When the thermometer reaches 40 in New England in February, you take advantage of the warmth. My husband and I did so this past weekend. With no kids at home, the sun shining, and the warmth of a 40 degree day ahead of us, we decided to head to the Massachusetts coast.
We had no set agenda, just got in the car and started driving toward the ocean. After stopping at an antiques shop and a butcher shop, we decided to spend our afternoon in Newburyport. We had been here once before and remembered that there were a number of interesting shops and restaurants.
After several hours of browsing, we asked for a recommendation for a restaurant at which we could find a good cocktail and possibly a snack. Thankfully, we asked at the right shop and were directed to Ten Center.
We arrived at 3:50, which was the transition time for the restaurant. Lunch ends and dinner begins at 4:00. However, the hostesses assured us that the chef would be accommodating to whichever menu we chose. (This was refreshing; we have been to several restaurants at which we have been told that we needed to order quickly off the lunch menu or we’d have to wait for dinner to start.) To allow us freedom in choosing, we were given both menus.
We were served by Cory, who also was the bartender. She provided excellent service: giving us time to consider our drink choices, delivering the drinks in a timely manner, and checking on us at reasonable intervals. We had plenty of time to talk without interruption but never needed anything.
As we were stopping for a late afternoon break, our order was small. I chose the Strawberry Lemondrop, and my husband chose the Gin and Ginger. My cocktail was a combination of house infused strawberry vodka, muddled strawberries, and limoncello served in a cocktail glass with a sugared rim. If you read my articles, you know that I have some preferences in my drinks: slightly sweet and not syrups; this cocktail was a perfect fit for me! The sugared rim and strawberries provided a nice amount of sweetness, the limoncello added some tartness, and the ingredients were combined in such a fashion as to make the drink non-syrupy.
My husband enjoyed his drink; it was a cocktail not seen on many menus of restaurants that we visit. Made with Tangueray Rangpur Gin, ginger beer, and lime, it had a definite ginger flavor. Served in a highball glass over ice, it was refreshing and light.
We weren’t very hungry, so we only ordered an appetizer of Crispy Fried Calamari. They were delivered within minutes of placing the order and were delightfully hot. Although fried there was no greasiness to the calamari. They were served with two different sauces: a garlic aioli and a sweet and spicy pepper relish. While the aioli was good, the relish was phenomenal. Its flavor and texture complimented the calamari wonderfully.
Although we could have stayed and relaxed at Ten Center for longer, we wanted to do a little more shopping before driving home. Our first dining experience at this restaurant was excellent. I am sure we will return there on our next trip to Newburyport.
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