When walking through the streets of Salem, MA accompanied by Salem Food Tours Owner, Karen Scalia, you feel as if you are traveling with the Mayor.
It seems as if every purveyor we pass greets us with a warm, “Hello Karen!” Karen is also a WTS reviewer and has recently launched a fun and informative food tour where one samples a variety of savories and wines, while learning some fascinating history and cultural facts about this famous “witch city”.
A small group of us walk together, ducking in to some of the finest eating establishments and boutiques in town. Some highlights of our tour included, The Salem Spice/The Picklepot where we had a fascinating salt and pepper tasting. At Finz Seafood and Grill we were greeted by Owner, George Carey, and sampled some of the finest fresh oysters around. 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar was an “up close and personal” as Chef and Owner Antonio Bettencourt brought us in his kitchen and prepared a decedent version of Garganelli which we promptly feasted upon when completed, accompanied by a refreshing glass of red wine.
Scratch Kitchen, next on the tour, is heralded for it’s focus on regional and local farm fresh ingredients. Here we met Chef and Owner William Fogarty. An enthusiastic and hands on guy, we were treated to bacon dusted popcorn, fresh local vegetable soup, and a juicy mini-Reuben on the side. It was simply mouthwatering and the vegetable soup was a celebration of the finest seasonal and local ingredients. If you are lucky you may hit a day when the tour stops at the vibrant and popular Farmers Market, that supplies many of these eateries with their fresh and local goods Brief and informative visits to Pamplemousse, Aroma Sanctum, Milk and Honey and Salem Wine Imports was a feast for the senses and gave us time to digest before the finale at 43 Church. The finale celebrated Chef Doug Papow’s talent as we sat communally, rehashing our adventure while sampling an exquisite array of food an wine. It is that unique experience that only through traveling together, if just for a few hours, you are suddenly friends. If you are a first time visitor or a local in this historic city, Salem Food Tours is a must. Karen Scalia is as knowledgeable and formidable as can be. You are bound to sample a great representation of local fare delivered by some of the most enthusiastic owners and their staff. The tour changes venues, highlighting different purveyors. Custom tours, as in a a recent sold out vegan tour, are offered from time to time.
A fantastic holiday gift, business outing or simply a unique way to gather family and friends put this on your to-do list. You will not be disappointed.