Cape Ann's Restaurant Renaissance

Another fun part of being an innkeeper is sharing insights on things to do and places to go around our B&B -- and I personally enjoy talking with guests about the area's restaurants. Not just offering my opinions on local eateries (my wife and I have lots of experience at this); it's also great to hear what our guests think. One couple from Montreal stood out when it came to food talk -- each night we'd offer suggestions and/or get a report from that night's dining experience. Among the spots that stood out (that we're new to us)....Jalapeno's, a cool Mexican place in downtown Gloucester; and Cygnet, a neat little high-end restaurant in nearby Beverly Farms. We shared with them some of our favorites, including Alchemy (for a nice meal with a unique atmosphere) and Amelia's (for a quick sandwich walking distance from Good Harbor Beach). A few days ago, we joined my brother (a chef at the Langham Hotel in Boston) and his wife for a great dinner at Mad Fish Grill in the Rocky Neck art colony (he and his wife are tough critics and they gave the Mad Fish a big thumbs up). Whatever folks prefer, one thing is for certain -- there's loads to great restaurants to choose from on Cape Ann these days. So many great places that the couple from Montreal decided to extend their stay (OK, there may have been more than food involved in that decision -- they were also pleasantly surprised by all the changes at the Blue Shutters).