our traditional theme." It also inspired them to introduce a whole new look, with the help of celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak. "We've built some pretty nice-looking restaurants, but this is honestly the most beautiful restaurant we've ever built," Faro says. Tuscan features an expansive deck as well as a wall of windows that open up to let the fresh air in, fortunate elements to have during these times. Working to support restaurants struggling with social distancing regulations, the town of Newburyport has allocated expanded outdoor spaces to both Vera and Lin's, which will be especially inviting during the North Shore's typically beautiful fall weather. "We are so fortunate with our outdoor seating," eth says. "It definitely draws people in. ere is a great community scene here in Newburyport—whenever guests are sitting outside, they seem to always know someone walking by, and that is just a beautiful thing to watch." tuscanseagrillbar.com, veraristorante.com, linslittlekitchen.com Clockwise from top left, Celebrity designer Taniya Nayak helped create the look at Tuscan Sea Grill; Tuscan's space includes an expensive deck. Top right, Owner Joe Faro PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TUSCAN BRANDS (LEFT), BY SARAH JORDAN MCCAFFERY (RIGHT)