Have a look at these two boards full of nibbles for those who like to graze at organized events.

The Hotel Salem has three separate spaces for your functions. Counter Salem is a beautiful, colorful space in their ground floor lobby. Or for larger groups The Cellar Salem is their basement space with it’s own full bar. Then there’s The Roof Salem with the only skyline views of Salem.

Try the Grape Leaves. They are #BaldOneApproved.

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Counter Salem hosted #TheBaldOne on Friday evening.

A nice glass of Pinot Noir was first as the menu was examined. The new Chef has settled into the job and there are a few new items on the menu. After a few minutes of relaxed consideration it was decided that a Mediterranean Plate was just the thing to order. House Hummus, Tzatziki, cucumber, red peppers, grape leaves, and Naan bread were presented attractively with vibrant colors dispersed on the plate. There was a wedding party in the house happily and vigorously celebrating the upcoming nupitals.

The entire plate was fresh and delicious, but it was the Grape Leaves that made the strongest impression. There is always a certain mild but lovely earthy tartness that you expect when you bite into one. But these Grape Leaves include a very subtle difference in taste that our BaldDude couldn’t quite place that cuts that bitterness just a little, adding a touch of sweet spiciness. We may or may not know what the secret ingredient is. You should visit and try to figure it out yourself.

https://www.countersalem.com/

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A Bacon & Mushroom Burger, two patties smash style with bleu cheese, house cut fries and a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc at Counter Salem.

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The Hotel Salem has been around for a few years now. From day one they have featured two restaurants. Counter Salem is on the ground floor, with The Roof Salem being, of course on the roof of the Newmark building. A new Chef is now officially on duty for both spots and we are truly optimistic for this new era. We wish Chef Patricia and the entire team the best moving forward.

Last week #TheBaldOne and a dedicated team of #HashtagHeroes were invited to an introductory night on The Roof as the new menu and team were introduced. There were eight of them, four each at separate seatings.

Let’s get the main point out of the way first. The menu itself is still contemporary Mexican with some old items gone, and some new items in place.

There were Tacos, including one filled with Mac & Cheese that really made an impression. A Birria Taco filled with beef was an excellent nosh. Burritos? Of course there are Burritos, stuffed nice and fat for the hearty appetite. Salads with shrimp and a Rice Bowl made the table too. The Chicken Wings are fat and juicy. Chef Patricia is offering a new take on an old classic with her Stacked Quesadilla which made it to both tables.

We offer a special shout out to our server Courtney for her friendly demeanor and willingness to chat on a busy night. A new arrival from Denver with her U. S. Coast Guard husband, she tolerated our shenanigans well and deserves credit for that alone, and certainly for superior service.

Give The Roof a shot this weekend.

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Counter Salem has been around for a few years now. Located in the front lobby of The Hotel Salem it’s a colorful space brightly lit by the morning sun. Since the hotel opened Counter has served Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner The food has always been good. However the hours and concepts have changed a few times making it difficult to gain a real foothold with the locals. #TheBaldOne has loved the space since it opened, but has always wished for more consistency in hours and concepts. He sees untapped potential.

Well times are a-changing. A new Head Chef is in town and will soon be taking the reins of both Counter and The Roof Salem. Yesterday we met with #ChefPatricia , relocated from Florida over Breakfast and had a nice chat. Details of what’s to come weren’t revealed, but an upbeat attitude and a desire to make a mark in the community are both evident. We wish the best for all involved.

Oh. Breakfast was the Colossal Counter Breakfast. Three eggs with thin, crisp bacon, a very thick and quite good sausage patty, colorful homefries, and sourdough toast. There was even a cup of coffee instead of tea.

Check out Counter today.

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Breakfast this morning is at Counter Salem. Or is it Crust Salem? We are confused. We hear the new Chef has arrived and will soon be stepping into action. We look forward to seeing what’s to come with a firm hand on the wheel for this ground level potential gem, and The Roof Salem.

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The Smash Burger at Counter Salem is one that Burger lovers need to try. It features a double patty, and they’re not super skinny, with double cheese. Pickle, greens, and a house sauce come as a package. Counter has thankfully returned to hand-cut potato for their fries.

#TheBaldOne offers compliments for Ashley who served this Burger with a little style, a pinch of panache, and a quick, clever ability to handle and return a little snark.

By the way, we are hearing rumors of a new executive chef coming to Counter and The Roof Salem in March. This development has greatly piqued our interest.

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Smash Burger with house potato chips at Counter Salem.

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Smash Burger at Counter Salem.

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The double patty Burgers complete with double cheese at Counter Salem are a true favorite of #TheBaldOne. Counter, always overshadowed by it’s sister restaurant The Roof Salem is a greatly underappreciated Salem spot.

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Counter Salem has added pizza oven to their kitchen and a small selection of pies to the menu. We assumed incorrectly about this being available topside on The Roof Salem. It is only available at Counter.

This is the Caprese Pie. Pesto, fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato with a nice drizzle of balsamic on a thin, chewy, garlic infused dough. Every pie is only as good as the dough, and this is interesting because of the garlic, in a good way. A very nice glass of Pinot Noir paired well with the pie.

#TheBaldOne may invite a few hashtaggers up for pizza party on The Roof very soon.

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A Burger at Counter Salem.

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Counter Salem stepped into the world of #TheBaldOne on Saturday night with a very nice cup of Chicken Dumpling Soup followed by a Steak & Pesto Flatbread. Steak Tips are featured on the Flatbread, and you can get them cooked to your desired temperature.

Excellent service was provided by Lauren, despite her remembering our bald, bold explorer from a past visit. Thanks for letting bygones be bygones Lauren.

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Chicken Dumpling Soup at Counter Salem.

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There are times in life when a fresh Caesar Salad with garlic bread is all you need. This one was served at Counter Salem on Friday night.

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Now that The Roof Salem is closed for the season, The Hotel Salem has opened up their street level restaurant Counter Salem. This is cause for #TheBaldOne to dance in the street because the Counter space is one his favorites in Salem. It’s a bright, clean, colorful space with a bit of a 1950s, art-deco feel.

On Saturday there was a a good crowd inside enjoying some snacks and cocktails. Our Baldy sat at the counter and enjoyed a few excellent, quite meaty Golden BBQ Chicken Wings, and a nice bowl of the house Chili. A warning was issued that the Chili packed some serious heat. This turned out not to be the case at all, at least not for our spicy heat loving protagonist. It had a slight tang to the bite, but the flavor was good, featuring a few subtle layers. Points are also awarded for the presentation.

Welcome back Counter.

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Wings and Chili at Counter Salem.

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Smash Burger, Fries, and Garlic Parmesan Wings at Counter Salem.

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Chicken Dumpling Soup and a Mushroom Flatbread, washed down with Crop Rotation IPA by Old Planters Brewing Co of Beverly sated #SonOfAnExpletive at Counter Salem the other night.

This colorful lobby diner at The Hotel Salem continues to be underutilized by management and as a result under appreciated by the locals.

It’s a great little spot regardless.

https://www.countersalem.com/

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Chicken Dumpling Soup at Counter Salem

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