#TheBaldOne gave Trade House some time after opening to acquaint themselves and their staff with the kitchen, the dining room, and the clientele before subjecting them to his calibrated eyeball.
On first entering it was like returning to a familiar spot because it is familiar. The layout and atmosphere remain the same from the days of yore, including a few of the old-time regulars. Please don’t tell them that we called them old.
An Allagash Brewing Company White, which is a Belgian-style wheat beer accompanied the menu. This is a solid, dependable quaff with hints of coriander and Curaçao orange peel. We aren’t sure why orange peels from Curaçao are used, but since Allagash does what they do better than most, we don’t even feel compelled top ask why. Sips were enjoyed as our hungry hero conversed with #They Walk Together, a couple of good eggs who like to hit all of the cool spots.
Marinated Beets from the starter menu was a good introduction to the Tradehouse approach. Roasted beets, arugula, honey-lemon glaze, pistachio, and crispy tofu made for an attractive and colorful plate. Pistachio being included in this dish made the sale over the Tuna Tartare and Jumbo Crab Cake. The surprise here was the pistachio being served as a butter which coated the bottom of the bowl. The beets and honey-lemon glazed arugula were delicious, but that pistachio butter put the whole thing over the top.
A Tradehouse Burger followed the Beets. 8 ounce, hand-rolled with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle this patty was prepared by someone who cared. Ordered rare, it came rare. Some of you may not like that, but our BaldGuy prefers quality beef served rare. This beauty was devoured with every bite being savored.
The service was prompt and polite. It’s always good to see an active manager in action with both staff and guests, and that is exactly what we saw. A certain someone who built a legend here would be happy to see what’s to come at Tradehouse.
There is a small patio on the Daniels Street side.
Drop in and see what there is to see soon.
https://tradehousesalem.com/
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