- Area Four
- Brewer’s Table
- The Landing
nothing else close to those three and than places like Max&Leo, Posto,
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I have found Area Four to be very inconsistent and in terms take out conditions, often soggy.
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I can’t say anything regarding take-out for any restaurants as we haven’t done any so far - the ranking was based on eating in the restaurant (before Covid)
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A very solid list. I think you mean Brewer’s Fork in Charlestown. We love Brewer’s Fork, but have never gotten takeout. Does it hold up on the ride home?
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We have only eaten in at A4, but I’ve been thinking of asking them to underbake a bit and then finish on the baking steel at home since we’re not dining out.
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Where are the restaurants that those among us who feast on publicity (and McDonald’s) can, teargassing opposition out of the way, pose in front of brandishing a menu? Just askin’.
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Agree with A4.
Apropos comments on takeout below, I’m ceratinly no expert, but my impression is that takeout is generally unkind to pizza crust, especially thin. Trapped in a box the moisture seems to head for the crust. What’s the best way to re-crisp?
Do you have a baking stone or steel? I usually preheat mine in a 450 oven for 30 minutes or so, and then crisp it for a few minutes. It’s even easier if they don’t cut it first, but I usually don’t go that far. Sometimes I’ll call when I reach the restaurant and have someone at home get it startedd.
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I would have to resort to baking sheets.
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I use my baking steel as well (if I remember to put it in the oven early enough).
Some pizza travels better than others.
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Ok crashing your thread again - hello! The Boston trip is back on for September 10-17th, and I’m on the fence about it. It’s a fabulous opportunity, and the house in Gloucester is an historic, hand built home in my friend’s family, but is run like a VRBO. So popular, it’s only for family, and then by lottery. A little more available this season, due to current. While I realize I’m the only one who can decide for myself whether to go, was just wondering what your collective or respective feelings are about the viral threat currently? I’m at higher risk due to age, but am also getting tired of living life in fear. Friend is an event planner, by profession, pushing for a decision sooner than later. Want to get tested ASAP, but that has been delayed in our state, due to all the unrest. Any new info in your area, or thoughts? Leaning slightly towards going from a safety sense.
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The threat from the virus seems to be declining rapidly at this point. Anyone who tells you they know where it goes from here is lying. However, I’d feel comfortable visiting Gloucester in a private house for a week right now (let alone in September). I’m not sure where you have to travel from, but once you are here you will be fine. Stock the house and enjoy your week.
IMO September is the best month in which to visit the NE coast. If I could pick any week to visit, it would be the week after Labor Day. The water is the warmest it will be all year, crowds are gone and the fall sun angle is spectacular. As you said, you can’t live in fear.
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Thanks so much, your perspective is what I needed! We also love to vacation the week after Labor Day in the Carolinas, and being a western girl, have been shocked how warm the ocean is then, due to the Gulf Stream. Also, an “R” in the month for oysters! 
I do find them softer here in the summer, and all the non “R” months, but the marketing campaigns claim differently. Done deal, but of course buying travel insurance! Thanks again 
Yay, something to look forward to!
ETA: will be in the company of fabulous cooks in the house, but will probably be eating out in Boston the final night. Somewhere in the middle of things, but can’t remember the hotel. Any rec’s? Not super fancy nor really $$$$ for this group, but not extremely casual either. TIA
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While in Gloucester do check out Turners. Typically very fresh seafood to cook as well as good take out.
https://www.turners-seafood.com/gloucester-market/
In Boston what will you be looking for? Seafood? Italian (North End)? Chinatown?
@grumpyspatient, found out we’ll be 2 nights in Boston, staying at the Residence Inn Portside. Think there will be 6 of us, but possibly 8. The plan is to go to walkable places, most probably. Very diverse eaters, so anything goes really, except a fancy dinner in a hushed resto, if those even exist anywhere anymore…I guess something consistent and dependable, where locals would eat because of those reasons. We have fun as a group, can get a little boisterous, and good libations are a must. At the very least, wine and beer on the menu. Not familiar with your liquor licenses there. Appreciate and will consider any and all recs.
Thank you so much - can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this trip! 
Hi @Lambchop—Very excited for you to visit Gloucester! That said, I’ll sound a note of caution—not out of lack of enthusiasm but in no small way because you’d be traveling here from the West Coast.
Do keep an eye on evolving conditions. Things keep changing, as you’ve observed where you live too.
I’d bet you already know that our restaurants are doing a phased reopening in stages. We’re still in takeout-only mode with outdoor dining expected as soon as next week.
Another example: If beach access is important to you, Gloucester has limited access to town residents in most cases. You can track info here: http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1480 Restrictions and closures currently apply at other popular outdoor spots throughout Cape Ann—which I know because we have been unsuccessfully trying to get up that way for a relaxing beach walk.
I’m a superfan of all that Gloucester/Cape Ann have to offer, so I want you to be able to enjoy fully!
Denise
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We thawed out the Blue Ribbon “Grandma Maggies’ Smoked Meatloaf” this week. It was actually pretty decent. Blue Ribbon tends to be a smoke bomb, and this was no different, but it was juicy enough with plenty of flavor and a little heat. I added some of their hot bbq sauce on top after I took the foil off near the end. It was easy comfort food with a baked potatoes and green beans w/leftover vinaigrette and toasted almonds. We got four servings from it. At some point I’ll grab another one to stash away if I ever find room in my freezer.
This is part of their “Stay at Home Cookin’” menu that is ordered through the catering dept. and delivered to the BR location of your choice. We also ordered some vacuum-sealed pulled pork to stash in the freezer, along with a cherry and a peach cobbler. The cobblers were better than I expected, with a good amount of fruit that wasn’t overly sweet or mushy, and a decent crust. Quick and satisfying with a scoop of good vanilla.
All in all, the food was reasonably priced, tasty enough and convenient, which worked nicely for an easy weeknight meal.
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I appreciate all this information @tomatotomato! Things are still pretty locked down where I am, and there will be phased reopenings, and many places that will be gone forever, due to all our recent events and economic devastation before that.
I know your state and area have been hit especially hard as well, and I’m sorry for that.
OTOH, many of the group are from Oregon and seem to be living in a “bubble” as their state has had relatively few cases. I did buy travel insurance just in case, as I also did for the tickets that were supposed to be used last week.
Thanks again, and I do enjoy your posts here on HO. Please stay well.
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Yay for you on the public health awareness and on the travel insurance. So wise on both counts.
You will have a fabulous time when you do get here!
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Clover is offering “at home meal boxes” for online order and pickup. They offer several options with full meals (dessert included) or you can buy only soups, dips, or salads. I ordered a salad box and dips box. This will be my first takeout order since stay-at-home. I
Am jonesing for Cafe Barrada food so will probably order from them next!
https://www.cloverfoodlab.com/2020/06/01/turbo-charge-your-kitchen-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-clover-meal-boxes/
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