Romeo 5-27-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, May 27 at the Azorean Restaurant in Gloucester at 12 noon. The Azorean is located at 133 Washington Street and is on the left side by the Gloucester T station. There is parking at the restaurant. Go to www.azoreanrestaurant.com for more information.

I arrived early so I drove along the shore road and observed all the sites. You could see several historic statues like the Gloucester Fisherman, restaurants, and parks. The waves were breaking on shore and boats dotted around in the harbor. At St. Peter's Club, members sat outside talking about the good old days. See photos at my Picassa web site….. https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch52715?authuser=0&feat=directlink

The restaurant opened at 11:45 AM and we all sat inside at a corner table. The waitress brought bread and dipping oil and menus. She then took drink orders which included, beers, coke, martinis and margaritas. We then ordered an appetizer which was the chef’s mix of calamari and shrimp.  The waitress then took our entrée orders which included  seafood casserole, Azorean steak tips, and Sao Miguel Grilled Octopus. Joe P. said he visited the Azores off Portugal a few years ago and stayed at the island of Sao Miguel.   The drinks, appetizers and meal came quickly and were delicious.

Six Romeos attended - Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Ed Deshuytner, Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, and Mark Ryan. We all talked about trips, sports, weather and local news.  Joe L. took a Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Lines with about 4000 passengers and 2000 crew on board a big ship. The cruise started in Barcelona and made a few stops to Rome and back. Joe said there was an ice bar on board with everything made of ice (furniture to drink glasses). They offered a $145 massage which he declined. He posted a picture on Facebook of him at a Barcelona beach with bare bottom bikini babes in the background.  (Hey… that rhymes   BBBBBB). The meals on board were great with floor shows every night and famous Impersonators. In Italy he walked to old feudal village town on a hillside. The high walking bridge up a mountain was heart pounding.  I said I heard a program on NPR radio about a man living to 114 from Sicilian mountain village. His secret to longevity was a bean diet. We all laughed.

Joe P. also took a Viking River cruise along the Seine River which traveled from Paris to Normandy. At Normandy they got a tour from an unexpected guide who really knew the sites at Normandy. After, Joe offered the man a tip but he refused. He turned out to be a grave digger at the park who knew all the interesting facts.  Joe said the beach head at Normandy was very steep and probably the reason so many soldiers were killed durng the invasion there. Joe said he loved Paris and wants to live there with all the beautiful attractions. He said he even met two of his aunts there. “HeeHee”

Jim talked about a TV program called “ Arrested Development” with Larry David who wrote the Seinfeld show. I said there is a new show on Crackle (an internet free movie site) with Seinfeld called “Comedians in Cars having Coffee”. Seinfeld meets a new guest comedian and drives around in a vintage car (MG, BMW, Corvette., etc.) having general conversation but funny. The episode I saw was with Jimmy Fallon. They stop at a diner and have coffee and pancakes. On the way back Jerry says he bought a boat and wants to show Jimmy. Very funny and crazy everyday stuff.

Ed and Joe L. talked about Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Parking in Boston common garage not too bad if no special events are scheduled. Joe said the floating art on the Greenway was a must see.

I talked with Paul about my boat and showed pictures. I had to fiberglass a rotten Transom, fix nav lights and install new bilge pump. But it’s all a learning experience.

Joe L. recently bought a selfie stick for his iPhone camera which he used on his trip. It allows you to hold the camera a few feet away from yourself so you can be in the photo too.  He was still taking photos with the stick at the lunch and having fun.

Jim T. then told us that Mike Zapantis’ son died recently from a drug overdose. We were all sad to hear.  I said that taking drugs is a disease. Once you start there is no stopping.  My son died several years ago also from an over dose at the age of 33. He even went to rehab several times and then fell into it again.

The next lunch will be at  Jules Restaurant  in Methuen. Jim will send an email.

Comments always welcomed … markryan82@comcast.net

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I looked up some history on Google about Gloucester that you all might be interested in …….  Just click below.

Paul told me that he likes watching the TV show “Wicked Tuna” on the National Geographic Channel. It is filmed in Gloucester and depicts men on fishing boats trying to catch the biggest tuna for a $10,000 prize.

Wicked Tuna
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wicked-tuna/

A large influx of Italian and Portuguese immigrants started the fishing fleets in Gloucester and have an annual blessing of the fleet at the Feast of St. Peter.   

St Peters
http://www.stpetersfiesta.org/history.html

Festivals
http://www.gloucesterma.com/Festivals-Events.cfm?ID=154

The movie “The Perfect Storm” was about a fishing boat out of Gloucester.

Perfect Storm
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0177971/reviews?ref_=m_tt_urv#showAll

Gloucester
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucester,_Massachusetts

Marine History
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/lad.htm

 

Romeo Lunch 4-22-15

The Romeo Gang Had lunch on Wednesday, April 22 at the Oaks Bar and Grille at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut at 1:00pm.  A later start time since the Oaks Bar does not open until 1:00pm.  They do not take reservations for lunch but said that there would be no problem. The Oaks Bar and Grill is located at 1 Clubhouse Lane.  Jim provided great directions from north, south, east and west. For more information go to........
www.fouroakscountryclub.com

Unfortunately, I couldn't attend so Ed D. was kind enough to provide some info on the lunch visit. You can see what He said below.......

"Hi Mark, Attendees We're: Joe P., Steve W., Joe L., Brother Tim, Paul G, Jim T. and myself. Food was pretty good at good price with good service. Some of the choices Clam chowder, onion soup, Greek salad for appetizers. Entrees corned beef reubens, haddock plates, specialty burgers, corned beef/turkey combo sandwich and finish off with excellent cappuccinos. Impressive facility between golf course, club house and surrounding $$$ houses. Talk was about health issues among Romeos, pending trips by Joe P. (Paris + Viking River Cruise), Joe L. and Spain and cruise in the Mediterranean. New middle school opening at St John's prep as well as remodeling of the science  language building at st. john's. That about it that I can remember. Ed."

Comments are always welcome ......
Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 3-25-15

Sorry for the lateness of this Blog Post. I wrote it once and thought I sent it but didn’t (Whooops!).

I also deleted all the notes that I had about the lunch so I have to write this from memory ?????

The Romeo gang met for lunch at Haileys Restaurant and Pub (formerly Dailey’s Restaurant) in Middleton at 12 noon on Wednesday , 3-25-15.. Haley’s is located at 214 South Main Street (Rte 114) in Middleton. Go to  www.haileyspub.com    For more info. They are having problems with their website.

Six Romeos were present including Jim Terlizzi, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeSchuytner, Steve Winter and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos at the Picasa Album link below ……  Romeo Lunch 3-25-15

We were all seated at a long table and the waitress brought bread and water. We then ordered drinks which included wine and beer.  They had a good selection. I ordered a Harpoon and Jim ordered a Belgian IPA.

We looked at the menu and I suggested the Greek Specials that I saw at the web site online.  We ordered some Greek Appetizers including Stuffed Spinach, Mousaka, and Pastitio (Noodles layered with beef and potatoes.  We then ordered the entrées which were seafood casserole, chicken picata and more Greek specials. The food came quickly and very tasty with large portions.

The conversation was lively and included the usual stuff (politics, weather, trips ) etc…  We talked about all the snow. Ed had his roof shovelled and also had some interior leaks. I had my roof shovelled twice also. Today is April 7,2015 and most of all that March snow has melted.  We now have to worry about flooding.

The flooding hasn’t been too bad but some rivers are over flowing their banks. The Shawsheen River in Wilmington, MA is down the street from my house and was reaching flood stage all week. It was almost 5 feet higher than normal on April 4^th.  All the sump pumps in the neighbourhood are going 24/7 to help keep the water out of their basements.

Steve needed a ride so his wife dropped him off at the restaurant and I gave him a ride home to Belmont. We then talked about the current high rents for young people today. I heard on the radio that some are paying almost 50% of their income for rents or mortgages. Ed said that his son was paying $2000 a month rent  in Boston before he bought a condo. The new tenants are now paying $6000.  That is real funny cause when I first got married in the early 60s I was paying $35 a month for an attic apartment.

I recently attended a Craft Beer Tasting held at my local library. It was very interesting and we discussed Lagers, Ales, IPAs and Stouts.  You can see a picture in the photo album showing all the different craft beers.  I suggested we might visit a local brewery and have lunch at a future Romeo Lunch meeting.  There is the Sam Adams Brewery in Boston and Jim mention the Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH.

Later, I looked up some info online and found a few web sites with some info. You might look at the link below for a short history of craft beers…. http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/04/29/a-beginners-guide-to-craft-beer/

We then talked about where to meet next month and Joe L.  suggested a place in Dracut.  Jim will send you some directions and info.

Comments always welcome …. Markryan82@comcast.net

 

 

 

 

Romeo Lunch 2-18-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch last Wednesday, 2/18/15 ,12 noon at the Outback Steakhouse

 

located at 300 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody just pass the Danvers/Peabody line.  There is plenty of parking.  Go to www.outback.com for more information.

There were six Romeos present including Steve Winter, Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner and Mark Ryan.  You can see some photos at the Picasa Web Site. Just click the link below …. https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch21815

The waiter sat us at a long table at the back. I sat facing the window and the glaring sun made it difficult to see the others on the other side of the table. The noise level was also loud for me and hard hearing everyone.

Drinks were ordered and came quickly which included beers and coke as we pondered the menu. There was a variety of offerings and some 3 course specials. Most ordered the specials which included a 9 0z. Sirloin, soup or salad and choice of two sides for $12.95, $16.95 or $20.95 depending on the size steak you picked.

The meal came quickly and we enjoyed the various selections and sides. Some had salads and others French onion soup. The steak was a little tough. Later, we had coffee (no cappuccino) and carrot cake.

As we ate the conversation bounced around the table and included the usual fare of sports, weather, politics, and news and of course the unending snow.

Everyone had a snow story. Ed said he cleaned his roof off with a roof snow rake. It was hard to get between the dormers. He was going to crawl out on the roof but his wife reminded him of poor Mike Zapantis.

There was so much snow on my roof that accumulated in 6 foot drifts, that I had the roof snow removed twice. The guy is a local roofing contractor and charged me only $300 each time. I scanned the internet and prices ranged from a few hundred to several thousand for roof snow removal. I used to do that myself when younger but it’s better to leave it to the professionals. I was worried about the predicted rain adding to the weight.

If you have been listening to the news there have been more than 100 roof collapses due to the weight of the snow. Luckily we didn’t get much rain this past weekend to add to the weight.

I have been listening attentively to the weather alerts of late since the snow has caused so many delays and closings. You can get an APP for you smart phone or computer to advise you about weather emergencies. Massachusetts has a new APP called Mass Alerts. Click the link below …… http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/massachusetts-alerts.html

Joe P. says the streets in Somerville are narrow and snow covered. Some cars are still buried in snow until the spring. I read in newspaper that city residents are trying to save spots they shovelled out with house items like chairs and barrels. Some have gotten the cars damaged or tires slashed for taking another’s spot.  Ed says his son who lives in the city on Beacon Hill hires a Zip Car to get around the city on business.

Jim said he would buy a snow blower but has nowhere to put it at his house. His garage is filled with two big cars. Ed said he had the snow plowed on the side of his house and now the oil delivery pipe is blocked. I have made a path for my oil delivery man on the side of my house and the last time I had a delivery the oil man wrote me a thank you note on the bill. By the way, I have had two deliveries in 20 days. The last was for 57 gal at $2.99 per gal. Sorry to say the prices for oil and gas are going back up. I keep my thermostat at about 65 which was the same for Paul and Steve.

Joe P. Said he would like to go skiing more often but has only gone 6 times this winter. Jim is another avid skier and has gone more often.

Ed still teaching courses online at NECC. He said he has two sections with about 25 students. Some are taking only one course while others are taking five. This is a heavy load for those having full time jobs.  I asked Ed if Obama’s plan to make Community College free will become reality. He said the full time colleges will probably fight it since they will lose two years of tuition.

Joe Lapiana couldn’t make the lunch since he was scheduled for a colonoscopy. Paul said that the recommendation is after 80 you don’t need one. If we live that long. I told a story about my last Colonoscopy where I watched the procedure on the monitor and the doctor put tiny alligator clips on a polyp and left it there. I asked why and he said it would come out by itself later in the wash.???????

I then said I got a summons for Jury Duty. You can registered online and decline when over age 70. Jim said he is still active with Salem State and the WISE program (Women In Science and Engineering). They have over 400 JHS girls signed up for the program on March 17^th and 24 speakers. Danielle Niles is the Key Note.

The time past quickly and we picked a date and place for next time. Jim will send you all an email but tentatively it will be 3-25-15 at Hailey’s Pub in Middleton. 

Comments always welcome …  markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo 1-7-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, January 7 at Bellino's in Wakefield at 12 noon.  Bellino's is located at 146 Lowell Street (Route 129).  It is just off Route 128. 

Go to www.bellinos.com for more information.

There were seven Romeos present including Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Steve Winter, Paul Girard, Ed DeSchuytner, Mark Ryan and Joe Pignatiello.  We changed the intended lunch from Artichokes in Wakefield since it was not open for lunch. Jim thought Bellino’s was a good alternate choice since it was also in Wakefield.  We were last here about a year ago (8-12-13).

You can see photos of the group at the Picassa web site ……. Click below

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch1715?authuser=0&feat=directlink

We sat at a long table at the far end. The waitress asked about drinks and we decided to get some wine to go with the Italian meals. We chose a couple of bottles of red wine from the wine list and toasted a good and healthy life.

Bread and dipping oil was served at the table as we looked at the lunch menu and made are selections. They included a Chicken, Broccoli and Penne, a Chicken Marsala, Shrimp and Artichokes, Pesto Pasta, and a Fusilli Pomodoro. We also got some salads and soup. The meals came quickly and were very good. After we had coffee and espresso and some desserts to share with spoons all around.

The conversation was lively as usual and included the regular fare about, movies, news, sports, and trips. Joe P. said he booked a river boat cruise in May in Europe ending in Normandy. Joe L. said he was also taking a river cruise  in Europe in April.

We then talked about the cost of taking college courses on campus and online. The cost is almost the same and going up each year.  Ed D. still teaches an online course at NECC and says that the quality of students varies.  Although he makes it clear at the outset that doing homework and passing in assignments on time and online will almost guarantee a “C” grade,  there are always some who miss a few and there grades suffer.  He also has to have at least 14 students signup to run the course. 

We also talked about how publishers use to give teachers examination copies of new textbooks. Now they just give out a sample chapter to examine. The books are also updated every two years and the online student software that goes with the student text is only good for one year and password protected. The cost of a new Biology Book at NECC is over $260.  Students use to be able to resell them back to the bookstore but the book and the software are not useable after a year.

Ed also said that one of his sons dropped out of BC after three years and wanted to change his major. Ed told him that he couldn’t just sit around and had to take a few classes at NECC in the meantime.

Besides taking a few courses, he also got a job at the college working in the maintenance department.  In addition, he took a humanities course and just loved it but Ed said that there were not many jobs for students graduating with a history major. His son consequently took a few IT (computer tech) courses so that he might graduate with an IT degree.  These IT jobs are so in demand that his son was able to get a job in the IT industry even before he graduated.

Joe P. then said that Bob Siggens was going to attend the lunch today but was tied up working on a rental house that he owns in Somerville. We also have invited a few other Romeos through email but have few takers. It must be the deodorant that we use.

Jim said he was thinking about upgrading the kitchen appliances at his house which are nearing twenty years old. I said my sister who lives in Florida just updated to all stainless kitchen appliances at her house that she is trying to sell.  Maybe that will attract more buyers.

I said that I just bought a new Amana electric stove from Home Depot. They have good buys and free delivery as well as free take away. Joe L. then said he just bought a Bosch stove. Jim likes gas and wants to replace his with gas.

I then said gas has its problems and is safe most of the time and it depends on what you are used to cooking with.  I then told them about my recent experience with GAS.

“I volunteer to feed the homeless at a soup kitchen in Woburn called the Dwelling Place.  Last Saturday I was in the kitchen of the United Methodist Church where we run the soup kitchen. I was standing in front of the old gas stove heating some gravy and said I smelled gas. The woman next to me tried to light another burner and the whole stove blew up in front of us. I was on the side and felt the gush of hot air whoosh by my head. Unfortunately the oven door blew out and hit the woman in the legs. We quickly evacuated the church and called 911. Two women were taken to the hospital for examination but I was ok and just startled. I was lucky this time but I am now quite nervous about using gas stoves.”

Jim mentioned a few good movies he has seen (Whiplash and Foxcatcher). He also said that Unbroken and American Sniper looked like good ones to see.

We then talked about the upcoming cold weather and sub-zero temperatures.  It’s predicted to be (-25 F) wind chill in some areas.  Gas prices keep dropping and its $2.19 a gallon today in Wilmington. You can check Gas Buddy online for the best prices in your area.

There is a new Swiss Bakery in Reading that Joe L. is interested in. Click below to get the info …..

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g41782-d1395275-r129955439-SwissBakers-Reading_Massachusetts.html

Comments are always welcome  ……   markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 12-17-14

The Romeo gang met for lunch on Wednesday, December 17 at Turner’s Seafood in Salem, MA at 12 noon.  Turner’s is located at 43 Church Street. There is a parking lot and a parking garage nearby. Go to www.turners-seafood.com for more information.

I arrived in Salem at about 12 noon and drove by the restaurant looking for parking. There was a big municipal lot on the left. I drove in and found all the spots numbered and several metered machines located around the lot. I parked and remembered the spot number and walked to the machine. It only took exact change, no refunds and credit cards. It was $1.00 per hour and the smallest bill in my wallet was $10.00. I rummaged through the car and found $2.00 in quarters which would give me two hours. Later Jim told everyone there was a nearby lot that only charges 25 cents an hour. Thanks Jim (xyz!!!!!??????). Better late than never.

I entered the restaurant and found Ed and Joe L. at a table. Later the rest of the gang arrived. Seven Romeos were present including, Jim Terlizzi, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeSchuytner, Mark Ryan, Steve Winter and Joe Pignatiello.  You can see photos at my Picasa Web Site, just click …. Romeo Lunch 12-17-14

The waiter was very attentive and took drink orders from everyone that included beer, soda, martinis and manhattans. Drinks arrived quickly and bread was served in baskets with pads of butter. We read the menus and ordered.  Since this was a fish place I assumed it would be great and ordered the Seafood Medley along with Joe L. and Ed. The others ordered the Portuguese Stew and Veal Picatta. Joe P. and Steve also ordered chowder and salad.  Jim asked if they had Finnan Haddie (A Favorite Scottish Smoked Fish Dish - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnan_haddie ). The waiter checked, but it was only available at Dinner Prices. Jim declined and ordered his favorite (Picatta).

The food came in a short time and I was immediately surprized at the small portions on the dishes. I know this is lunch, but give me a break. I get more at McDonald’s.

The Seafood Medley was tiny and included (three tiny shrimp, a few tiny bay scallops and a one inch by two inch piece of fish). It was all very dry and had no flavour. We asked the waiter about the side of mixed vegetables which was supposed to include zucchini). The side only had two pieces of cauliflower and two slivers of carrots. The waiter said he would check and came back with three small bowls of spinach ?????   The Portuguese Stew was also tasteless and the chowder had a pungent Smokey taste. Needless to say, we were very unhappy with the meal.  

The conversation however was lively and bounced around the table. The usual items were covered including sports, trips, politics, movies, books, and home life.

Joe P. went skiing last week and had a great time. He will again volunteer at the ski clinic for disabled veterans next month. Jim said he got a ski package out west and was looking forward to it.  Joe L. said he booked a river cruise for the spring.

I said I saw a prize give away on TV for a trip to the Azores. Joe P. said that he had been there and it was beautiful. It was similar to Hawaii. I think he said that a plumber friend has a house there that he visited and was able to show Joe the special island sites. It’s only a 4 hour plane ride from Boston just off the coast of Spain.

We then talked about snow. Joe L. said he needs a new snow blower but is waiting. He got a price for plowing his driveway for $100 a storm or $700 for the season even if no snow. Jim said he would get a blower but he doesn’t have that much area to plow and no place to store it. Joe L and I said we normally spend 2 hours snow blowing our driveways.

My snow blower wouldn’t start this year, it was clogged with old stagnant gas. Ed said you can use a gas stabilizer or a new product with an Enzyme Additive that keeps the gas fresh.  I had my neighbour across the street give me a tune-up on the snow blower and it works great now. He has a small part-time business fixing small engines that he runs out of his garage. He also has a Bobcat with a plow and plows a few driveways in the neighbourhood after snow storms. He charges only $30 each storm, as a favor. He does the driveway and I do the walkways with my snow blower.  We then said we had generators to help with power outages during storms. Ed said he has one that comes on automatically when the power goes out and is run by propane.

Jim mentioned that he recently saw two movies that he recommended (Whiplash and Nightcrawler).  I mentioned that I have read some good books recently. One was “The Street Lawyer” by John Grisholm. It’s about the sad fate of Homeless People living on the street in most cities.

Joe L. mentioned that the price of gas keeps falling and recently was $2.55 per gallon. It’s now $2.47 in my neighbourhood. On the news I saw it was less than $2.00 a gallon in several southern states.

We then talked about where to meet next time. The restaurant Artichokes in Wakefield was mentioned.  Jim T. will send you all an email with time and date.

Joe P. gave us some sad news and said that our friend Jack Ahearn had passed. He was a sales rep for Prentice Hall. You can read the obit below……  http://m.legacy.com/obituaries/BostonGlobe/obituary.aspx?n=JOHN-S-AHEARN&pid=173347366&referrer=1232&preview=True

Comments and Suggestions Welcome:   … markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 11-12-14

The Romeo gang met for lunch this month on Wednesday, November 12 at the Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington at 12 noon.  The Tuscan Kitchen is located at 24 New England Executive Park (next to the Lahey Clinic).  Go to www.tuscanbrands.com for more information.

There were seven Romeos in attendance including Joe Lapiana, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeSchuytner, Mark Ryan, and Paul Girard.  You can see photos at the Picasa link…. https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch111214

The waitress sat us in the middle of the dining room and then pulled up two more chairs for all of us to sit comfortably at a half round table.  The place was crowded but the waitress did her best with waiting on the table and brought bread and water all around.

 She then took our orders for drinks which included martinis, manhattans, beer, wine, soda and water.  There was a little mix-up on the beer.  Joe P. and Steve ordered the Miller Lite and Jim ordered the darker IPA which is heavier and more bitter.  Joe got the IPA by mistake and made a wrinkled face as he tasted it. He then switched with Jim with great relief.

The usual conversation included politics, weather, gas prices, retirement, and trips.  I congratulated Joe P. for his choice for the new Governor, Charlie Baker. Joe always gets a ribbing from all the democrats at the table.

We then talked about jobs and unemployment and the plans that Coakley and Baker had for Massachusetts.  Joe L . then said that his cousins in Italy recently told him the unemployment there was 54% compared to only 5.6 % in the US. I guess we are really lucky compared to the rest of the world’s economies.  As a result many people who lived in the suburban villages in Italy were moving to the big cities like Milan, looking for work.

We then talked about the Tuscan Kitchen which recently opened in Burlington, Ma.  The owner Joe Faro also owns the Tuscan Kitchen and Market in Salem, NH.  A graduate of the University of NH (91), he has been a shining star in the business world with more than 25 years of food experience. He is also involved with another business acquisition to open a fitness center on Main St. in Salem, NH and another venture at Rockingham Park.

The décor for the Burlington, Tuscan Kitchen was all deep wood mahogany with high metal ceilings depicting an industrial flavour.  However, they should install ceiling tiles to improve the acoustics. It was hard hearing everyone at the round table.

Although there were mixed reviews about the restaurant on the web site, our waitress was very pleasant and attentive and brought items quickly to the table. However, the kitchen was slow, leaving time gaps when bringing our entrees  at different times.

Our lunch orders included Paninis (chicken, beef and pork) with a choice of sides.  An order of Ravioli in Wild Mushroom sauce and one order of Ravioli with red sauce.  The food came in good size portions, was delicious, and had that authentic Italian flavour. They make their own pasta at the restaurant.

 Joe L. commented that he saw a review from Jack Tweedie on “Trip Advisor” regards Condos to rent in Pompano Beach, Florida.  John frequently stays there.

Joe L. also said he was visiting the Museum of Fine Arts that afternoon with the Art Council from Westwood, where he lives.  They would be seeing the GOYA Exhibit “Order and Disorder”. You can get more info at …. http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/goya

We then talked about high school football teams and their ratings and divisions. Some schools have moved from one division to another.  Jim said that teams were rated be physical size of the players but Paul thought it might be due to winning records. Below are the rankings for schools in Division 3.

Bracket Notes:
1. Masconomet (6-1) 17.43
2. Marblehead (7-0) 17.00
3. Tewksbury (5-2) 15.86
4. Beverly (3-4) 10.00
5. Wilmington (3-4) 10.00
6. Danvers (3-4) 10.00
7. Somerville (2-5) 8.43
8. Revere (2-5) 6.71

We then talked about where to go to lunch next month. Tentatively it is Dec 17 at Turner Seafood in Salem MA.  Jim will send you an email to confirm.

Comments and suggestions always welcome : markryan82@comcast.net