****Buckley's Great Steaks
s438 Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3
Merrimack, NH 03054
We drove through down pouring rain, slow traffic, and fog so thick you couldn't see right in front of the hood of your car. The dinner we received at Buckley's Great Steaks made the dangerous drive completely worth it!
We made reservations for 4 online and our table was ready right when we arrived. Our server (sadly I can't remember her name) had a wonderful personality, very knowledgeable about the menu, and easily handled our food allergies. There are a variety of drinks, beer and wine for everyone. The drinks were well made and delivered in a timely matter.
To start we ordered a dozen oysters which were refreshing and of terrific quality. The oysters are served with cocktail sauce, a spicy sambal sauce, and a mignonette. For entrees Greg ordered the Cinnamon and Chipotle dusted Sirloin special. The steak was prepared as asked and seasoned well. I ordered the Maple glazed Berkshire Pork special. My order also came with bacon and brussel sprouts and a root vegetable hash. The plating of my entree was a little on the messy side however the pork was moist, and flavors were wonderful. Tom ordered the Sirloin and asked to have the sides of the Berkshire Pork special. Luckily the staff were able to accommodate this. Robyn had the best dish of the night! Sugar cured strip loin with a roasted garlic demi-glace. Robyn shared a bite with me and that one small bite was packed with flavor and showed how tender a steak should be.
Our allergies prevented us from ordering any dessert but we weren't rushed from our table. Buckley's Great Steaks is on the pricier side of restaurants (similar in price to the Capital Grille) especially for Merrimack NH. With that said, I highly recommend dining at this restaurant. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and food!
We made reservations for 4 online and our table was ready right when we arrived. Our server (sadly I can't remember her name) had a wonderful personality, very knowledgeable about the menu, and easily handled our food allergies. There are a variety of drinks, beer and wine for everyone. The drinks were well made and delivered in a timely matter.
To start we ordered a dozen oysters which were refreshing and of terrific quality. The oysters are served with cocktail sauce, a spicy sambal sauce, and a mignonette. For entrees Greg ordered the Cinnamon and Chipotle dusted Sirloin special. The steak was prepared as asked and seasoned well. I ordered the Maple glazed Berkshire Pork special. My order also came with bacon and brussel sprouts and a root vegetable hash. The plating of my entree was a little on the messy side however the pork was moist, and flavors were wonderful. Tom ordered the Sirloin and asked to have the sides of the Berkshire Pork special. Luckily the staff were able to accommodate this. Robyn had the best dish of the night! Sugar cured strip loin with a roasted garlic demi-glace. Robyn shared a bite with me and that one small bite was packed with flavor and showed how tender a steak should be.
Our allergies prevented us from ordering any dessert but we weren't rushed from our table. Buckley's Great Steaks is on the pricier side of restaurants (similar in price to the Capital Grille) especially for Merrimack NH. With that said, I highly recommend dining at this restaurant. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, service, and food!
****Cava
10 Commercial Alley Portsmouth, NH 03801
We were a party of 4 on a Saturday night. You definitely want to make a reservation for Cava as they are very popular and on the small side. We were seated downstairs which has a cozy atmosphere. Our server was friendly and very informative regarding the food and our specific allergies (Gluten free and Dairy Free).
I'll start with the cons since they really weren't too bad and wouldn't stop us from returning. The restaurant is Tapas style (although they do offer a tasting menu as well). We love this style of restaurant and look forward to trying a few dishes, ordering different dishes, and finally ordering more of what we loved. The service was great to start but when the bar became filled the service became almost non-existent. The food runners would kindly take our orders but we hardly saw our server until we were ready for the check.
Now for the pros. The food!! We enjoyed every single item we ordered! Each dish is meticulously thought out for flavor, texture, and presentation.
roasted medjool dates • manchego • serrano ham (Couldn't be made Dairy Free)
basque olives • marcona almonds
patatas bravas
chickpea “fries” (Bulgur was on the side for Gluten Free)
char grilled baby octopus
crisp pork belly
spanish chorizo • idiazabal • fried herbs • roasted garli (Deconstructed completely to accommodate both Gluten and Dairy)
pork tenderloin
golden pineapple • lime • pomegranate molasses
We all highly recommend a visit to Cava!
I'll start with the cons since they really weren't too bad and wouldn't stop us from returning. The restaurant is Tapas style (although they do offer a tasting menu as well). We love this style of restaurant and look forward to trying a few dishes, ordering different dishes, and finally ordering more of what we loved. The service was great to start but when the bar became filled the service became almost non-existent. The food runners would kindly take our orders but we hardly saw our server until we were ready for the check.
Now for the pros. The food!! We enjoyed every single item we ordered! Each dish is meticulously thought out for flavor, texture, and presentation.
roasted medjool dates • manchego • serrano ham (Couldn't be made Dairy Free)
basque olives • marcona almonds
patatas bravas
chickpea “fries” (Bulgur was on the side for Gluten Free)
char grilled baby octopus
crisp pork belly
spanish chorizo • idiazabal • fried herbs • roasted garli (Deconstructed completely to accommodate both Gluten and Dairy)
pork tenderloin
golden pineapple • lime • pomegranate molasses
We all highly recommend a visit to Cava!
***Tuscan Kitchen
67 Main St Salem, NH 03079
We have dined several times at the Tuscan Kitchen. Sadly I never remember to write a review about them. For the most part we have always enjoyed the service, atmosphere, drinks, and food. We also enjoy shopping at the Tuscan Market (across the parking lot from the restaurant). You can find top quality Italian ingredients, breads, and prepared foods. We also appreciate that The Tuscan Kitchen can accommodate Gluten and Dairy allergies.
We recently joined friends for dinner here and The Tuscan Kitchen had new menus. For appetizers we chose oysters, foie gras, and the carpaccio. The carpaccio was delicious, the oysters were nice although some weren't properly shucked, but the foie gras was cold and unappetizing.
For entrees we ordered the signature tuscan steak, tuna, veal, and lobster. All of our meals were good however a tad under seasoned. Personally my tuna was very bland with the exception of the orange and red onion marmellata, this saved the dish.
We over heard several tables around us stating the their food was also cold and needing to be returned. Our waitress did remove the foie gras from our receipt (without us asking her to do so) which we appreciated. The new menu is very exciting and innovative however I feel a few kinks still need to be worked out.
We recently joined friends for dinner here and The Tuscan Kitchen had new menus. For appetizers we chose oysters, foie gras, and the carpaccio. The carpaccio was delicious, the oysters were nice although some weren't properly shucked, but the foie gras was cold and unappetizing.
For entrees we ordered the signature tuscan steak, tuna, veal, and lobster. All of our meals were good however a tad under seasoned. Personally my tuna was very bland with the exception of the orange and red onion marmellata, this saved the dish.
We over heard several tables around us stating the their food was also cold and needing to be returned. Our waitress did remove the foie gras from our receipt (without us asking her to do so) which we appreciated. The new menu is very exciting and innovative however I feel a few kinks still need to be worked out.
***Portland Pie Company
786 Elm St Manchester, NH 03101
There are several locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
We were told the wait would be 45 minutes but shortly after checking in my friend and I were seated at a table for two. Our waitress was friendly, informative, and checked in with us often. We chose this restaurant mainly because of our allergies and the proximity to a concert we were attending. My friend has a gluten allergy and I have a dairy allergy so naturally when we dine out together things can be tricky. To start we chose Margarita's for drinks and these were quite good. My friend ordered their Gluten Free Pizza (contains dairy) and asked for it to be cooked well done. Her pizza was delicious and similar to a crispy flat bread pizza. I ordered the Basil pizza dough, with red sauce, and vegan cheese. I was ecstatic with the results. It had been ages since I enjoyed pizza and this particular pizza didn't disappoint! My pizza was full of flavor, melted cheese, and a terrific texture!
****Unums Restaurant
49 E Pearl St Nashua, NH 03060
Our party of 4 was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, friendliness, scrumptious food, and openness to food allergies. We started the night with drinks especially loving the Sultry Sidecar (order on the rocks with a sugared rim). For an appetizer we chose Bacon Jam Scallops (soy sauce on the side for gluten allergy) and one of the specials for the night a dozen Raw Oysters with three accompaniments. Both were fresh and satisfying.
For entrees my friends ordered the Hanger Steak (hold the tacu tacu which is a rice cake and hold the tempura onion rings for gluten allergy). Greg ordered the Tuna which i enjoyed a bite of. I ordered the Duck Breast (dairy free). All of our meals were seasoned perfectly, cooked appropriately, and thoroughly enjoyed by us.
Unums does also offer a variety of desserts. My friend ordered the Creme Brulee and said it was delicious. I could have ordered Sorbet (as they are dairy free) but just wasn't in the mood this evening.
A small downside is that there is only one ladies restroom and one gentleman's restroom. The ladies restroom is nicely decorated but could definitely use a dusting.
We all highly recommend Unums and will definitely visit again.
For entrees my friends ordered the Hanger Steak (hold the tacu tacu which is a rice cake and hold the tempura onion rings for gluten allergy). Greg ordered the Tuna which i enjoyed a bite of. I ordered the Duck Breast (dairy free). All of our meals were seasoned perfectly, cooked appropriately, and thoroughly enjoyed by us.
Unums does also offer a variety of desserts. My friend ordered the Creme Brulee and said it was delicious. I could have ordered Sorbet (as they are dairy free) but just wasn't in the mood this evening.
A small downside is that there is only one ladies restroom and one gentleman's restroom. The ladies restroom is nicely decorated but could definitely use a dusting.
We all highly recommend Unums and will definitely visit again.
***Portsmouth Brewery
The Portsmouth Brewery • 56 Market Street • Portsmouth NH 03801
The Portsmouth Brewery is extremely open to food allergies. On the last visit to the restaurant I ordered the Spicy Curry Style Mussels. The dish is dairy free and includes curry, coconut milk, lemongrass, and spicy chili sauce. With a side of fries this dish makes a wonderful appetizer or entrée.
Greg ordered the Corizo Burger which is a housemade pork chorizo patty, with green chiles, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions.
The food and service are terrific at Portsmouth Brewery but the wait times can be lengthy.
Greg ordered the Corizo Burger which is a housemade pork chorizo patty, with green chiles, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions.
The food and service are terrific at Portsmouth Brewery but the wait times can be lengthy.
****Surf Seafood
207 Main Street Nashua, NH 03060
Surf is a delicious seafood restaurant with a great atmosphere. The decor is beachy with a touch of class, the staff are great, and food is very tasty. We had a short wait (they don't take reservations) so we headed to the bar. The guys ordered draft beers, I ordered a Key Lime Martini, and Robyn ordered a drink which I can't remember the name but included whiskey, and apple foam. All were outstanding (it was called a Johnny Appleseed).
We headed to our table and, once seated, ordered the Scallops seared with coffee and coriander. Our waitress was easily able to accommodate my allergy by putting the sweet potato puree on the side. The Scallops were cooked beautifully and the crust wasn't overpowering. For entrees Tom ordered the Portuguese Seafood Stew - he highly recommends it and Robyn ordered the Scallop appetizer from the main menu. Greg ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo (I had a taste and it was flavorful without too much heat). I ordered the Bamboo Steamed Shrimp which was perfect with hints of lemongrass and ginger.
After a disappointing dinner at Stella Blu we were all thankful to Surf for offering amazing food, great drinks, and a large variety of options for everyone.
We headed to our table and, once seated, ordered the Scallops seared with coffee and coriander. Our waitress was easily able to accommodate my allergy by putting the sweet potato puree on the side. The Scallops were cooked beautifully and the crust wasn't overpowering. For entrees Tom ordered the Portuguese Seafood Stew - he highly recommends it and Robyn ordered the Scallop appetizer from the main menu. Greg ordered the Shrimp Vindaloo (I had a taste and it was flavorful without too much heat). I ordered the Bamboo Steamed Shrimp which was perfect with hints of lemongrass and ginger.
After a disappointing dinner at Stella Blu we were all thankful to Surf for offering amazing food, great drinks, and a large variety of options for everyone.
**Stella Blu
70 East Pearl Street Nashua, NH 03060
We found that Stella Blu in Nashua NH had a good looking gluten free menu and we opted to try the restaurant. Stella Blu offers Tapas from around the world. Everything started out great, the restaurant is cozy, presentation looked good, and the staff seemed nice. We ordered their Stella Blu signature drink (blueberry and prosecco), Greg found a great beer, Goose Island Matilda and Tom ordered his usual Old Fashioned. Unfortunately, the Gluten Free menu differed a bit from online menu. On top of the menu variance, almost everything at the restaurant contains dairy (whether the menu states it or not) and they didn't seem able to accommodate non-dairy requests.
The guys ordered the Wild Game Meatballs, Roasted Venison and Brussels Sprouts. We ordered the Pulled Pork (I couldn't eat the accompanying cornbread) and the Kobe Sliders. The Kobe Sliders arrived and they had cheese on them even though or waiter knew I had a dairy allergy. Robyn's Sliders came with sesame seeds on the buns so that was out for her too. $120 later the meal was done and I was starving (I ate a bite of pulled pork and one slider); as was Robyn. The guys enjoyed their dishes but would have ordered more if they could have accommodated our dietary needs.
Unfortunately, we left the restaurant unsatisfied and with the nagging feeling that items were probably pre-made at Stella Blu and that would probably be the reason why they were unable to accommodate a dairy allergy.
The guys ordered the Wild Game Meatballs, Roasted Venison and Brussels Sprouts. We ordered the Pulled Pork (I couldn't eat the accompanying cornbread) and the Kobe Sliders. The Kobe Sliders arrived and they had cheese on them even though or waiter knew I had a dairy allergy. Robyn's Sliders came with sesame seeds on the buns so that was out for her too. $120 later the meal was done and I was starving (I ate a bite of pulled pork and one slider); as was Robyn. The guys enjoyed their dishes but would have ordered more if they could have accommodated our dietary needs.
Unfortunately, we left the restaurant unsatisfied and with the nagging feeling that items were probably pre-made at Stella Blu and that would probably be the reason why they were unable to accommodate a dairy allergy.
***Tuscan Kitchen
67 Main Street Salem, NH 03079
Fig and Rosemary Pork Panini
We have previously enjoyed dinner at the Tuscan Kitchen. On this occasion I met a friend for lunch. We were quickly seated. Unfortunately, one of my pet peeves occurred at the table, I received a dirty bread plate. I pushed it aside and politely asked for it to be removed when our waitress introduced herself and took our drink order. My friend and I both ordered unsweetened Iced Tea for beverages.
Our waitress brought over some fresh bread but my friend was hoping a special request could be accommodated. Tuscan Kitchen offers a focaccia bread with caramelized onions that is to die for! Our waitress checked with the kitchen staff and they were more than happy to heat up some of the focaccia for us.
For entrees we both ordered the Fig and Rosemary Pork Panini. Again the restaurant was great at accommodating us as my friend substituted the pork with chicken. My panini was filled with Rotisserie Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Fig Balsamic Reduction, and Buratta Cheese on House Made Ciabatta. Accompanying the sandwich were Truffle French fries with Parmesan Cheese. The french fries were good but a little on the soggy side.
For a modern take on Italian Cuisine I recommend the Tuscan Kitchen.
Our waitress brought over some fresh bread but my friend was hoping a special request could be accommodated. Tuscan Kitchen offers a focaccia bread with caramelized onions that is to die for! Our waitress checked with the kitchen staff and they were more than happy to heat up some of the focaccia for us.
For entrees we both ordered the Fig and Rosemary Pork Panini. Again the restaurant was great at accommodating us as my friend substituted the pork with chicken. My panini was filled with Rotisserie Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Fig Balsamic Reduction, and Buratta Cheese on House Made Ciabatta. Accompanying the sandwich were Truffle French fries with Parmesan Cheese. The french fries were good but a little on the soggy side.
For a modern take on Italian Cuisine I recommend the Tuscan Kitchen.
****Blue Mermaid Island Grill
409 The Hill
Portsmouth NH 03801
We have wanted to dine at this restaurant for a while but for one reason or another never made it. We were able to purchase a Groupon that was an amazing deal for the Blue Mermaid Island Grill. For $39.00 we would be able to order a small plate, two entrees, two alcoholic beverages, and one dessert.
I called ahead and made a reservation for us since it was a weekend and Portsmouth can get very busy in the summer months. We were seated upstairs and our waitress, Samantha, was friendly, timely, and not overly attentive.
To start things off Greg ordered the Fire & Ice Margarita (jalapeno infused tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cranberry). The margarita was good although mainly just heat unlike the Jalapeno Margarita at La Cava del Tequila which was more flavorful. I ordered the Mint Julep and thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, bourbon and summer go together.
For a starter we ordered the Grilled Scallops on Crispy Wontons (roasted corn and red pepper salsa and avocado cream). The scallops were tasty although the dish could have used a bit more acid.
For entrees Greg ordered the Island Braised Beef Short Ribs (braised in a guava-soy reduction with chipotle mashed potatoes and string beans). I ordered one of the nights specials Korean Spiced Grilled Shrimp. Side note: Make sure you always tell your server about any allergies. While I didn't have a problem with it, my shrimp were coated in sesame seeds and they weren't part of the description. The Shrimp were perfectly cooked and served with rice and house made Kimchi.
Before dessert, we ordered another round of drinks. Both of us ordered the Killer Collins (Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germaine, sour mix, splash of soda, and a little lemon. We loved this drink and can't wait to make it at home. For dessert we ordered the Bread Pudding. It was so delicious that we cleaned the plate entirely!
We will definitely be recommending the Blue Mermaid Island Grill and also will be returning as full paying customers.
I called ahead and made a reservation for us since it was a weekend and Portsmouth can get very busy in the summer months. We were seated upstairs and our waitress, Samantha, was friendly, timely, and not overly attentive.
To start things off Greg ordered the Fire & Ice Margarita (jalapeno infused tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cranberry). The margarita was good although mainly just heat unlike the Jalapeno Margarita at La Cava del Tequila which was more flavorful. I ordered the Mint Julep and thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, bourbon and summer go together.
For a starter we ordered the Grilled Scallops on Crispy Wontons (roasted corn and red pepper salsa and avocado cream). The scallops were tasty although the dish could have used a bit more acid.
For entrees Greg ordered the Island Braised Beef Short Ribs (braised in a guava-soy reduction with chipotle mashed potatoes and string beans). I ordered one of the nights specials Korean Spiced Grilled Shrimp. Side note: Make sure you always tell your server about any allergies. While I didn't have a problem with it, my shrimp were coated in sesame seeds and they weren't part of the description. The Shrimp were perfectly cooked and served with rice and house made Kimchi.
Before dessert, we ordered another round of drinks. Both of us ordered the Killer Collins (Bombay Sapphire Gin, St. Germaine, sour mix, splash of soda, and a little lemon. We loved this drink and can't wait to make it at home. For dessert we ordered the Bread Pudding. It was so delicious that we cleaned the plate entirely!
We will definitely be recommending the Blue Mermaid Island Grill and also will be returning as full paying customers.
*** Burtons Grill
310 Daniel Webster Highway Nashua, NH 03060
April 2012"Huge dinner with friends last night... I can't decide if I am still full or my stomach hurts from laughing so hard... It wasn't until last night that I realized what a spectacle the four of us are in public." Greg
We met up with another couple for dinner and lots of laughs! While waiting for our table to enjoyed drinks at the bar. Both my friend and I highly recommend the Desert Flower Mojito, it is made with prickly pear syrup. Delish!For dinner the men dined on the NY Strip Steak without the butter compound and added mushrooms. The steaks were prepared well and delicious. My friend and I both ordered the surf and turf. The surf and turf was a petite filet and a crab cake. My filet was perfect however the crab cake left a lot to be desired. The crab cake was made up of shredded crab (not lump), and was very fishy tasting. For sides I enjoyed the baked potato and asparagus.For dessert my friend and her husband enjoyed a special. Toffee ice cream sandwich cookies with a salted caramel sauce. Greg and I split the key lime pie. Both desserts were worth the million calories!
We met up with another couple for dinner and lots of laughs! While waiting for our table to enjoyed drinks at the bar. Both my friend and I highly recommend the Desert Flower Mojito, it is made with prickly pear syrup. Delish!For dinner the men dined on the NY Strip Steak without the butter compound and added mushrooms. The steaks were prepared well and delicious. My friend and I both ordered the surf and turf. The surf and turf was a petite filet and a crab cake. My filet was perfect however the crab cake left a lot to be desired. The crab cake was made up of shredded crab (not lump), and was very fishy tasting. For sides I enjoyed the baked potato and asparagus.For dessert my friend and her husband enjoyed a special. Toffee ice cream sandwich cookies with a salted caramel sauce. Greg and I split the key lime pie. Both desserts were worth the million calories!
***Parkers Maple Barn
1316 Brookline Road Mason, NH 03048
Driving north on Rte 3 to NH we stop by lots of places to shop, our favorite apple picking orchards, and scenic views. All that being said, the hour drive is a lot just for breakfast. It would be much more fun to drive to Parkers take a maple syrup tour and enjoy breakfast, in early Spring.
My parents joined us for breakfast, they always enjoy a nice drive. The coffee served was okay but we have purchased their Maple Cinnamon Coffee before and it's much better.
Greg was apparently starving since he ordered The Parkers Special. This consisted of 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, ham, and homefries. He ate it all. My mother enjoyed the Eggs Benedict. My father and I both ordered The Eggs Irish. This was basically eggs benedict but instead of hame it was corned beef hash. The eggs Irish was tasty however both my fathers and my eggs were overcooked. The eggs were more hard boiled than poached.
My parents joined us for breakfast, they always enjoy a nice drive. The coffee served was okay but we have purchased their Maple Cinnamon Coffee before and it's much better.
Greg was apparently starving since he ordered The Parkers Special. This consisted of 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, 2 sausages, ham, and homefries. He ate it all. My mother enjoyed the Eggs Benedict. My father and I both ordered The Eggs Irish. This was basically eggs benedict but instead of hame it was corned beef hash. The eggs Irish was tasty however both my fathers and my eggs were overcooked. The eggs were more hard boiled than poached.
