Behold: A potentially good reason to simmer in gridlock traffic on I-95. Salem Restaurant Week kicked off yesterday and runs through November 11. Yes, some places use Restaurant Week as an excuse to serve last week’s castoffs to unsuspecting patrons. Yes, hapless diners often pay $25 and up for the privilege of supping upon stringy chicken, soggy root vegetables, and runny vanilla ice cream. Yes, some waiters treat Restaurant Week diners as clueless rubes who deserve smirks and sneers. That said, Salem is a charming hamlet whose restaurants routinely surprise and delight, with servers who are (dare we say it?) downright charming. Look for two- and three-course prix-fixe dinners at spots like The Lyceum, Cilantro, The Lobster Shanty, and Nathaniel’s. Two courses go for $15; three courses are $25. [Salem Patch]
