Tag: 260129

Korean BBQ and Hot Pot

The most personalized meals ever

One of the attractions of going out for Korean barbecue or hot pot is the ability to completely design your perfect dish — literally from soup to nuts. OBA Korean BBQ & Hot Pot on South Willow Street in Manchester, which opened in mid-December, sets its customers up to make fundamental decisions about their meals, from the ingredients in their dishes to how they are cooked.

According to OBA’s Francesca Cardeo, customers will select ingredients for their meals and cook them themselves at their table. Each table is fitted out with a grill for cooking proteins and recessed heating elements where each customer can cook their hot pot.

“Everyone gets to pick their own hot pot base, which is a soup base,” Cardeo said. “And everything is raw. You cook everything yourself. And so say I pick the tom yum [Thai soup base], it will come out to your table, you turn the button on the heating element and it will bring it to a boil, and then you cook all your meat in it, and then your vegetables. Everyone does it differently. Some of the heating elements are stronger than others, but I will say that last night they brought my hot pot out and it was boiling within two minutes.”

“When I take people’s orders, I see if everyone wants to pick their hot pot first,” Cardeo said, “because I like to get the broth out first and get it going, even though it doesn’t take that long. And then I like to bring them any meat they’ve ordered. And then I do the fish and the extra stuff, followed by the ramen and the vegetables. And then I’ll flip, and then I’ll do the barbecue stuff.”

Cardeo said this style of dining gives groups of people an opportunity to try new foods.

“I had a table earlier of six people and they all chose their own broth and they all tasted each other’s broth. Then they know the next time they come which broth they want.” She said sometimes everyone at a table will want to grill the same meat, then customize their meal afterward. “If it’s a large table, and if someone wants bulgogi [a Korean cut of beef], we’ll ask, ‘Does anyone else want bulgogi? And then I’ll put in the amount of people that I have at the table. Then, when the meat comes out, it will all be on one tray. And then everyone shares it.”

Cardeo’s favorite combination of ingredients would be difficult to order off a menu.

“My favorite for the hot pot is the beef belly,” she said. “Then I get fried tofu. I get shiitake mushrooms, I get rice cakes, and then tofu skin, bean curds, and bok choy. That’s my favorite.”

Even though most customers associate tableside grilling and cooking with beef or pork, there are dozens of protein options to choose from, from different cuts of meat, to Spam, to baby octopus, chicken, shrimp and other, more vegetarian-friendly, options. “We do actually have a lot of vegans, and vegetarians that come in,” Cardeo said, “and they have a ball with the tofu, and stuff and all the vegetables.”

OBA has been designed around the concept of personalization; while the focus is on grilling and hot pot, there are different side dishes to customize with as well.

“We have a hot spot at the buffet with egg rolls, crab legs and all different kinds of hot food,” she said. “And then we have salads, kimchi, seaweed salad, that’s all included, once you pay your base price. So you can either do just hot pot, you can either do just Korean barbecue, you can do both. We don’t do takeout, and we don’t let people take food home, though.”

OBA Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Where: 371 S. Willow St., Manchester, 932-2168, obakoreanbbqhotpot.com
Hours: seven days a week from noon to 10 p.m., and until 10:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Weekly Dish 26/01/29

• Cake and wine: Wine on Main (9 N. Main St., Concord, 897-5828, wineonmainnh.com) will host an Oreo Drip Cake Class and Wine Tasting, Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.All tools, ingredients and decorating supplies are provided. In this hands-on cake decorating class, you’ll create a 6-inch Oreo drip cake with a bakery-style finish. To maximize decorating time, each cake will arrive pre-baked, stacked and crumb-coated, so you can focus on learning decorating techniques, the website said.Tickets include a wine tasting featuring four wines from around the world to enjoy while you work. Tickets are $71.21; 21+ only.

• New room for wine-tasting: Flag Hill Winery (297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com) will begin service in itsnew tasting roomin a soft opening Thursday, Jan. 29. Overlooking Flag Hill’s vineyards and grain fields, the new year-round tasting room features wine and spirit flights made from products produced on site, along with a selection of small bites to enjoy alongside tastings. Visit flaghill.com/newtastingroom.

• Days of wine and mochi: Join Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline, 244-3165, averillhousevineyard.com) for Sip & Savor: Wine Meets Mochi, a unique pairing event featuring handcrafted wines and vegan Issei mochi gummies — a modern, vegan-friendly twist on a centuries-old Japanese treat. Each guest will enjoy a customized flight of six wines, and every pour is paired with one of six mochi gummies in flavors like Strawberry, Mango, Tangerine, Sour Watermelon, Yuzu, and Peach — all vegan, gluten-free and gelatin-free. Tickets start at $35 through eventbrite.com.

• Viking romance: Viking-themed pub The Sunstone Brewing Company (298 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 216-1808, sunstonebrewing.com) will host a special three-course Valentine’s Day Dinner for two, including a choice of entrees, and a dessert by Van Otis Chocolate. The cost is $100 per couple. Follow Sunstone Brewing on social media for details as they develop.

Kiddie Pool 26/01/29

Family fun for whenever

The hills are alive

• The Gilbert H. Hood Drama Club will present The Sound of Music youth edition on Friday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. at Stockbridge Theatre, 44 N. Main St. in Derry, according to stockbridgetheatre.com. Tickets cost $13.

Walk in winter

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road in Holderness, nhnature.org, holds Wild Winter Walks on some Saturdays and Sundays through March, according to the website. “Join one of our naturalists for a guided walk along the live animal exhibit trail to see our animal ambassadors sporting their winter coats,” the website said. The walks are geared toward ages 6 and up and attendees are reminded to “dress in warm layers,” the website said. Upcoming dates are Sunday, Feb. 1; Saturday, Feb. 7; Sunday, Feb. 15; Saturday, Feb. 21; Saturday, Feb. 28; Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 15, with walks slated for 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. on those days. Register online.

Celebrating Christa

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord is continuing its program “Reach for the Stars: Celebrating Christa McAuliffe” through Sunday, Feb. 1, according to the Center’s website, starhop.com. “Join us as we honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe and the STS-51L Challenger crew. Together, we remember their lives, their courage, and their enduring impact on education and space exploration,” the website said.On Saturday, Jan. 31, the center will host “Challenger: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe,” described on the website: “Journey through Christa’s life in this multi-media immersive living history performance, suitable for all ages.” Doors open at 5 p.m. Go online to purchase tickets for Jan. 31 or to purchase admission tickets for the week-long programming and reserve planetarium tickets.

Treasure Hunt 26/01/29

Dear Donna,

Just saw the Hippo paper with the Victorian chair. That makes me think one of mine may be Victorian. Am attaching photos. The red one I think may be Victorian. Got it at a yard sale a million years ago! The green one has been in my family forever. Can’t seem to Google info on green one. The poor chair’s springs are starting to poke through. Any information greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Martha

Dear Martha,

You are right, the red one is Victorian, late 1800s. It’s actually called an Eastlake chair. Most likely could have started with another chair and settee. Your green chair is in the 1920s range and in poor condition really has not much value.

Chairs are a tough market sometimes. Also on most common ones the values are low. Your Eastlake chair would be in the $50 range if you find the right buyer. The nice part for you is it looks to be in good original condition.

I hope this was helpful, Martha.

Big night

Local actors, directors and more will be honored at the New Hampshire Theatre Awards

Granite State stages were quite busy last year, and the ballot for the upcoming New Hampshire Theatre Awards is proof. There are 236 semifinalists from 80 productions done by 25 youth, community and professional companies on a list of 31 categories. Additionally, three special awards will be presented at the ceremony, on Jan. 30 at Concord’s Capitol Center.

There’s more to the event than who wins, however. Attendees are promised a night of entertainment, with an emphasis on comedy. It will be provided by an ensemble directed by Ro Gavin, whose eponymous company’s production of Seussical! is up for three awards. Breanne Aria Battey serves as Musical Director.

Winning is rewarding, but it’s not everything, Irene Cohen, President of the New Hampshire Theatre Alliance said in a recent phone interview.

“The feeling in this gigantic room, with over 800 people participating, is one of community and collaboration and support,” Cohen said. “We have something so special.”

That said, a few companies stood out on this year’s semi-finalists list. Actorsingers, Arts In Motion and Ovation Theatre Company each had four productions that received multiple nominations. Andy’s Summer Playhouse, Barnstormers, and Theatre Up each had three. Several companies had a dozen or more individual nominations.

Special award winners include Dr. Alan Kaplan, founder and outgoing artistic director of Manchester Community Theatre Players. He’ll receive the Francis Grover Cleveland Award for Lifetime Achievement. “He’s created this legacy,” Cohen said. “It’s an example of people doing it for the love of theatre, and the benefit of what it can bring to the community.”

Ryan Kaplan, also a nominee this year for his supporting role in Ovation’s Spamalot: Youth Edition, will be recognized for Special Achievement in Youth Theatre. “He started a theatre group when he was 12 years old, which has evolved to producing plays,” Cohen said. “He does it for the love of it, and it’s extraordinary what he has inspired among his peers.”

An award will also be presented for Excellence in Playwriting. “For an original play or script,” Cohen said. “That’s not given every year, because there isn’t always a work that gets submitted, but we had three this year. It’s exciting to honor the efforts of people producing original work.”

A handful of professional companies, those whose actors are paid for their roles, are up for awards. They include The Barnstormers Theatre, whose founder Grover Cleveland is the namesake for the NHTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Peterborough Players, Firelight Theatre Workshop and Weathervane Theatre.

The majority of semi-finalists are in it for their passion for acting, but that does not discount their efforts, Cohen believes.

“There’s a thought that you only get quality with professional productions, and that’s just not true,” she said. “There are some extraordinary actors and actresses and youth performers in this state who participate in a production and deliver a performance that is very believable and convincing and artistic and individualized.”

She further urged folks who’ve thought about attending in the past consider coming to this year’s event.

“We’re infusing a little more humor in it, so it’s a good time to give it a try,” she said, adding both levity and solidarity are good responses to 2025, a year that was filled with challenges. “We’re at a juncture where, especially in this state, we need to speak loud and clear about the role of the arts in life and in our state.”

21st New Hampshire Theatre Awards
When: Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord
Tickets: $54 at ccanh.com

Featured photo: New Hampshire Theatre Awards. Photo by Chuck Swierad.

The 2026 Wedding Revolution

Special advertising section

Goodbye “Corporate Gala,” Hello High-End Dinner Party

For decades, the wedding industry operated like a well-oiled machine, a “wedding factory” that churned out white linens, chicken-or-beef options, and a predictable four-hour reception window. But as we move through 2026, consumers are looking for other options. In its place is a movement led by a generation of couples who prioritize authenticity over tradition and personality over performance.

If you’ve been lurking on Reddit wedding planning communities lately, you know the vibe: the “anti-wedding wedding.” Couples are no longer hosting events for their parents’ coworkers; they are hosting immersive, high-end dinner parties that happen to include a vow exchange. Here is how the 2026 landscape is being redefined.

The most significant trend this year is the rejection of the traditional ballroom. Couples are seeking out spaces with “soul” — locations that carry a narrative before a single flower is placed.

Museums and Curated Galleries

A museum wedding isn’t just about the art; it’s about the architectural drama. In 2026, couples are leaning into the “gallery chic” look. This involves minimalist decor that allows the venue’s permanent exhibits to take center stage. Imagine a cocktail hour among fossils or a first dance under a 19th-century dome. The goal is a curated gala vibe that feels sophisticated and timeless.

The Backyard-Luxe Movement

The home wedding has evolved. It’s no longer a casual DIY affair; it’s a private estate experience. Couples are transforming family properties into high-end residential retreats. The secret to this trend is “interior design” decor — using floor lamps, velvet armchairs and vintage rugs to make an outdoor lawn feel like a cozy, expensive living room.

The Adventure Elopement

For the true non-conformists, the “hiking trail” wedding is peaking. These are intimate ceremonies held at summits or in deep meadows, often followed by a “luxury pop-up.” Think five-star catering and chilled Champagne served at the end of a mountain path.

Aesthetic Identities

In 2026, the color palette is a personality test. We have moved past the era of “neutral and safe.”

• Dopamine Decor (m aximalism): This is for the couple who wants their wedding to feel like a shot of espresso. It’s a riot of clashing patterns, mismatched antique china, and vibrant “sunset” hues like cobalt blue and spicy orange.

• Regency Revival: Thanks to the enduring love for period dramas, “Regencycore” is still a powerhouse. It’s all about wisteria, corsetry, and “old money” elegance, but with a modern editorial twist.

• Inox & Industrial Minimal: For those who prefer a sleek, “Matrix-meets-Met-Gala” look, stainless steel (Inox) is the new gold. It’s sharp, monochromatic and incredibly cool.

The Guest Experience

The authentic wedding puts the guest at the center of the story. It’s no longer about watching a couple from a distance; it’s about participating in a shared memory.

Progressive dining is a major 2026 staple. Instead of sitting at a round table for four hours, guests move through the night. You might have appetizers in a garden, a long family-style feast at a single continuous table, and an after-party in a “supper club” lounge.

Furthermore, high-touch personalization is replacing generic favors. We are seeing handwritten notes for every single guest at their seat, audio guestbooks where friends leave voicemails on vintage phones, and even on-site social media content creators who capture raw behind-the-scenes footage so the professional videographer can focus on the cinematic art.

The “anti-corporate” wedding of 2026 is a celebration of the specific. It’s about the couple’s favorite vinyl records playing during dinner, their favorite late-night street food being served at midnight, and a venue that reflects their history rather than a package deal. It’s less about the perfect wedding and more about the perfect night out.

Plan a spring wedding

Spring offers its own natural beauty. The warm weather opens up the possibility of an outdoor wedding or reception. Blossoming flowers complete the gorgeous setting, adding pops of color and fresh scents to your special day.

There’s something special about an outdoor wedding, especially if you’re planning a gorgeous, romantic destination event. But even if you are planning on having your nuptials in the backyard, no spring wedding would be complete without a few other necessities.

Outdoor receptions

Look for venues with space for outdoor dancing, so you can celebrate your new union in the warmth of a starry night. Setting all of this up can add another layer of logistical issues, considering you’ll need both power and lights. Discuss where the band or DJ will need to set up, and ensure the facility has everything needed. Of course, the best venues are old pros at this and will have a detailed plan ready to share. Be sure to update them on the number of guests who are expected to ensure there’s room for everyone.

Drink options

Spring brings warmer temps, and that creates the need for shade and hydration. Dancing and drinking alcoholic beverages also tend to make people thirsty during your reception. Be sure there are plenty of drinks on hand to quench their thirst, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

Spring is the perfect time for eye-catching libations, from lemonade and margaritas to iced tea and fruity drinks. Use clear glass pitchers to show everything off.If the venue can accommodate it, consider making separate stations for different kinds of drinks.

Light desserts

Don’t forget that desserts are about more than the wedding cake. Spring-themed cakes are always a hit, and you can also have lots of fun with cupcakes. Or create something that makes use of in-season fruits and berries to garnish colorful cookies, pies and cheesecakes. If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative to traditional desserts, try a charcuterie board with cheese and fruit for a light after dinner course. Top it all off with a Champagne toast.

Alternative location

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or reception, the biggest risk of any kind, of course, is bad weather. Your wedding will be planned out months in advance, meaning there’s no way to check the forecast for rain. Create a backup plan just in case. Tour suitable alternate venues or look for outdoor sites that have nearby buildings so everything can be quickly transferred.

Floral Arrangements

You want to get the most out of the bounty of spring, so splurge on an expert in floral arrangements. A florist will help create centerpieces, fun accents and your bouquets, adding pops of color and intrigue. When you meet, explain your expectations and color palette in as much detail as possible. This is a particularly important hire if you have booked a destination wedding, since you’re likely unfamiliar with the local varieties and when they are at their peak.

Memorable Favors

Giving plants as a wedding favor is hip and eco-friendly, and they’re especially attractive if your wedding is being held in an outdoor setting. Match with local flora or fauna, and you’re literally allowing your friends and family to take a piece of your wedding home with them. Succulents are on trend, and also easy to care for. Stop by a local nursery to ask for specifics, keeping in mind that some native plants may not transfer well when brought back home.

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