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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Lunch at The Derby Salem a few days back was quick and easy. Initially #TheBaldOne was disappointed to discover that his favorite local manager/bartender was not on duty. Schucks. We sure hope that the lovely Liz enjoyed her time off.

Now, onto the Monday lunch. A menu accompanied by a Robot Crush Pilsner by Aeronaut Brewing Company began the experience. We love our small breweries and lagers like this are the reason.

Fast Eddie’s Flattop Sliders were the call. But our man bypassed the skinny fries and instead went for the Sweet Pea Asparagus Hash. Vegetables are important after all. The Hash was a good Burger hack and we suggest that you try it on you next visit. The Sliders themselves on a sesame seed bun were cooked medium with American cheese, onion, pickle, and what they call fancy sauce. A mini chocolate Milkshake came along for the ride. This was a good lunch.

The service? Well even without our friend Liz, or Big Derby Doug on hand, it was excellent all the way.

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Today we feature a few of the Greatest Hits of The Derby Salem. They feature a little of this, a little of that, and a sweet weekend Brunch.

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This is the Gobble Gobble Wrap at The Derby Salem. Roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry, Swiss cheese, and spinach. Served with pan dripped gravy on the side, and crinkle fries.

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A page has turned. Now we wait for the next page to turn, and a brand new chapter yet to be written. From Joe Dylengoski and the Derby Cafe to Spero and the Witch’s Brew this spot has long been a special place in the neighborhood.

Time marches on. We are looking forward to what’s to come.

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Heuvos Rancheros at The Derby Salem was a good late morning treat last Sunday. Sweet potato homefries came with it. #TheBaldOne also asked for a little of the Derby’s house-made Regret Hot Sauce. This was a move he did not regret at all. It’s a thicker sauce with a very nice zesty zing that hits quickly and lingers on the tongue for a bit. On a 10 scale for heat we’ll score it a 6.25.

The meal started with a Blueberry Muffin that is a homage to the classic Jordan Marsh Muffin of legend. It came with lemon honey butter and made for a pleasant nosh with a cup of fresh, hot, black coffee.

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The weekend is here and it’s time to consider where your Breakfasts will be served.

Last weekend #InTheThirdPerson, our favorite new HashtagHero had an enjoyable morning meal at The Derby Salem. Sunny Eggs are well within their wheelhouse, the home fries are very good, and even better when dressed with the house thick Regret Hot Sauce.

Special mention is provided here for the outstanding English muffin by Fantini Bakery in Haverhill.

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Sweet treats are generally not a thing for #TheBaldOne. The truth be told, he’s sweet enough already. But, these cinnamon dusted Donut Holes with a caramel dip at The Derby Salem did hit the spot last weekend.

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It’s been an interesting morning for #TheBaldOne. He sits now at The Derby Salem after being unsuccessful as a guest at two previous spots. Busy is busy, and we understand this, but sometimes a nod, or even a wink of acknowledgement can go a long way. No worries, here we don’t hold a grudge.

Now. Where is your Sunday Brunch today?

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No. It’s not Taco Tuesday. But this morning we bring you these Tacos from The Derby Salem.

These Tacos were a surprise since our man #SonOfAnExpletive neglected to actually read the menu. He assumed that he knew what he was getting. You know what they say about assuming. These soft garlic tortilla cuties started with crispy chicken strips, layered with arugula, a bit of zesty marinara, fresh mozzarella, and then topped with a bold, bold surprise… a generous bath of a very nice pesto aioli. It works, quite well.

The Parmesan Shoestring Fries, reminiscent of the popular and very well regarded McFry, also hit the mark on this visit.

The disappointing news is that Liz, who may just be our favorite Salem keeper of the bar, was somehow nowhere to be found. Schucks.

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This Breakfast Burger was served on a Sunday morning at The Derby Salem.

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