One of a kind

New League of NH Craftsmen members bring ornate paper ornaments to Nashua gallery

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has been fostering the art of craft making for nearly a century, bringing crafts to the community through its seven galleries and craft fairs. The Nashua Fine Craft Gallery has added the work of several new crafters, including glassblower Emery Wenger, fiber artist Elaine Farmer, and Ann Desmarais and Martha Whitney, a duo who specialize in paper ornaments.

“We’ve worked with a lot of materials in the past, but right now the work we’re doing for the league are paper ornaments that are either folded or woven and bent into position … using beautiful papers that we’re sourcing from around the world,” Whitney said.

The two met in art class in high school and have been friends since, exploring various art forms over the years. With a shared familiarity with paper — Desmarais a retired graphic designer — it eventually became their preferred medium.

“The real appeal for us is we get to work with beautiful papers and create beautiful things,” Whitney said. “We get to visit each other a couple of days a week.”

The three classic ornament shapes that they create are triskele, an orb shape made from three strips of intertwined paper; pleated ornaments configured into a diamond-like shape; and the traditional German bell. Without many unique options available domestically, they often use paper imported from other countries.

“Some of the Florentine papers that we use on the pleated ornaments are very ornate, they’re often five, six, seven colors,” Desmarais said. “They often have metallics in them and the patterns have been around since the Renaissance period.”

“Of all the beautiful handmade papers that we can find around the world … some are too soft to hold a crease or [they] absorb the glue too quickly or they have other characteristics that make them unusable for the type of work we’re doing,” Whitney adds. “[With] these Italian papers, there’s quite a bit of variety available and we’re able to find the papers we need for each of the three ornaments. They require different papers because of the structure of them.”

While Whitney was living out of state, Whitney and Desmarais got together during holiday breaks and school vacations. She eventually moved back to Amherst and the two were able to work on their ornaments more regularly, eventually getting involved with craft fairs, where their ornaments were well-received. Once the pair felt they had perfected their craft, they went ahead with the jurying process and became members of the league this past summer.

“Eventually you just have so many beautiful ornaments, you need an outlet for them,” Whitney said.

League of NH Craftsmen Nashua
Where: 98 Main St., Nashua
November hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Featured photo: German Bell. Courtesy photo.

In the kitchen with Sam Slattery

Sam Slattery’s earliest memory of cooking is of standing on a chair in his kitchen while his father taught him to make eggs. At Alvirne High School he was a member of the culinary arts program, and he furthered his studies at Lakes Region Community College, where he earned an associate degree in culinary arts. Today he is the lead line cook at Stella Blu in Nashua, where he runs the weekly dessert specials and prepares charcuterie roll sushi and shucks oysters at the raw bar station on the weekends.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

KitchenAid mixer.

What would you have for your last meal?

Fried clams.

What is your favorite local eatery?

My favorite local eatery is probably a tie between the Himalayan Curry House in Nashua or the Tuckaway Tavern in Raymond.

Name a celebrity you would like to see eating in your restaurant?

Billy Strings, considering I’m a huge fan and if I’m not working at Stella on a Saturday night chances are I’m traveling to see my favorite band.

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

The pan-seared duck breast with sweet chili glaze.

What is the biggest food trend in New Hampshire right now?

One food trend I’ve noticed across New England is birria tacos or burritos, both in food trucks and restaurant special sheets.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

French onion soup.

Corn flake fish tacos
From the kitchen of Sam Slattery

Haddock cut into 3-inch pieces
Corn tortillas

Breading:
3 cups corn flakes
1 cup sesame seeds
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 Tablespoons red pepper flakes

Coleslaw:
1 head red cabbage shredded
3 carrots shredded
2 cups frozen mango
2 jalapenos
1 cup rice wine vinegar

Cilantro lime crema:
1 lime zested and juiced
1 bunch of cilantro
1 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons garlic powder
1 Tablespoon cumin
1 Tablespoon coriander
salt and pepper
Simmer mango, jalapeno and rice wine vinegar together until soft, blend on high until smooth, fold over shredded cabbage.

Bread haddock using a flour batter and the corn flake mix, then fry until 165 degrees internal temperature.
Blend all cilantro lime crema ingredients until smooth.

Toast tortillas in a pan or on a hot grill and assemble the tortilla with coleslaw, then fish, and top with crema.

Featured photo: Sam Slattery, lead line cook at Stella Blu. Courtesy photo.

Thanksgiving to go

Where to get your pies, mashed potatoes & more

Here are some of the spots offering dessert, sides and sometimes even the whole turkey dinner to go. Know of a place not mentioned here? Let us know at food@hippopress.com.

All Real Meal (87 Elm St., Manchester, 782-3014, allrealmeal.com) is taking orders for Thanksgiving dinner that include turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and cranberry with the option of an individual size, a meal to serve three to four people or a meal to serve six to eight people. Sides, gluten-free stuffing and desserts are also available. Visit their website to see which towns are eligible for free delivery.

A Market Natural Foods (125 Loring St., Manchester, 668.2650, myamarket.com) is providing Mary’s Certified Organic turkeys at $4.99 a pound on a first-come-first-served basis starting Thursday, Nov. 16. Quiches (garden vegetable, broccoli and cheddar, Greek, Italian, spinach and bacon, chicken sausage and potato, bacon and chive, ham and cheese and mushroom and cheddar) are $18.99 each. Pumpkin pies and granola-topped apple pies are $24.99; chocolate cream pie, harvest berry pie and cranberry spice cake are $29.99; chocolate olive oil cake and carrot cake are $34.99. Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Pie and quiche orders must be placed by Thursday, Nov. 9, and picked up on Tuesday, Nov. 21, or Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop (815 Chestnut St., Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com) is taking orders until Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. On the menu is pumpkin cannoli dip platter ($28.95), herb-roasted green beans ($12.95 per pound), cranberry orange bread ($8.95), mincemeat ($5.95 per pound), traditional bread stuffing ($5.95 per pound), whipped butternut squash ($9.95 per pound), maple walnut glazed carrots ($12.95 per pound)

chocolate cream pie, Key lime pie, maple cream pie, midnight pumpkin pie (chocolate pumpkin pie), each $24.95, and much more. Orders will be available for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apple Hill Farm (580 Mountain Road, Concord, 224-8862, applehillfarmnh.com) offers a variety of pies (apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, strawberry rhubarb, strawberry rhubarb crumb, pumpkin, squash, maple crumb, mince and pecan) and is taking orders until the weekend before Thanksgiving. Six-inch pies are $9.95 and 9-inch pies are $18.95. Shaker-style squash rolls and Parker House rolls are also available for special orders. Call the stand to place your order.

Atlantic Grill (5 Pioneer Road, Rye, 433-3000, theatlanticgrill.com) is taking Thanksgiving orders now through Saturday, Nov. 18, to be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from noon to 8 p.m. Main courses feed five people and are duck confit for $75, fig-stuffed pork roast for $50, white lasagna for $40 and Italian sausage lasagna for $50. Sides include mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes and cranberry chutney. Available soups and salads include lobster bisque and seafood chowder.

The Bakeshop on Kelley Street (171 Kelley St., Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com) offers a variety of baked goods such as maple bacon, vanilla and caramel doughnuts, made-to-order cakes, cupcakes, pies, pastry trays and specialty desserts. Call for holiday deadlines.

Barrel and Baskit (377 Main St., Hopkinton, 746-1375, barrelandbaskit.com) has homemade gravy, side dishes, desserts, pies and charcuterie boards available for pre-order (deadline is Saturday, Nov. 18), and extra items available in the store the week of Thanksgiving. They are open from 6 to 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Bearded Baking Co. (819 Union St., Manchester, 647-7150; 580 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-6878, beardedbaking.com) takes custom cake and pastry orders and has announced their November cupcake lineup with snickerdoodle, chocolate espresso, blueberry apple crumb, chocolate pumpkin pecan, pistachio coconut and white chocolate maple. Call for holiday deadlines.

The Big Bad Food Truck (Hampton, bigbadnh.com) is offering a turkey dinner package enough to feed 10 to 12 people that includes one turkey, two pints of gravy, one quart of baby carrots, a half pan of dinner rolls (nine rolls) and half pan of mashed potatoes for $150. Items can also be ordered a la carte, with a 14- to 16-pound turkey for $60, a half pan of stuffing for $32, a half pan of mashed potatoes for $32, a quart of glazed baby carrots for $14, a pint of corn for $8, a half pan of dinner rolls for $18 and a pint of turkey gravy for $8. Deliveries and pickups will take place between Sunday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 23. Pickup will be available at 41 Ashworth Ave. in Hampton. Delivery fees can be found on their website.

The Black Forest Cafe and Bakery (212 Route 101, Amherst, 672-0500, blackforestcafeandbakery.com) is now taking orders through Saturday, Nov. 18. Offerings include focaccia stuffing for $20 per quart (serves six), cranberry orange sauce for $17 per 16 ounces (serves four), sweet and white mashed potatoes for $18 per quart (serves six), a fruit tray, 9-inch quiches (Greek, ham and scallion, broccoli and roasted red pepper), slow braised short ribs for $120 (serves eight), meat and vegetarian lasagna, 9-inch pies (traditional apple, Dutch apple, cranberry apple and pumpkin each for $22.99, chocolate cream pie for $23.99, pecan for $24.99), cakes (coconut, carrot, apple cider, gluten-free drunken pumpkin mousse cake) and cookies.

Brother’s Butcher (142 Lowell Road, Hudson, 577-1130, brothers-butcher.com; 8 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 809-4180) is taking online orders for turkey, pies and all the sides. Turkeys are $3.99 per pound for fresh turkey and $4.49 per pound for fresh free-range turkey and are available from 10 to 12 pounds up to 28 to 30 pounds. Brother’s Turducken (only available from Hudson location) is $9.99 a pound and turkey breast for $4.99 per pound. Sausage and herb stuffing and butternut squash are $9.99 a quart and $29.99 for a half tray; traditional bread stuffing and garlic mashed potatoes are $8.99 a quart and $26.99 for a half tray. Turkey gravy is $9.99 for a quart, and all pies (apple, pumpkin, pecan and chocolate cream) are 10 inches and cost $17.99. Pickup days are Monday, Nov. 20; Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Thursday, Nov. 22 (close at 5 p.m. on Thursday).

Buckley’s Bakery and Cafe (436 Daniel Webster Hwy., 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com) and Buckley’s Market and Cafe (9 Market Place, Hollis, 465-5522) is taking orders now until Saturday, Nov. 18, for cakes (pumpkin whoopie pie $36, apple spice cake $42, Boston cream pie $42, apple crisp cheesecake $45, chocolate decadence $36), pastries (breakfast pastry tray $48, mini cookie and bar tray $36), pies (pecan, apple, pumpkin, chocolate cream and blueberry crisp each $22) and breads (Parker House rolls $12, sweet rolls $12, pumpkin spice $9).

Caroline’s Fine Foods (132 Bedford Center Road, 637-1615, carolinesfood.com) is taking orders now through Friday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m. for turkey ballotine with herb stuffing that serves eight to 10 people ($95) and sides such as herb-roasted sweet potatoes ($40), sausage stuffing ($55) and carrot confit ($55) that each serve 10. Cranberry sauce can be ordered by the pint ($25) or the quart ($40) as can turkey gravy ($30 for a pint, $45 for a quart.) Pick up your order on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Castleton Banquet and Conference Center (58 Enterprise Drive, Windham, 898-6300, castletonbcc.com) has two dinner packages available to go. The first dinner package serves 10 to 12 guests and includes a 16- to 20-pound turkey with Castleton’s bread stuffing, two quarts of homestyle mashed potatoes, butternut squash and turkey gravy, a pint of homemade cranberry relish, 12 dinner rolls and one 10-inch apple, pecan, pumpkin or blueberry pie and costs $275. The second package serves 10 to 12 guests and includes an 8- to 10-pound spiral glazed ham, two quarts of homestyle mashed potatoes and butternut squash, a quart of pineapple raisin sauce, 10 dinner rolls and the same choice of pies. All sides are also available separately, and red and white wines are also available. All orders must be placed by noon on Friday, Nov. 17, and pickups will be scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 9 a.m. and noon.

Chez Vachon (136 Kelley St., Manchester, 625-9660, chezvachon.com) is offering a variety of 9-inch pies for $13.99 including chocolate, banana, brownie, coconut, pistachio, lemon chiffon, key lime, chocolate mousse, apple crisp, blueberry, cherry, lemon meringue, cranberry walnut cheesecake pie, Canadian sugar pie, pumpkin, pumpkin deluxe and pumpkin mousse. Pork pie ($21.99) and salmon pie ($23.99) are available as well as cream cakes such as chocolate, cookies and crème, pistachio and apple spice each for $21.99.

The Coach Stop Restaurant & Tavern (176 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 437-2022) is taking orders for takeout and delivery within a 5-mile radius on Thanksgiving Day with the last delivery and takeout being at 3:30 p.m. Entree options are roast turkey dinner, baked Virginia ham, slow roasted prime rib, baked stuffed haddock, seafood linguine and veal Oscar. All entrees are $39 and are served with turkey soup, apple cider, mashed potatoes, homemade bread stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, hot rolls, baby pearl onions and green peas, homemade pie and coffee.

Colby Hill Inn (33 The Oaks, Henniker, 428-2581, colbyhillinn.com) is offering a takeout service available on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 23, until 1 p.m.

Entrees include cider-brined turkey with herbed cornbread stuffing, cranberry chutney and giblet gravy, crispy porchetta (Tuscan roast pork loin), four-grain risotto with mushroom and parsnip ragout and cherry wood roasted salmon. All are served with whipped potatoes, roast sweet potatoes and fall vegetable succotash. Freshly baked pumpkin pie, sea salt caramel and pecan chocolate cake, apple crisp with vanilla gelato, sorbet duo or ricotta cheesecake are offered for dessert. Orders should be placed on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

The Common Man (Lago, 1 Route 25, Meredith, 279-2253; Camp, 298 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3003; Lakehouse, 281 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-5221; 60 Main St., Ashland, 968-7030; 10 Pollard Road, Lincoln, 745-3463; 88 Range Road, Windham, 898-0088; 1 Gulf St., Concord, 228-3463; 304 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-3463; 21 Water St., Claremont, 542-6171; 231 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2764; 752 Route 104, New Hampton, 744-0120; 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204; 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040; thecman.com) is taking orders until Friday, Nov. 17. On the menu is oven roasted turkey with house-made pan gravy, whole-berry cranberry sauce, signature stuffing, country mashed potatoes, maple roasted butternut squash, garlic green beans, dinner rolls and butter, sweet bread and a slice of pumpkin pie with cinnamon whipped cream. A meal for four is $119.95 plus tax and a meal for one is $30.95 plus tax. Other meal enhancements include glazed ham and macaroni and cheese. House baked pies can be bought individually and cost $16.95 for apple pie, $20.95 for pecan pie and $14.95 for pumpkin pie. Orders must be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Concord Food Co-op (24 S. Main St., 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.com) is selling turkeys (natural turkey for $4.59 a pound, organic turkey for $5.49 a pound) and complete meals to serve eight to 10 people with a 12- to 15-pound turkey, turkey gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, stuffing and apple roasted green beans starting at $279.99.

Extra sides are also available. Brioche rolls are $9.99 a dozen. Individual meals with sides and rolls are $29.99. Orders must be placed by noon on Monday, Nov. 13, and picked up Monday, Nov. 20, through Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Place your order with Copper Kettle To Go (39 Main St., Wilton, 654-2631, copperkettletogo.com) for a turkey dinner (a half or a whole turkey) with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, squash, gravy, cranberry sauce stuffing, pie and rolls for $56. Kentucky Derby pie and pecan pie are $19, blueberry cream cheese pie and coconut custard are $18 and pumpkin pie is $17. Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Cremeux French Patisserie (707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 320-4702, cremeuxfrenchpatisserie.com) has an ever-changing menu and currently on it are éclairs, lemon and honey tart, chocolate praliné, macaroons and more. Call for holiday deadlines.

Crosby Bakery (51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com) is taking orders for pies and other Thanksgiving treats for pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The Crust and Crumb Baking Co. (126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com) is offering bread; pies, such as pumpkin, apple streusel, vegan blueberry coconut crisp and maple cream; quiches (broccoli pepper jack, spinach tomato feta, bacon cheddar), and other desserts such as lemon-raspberry layer cake for pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22. Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 17.

Frederick’s Pastries (109 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-7725; 25 S. River Road, 647-2253, pastry.net) is taking orders for an assortment of Thanksgiving treats such as a Thanksgiving cookie kit, apple tarts, autumn wreath cake, caramel apple cupcakes, caramel pecan cheesecake, maple pecan cheesecake and pumpkin caramel cheesecake cups, harvest pumpkins cake, linzer torte, pumpkin loaf, pumpkin whoopie pies, mini pies and a turnover tray with pumpkin, apple and raspberry turnovers.

Fire and Spice Bistro (70 Route 108, Newfields, 418-7121, fireandspicebistro.com) has blueberry pie, chocolate cream pie, apple pie and pumpkin pie available for $24 each, pecan pie for $26 and meat pie for $30. Each pie can also be made gluten-free. Each pie serves six to eight people. A half dozen gluten-free whoopie pies are $26. All orders must be placed by Sunday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m. and picked up on Tuesday, Nov. 21, between noon and 5 p.m.

The Fresh Chef Press (775 Canal St., 716-7197, freshchefmp.com) is offering various Thanksgiving sides: ancient grain pilaf ($2 a cup), original pilaf ($2 a cup), eight bacon-wrapped asparagus ($8 per serving), six bacon-wrapped scallops ($15), butternut squash, spiced or savory ($2 a cup), a charcuterie board ($150), stuffing ($22), mac and cheese ($30), 10 Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms ($20) and 10 vegetable stuffed mushrooms ($15), among others.

Giorgio’s Cocktails & Eatery (707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333; 524 Nashua St., Milford, 673-3939; 270 Granite St., Manchester, 232-3323, giorgios.com) is taking orders until noon on Sunday, Nov. 19, for a family meal with oven roasted turkey (12 ounces), Yukon mashed potatoes (8 ounces), cornbread stuffing (8 ounces), homemade gravy (8 ounces), orange ginger cranberry sauce (5 ounces) green bean and shiitake mushroom casserole (8 ounces), dinner rolls with cinnamon sage butter and a slice of homemade pumpkin pie for $29.99 per person. Add a roasted turkey leg for $11.99. Pickup is between noon and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Granite State Candy Shoppe (13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St., Manchester, 218-3885, granitestatecandyshoppe.com) has various treats for the holiday such as 6-ounce milk fall leaves ($8.25), 8-ounce jelly bean autumn mix ($6.98), 8-ounce bourbon caramel ($6.98), fall dipped pretzel rod ($3.75), milk and white chocolate pumpkin ($9.98), 8-ounce pumpkin pie almonds ($8.98), white and milk chocolate turkeys in various sizes and much more.

Greenleaf (54 Nashua St., Milford, 213-5447, greenleafmilford.com) is taking preorders now until Monday, Nov. 20, with pickups available Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 4 and 8 p.m. Roasted turkey dinner includes turkey breasts and thigh, brioche stuffing, roasted seasonal vegetables, roasted garlic and herb potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, mixed greens salad with maple vinaigrette for $50. Six dinner rolls are $8, molasses honey butter is $3, caramel apple galette (serves two to four) is $20, a full cranberry swirl cheesecake is $40 and a slice is $5.

Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant (233 Daniel Webster Hwy., 279-6212, hartsturkeyfarm.com) is taking orders for family and individual turkey dinners. The family meal comes with a whole roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing, whipped potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and your choice of apple, pumpkin or chocolate cream pie. A small order ($195) feeds two to six, a medium ($290) feeds six to 10 and a large ($425) feeds 10 to 14. Individual dinners include roasted turkey with gravy, stuffing, whipped potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, a roll and butter. A small is $20, a regular is $22 and a jumbo is $30. Curbside pickup is available Thanksgiving Day for family dinners between 10 and 11 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Individual dinners can be pre-ordered or ordered the same day and picked up any time from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grab-and-go lobby store will also be open.

Harvey’s Bakery (376 Central Ave., Dover, 749-6029, harveysbakery.com) has dinner rolls available by the dozen and pies such as apple, pumpkin, chocolate cream, lemon meringue, mince cherry, coconut cream and many more. Place your order by Thursday, Nov. 16. The bakery will also be stocked for walk-ins.

J&F Farms (108 Chester Road, Derry, 437-0535, jandffarmsnh.com) is taking preorders for turkey, potatoes, carrots, beets and winter squashes.

Johnson Golden Harvest (412 W. River Road, Hooksett, 210-2031, johnsongoldenharvest.com) is taking orders for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey is $6.89 a pound, country white rolls, Parm oregano and garlic rolls, squash rolls, wheat rolls, Dutch apple bread and cinnamon swirl bread are $7.99. Chocolate cream, banana cream, coconut cream and pecan pie are $21.50 each. Blueberry pie, apple pie, apple blueberry pie, apple raspberry pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, pumpkin pie and apple crisp are each $17.50. Gluten-free pies (chocolate cream, pumpkin, pecan, blueberry crumb and apple) are $24.99. Orders can be picked up on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Local Baskit (10 Ferry St., Concord, 219-0882, localbaskit.com) offers weekly selections for meal kits, having previously included meals such as shrimp and scallop tostada with apple salsita, fettuccine with Brussels sprouts, cranberries and caramelized onion and Chinese braised daikon radish pork stew. Pickup and delivery options are available. Call for holiday deadlines.

• Call or stop by Meadow Ledge Farm (612 Route 219, Loudon, 789-5960, meadowledgefarm.com) to order apple, apple crumb, blueberry, triple berry, strawberry rhubarb, cherry cream, chocolate cream, banana cream, lemon meringue or lemon blueberry meringue pies available for pickup on Monday, Nov. 21, and Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Moulton’s Kitchen and Market (10 Main St., Amherst, 673-2404, moultonsmarket.com) is taking preorders for a Thanksgiving dinner that feeds four to five people featuring carved roasted turkey breast for $28.99, herbed turkey gravy for $13.99, whipped mashed potatoes for $17.99, traditional bread stuffing for $16.99, spiced butternut squash for $15.99, fresh cranberry sauce for $9.99. Apple or pumpkin pie is $18.99 for a 9-inch pie and $8.99 for a 6-inch pie. Orders must be placed by noon on Nov. 13 and picked up by 4 p.m. on Nov. 22.

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese (497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com) is now offering a “Thanksgiving Mac” special, with roasted turkey, gravy, bechamel sauce, cabo cheddar with traditional stuffing and drizzled cranberry sauce on top, as party and banquet trays.

• Place your order with New England Tap House Grille (1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com) by Thursday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. Available for order are meat pie, pumpkin pie, carrot cake, a cookie and brownie tray, apple pie and a dozen dinner rolls. Pick up your order on Wednesday, Nov. 22, by 5 p.m.

Northwoods Brewing Co (1334 First NH Turnpike, 942-6400, northwoodsbrewingcompany.com) is closed on Thanksgiving but is taking orders through Sunday, Nov. 19, for pies, custards, quiches, rolls, crullers and scones for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Pinard Street Bakery at Charlie’s (1 Pinard St., Goffstown, 606-1835, pinardstreetbakery.business.site) offers a variety of baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, banana bread, cookies and dessert platters. Call for holiday deadlines.

• All orders are due by Friday, Nov. 17, for Presto Craft Kitchen (168 Amory St., Manchester, 606-1252, prestocraftkitchen.com). Offerings are homemade mashed potatoes, country style stuffing, garlic green beans, maple sweet potato with marshmallows, mashed butternut squash, pressed cranberry sauce, honey-glazed carrots, turkey gravy and oven roasted turkey. The side package includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, your choice of two vegetables, bread rolls and butter, gravy and cranberry sauce. Pies include pumpkin, apple, blueberry, banana cream, coconut cream, cookies ’n’ cream and cannoli cream. Other desserts are apple crisp, lemon mascarpone cake and pumpkin praline cheesecake.

Queen City Cupcakes (816 Elm St., Manchester, 624-4999, qccupcakes.com) is taking orders online or via phone by Saturday, Nov. 18. Cupcake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, cherry almond, caramel apple pie, gingerbread cookie, sweet potato, cookie butter and more. Pickup is available on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Red Arrow Diner (112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3091; 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118; 149 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 204-5088, redarrowdiner.com) is offering desserts such as chocolate and carrot cake, pumpkin and lemon meringue pie. All cakes are double layered and cost $39.99 each. All pies are 10 inches and range from $20.99 to $23.50. All online orders require 24-hour notice.

• Thanksgiving dinner selections at The Red Blazer (72 Manchester St., Concord, 224-4101, theredblazer.com) include roasted turkey with gravy, baked ham, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, baked butternut squash, green bean casserole, apple chicken stuffing and turkey gravy. A variety of desserts are offered such as yule logs, pies, cakes and cheesecakes, dessert platters, cupcakes and whoopie pies. All orders need to be picked up by Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Rig A’ Tony’s Takeout & Catering (13 Rockingham Road, Windham, 685-8122; 38 West Broadway, Derry, 425-6116, rigatonysitalian.com) has a Thanksgiving dinner deal for $229 with an 18- to 20-pound turkey, family-size portions of stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, corn, cranberry sauce and gravy. Desserts include apple pie, blueberry, chocolate cream pie, italian cookies, lemon meringue pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and pumpkin bread.

Roundabout Diner (580 Portsmouth Traffic Circle, Portsmouth, 431-1440, roundaboutdiner.com) is taking orders for Thanksgiving dinners to-go with slow roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, peas and pearl onions, cranberry relish, dinner rolls, homemade gravy, cinnamon apple sauce and your choice of pumpkin, apple, blueberry, pecan, banana cream, coconut cream, Key lime or chocolate cream pie. Meal 1 serves six to eight people for $195.99 and includes one pie. Meal 2 serves 10 to 12 for $269.99 and includes two pies. The sides can be bought a la carte as well as a half sheet of cornbread for $14, barbecue pulled pork for $12.95 a pound, roasted Brussels sprouts for $10.95 a quart and house brined turkey breast for $14.95 a pound. Orders can be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Smoke Shack Cafe (226 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com)is accepting orders until Nov. 17 by 7:30 p.m. Package No. 1 includes a whole turkey, two large sides of your choice, medium cranberry sauce, medium gravy and six pieces of cornbread for $149.99. Package No. 2 includes a whole turkey, six large sides of your choice, medium, cranberry, large gravy and 12 pieces of cornbread for $223.99. Sides are butternut squash, corn saute, green beans, jalapeño and sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and gravy. Sides are available a la carte as well as bacon-wrapped stuffed turkey breasts and a whole smoked turkey. Order pickups will be Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23, at allotted times.

The Sweet Spot (353 Riverdale Road, Weare, thesweetspotnh.com) is taking orders for Thanksgiving, offering 9-inch pies (apple $21, pumpkin $21, pecan $24, chocolate cream $24, apple cranberry galette $15), 9-inch quiches and savory pies (roasted butternut squash and spinach $21, roasted butternut squash and sausage $21, pork pie $24), cheesecakes, rolls and breads to be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 22, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Temple Street Diner (200 Temple St., Nashua, 521-7133) is taking individual or family Thanksgiving dinner and dessert orders for delivery or pickup. Delivery will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Call and pay ahead of time.

Tuscan Market is taking orders to be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 22. A 10- to 12-pound turkey with maple-roasted sweet potato, garlic green beans and lemon mascarpone whipped potatoes is available for $175. Main courses include a whole carved roast turkey, boneless prime rib ($120), herb-roasted leoncini ham ($70), roast beef tenderloin ($180), prosciutto-wrapped pork loin ($60), porchetta roast ($70) and roasted salmon ($60). Antipasti platters and sides such as balsamic roasted carrots and cranberry marsala wine compote are also available.

Van Otis Chocolates (341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1661; 15 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 515-1045, vanotis.com) has a variety of sweet treats for Thanksgiving such as a near 12-pound chocolate turkey ($275), apple orchard gummies ($6.50) and custom Swiss fudge boxes ($44).

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Dine out for Thanksgiving dinner

Let someone else cook the big meal at one of these area restaurants

Have your Thanksgiving dinner at a table you don’t have to clear with dishes you don’t have to do. Here are some restaurants offering dine-in meals on Thanksgiving day (Thursday, Nov. 23). Know of a spot not mentioned here? Let us know at food@hippopress.com. And, of course, make those reservations, the earlier the better.

Alan’s of Boscawen (133 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-6631, alansofboscawen.com) is taking reservations for your choice of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or buffet. Dinner includes turkey, stuffing, fresh yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and onions, fresh butternut squash, soup or salad, rolls, cranberry sauce and your choice of dessert.

Backyard Brewery & Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com) will be serving its full menu on Thanksgiving Day as well as turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Call to reserve a table.

Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com) will be serving dinner from noon to 6 p.m. in their dining room on Thanksgiving Day and will be open for breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. at Trattoria Fondi, where the Fondi menu will be offered. In the dining room, a four-course prix fixe meal will be served, with appetizers like Cape Cod oysters, entrees such as Misty Knoll Farms Turkey, grilled filet mignon and squash risotto, and pumpkin bread pudding and bourbon poached pear among the dessert options. The cost is $110 per adult and $65 per child 10 years old and younger.

• Walk-ins are welcome at the Belmont Hall and Restaurant (718 Grove St., Manchester, 625-8540, belmonthall.net) dining room for a plated turkey dinner. Reservations are required for the function hall with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (parties of five or more only) with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a fully stocked cash bar.

The Coach Stop Restaurant & Tavern (176 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 437-2022, coachstopnh.com) is taking reservations for Thanksgiving Day with seatings at noon and 3 p.m.

Entree options are roast turkey dinner, baked Virginia ham, slow roasted prime rib, baked stuffed haddock, seafood linguine and veal Oscar. All entrees are $39 and are served with turkey soup, apple cider, mashed potatoes, homemade bread stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, hot rolls, baby pearl onions and green peas, homemade pie and coffee.

• Make your reservation at The Centennial Hotel and Granite Restaurant & Bar (96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9005, graniterestaurant.com) for Thanksgiving day. Reservations can be made online.

CR’s The Restaurant (287 Exeter Road, Hampton, 929-7972, crstherestaurant.com) is taking reservations for Thanksgiving Day between noon and 5 p.m. Their most popular menu items will be featured.

The Derryfield Restaurant (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com) has seatings at 11 a.m., noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for a family-style turkey dinner with a turkey, stuffing, gravy, butternut squash, mixed vegetables, salad and dinner rolls (four-person minimum, or a plated turkey meal that is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children under 12. Reservations are required.

Epoch Gastropub (90 Front St., Exeter, 778-3762, epochrestaurant.com) is open for in-person dining from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with soups, salads and starters. Entrees include pumpkin butternut squash ravioli, maple soy salmon, traditional roast turkey and brown sugar ginger-crusted pork loin with sides such as brioche bread stuffing and spiced roasted baby carrots. Dessert options are pies, cakes and pastries, pecan caramel bread pudding as well as coffee, mulled cider, hot chocolate or tea. $70 for adults, $25 for children 6 to 12 and free for children under 5 years old.

Fratello’s Italian Grille (115 Dow St., Manchester, 641-6676, fratellos.com) is taking reservation for Thanksgiving with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., serving turkey with pan gravy, slow roasted prime rib au jus, turkey pot pie, Tuscan salmon, vegetable gnocchi, homemade stuffing as well pumpkin bisque, garden salad, assorted pies, treats, coffee, tea and cider and more. The cost is $45 for adults, $20 for children 4 to 11 and free for children under 3.

• Make your reservation at The Centennial Hotel and Granite Restaurant & Bar (96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9005, graniterestaurant.com) for Thanksgiving day. Reservations can be made online.

The Homestead Tavern and Restaurant (1567 Summer St., Bristol, 744-2022; 641 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-2022, homesteadnh.com) has seatings at noon, 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. for Thanksgiving dinner. On the menu is roast turkey dinner for $32, baked Virginia ham for $32, roast prime rib of beef for $35, baked stuffed haddock for $32, veal Oscar $35, fresh broiled salmon for $32, seafood fettuccine for $35 and vegetarian quinoa bowl for $32. Each comes with turkey soup, apple cider, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, hot rolls and sweet bread and homemade pie. Children’s meals (ham, turkey, prime rib, bowtie alfredo or chicken fingers and french fries) are $15.

Mile Away Restaurant (52 Federal Hill Road, Milford, 673-3904, mileawayrestaurantnh.com) is offering a special menu for Thanksgiving. The $42-per-person dinner includes a choice of one appetizer, corn chowder, Swedish meatball, fresh fruit plate with sorbet, Caesar or garden salad; an entree, such as roast turkey, herb-crusted roast sirloin, pasta primavera, chicken picatta or maple salmon; and either pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sorbet, cheesecake, carrot cake, chocolate mousse cake or lemon mascarpone for dessert. Reservations are currently being accepted.

• Thanksgiving entrees at The Old Salt (490 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 926-8322, oldsaltnh.com) are oven-roasted turkey with sides like cranberry stuffing and mashed potatoes for $25.99, honey-glazed baked ham for $25.99, roasted butternut squash ravioli for $24.99, slow roasted prime rib au jus for $34.99, baked seafood pie for $36.99 and surf and turf $38.99. Soups and salads are also on the menu and appetizers such as shrimp cocktails and a charcuterie board. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Tahitian cheesecake, apple pie, bread pudding and apple crisp, each for $9.99.

Red Arrow Diner (112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3091; 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118; 149 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 204-5088, redarrowdiner.com) is open during their regular hours on Thanksgiving serving turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots and squash for $16.99.

Roundabout Diner (580 Route 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, 431-1440, roundaboutdiner.com) is taking reservations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day for their plated family-style Thanksgiving meal with slow roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, peas and pearl onions, dinner rolls, homemade gravy, cinnamon apple sauce and homemade dessert. Adults are $29.95 and kids under 12 are $15.95

Temple Street Diner (200 Temple St., Nashua, 521-7133) is open Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving breakfast all day, their full regular menu and Thanksgiving dinner with all the sides and dessert. Thanksgiving dinner will also be served on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Reservations are being taken for parties of five or more. Regular parties are first come, first served.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Wednesdays we wear pink

Ovation Theatre Company presents Mean Girls

Upon returning to Ovation Theatre Company to sit in on a rehearsal for Mean Girls after having observed a rehearsal for Newsies this past summer, I was excited to again be privy to the inner workings of an Ovation production, and I was not disappointed. Filled with humor, relatability and lots of talent, the show will be at the Derry Opera House on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11.

The 2004 teen comedy starring Lindsay Lohan, a classic for anyone who grew up in the 2000s as I did, was adapted into a musical in 2017.

“It only came out for licensing around last January or February … [and] I knew it was very popular among this age range and so I wanted to do it because I knew that they wanted to do it,” said director Meg Gore. “I don’t always do shows they’re begging for, but I like this one and I really wanted to take it on.”

About a week away from opening night, the cast ran through the second act of the show, pausing periodically to work out blocking and to refine, and unrefine, certain aspects, some songs requiring vocal grit, such as “World Burn” and “I’d Rather Be Me,” the latter of which contains a mouthful of words that Lorelei Stahl, playing Janice, executes with diction, attitude and power, after Regina George discovers and spreads the pages of the infamous “burn book.”

Regina is portrayed by Hanna Carroll, who embodies the role of queen bee with a “mean girl” demeanor as well as a dramatic and controlled belt and fantastic vocal runs. Regina is less than pleased when her throne is stolen by new girl Cady Heron.

“My favorite part about playing Cady is … [that] she’s kind of fun,” said Lily Gennetti, who landed her first lead role as Cady. “She’s so excited about everything all the time and you really see her development throughout the show. … I think the hardest part of playing her is the roller coaster of Cadys. … There’s pre-plastic Cady, plastic Cady, really plastic Cady [and] post-plastic Cady.”

Regina’s boyfriend turned ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels is played by Greer Danzey.

“My favorite part of being Aaron is getting to be genuinely nice and just being a real person,” Danzey said. “He’s probably one of the realest, besides Janice and Damian. He doesn’t really care.”

“Although it’s kind of highlighting stereotypes and larger-than-life characters, it really has a strong message about being yourself and addressing those issues that high schoolers have every day, so that’s kind of what I hope people take away from it,” Gore said. “We’re not highlighting the meanness [and saying] that’s a good thing, we’re saying this is what people deal with every day and how to navigate that path and still be supportive and empathetic.”

Ovation Theatre Company presents Mean Girls
When: Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Derry Opera House, 29 W. Broadway, Derry
Cost: Tickets are $25
More info: Visit ovationtc.com

Featured photo: PILLAR Gallery. Courtesy photo.

The season of giving

Mosaic Art Collective presents new exhibit with donation drive

Fancy Florals by Mariah Sample. Courtesy photo.

Just in time for the holiday season is Mosaic Art Collective’s “A Few of My Favorite Things” exhibit, showing pieces that are 12×12” or smaller in size from Monday, Nov. 6, through Wednesday, Dec. 18, with an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. The gallery will run an art supply donation drive for the Webster House concurrently with the exhibition.

“We had 112 pieces submitted and there will be 94 pieces on display,” said Liz Pieroni, owner of the gallery. “There are many different mediums represented.”

They include oil paintings on metal as well as on canvas, linoleum black prints, eraser prints, digital work, portraiture and acrylic paintings and other works depicting floral bouquets and mandala-like designs. The opening reception will include refreshments and music.

In addition to “A Few of My Favorite Things,” See Saw Art will have a 120-square-foot exhibition space within Mosaic Art Collective throughout November and December, so there will always be something new to see.

“It’s usually just a lot of really wonderful people gathering together to talk about art and life. It’s really a celebration,” Pieroni said of the opening reception. “We’re also going to be doing a collection of art supplies for the Webster House, so I’m hoping that people will come with art supplies to donate.”

The Webster House is a Manchetser residence for children ages 8 to 18 who are currently displaced from their homes. It offers services such as counseling and crisis management as well as trips and recreational programming. Donations can include any new or lightly used art supplies, such as crayons, paint brushes and paper.

“Art supplies especially are so helpful for kids who are in transition in one way or another to be able to express themselves,” Pieroni said. “Even if they’re not sharing the artwork that they’re making, it’s still cathartic in one way or another and I think most artists recognize that need to create work and just fully express their inner worlds. … It seems like such a simple thing, but it’s … a fun way of giving back to children in need.”

While most of the pieces in the gallery are done by New Hampshire artists, the venue features work from artists all around New England with various backgrounds and experience levels.

“What I think is incredibly unique about Mosaic is that we have artists that are very new [who are] creating [and] showing [their art] and then we have very seasoned professional artists who have been showing all their lives,” Pieroni said. “I think what’s wonderful about that is everyone has so much to learn from each other, the artists who have been exhibiting longer come with a lot of experience and the [emerging] artists have this really fresh perspective.”

Mosaic Art Collective
Where: 66 Hanover St., Manchester
Hours: Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.

Featured photo: Happy Hippie by Terri Cote. Courtesy photo.

In the kitchen with Justin Bernatchez

Nashua native Justin Bernatchez is the executive chef at LaBelle Winery. Growing up with his father in the industry, he was exposed at a young age to the kitchen environment, one that he found thrilling, and he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. He started cooking in local restaurants when he was 15 and later attended Atlantic Culinary Academy’s Le Cordon Bleu program, where he graduated at the top of his class.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

A must-have in the kitchen for me would be passionate cooks who are willing to work really hard, listen and learn. … Becoming a chef takes time … It takes years, and having cooks that are passionate and devoted to the craft really helps build a strong team and makes things really fun.

What would you have for your last meal?

I’m a sucker for comfort food and … greasy fatty, cheesy and gooey … I would start with fried mozzarella sticks and some buffalo wings with tons of blue cheese dressing, then probably a really nice burger and finish it off with something chocolatey for dessert.

What is your favorite local eatery?

I live in Manchester and love exploring the ever-changing food scene. From Mexican to Thai to the dives and sandwich shops — they all have such great and interesting things to try, so to pick one would be impossible, but my favorite thing is that you can pretty much [try] food from any culture you are craving…

Name a celebrity you would like to see eating in your restaurant?

The late, great Anthony Bourdain. He was just so influential in my career, and his books and shows really inspired me to branch out and explore what the world had to offer through food…

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

My favorite thing on the menu right now at The Bistro in Amherst would be the salted caramel chicken wings …. [It’s] crispy chicken coated in a white wine caramel with fresh Granny Smith apples and smoked sea salt. … I would say that the classic steak frites would be my favorite at Americus.

What is the biggest food trend in New Hampshire right now?

I would say that the biggest food trend … would be the fusion of ingredients from other countries and other parts of the world into American-style foods to make them more approachable.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

[P]robably be anything that I can grill. I love to use my flat-top grill to make meals for my wife and kids that they are going to love.

LaBelle Winery Guinness Braised Short Ribs

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
4 pounds beef short ribs
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion rough-chopped
1 large carrot rough-chopped
2 stalks celery rough-chopped
6 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
15 ounces (or more) Guinness
15 ounces (or more) beef stock

In a shallow plate whisk together the flour, salt and pepper. Dredge the short ribs in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are covered in flour. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is heated up, add the ribs, only half of them at a time (do not overcrowd), and sear them on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned. Repeat with remaining ribs. Once they are all seared, set them aside. Preheat your oven at 350 degrees in the meantime. In the same pot over medium-high heat, add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the onion has softened and the garlic is aromatic. Next, stir in the tomato paste and pour in the Guinness and beef broth (amount needed is dependent on your pan size — the short ribs need to be covered with the liquid). Then, add the rosemary and thyme and bring the pot to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, if needed. Add the short ribs back to the pan and cover with a lid. Transfer the pan to the oven and braise for 2½ to 3 hours, or until they are tender enough to fall apart with a fork. Remove the rosemary and thyme from the pot, then garnish with parsley and serve.

Featured photo: Justin Bernatchez. Courtesy photo.

Classics with a twist

Owners of Industry East open new restaurant on Elm Street

After opening their restaurant Industry East on Hanover Street in Manchester, Jeremy Hart and Dan Haggerty eventually decided to embark on their second business venture. On Monday, Oct. 2, the pair opened the doors to Stash Box, a restaurant and bar that puts a twist on homestyle comfort classics.

“Our No. 1 complaint at Industry East was that we didn’t have enough space,” Hart said. “Here, we have more space.”

Hart and Haggerty have both been in the food industry for more than 20 years, having worked as servers, bartenders and managers for other establishments before opening their own. Over the course of those two decades, both of them had contemplated leaving the industry but always found themselves being drawn back.

“Basically, you have to for some reason really love it, and I think it’s just providing hospitality to people and seeing them enjoy food and drinks that you created,” Haggerty said. “It was either leave or go for broke, so we decided to open a restaurant and then it worked out pretty well.”

The pair opened Industry East on Feb. 2, 2021, serving craft cocktails such as Smoke on the Water(melon) made with mezcal and Montenegro liqueur and Naval Academy made with aperol, bourbon and fresh orange juice as well as one-of-a-kind takes on staples like tacos, hot dogs and flatbreads.

“Industry East is essentially a cocktail bar that serves really good food, and Stash Box is a restaurant that has really good food with a cocktail bar inside of it,” Haggerty said. “It’s kind of like an elevated taste on regional classics from New England and around the country. … Our kitchen is a lot bigger here than it is at Industry East [so] we’re able to do a lot more … which is cool. Basically just a bigger expansive menu of homestyle cooking.”

An example of such a twist is their chicken cordon bleu. Added to the bernaise sauce is rosemary and basil and on the side is prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and shallot mashed potatoes. Appetizers include scallop crudo — sliced scallops with pineapple jalapeno salsa, mango gastrique, toasted coconut and sea salt — and scallion pancakes with kimchi, fried egg, pickled red onion, soy glaze sauce and sesame. For dessert, enjoy a peaches-and-cream tart with a homemade brown sugar shell, sugared peaches and blueberries topped with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, powdered sugar and fresh mint, or bananas Foster, consisting of a cinnamon crunch waffles topped with sauteed bananas, brown sugar, dark rum, whipped cream, bruleed bananas and cinnamon sugar.

“We love being downtown in Manchester on Elm Street because we love all our neighbors. They’ve all been helpful and supportive the entire time we were building the project,” Haggerty said. “Downtown Manchester is an amazing restaurant and overall small-business community, and it’s a great thing to be a part of if you are willing to put in the work. … It’s been really good. Definitely a warm welcome on Elm Street.

Stash Box
Where: 866 Elm St., Manchester
When: Monday through Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m.
606-8109

Featured photo: Stash Box. Photo by Mya Blanchard.

A community pillar

New gallery brings art hub to Concord

Mike Howat and Fallon Andrews had been deliberating their vision for about a year before officially opening the doors to PILLAR Gallery and Projects at 205 N. State St. in Concord on Saturday, Sept. 30. The pair will showcase art across a variety of media. Their inaugural exhibition, “Flora & Fauna,” is on display now through Friday, Nov. 17.

“I think there’s a need for it in the area,” Howat said. “There’s a lot of amazing artists and art-minded people and I think [there’s] a need for a place for professional artists to show their work and for the community to have a gathering place outside of bars and restaurants.”

Andrews adds, “With the New Hampshire Institute of Art dismantling over the years and there not being a lot of hubs for artists, we wanted to be a pillar in the community.”

Andrews and Howat met a few years ago through mutual friends. With over a decade of combined experience — Andrews having worked on different events throughout the state and Howat being a working artist and an art teacher for about eight years — the duo decided to team up to curate two salon-style exhibitions, Salon 2021 and Salon 2022, at Kimball Jenkins in Concord.

“It held over 700 works of art and over 350 or so artists,” Andrews said. “With that momentum going in the community and feeling like we just wanted to be something that people still could get excited about, that’s why we wanted to collaborate and work together to open this up.”

On their opening day, they debuted their first ever exhibition, “Flora & Fauna,”with acrylic work by Lauren Welch, fabric art and stoneware by local artist Rachel Montroy and ceramics by Cierra Vigue, among others.

“We wanted it to be something that caught people’s eyes and attention and be the opposite of what people thought of when people hear the subject, [flora and fauna],” Andrews said. “Normally around these parts you see traditional landscapes and things that are pretty digestible, and we wanted to do something radically different, and that’s why ‘Flora & Fauna’ is bright and it almost looks like a little alien world inside of this small sleepy town.”

Their upcoming exhibition “As the Light Wanes”follows the theme of the changing seasons and the losing of light that comes with descending into the winter months and will be on display from Saturday, Dec. 9, through January 2024. The gallery also includes a shop where stickers and prints are for sale, and Andrews hopes to start offering coffee, tea and treats in the coming weeks.

“We’re definitely really excited to bring something else to [this] side of the neighborhood,” Andrews said. “My goal in the next few years is to extend downtown Concord and really have it reach more of those suburban areas and really connect the whole city.”

PILLAR Gallery and Projects
Where: 205 N. State St., Concord
Hours: Sunday and Monday, noon to 4 p.m.

“Flora & Fauna”
When: On display through Nov. 17

Featured photo: PILLAR Gallery. Courtesy photo.

In the kitchen with Chris Ballou

Chris Ballou, a sous chef at Americus Restaurant at LaBelle Winery in Derry, discovered his culinary bent in a high school class. He went on to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he earned an associate’s degree, and gained experience in Arizona as well. Once back in New Hampshire, he started working at LaBelle Winery in Amherst before working at Americus Restaurant, where he has been for almost four years and enjoys the creative freedom to experiment with a diverse cuisine.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

The kitchen knife is definitely a must-have … but I would say a good stock pot because in culinary school you start everything from scratch and all food starts with good ingredients and my main go-to good ingredient is a good stock, so I think that is essential for me.

What would you have for your last meal?

It would have to be my mom’s pot roast. I played soccer when I was growing up and [on] rainy fall nights after a long soccer game you come home and the house just smells incredible, it’s a nice hearty meal [that] will fill you right up. Perfect for winter nights.

What is your favorite local eatery?

Green Leaf over in Milford. … He does a lot of creative things over there and it [is] amazing.

Name a celebrity you would like to see eating in your restaurant.

My chef out [in] Arizona grew up in France and he was living in the same neighborhood I think down the street of Dominique Crenn and ever since she did that episode on Chef’s Table on Netflix I’ve just been totally wowed, so that would be incredible to see her eating there.

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

I have to say it’s the Mediterranean pizza that we have on the menu. … it’s just spectacular. It’s a 24-hour fermented pizza dough [made] in house … It’s amazing, such a good balance of spicy and sweet and there’s fresh oregano on top to bring it all together. It’s delicious.

What is the biggest food trend in New Hampshire right now?

I see a lot of oriental places popping up. … New Hampshire seems to be diversifying its food a lot more than it was, getting away from the New England cuisine of chowders and such like that.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

Chicken piccata. It’s easy, it’s quick, it’s delicious. I’m a big fan of bold, sour flavors too but I like to add sun-dried tomatoes into it to kind of balance it out and give it some sweetness. It’s so easy to do after a long day at work.

Chicken piccata
From the kitchen of Chris Ballou

2 chicken cutlets
1 shallot sliced
1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 cup chardonnay
1 cup chicken stock
¼ pound butter
2 Tablespoons capers
2 Tablespoons sun-dried tomato
1/2 lemon squeezed
salt and pepper to taste

On medium high heat, sear chicken for about one minute on both sides and remove from pan.
Add shallots and garlic and stir, picking up all the fond (leftover chicken bits on the bottom of pan). Cook until translucent.
Deglaze with wine.
Add in chicken stock, capers and tomatoes.
Add chicken back into the pan. Reduce by ¼.
Add butter and lemon juice, stirring constantly.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve over rice with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Featured photo: Chris Ballou. Courtesy photo.

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