Two of the most popular summer foods have come together in a harmonious marriage, right on Amherst Street in Nashua. Bruster’s Ice Cream has teamed up with Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs around the nation for the last several years, and Nashua is one of the newest locations to add the lunch items to their menu.

According to their website, the Nashua location had such a large request from their customers to offer lunch items, that the store finally caved, in order to satisfy anyone’s summer junk food cravings, whether it be a dish of White Raspberry Truffle or an order of fries. I lived in Connecticut for about 4 years, and Nathan’s was all the rave with the locals there. When I finally tried one of the fast food joint’s chicken sandwiches, I was anything but impressed; however, I never tasted their infamous hot dogs, which apparently are "the best." Bruster’s, in addition to the fries and dogs, are also serving chicken tenders and corn dog nuggets. Yes…bite-sized corn dogs. How can you go wrong with that?  

Wash down the corn dog nuggets with a refreshing summer cocktail.

It’s easy to see why Papa Romano’s has been in business for well over 38 years, and counting. . . I personally detest chain restaurants, but there’s nothing like a good slice of Papa Romano’s pizza, accompanied by a Super Italian Sub. I experienced the best of Papa Romano’s pizza today when I dug into the "Chicken Margarita." This specialty pie is adorned with grilled chicken breast, heapings of Mozzarella Cheese, Roma tomatoes, and basil garlic sauce. Yum!

May I also make another recommendation? If you haven’t tried Papa Romano’s famous Italian Sub, then shame on you! This Italian delight is filled with delicious smoked ham, salami, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and Italian dressing.. . . Scrumptious! Chain restaurants sure taste good, especially when you’re eating at Papa Romano’s. . . It’s no mystery why the Detroit News awarded Papa Romano’s as having the “Best Pizza and Subs” for three consecutive years!

 If you need a quick fix, then head to Papa Romano’s, 189 Kinsley St
Nashua, NH 03060.

There’s a restaurant hiding in Amherst….and it’s time to let the people know about it. Eden Restaurant in Salzberg Square off Route 101 is, literally, easy to miss. I myself drove past it 3 times before realizing where it was. However, once you walk in, you are taken to a posh, comfortably upscale eatery where customer service and generous martinis await you.

To be honest, I did’nt even have a chance to eat the food; I arrived around 8:30 p.m., and the restaurant closes at 9 during the week. Instead, I sat in the bar area on an oh-so-comfortable, black, suede high-back chair and enjoyed a drink. I pondered over the food menu while I sipped, and realized Eden does not discriminate when it comes to food; the menu included everything from spring rolls to Lebanese food to even quail. The best part? The bartender was patient, and didn’t even mention when it was 9:15…or 9:30. Oh how martinis make the time fly.

Check 5 & Dine this week in Feast to see a review of Eden’s Sapphire Martini.

After a full day of shopping, I was famished. My relentless hunger pains begged me to inquire where I could find something exotic to eat. I was tired of Italian, and wanted my pallette to experience something new. After taking the suggestion of a relative, I headed to "Giant of Siam" in Nashua, located on 5 East Hollis St.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the pleasant aroma of sweet coconut and spices. I took in the ambiance of the quaint restaurant; beautiful floral arrangements and exuberant artwork from Thailand filled the room. As I took in the decor, a hostess by the name of Sarah, cheerfully handed me a menu, and filled my glass to the brim with ice cold water. Ah. . . How I felt like royalty! The menu was full of enchanting dishes such as: Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu Pad Thai with rice stick noddles, sauteed with crushed peanuts, egg, dried shrimp, and thai spices. The menu was endless with variety, so much in fact that I called on Boondee Saeku, the manager, to suggest one of the chef’s specialties. Finally, after much deliberation, I decided to try "Mussaman Curry," with chicken, drenched in cocnut milk, onions, carrots, peanuts, potato, and pineapple. As soon as the dish was placed in front of me, I added the sticky rice, and dug right in. The sweet pineapple combined with the chicken, was absolute perfection. So tender, so delightful! The coconut milk mixed with the carrots, onions, and potatoes, added to the exquisite taste, as I found myself enamored with the tang of all the spices combined with the crushed peanuts! My pallette was satisfied after leaving "Giant of Siam," and I will definitely go back there to experience the delight of Thailand’s gourmet cooking, anytime.