Anniversaries and Eateries in Central Mass

This weekend Rebecca and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Now, anyone who has been to one of our parties knows we're foodies, but it's become something of a tradition on our anniversary to seek out new and interesting places. If you're like us and not from Central Mass, then you have to get everything by word of mouth, and sometimes this is like pulling the proverbial tooth; perhaps everyone's afraid of giving foreigners (I'm from Texas, and she's from Alaska) the inside scoop on the "dishy" restaurants. Thus, I thought it might be helpful to have a short list of places we've been to or hope to go to:

Last night we traveled a short distance to Aylmer's Grille in Jaffrey, NH. The wine list was short, but stocked with solid choices. On the recommendation of Rebecca's brother, we tried a red new to both of us: 7 Deadly Zins, from Michael~David Wineries in Lodi, CA. The nose was almost overpowering (Rebecca adds that it was "big with a lot of 'jam' in it"), but the attack was anything but overwhelming, and the follow through was excellent, especially if you're having red meat. In the event it worked out well for both of us; for an entrée Rebecca had the evening's special, surf-'n-turf, and I had the beef tenderloin medallions; note to self: avoid the "surf" when this far inland. Both appetizers -- a wild mushroom ragout and the bread with kalamata tapenade in basil olive oil -- were a bit on the salty side, but delicious nevertheless. Desert was a chocolate mousse, followed by a lengthy digestion and a brisk walk outdoors. In all, the service was good, and the tempo was relaxed; a very nice experience.

Previous anniversaries and nights out have taken us to Sonoma in Princeton, MA and Luca's Mediterranean Café in Keene, NH, as well as Acquo Bistro in Peterborough, NH, and the good ol' standby, The Monument Grill, in Leominster, MA. We've also heard good things about The Inn at Jaffrey Center and the Fitzwilliam Inn restaurant (NH), as well the 111 Chop House (Worcester, MA), which is run by the same folks who own the Sole Proprietor (also in Worcester).

By the way, if you're looking for an excellent wine shop in the Fitchburg-Leominster area, you've got to go to Kappy's Fine Wine and Spirits (near the Kmart, at 1 South Street). The new wine steward is from the main Boston branch of Kappy's, and thus far he hasn't given us a bad recommendation.


Cheers,
Sean