Leslie's Retreat ****

We entered Leslie's Retreat on a work night looking to avoid having to cook a meal! Once we found the sign that lead us to the parking area in back, we noticed the quaint patio area on our way in. Inside, we found it a little outdated, with dark wood used throughout.

We were surprised to find so many Italian dishes in, what appears to be, a "Yankee" styled restaurant themed after colonial Salem.  Still, it didn't matter with the well proportioned meals they serve.

Cilantro ***

For Mother's Day, I brought my mom to Cilantro (on Derby St. in Salem). Cilantro was dimly lit, with art on the walls and Aztec looking figurines scattered about. It took about 10 minutes after being seated to get our menus. Sadly, the cheapest entree was $18! I ordered the Puntas de Filete ($21), marinated beef tenderloin tips cooked in either a tomatillo pepper sauce, homemade salsa, or a fresh chipotle pepper sauce, and served with rice and beans.

Casa de Lucca ***

Unseeming and quaint, you feel like you've been transported to someone's house for an Italian dinner with all 52 cousin Vinny's and countless friends! With heaping portions, Casa de Lucca doesn't fail to deliver a full belly and a couple of buttons undone!

Dockside at Malden ***

We went just looking for dinner, and I had remembered eating at there years ago. The place was packed and various games were on the countless televisions over the bar and on smaller televisions at some of the booths. This very small and local chain fit the bill.

Hayward's Restaurant ***

The other night we were in the mood for some local grub and Hayward's fit the bill. With the diner feel, you expect and get good old family cooking! My girlfriend ordered and loved her baked haddock dinner ($12.95) with a side of vegetables and tomato soup which was the soup of the day. It was hot and juicy enough to make your mouth water.

Chow Thai Cafe *****

We decided to go into Boston for a bite, but went through Charlestown instead. After driving by my old office, I remembered a Thai restaurant I used to frequent, Thai Chow Cafe. It was night and found parking - which sometimes is not easy to find. The Cafe has a small and comfortable atmosphere such as you'd find at a Starbucks, or better yet, your living room.

The Willowtree Restaurant *

Ironically, I wrote this review before they began their renovation. I hope it's to improve the decor and possibly a better chef...

Although I'm frequently in Peabody, had grown up there, and despite driving by The Willowtree all the time, I never went in. Well, that's now changed! The decor was something out of 70's magazine dealing with woodworking.

Wellington's Pub ****

And so it goes, my company decided to send me to the Verizon Enhanced Communities Executive Summit in Chantilly, VA. Of course, that means that I have to try the hotel's restaurant: Wellington's Pub! It's American, but in British styled decor. I arrived the night of March 25th and managed to get myself some delicious chicken rigatoni ($16) and a cup of crab chowder ($6) and a large ginger ale ($3).

Out of Asia ***

Last Friday my girlfriend and I were dying for Chinese food and decided to try Out of Asia. When we got there, there weren't a lot of people there at the time.  Out of Asia has a bar and numerous TVs which could be good when there's a game on. The table next to ours had two pieces of cardboard under two of the legs to prop it up and they kept duck sauces and wasabi on top of the table.

But I digress, we decided to split orders of Pineapple Coconut Fried Rice with Chicken ($7.95), Sauteed Garlic Noodles ($6.50), and Honey Glazed Chicken with Sesame ($11.75). We also ordered a shirley temple which was really packed with Grenadine - it was too sweet to really enjoy!

Century House Restaurant ****

This old staple in Peabody's is known for great food! Interestingly, a couple years back I helped a friend and his company do the cleaning at 5 AM! I remember getting up at 4 AM and getting myself there to vacuum the entire place. Who said I'm not a hard worker? Anyhow, we decided to get there with a restaurant.com coupon (of course) and order some of there grub.

Scratch Kitchen ****

I was planning on going to Scratch Kitchen for a week wondered that whole time why the name was Scratch Kitchen? Everything there was made from scratch. As soon as I walked through the door I noticed a lot of people and that was a good sign for me. There was an older fellow playing guitar in the back of the restaurant and they featured art from local artists. I found a wide arrangement of different beers, wines, and even sodas. They didn't only carry the Coke/Pepsi products which was nice.

Casa Antigua ****

It was a slow night when we entered the Casa Antigua. I tried the Plato a la Antigua ($10) along with the complimentary nachos for an appetizer. I liked the grilled chicken along side the beans and avocado slices in typical Mexican fashion, with fried shrimp sprinkled about; and a side salad.  The menu offers a host of dishes from various Latin American countries. Here's a link to their menu (PDF).

Longhorn Steakhouse ****

I went to the Longhorn and have to say that they serve some of the best food I have ever tasted. The Porterhouse steak was to die for - so tasty and cooked perfectly for me. This meal was ($25.49) and worth every penny.

The staff had a smile on their faces and I was treated with great hospitality. The manager even walked up and asked me how my meal was and if I had any suggestions. I told him not to change a thing.

Aikia Steakhouse ****

I shared a Chicken and Shrimp combination plate with my girlfriend. The food was pretty good, it cost around $22 for both of us. The combination plate comes with fried rice and a salad and soup on the side.

-Contributed by: Peter Vourloumis

Arties Place ***

I've frequented this establishment many times over the years, enjoying their unique hash browns home fries prepared with garlic, spices and potatos with skinny along with massive omelettes. Although I'm not a fan of their pizza, they also serve ice-cream, if memory serves - from Richardson's!

Over Easy Restaurant ***

I figured I'd try another breakfast place; some place closer to home. Awkwardly located on Boston Street at a somewhat busy intersection, once there, all is fine. Having gone there a couple times now, I can say I've had over all positive experiences in this former bar.

Radici Ristaurante ***

Located in the Courtyard Marriot in Danvers, we entered to almost empty dining area and a few hotel guests chatting by the fireplace. It was obviously a slow night, but once the waiter appeared, things ran smoothly.  We sat down at a table for two and were presented the  three-page menu consisting of some delicious sounding entrees - to my pleasant surprise.

Omelette Headquarters ****

We entered and were instructed to sit down anywhere in this casual, but quaint establishment.  The portions were so big, I practically couldn't finish the dish! The Mediterranean is full of sausage, tomato, onions, oregano, feta cheese, and mozzarella! The vegetable supreme was full of mushrooms, spinach, tomato, broccoli, and more!