We stopped by the Hawthorne Hotel on Wednesday as they celebrated their 100th Birthday. There were more than a few old cars on hand, one from each decade that the hotel has existed.

Here’s a few photos of some of the cars.

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It was yesterday in 2017 that Chef Steve Nelson left us. Today on Father’s Day we remember Steve first as a Father, and then as a great Chef who left a legacy at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Let us offer a few words of praise for this Chili at Tavern on the Green at the historic, and according to some, haunted Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA.

There is nothing ghostly about this Chili, but if you believe in spirits, maybe one of the hotel’s apparitions has found a way to influence the essence of this particular spicy stew. Perhaps the works of Franciscan friar Bernadino de Sahagun, who recorded ancient Aztec spicy stews somehow influenced one of our local wraiths to spend some time in the kitchen.

Regardless of any spiritual origins this is a superior chili. The use of black beans in the base is a good move. The sauce, or broth is sweet to the palate at first, with just a hint of heat introducing itself a little later. You can add heat yourself if you’d like and the Chili will respond properly. The ratio of the two beans, ground sirloin, onion and pepper provide a good symphony of flavors. Cheese, scallions, and a good dollop of sour cream provide a beautiful, layered wall of tastes and textures. This Chili is a properly conducted orchestra of beef, beans, herbs and spices.

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Chef Steve Nelson has been gone seven years as of yesterday. Steve led the kitchen team at Hawthorne Hotel for many years and left a legacy of talent, leadership, and friendship. Steve also left us one of the best Chowders you’ll ever have. It’s still on the menu at the hotel.

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Burger season is officially here. This CheeseBurger at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel was the second one enjoyed by #TheBaldOne this week.

This very good Burger was washed down with a most excellent Ale by Ipswich Ale Brewery.

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#thesausageguy in Salem?

Yes he was indeed. Booked by a wedding party at Hawthorne Hotel, this Fenway icon was set up streetside by the front door. By the time this sighting was made by #TheBaldOne there were no peppers or onion left, but Conor, in true Sausage Guy fashion was not deterred, and neither was our HungryHero. A sausage was place into a bun, and bathed in Gulden’s Mustard and banana pepper sauce. All was good, very good, sausage guy good.

We’ll see him again soon outside of Fenway.

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Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy, and green beans at Tavern on the Green in the historic Hawthorne Hotel.

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The Salem Film Fest just donated this ticket certificate for their 2024 festival to the Salem Children’s Charity and their big Holiday Party tonight at the Hawthorne Hotel. This is a great gift for any real film fan.

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Thanks to Keenan and his chezcasaboston team on Bridge Street for this gift card for tonight’s Salem Children’s Charity party tonight at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Thank you Roseadela’s for the donation of a gift card and mug for the Salem Children’s Charity annual party next week at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Many thanks to Peter and his team at Bonchon, and to Annie and Leo of Koto Asian Fusion, and Annie’s Asian Mart for their gift card donations to Salem Children’s Charity to be raffled at their annual Holiday Party next Tuesday night at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Thank you very much Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast for the donation of a free visit this summer in support of the Salem Children’s Charity Holiday Party next week at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Chef Steve Nelson’s Seafood Chowder at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel.

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There was a quick snack at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel the other night.

A really good Caesar Salad and a BLAT, bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato sandwich. The salad was crisp, very large, but didn’t last more than a few fleeting minutes. This salad would on many occasion serve as an entree. #TheBaldOne was hungry however, so the BLAT served nicely to sate the night time appetite.

https://www.hawthornehotel.com/the-tavern/

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One cup of the classic Steve Nelson Chowder at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel.

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WHERE IS THE MUSIC TONIGHT

Mercy Tavern and their Blues Jam is 3:30 P. M. to 6:30 P. M.

Columbus Society Lounge – UnderCover at Columbus Society Lounge starts at 7 P. M.

Koto – Valentines Karaoke Massacre will be shedding musical blood beginning at 9 P. M.

Hawthorne Hotel – John Tamilio III in Nathaniels at 6 P. M.

Who’s we miss?

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Showing off a plate from the Salem Common Neighborhood Association Annual Winter Brunch at Hawthorne Hotel.

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Chef Steve Nelson’s Seafood Chowder at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel is always a treat. #TheBaldOne made it a point yesterday to drop in for a bowl and cold, fresh pour of Samuel Adams Summer Ale.

Shrimp, scallops, haddock, clams, and potatoes swim contentedly in a savory, creamy New England style broth. In a town with many a good Chowder to try, this one still stands out as a seafood star.

As an editorial note. Our hero only uses the oyster crackers when he thinks the chowder or soup needs help. That was not the case here.

The Tavern

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Meatloaf is a passion for #TheBaldOne. It’s his intention over the next few months to explore as many of the restaurant versions of this comfort food as he can. He’s making a list, and checking it twice. He’s gonna find out who meatloaf is worth eating thrice.

This Meatloaf at Tavern on the Green at Hawthorne Hotel is indeed worth going back for more. Bacon-wrapped, wild mushroom gravy with fresh sliced mushroom, whipped potatoes, and sautéed green beans, this Meatloaf entree is a contender. The Artisan Pretzel Bites oven-baked with sea salt and maple mustard dip and refreshment from Ipswich Ale Brewery helped to put it over the top.

https://www.hawthornehotel.com/the-tavern/

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You still have time to bid on some of the great stuff to support Salem Children’s Charity.

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