Brunch on Easter Sunday for #SonOfAnExpletive was in the sunny, spacious, and properly socially distanced dining room at The Derby Salem. They returned to the fray some weeks back and continued with the Saturday and Sunday weekend Brunch schedule from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.

A very large, hot mug of black coffee began the festivities as the menu was closely examined. Liz the bartender was very helpful in choosing both the starter and the entree. The first decision came down to a choice between the Deep Fried Pop Tart or the Pigs In A Blanket.

Pigs In A Blanket was the choice. 4 maple sausages, wrapped in puff pastry, were accompanied by a very nice Dijon aioli. These were a good to prime the Easter appetite.

Decision number 2 came down to the Eggs Benedict or the Juevos Rancheros. Liz was instrumental in choosing the latter.

It was a pleasant surprise when the dish came out and eggs were cooked sunny-side up. Scrambled eggs seem to be the norm for this dish, but not this time. The base is two whole flour tortillas and refried black beans and the eggs are crowned with pico de gallo, picked onion, Cotija cheese, and salsa verde. Sweet potato home fries, with a crisp exterior and soft interior come with this plate.
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#BarristerBill in his continuing attempt to become a dominant hashtag hero sent us this photo of the Nachos with chicken at The Derby Salem. His praise of these Nachos is simple, but strong. He says they are “the best in town.”

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Just a couple of days ago #TheBaldOne was walking by The Derby Salem. It was early in the evening and he suddenly realized that while he’s enjoyed many a weekend Breakfast and more than a few lunches at the bar over the last few years, never has he eaten his dinner there. That gap in the resume has now been filled.

He began with being greeted by one of his favorite humans in our local restaurant world, manager extraordinaire the lovely, and personable Liz. A menu and a tall, cold Bud Light were offered and accepted.

The Black Bean Chili (not vegetarian) jumped right off the menu and caught the eye of our Chili loving protagonist. This was also a resume gap filled as it was the first bowl of Derby Chili for our BaldDude. it was topped with crispy tortilla strips and came with a little bit of onion and cheese. A well stocked bowl it was, with plenty of meat, beans and a little bit of heat.

The the time came for the Bada Bing Pasta, after giving serious consideration to the Sesame Miso Tuna. The fact that our hero gets his face trimmed by Steve at Badabing Barbershop and Shave Parlor just up the street was the deciding factor. We love a little cross promotion.

Al dente Linguini tossed with hot Italian sausage, chicken, peppers, broccoli, roasted tomatoes, arugula, and oregano cream sauce with a solid sprinkle of grated parmesan filled the big bowl. It made for an attractive presentation. Overall this was tasty and filling evening meal.

It was Trivia night, and #TheBaldOne may or may not have assisted of couple of Salem newcomers in their effort to win the big prize.

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Where’s your dinner on a Thursday night? The Derby Salem

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Deviled Eggs at The Derby Salem.

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Sunday Brunch at The Derby Salem.

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The Heritage Lounge was one of a few notorious watering holes back in the day when parents instructed their children to avoid the Derby Square area. This shot is c. 1970. Goldsmiths News Agency seen on the left used to distribute all the local and regional newspapers.

Photo: Salem State University Archives and Special Collections

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Three The Derby Salem Breakfast Tacos, home fries, prime rib hash, and a nice Bloody Mary eased #TheBaldOne’s disappoint after he realized that his favorite Derby bartender was not on the job.

The Tacos were amply stuffed with scrambled eggs and the taco fillings including pico de gallo. The Prime Rib Hash was in fresh and in peak form.

Plaudits all around for the house Regret Hot Sauce. It’s heat level was much higher than in the past few visits. They have a good batch of peppers on hand.

There was a tall, handsome son-of-gun on the floor greeting all, who insisted on buying the meal. This almost, almost made up for the absence of the gosh-darn, “rootinist, tootinist” bartender in town.

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Where are you Brunching today?

The Derby Salem

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Yesterday crowds gathered at Hale Street Tavern Oyster Bar, The Derby Salem, and The Pickled Onion to remember local bartender and friend to many Josh Dimino. We join our close-knit hospitality community in mourning his loss in Florida.

In his honor we will go dark today with this being our only post.

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