Apparently lots. There seems to be a naming rights war going on in DTL over two (count em two) wine and cheese shops opening this summer. It's an embarrassment of riches folks. Time was not long ago when wine options downtown were Conlons and ... Oh yeah Conlons. Now we have C'est and C'est Wine, Say Cheese opening on Merrimack and back Prescott streets. You see the problem. Owners of both similar shops, Mark and Ricardo, will not back down from what they both say are original names. I don't care what they call them, just open already so we can wine and dine ourselves while we're young. Ricardo ( of the famed Gorham St. trattoria) is bringing in cheese, artisinal bread, oils, and wine, wine, wine to a cool cave-like space GG toured on Thrusday. It looks and feels good. And his partner Stephanie is no gourmand slouch. Cutting her culinary teeth (ouch) at the Cheese Shop in tweedy Concord, she's the real deal. Now over on Murkymack in the space once happily humming w/ Friend Fabric Art, Mark (whose last name will be held because I don't remember it) is set to open a fresh flower, wine/cheese, everything you need to feel wonderfully fufilled shop by Mother's Day. He allegedly has registered his name w/ the state and Ricky allegedly has not. No one's backing down. C'est la vie. Just open already, hey guys. Really does anyone care what these foodie shops are called?

You're young, you're professional, you need to get out of Lowell. Lucky for you there's a Spring Sangria Party at Vlora Restaurant on Bolyston St. in Boston Thurs. night. This "young professional" night (how young is young?) from 6-8 features sangrias and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 617-638-9699 to RSVP.
Beer fans, I haven't left you out. Imbibe like Jim Cook at this weekend's Boston Beer Summit. Like that name, makes it feel like a stately meeting of the minds instead of another excuse to get buzzed during the day. Hey, it's spring and you've sprung.
This major sampling event brings more than 50 of the world's best brewers, tapping 200 different beers. Berkshire Brewing, Butternuts Beer & Ale, Buzzards Bay Breing, Cape Ann Brewing Co., and my favorite Cisco Brewers of Nantucket stand out as stars. Whale Tail Ale anyone?
The big boys like Dogfish Head will be present along w/ NE locals Green Mountain Beverage, Gritty McDuff’s and the Haverhill Brewing Company/The Tap. So stop by and say boo-yah.
Park Plaza Castle. 5:30-9 p.m. Friday. 12:30-4 p.m. Saturday $35 in advance; $40 at the door. 50 Park Plaza at Arlington St.

Eating local is good for us. Less fossil fumes, reduced carbon footprints, good vibes all around. I get it. But how local is local? I was just at Whole Foods and almost fell for the "buy local" sign touting a $6 bag of pumpkin seeds. Okay Im in Andover so this bag of pricey seeds must have been harvested in Reading? North Andover? Merrimack? Try Ridgefield CT. Never been there, but I believe Ridgefield is near the NY border, to me this product is about as local as the coffee Im drinking right now from the Sudan. Marketers, lets get real, if the "local" product had to cross statelines, pay tolls, and burn through a half-tank of gas, (and probably get a speeding tic if said seeds traveled I 84) then they're not local. I was impressed to see that Life Alive on Middle Street in Lowell is carrying honey from Dracut, yes, yes that is local. Who knew there where busy bees in Dracut? Lets not go loco over local. Thoughts?

If you like a good celebrity sighting and a great salad, hit the Athenian Corner in Lowell tonight round 7p.m. That's when the crew/cast from This Side of the Truth kickoff their Mill City mayhem with an opening party at the adjacent Dubliner. The Irish pub is off-limits to mere mortals for two hours, but when the doors swing open at 930 p.m. Tina Fey, a Greek goddess herself, may swing in for some Greek penicillin. Either way you'll feel v. money, if you order the Horiatiki salad. I had this today for lunch, and I'm still humming. Chunks of tomatoes, cukes, peppers, celery, feta, kalamata olives and (wait for it) Thea’s Secret salad dressing meet in a happy marriage. The latter makes the meal. It's a well-balanced boatload of all that we love about Greek cuisine. Light, balanced, sweet and sour. Thea won't give the recipe to her family (she's including it in her will) but she managed to spill it to GG. Guess i’ve got the touch. Anyway I strongly urge you, even if you don't know Rob Lowe from Jon Dow, to dig into this salad tonight.

It's Friday, it's spring, time to treat ourselves to a nosh out on the town. Im thinking of hitting Serene in Andover tonight, above Starbucks downtown. One of the reasons is because I haven't tried the new Pike Place blend yet and it's killing me. Literally killing me!
A fellow coffee-buff reporter has berated me for not sampling the smooth vintage the Bucks rolled out on Tuesday. As the days wear on I feel more inadequate by the minute. But it's hard to make the trek when you're stuck here in Lowell w/ the Merrimack blues again. We hear Serene (open about a month), has an impressive bread, olive, dipping oil trio, which sometimes is all you need. Order the lasagna at yer own risk. I'd sit at the bar, order a nice glass of Malbec and let the live jazz they have here on Fri.- Sat., wash over me. Then pop around the corner to the Cupcake Boutique for a frosted finish. Where are you dropping anchor this wkend?

Branded chefs? Are they useful?
We don’t seem to have any chef in command here in LA. With the stars of This Side of the Truth descending, it got me thinking. Who is the Wolfgang Puck in our midst? I have interviewed just about every chef in the Lowell Area (if I missed you call me) and I can’t think of one that works the PR angle to his/her advantage like a Todd English. This, I find refreshing. Or is it a missed opportunity? Would a marquee-name increase Lowell’s restaurant index, or turn what seems to be a synergetic dining scene into a blood sport? Thoughts?

Does anyone know what's happening on Tuesday at Starbucks? I saw a full-page ad in the NYT on Sunday w/ the ominous date 4-8-08 on a cup in white. The background was all black and that was it. The Web site suggests something big "like Venti big" is going down at 12 p. eastern time and we should all head to our closest cafe (drumhill rotary) to find out. Is this terrorism marketing? I'm scared. What if I show up and they shoot me? Or pour coffee in my face? Has anyone seen the ad? What's going on here? I like Starbucks, but I will not be ordered to appear w/o some splainin' first. If it's free brew, tell us... The latest salvo in the coffee wars is creepy indeed. I know most of you don't care much for starbucks, is this why?
Hey, I found out ... Free coffee from 12- 1p.m. today- Tuesday. They are unrolling a new coffee — Pike Place blend. Puts me in a Seattle state of mind.

TV' 38's Phantom Gourmet will be in Lowell Friday at a certain hotdog shop that just opened downtown. Shhhhhhh! don't out the phantom. He/she will be diggin the dawg at 10 we hear. Must be part of the hotdog safari the elder Andleman so enjoys. Eddie we love you. Hey phantom, when your're ready to do a segment on food bloggers Gourmet Gal is ready for her close-up.

Seems Brew'd Awakening is the official coffee shop for This Side of the Truth production crew. The below-line (as they say in the industry for non-stars) members have been meeting here regularly to discuss film locations being secured for the shoot that begins April 14. Production directors, (you will recognize them by their incessant blackberry usage and black clothing), are taking to the brew'd for its urban vibe. Big ups to proprietor Andy for creating a Greenwich Village-like space to lure film types. Since shooting will be right downtown — Central and John streets — the Brew'd should be ground zero for actors like Rob Lowe, or those that cater to him. Office and Extras star Ricky Gervais, who wrote the pic, will be in town next week. Brew'd baristas are you out there? We want sightings/ pics.

And speaking of the Brewery, we hear from two sources this week that the Beer Works may be buying the Brewery Exchange in Lowell. A quick scan of the Brewery's website yields telltale signs of a shake-up. The downstairs restaurant is currently closed for biz, and a note on the site says to look for an all new Brewery next month. With its ample space and handy location to Spinner park, this spot is prime for the Beer Works. This means better beer, better food, better times. Watermellon pale ale should hit the spot come June. Food's good too, burgers, nachos and such. But it's all about the pints.
An observant reader found out more. Seems Lowell Beer Works applied for a liquor license w/ the city earlier this month. It's on!

With Hollywood types descending on the Mill City this month for the filming of This Side of the Truth, are the restaurants ready? With a cast like Rob Lowe, Jennifer Garder, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, and Ricky Gervais (who looks like he could eat) plus crew, handlers et al, surely some of you will make out. It's great that the arrival of this film (the biggest to hit L-town since 1991's School Ties) dovetails w/ Lowell’s restaurant renaissance. The whole cast could order lunch at Mr. Jalapenos one day, dinner at the Blue Taleh/Centro the next and Ricardos for drinks in an old-Hollywood setting. If the stress of the shoot has you in knots, book a hydrotheraphy session at the Stonehedge Inn and a wine dinner at the Left Bank in Tyngs. In the a.m. it's Brew’d Awakening for morning java and Cafe Aiello for mid-day lattes. For dessert you may want to call on Thirty-One Main in Ayer. The baker/owner Karen Ingle has the best buttercream frosting. If you really want to hideout, the Olympia on Market Street should be paparazzi free, but you must like lamb. I almost forgot Life Alive, organic cafe, will definitely be the go-to spot for the hollywood elites. With wheatgrass and acia smoothies on the menu, plus steamed dark greens over brown rice, this will be THE place for Truth seekers. If it was good enough for Larry Izzo ... Has anyone had a sighting yet? The production office is at Wannalancit Mill, so the Brewery could be a defacto office.

Kicking around Fort Point over the weekend, I came across the Channel Cafe. Located in the Fort Point Arts Community bldg on Summer Street. This funky subterranean spot is just what we need at Western Ave. Studios. With the Gazebo Cafe closing in the Textile Museum on Friday, meal options in the outer edges of downtown have gone from slim to none. Furey’s doesn't count because it smells like carpet fresh. Lots is happening at WAS, last time I checked some 400 artists were working there. And they need to eat. A new gallery, the loading dock, opened recently and I propose a cool cafe that does coffee/breakfast for artists and the companies still operating over there and lunch for us working stiffs. Dinner on friday w/ poetry readings/music would be ideal. Let's beef up this creative class with more places that cater to them/us. Has anyone been to the Channel Cafe? Worth a visit. Their din. menu included chicken under a brick. Intriguing.

Billy Costa will be in Lowell on Tuesday at the Athenian Corner. Could be a package on Greek Easter, which GG will be doing this am at the Olympia. umm Lamb in the morning ... Not my favorite, but if seasoned right w/ rosemary and garlic it can be succulent and delicate (im told). I just caught wind of Billy's appearance, so I don't have all the details. But Gourmet Gal will be lunching in lamb heaven on tuesday for fresh blog fodder. Costa sure gets around. Does an appearance by ths TV Diner star carry much weight anymore? Or do we need the Andelmen brothers to take a bite of the brick? Lowell has not had a Phantom sighting in some time. Which restaurant review show has more sauce? And why hasn't Gourmet Gal been featured? If you are listening TV producers, do a segment on food bloggers. We are slim in numbers, but quite effective in getting the word out.
Just found out Costa will be at the Blue Taleh at 1:30 p.m. Good move TV Diner crew. This is Lowell's hottest property (which just so happens to be owned by a relative of Sun publisher Mark O'Neil). Probably blonde bombshell jenny johnson will be here too w/ the jenny cam. The excitement is building. Will they hit newcomer Mr. Jalapeno two blocks down?

You sit at the bar when your feeling social. It's better than being scurried away at a private table. Impromptu chatter w/ the bartender and tips from your stoolmates make things feel more festive. But did you know bar dining can be dangerous? Last week while having dinner at the bar of a well-known downtown establishment, I felt a wash of hot liquid hit me as I raised my pint. The seafood bouillabaisse I had ordered reached my backside and coat draped on the back of my chair before it reached the bar. To her credit, the waitress grabbed my coat to try and get the hot tomato broth off as quick as I realized what had gone down. But gourmet guy's bowl, the culprit, sat half empty and no one offered to remedy this. With this soup going for $21, you'd think you wouldn't have to ask. The bartender was clueless that this happened. To his credit he comped our beers. The strange thing is the waitress came from behind w/ two full bowls and someone knocked into her. You could see how this could happen. Still it's kind of a buzz kill. Has bad bar moments happened to you?

Noticed a new packy next to Trader Joe's in Tyngs. last night. The Liquor Shop. Whilst I did not go in, it looks pretty thorough. Wines, beers, all manner of spirits. Because, sadly, this TJ's does not carry wine (has anyone been to the Brookline joes? the selection is staggering) moving directly next to TJ's is v. smart. You can grab frozen risotto and a rhone in a jiffy. Beats dealing w/ the NH state store on the Danny Web. Has anyone shopped here? The upper-scaled Wine Society that used to occupy the last store in this mini-strip never seemed to catch fire. Every time I went in (which wasn't often) it was too quiet, dead energy, not conducive to getting your shop on. Don't like to select wine in a monastery. The Society moved down Middlesex next to Bella Italiano and still I have not been in there, but I hear it's way better. Yet, why were they closed before 9 p.m. last night? This Tyngs. thoroughfare could use a pickmeup, what with Shanahan's wine/jazz bar, former Matthew's skin club, shuttered. A lonely sight indeed. What would work here, a flatbred pizza co.?

What's up w/ local restaurants canceling their brunches at a time when we need it the most? It’s almost February. If we venture outside at all on a dark, cold Sunday there better be troths of coffee and pretty looking eggs bene waiting. Complimentary mimosas? Yes please. Centro 86'd its Sunday brunch two weeks ago and the Old Court hasn't had its banger and mash bash since last winter. How is a blogger supposed to nurse a hangover in this town? The b-marys at the OC were second to none, and the brown bread primo. If one wants to grab a weekend morning bite-out we are stuck w/ old school lunch counters like Vic’s in Centralville (a drip and muffin joint). I hear Owen and Ollies in D-cut has a Sun. brunch has anyone been? Too bad the doubletree is so benighted, hotels usually roll out the best spreads. What's wrong w/ Cobblestones? This centrally located spot is ground zero for a carvining station. The Left Bank may be the best bet around. Cinamon brioches, cobb salad in a cool, luxe atmos. Has anyone been? Know of a good place?

Pining for gelato last night we headed out to Cafe Paradiso on the corner of Palmer and Middle. Mistake numb. 1. The brightly hued avalanches of sweet cream looked fine under the glass, even appealing, but once we got our $5 scoops home and dipped in an oar, it turned gummy. Yes, gum in my spoon. Notes of freezer burn, not blueberry, strawberry or hazelnut, attacked our palates. We thought of going back for a refund, but it was late, cold and there was no guarantee we would see our greenbacks again.
I know I’m not alone when I say, “what a disappointment this place has turned out to be.” When it first opened I was as excited as the next bub that a North End-quality cafe was settling in. But this place would never survive in an real Italian zone. High priced tinis, lousy service and what feels like a chip on the shoulders of the staff = bad times. Has anyone had a good time here? Prove me wrong and I may try it again.
For real gelato try Susan's European Cafe in Hudson, N.H.. We snagged eggnog gelato up there around the holidays and it stole the dessert course. Creamy, smooth, made on the premises.

We hear that Boston Beer Works will soon have the steel barrels humming again at the Brewery Exchange on Cabot Street. A partnership with this well-known name in locally crafted micro-brews would be great for the area. Beer has not been brewed at the site since new owners took over a year ago. We skied over there during the Blizzard of 2007 and all that was left of the old regime was Concord Grape Ale — a summer brew. Not exactly what you crave when it’s snowing sideways, the roads are closed and it is in fact December. If you’ve ever gone to Fenway Park you’ve probably stepped into the Boston Beer Works at the foot of Yawkey Way. From the Buckeye Oatmeal stout to the Bullfinch Bitter, these guys are true alchemists. They do great things with raspberry and blueberries ales too, we are talking berries chilling in the bottom that you can eat if you drink your pint like a good soldier. Hop heads, I know you’re out there, would this not truly rock?

What's the deal with service in Lowell restaurants? A co-worker tells this tale from a distasteful lunch trip recently at a top restaurant on Merrimack Street.
Server comes to table and, without taking drink orders, goes clumsily into the specials rundown. When her dining mate ordered a classic cocktail kir royal (drops of creme de cassis in white wine) she received a glass of the creamy black current-flavored liquor. Ick. She tells said server the right way to make it. Red flag. They had to ask for bread three times and this leisurely lunch turned sour when the waitress plopped down the bill before asking for coffee! Talk about a buzzkill. The result: a poor tip. I've heard several restaurateurs in Lowell tell me it's impossible to find good people to hire. I've heard this in Westford too. But I propose the problem lies in the training, or lack thereof. Treat us like we are out for a good time and have some green in our pockets to spread around. A little nuance goes a long, and can make the difference between a lousy lunch and an hour of bliss.
Low tipping will not help this any. I'm not suggesting we award shoddy service, but if you can' t make decent $$, news spreads fast in the restaurant industry, skilled servers will not be beating down your door. My pet peeve is when waitrons spray down the next table while your still eating. It may be sanitary, but catching a whiff of Pledge as you dig into artichoke tortilini is none too appetizing. Can you top that?

Can you eat great at a neighborhood bistro? The answer of course should be yes. So what happened to Fortunato’s? Located at the apex of Palmer and Middle streets in swinging DTL, the spot is prime, even when the sidewalk cafe rolls up. Especially when the sidewalk cafe rolls up. In the 10 years its been open, the food has been up and down as frequently as the stock market. The new owners have made some positive changes to the interior, the bar area is nicer, but the food? The jury is still out.

We went Friday night to watch the Celtic’s game. The Chianti by the glass was an insult to all Italians. Was it water w/ heavy dye? The bartender graciously let me trade up for a glass w/ some chutzpah. When the lobster ravioli arrived, I immediately regretted by order. I had to go on a fishing expedition to rescue the pillows of lobsters swimming in the cream. When I did, it was worth it. Sort of. Tasted like lobster, but the meat was not plentiful enough to determine if it was indeed lobster meat. Gourmet guy ordered Mediterranean chicken on my behest remembering this as their signature dish. He didn’t say much, which means nothing to blog about. They are making efforts to up the ante (bread arrives with dipping oil). But the bread was a white, denuded affront to all breads. Would it kill them to find a real baguette?

Okay, we are a second-tier city, but still we should demand more from our restaurants. Fortunato’s would never last in Boston. It might not last in Lowell. We were one of three couples at the bar at 8 p.m. on a Friday. Why are they not drawing crowds? We have sophisticated palates. Cater to us.

I've long been a fan of Todd English. Olive's changed the dining scene in Boston and the thin-crust pizza's at figs change my life (until figs started closing everywhere). So when we exited the Celtic's game the other night w/ grumbling stomachs we headed to Kingfish Hall. What a mistake.

It was Friday night after 10:30 p.m. and Faneuil Hall was buzzing. Was the kitchen closed? We never did find out. We sat at a bistro table downstairs giving hungry looks to the wait staff who skillfully ignored us. The brown-shirted crew broke down the raw bar, loudly settled credit card disputes and huddled in the eves begging us to leave. After 15 mins. we did w/ a bad taste in our mouths and lighter wallets (unexpected upside). Today I read that English is opening in Logan Airport, hope the staff is more attentive or flights will be missed.
It's the classic case of booming too fast. English really needs to slow down and concentrate on what he started or an English production will feel like a Kenny Rogers chain — gone and happily forgotten. Tell me I'm being too harsh. Has anyone had a positive evening w/English lately?

Sangria's in Lowell has a new scene —owners, menu and decor — all new. This Central Street cantina quickly became a sketchy watering hole (w/ lousy service) after it opened four years ago. Now, a quick drive-by reveals happier times. New lights, higher ceiling makes it looks more pleasing, and a quick read of the menu shows great improvement. They are open for breakfast w/ burritos, omelets and French toast; Lunch =taco salads and black bean soup. And dinner boasts shrimp scampi and a burger bar. Word from manager Joseph Doyle is the sangrias are top-notch. But, alas I am just your intrepid blogger, here to report what's dishin' in the Mill City. I haven't dropped anchor here yet, have you?

Scott Plath is being tight-lipped about his plans to open a new restaurant in Chelmsford. All the owner of Cobblestones in Lowell will say is A. It’s in the former Ground Round spot on Route 110; B. It’s fun and conceptual and C. It probably will be called Moonstones. Not too much to sink our teeth into. “The food will be quality and the options beyond the scope of dining people are used to,” Plath said. Ummmmm. With restaurants harder to start than old Buicks, you’d think early PR would help grease the skids.
It's supposed to open Feb. 2008. They are spending some $$$ on design, so it will probably be the hippest thing Chelms. has seen (not hard). And perhaps the biggest. I haven't been inside that Ground Round, but it looks like a large building. Location is good, right off 495 and there is parking!! A huge plus. I went to East Coast Grill (new fav.rest) in Cambridge the other night and my car was almost locked in. They have a lot ($5) but it closes at 11. After one (okay 2 margaritas) you loose track of time. We got it out luckily because the attendant was still w/in shouting distance. But scary to return to a pad-locked parking lot. I digress. Scott since you are a GG commentor give us some more morsels to go on? Make your Moonstones' announcements here. Restaurateurs this is your forum!

We hear there is new management at Tyngsboro’s tiny Cafe Il Cipresso and that struck fear in our alfredo-friendly hearts. When a family-run neighborhood joint that did everything right (including price) is sold, the word shipwreck comes to mind. But I’ll withhold official comment until I dine at the Route 3A Italiano gem. New owner Deven Rogers, formerly of Blue Angus in Dracut, assures me the only thing changing is the decor. Italian paintings are gone in lieu of Tuscan murals. OK, but what’s the line on the kitchen? “We are making homemade pasta and not tampering too much with what everybody loves.” Sounds innocuous enough. I asked about pumpkin ravioli and Deven said that is on the way. Don’t wait too long, the autumn eating season is devastatingly short.
What’s being dished around your table?

Has anyone ever had good store-bought sushi? I picked some up last night at Hannaford in Lowell to mixed results. It was late when I swung through and grabbed all that was left — spicy tuna rolls, crab spring rolls, and seaweed salad. The seaweed salad had a nice briny flavor and crunchy texture, but the spring rolls were a little tough and insipid. The spicy tuna I thought tasted pretty clean, but again lacked any real zing. I know a sushi chef works here daily, so why doesn’t this taste better? The real frustration behind this post is the lack of sushi bars in the Greater Lowell axis. After Ichibod closed three years ago, no one has picked up the slack. And there is a lot of slack. Sushi bars are rumored to open on Merrmack Street every few months, but so far it’s "no wasabi for you." What's a gourmet gal to do?
Addendum: Just found out that Wu Loon Ming in Billerica has sushi. Story in April 19th's Step' Out.

Today Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz said he plans to open 10,000 more Starbucks this year. Lowell better be on the list. We still can’t score a grande Gold Coast anywhere within Mill City limits. A hardship? Maybe not, but it seems like an oversight in Starbuck’s rollout dept. Friends of the bucks, let’s blog em with request for a local branch. I picked out the location years ago: across from DD on Merrimack Street where Advantage Spine Clinic was. It’s perfect, even looks like a bucks. Who's with me?