Margarita’s may not serve true, authentic Mexican fare, but their food is nonetheless delicious. Lucky for Marg fans like myself, the local chain has a new Fiesta Zone Menu, served in the bar from 4-6 p.m. and then again after 9 p.m. for a limited time. The Market Burger smothered in chipotle mayo, lettuce and pickled jalapenos is just one item to grace the menu at the tiny price of $5.99, as well as the Island Baby Chimis for $4.99, which are packed with shrimp, pineapple salsa and cream cheese. Sounds like summer deep fried and coated in Mexican flavors - I like it. Oh, and who needs the drive-thru anymore when you can get their new Street Tacos for 99 cents each, with your choice of chicken, pork, ground beef or steak? Wash it all down with one of their new margarita flavors, like the Icy Spicy Margarita, made with habenero and chipotle flavors. Only catch: you have to be 21 or older (or accompanied by an adult) if you want to enjoy these specials, and you must dine-in.

Yet again, the recession works in us foodies’ favors. Saffron Bistro, another upscale spot in downtown Nashua, is now offering a less expensive bar menu from 4 p.m. to close. With items like the Black Angus Burger served with fries to the Lobster Mac & Cheese to the Baked Stuffed Top Neck Clams, prices range from a mere $5 to $16. The bar & lounge area is open Tuesday through Saturday, and this new, more approachable menu is a great way to enjoy one of the most under-mentioned (in my opinion) downtown restaurants. As for the how the bar food tastes…that’s up to your trusted taste buds. Has anyone given it a go yet?

Downtown Nashua’s most recent Mediterranean addition, Restaurant Adria, is celebrating their Best of NH nomination, given to them by NH Magazine, after less than a year of being in operation. To successfully recognize this nomination, Restaurant Adria’s outside patio is now open and the restaurant will also be having live entertainment tomorrow night from 8 p.m. to 11p.m. The special guest is Pedja, who has been playing for many years with his band, and also in solo performances, all around Boston. To accompany the live music, Restaurant Adria will be offering several specials, including a special martini menu that won’t snap your wallet in half. Vodka and live music: what better way to end a hot summer day?

I ate like a queen last night at Moonstones in Chelmsford, Mass. Scott Plath, who also owns Cobblestones in Lowell, is owner and chef of this chic, yet relaxing, tapas restaurant. We started at the trendy bar that was covered in a sparkling marble countertop, and run by a friendly, attentive bartender. I had the refreshing white Sangria, and shared some pepperoni focaccia for only $4 with my friends, thanks to Moonstone’s happy hour deals from 4 to 6 p.m. When our other friends arrived, we moved to a dinner booth and ordered enough tapas to feed all eight of Jon & Kate’s children. We had some more homemade focaccia, this time made with olive oil, roasted garlic, reggiano cheese and sea salt, as well as the marinated olives with white bean hummus; the artisan three cheese sampler plate, with goat, bleu and baby swiss cheeses; white truffle and parmesan cheese fries; scallops in bacon; and fried buffalo calamari with crumbled bleu cheese. Yes, the amount of food we consumed is shameful, but I’m not ashamed - the food was outstanding. I won’t go into detail about each dish, but the highlights for me were the addicting and not overly greasy shoestring fries, as well as the cheese plate, which came with crackers, candied walnuts and grapes. Washed down with plenty of pinot grigio, this is one meal I will be back for (and that didn’t empty my savings account). My only complaint: some food, such as the scallops, came to our table at room temperature or colder, when they should have been served warm. However, the flavors were perfect, and our waiter was right up there with them, so a few lukewarm plates were quickly forgotten.

Side note: Moonstones has more than tapas, too - entrees, sandwiches and salads are just a few of the other options they provide. Just be aware that entrees range from $20-60, roughly.

Some meals/restaurants are just worth the drive - to Belmont, Mass. My boyfriend and I take ballroom dancing classes at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and right next door is a little gem called Kitchen on Common at 442 Common Street. Last week we had dinner there between dance classes, and the waiter was attentive, friendly and efficient, as he knew we had to be somewhere in 45 minutes. The menu is more about quality than quantity, and changes frequently due to the fact that Kitchen on Common only uses locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We both had the lentil soup, with cumin and coriander, as well as the roasted beet salad with candied walnuts and large shavings of fresh blue cheese. We also split a side of herb roasted fingerling potatoes, which were under seasoned, yet surprisingly delicious (what a difference fresh produce can make). The small eatery is also B.Y.O.B., but the specialty wine and beer store next door provided us with some delicious IPAs to wash down a healthy meal without feeling rushed for our next class.

This post is a few weeks past its prime, but still worth sharing. Several Saturdays ago, my siblings and I took our parents out for their 32nd wedding anniversary, and although my parents are known to eat at The Common Man in Merrimack ervery chance they get, we figured we’d take them to a new spot (for them): Martha’s Exchange. Excited to show our parents that other restaurants besides the C-Man exist (although we’re all big fans), we were happy that the food and beer was delicious (I had the Turkey Panini with avocado mayo, and a side of pasta salad), but disappointed that our waitress lacked personality and patience. She never cracked a smile, she constantly reached over people’s plates to put other plates down, and she seemed to have a hard time clearing empty plates and glasses. Half of the olive oil, meant for the bread to be dipped in, was also spilt on the floor, causing half of our fellow diners to walk around it as to not slip on the marble, and thus dangerous, tile floor. After the meal, my mother, who is known for her letter-writing-about-bad-customer-service, wrote an email to Martha’s manager, which was responded with a generous offer of a gift card and sincere apologies for the bad service. The gift card was denied and the apologies were appreciated, but the damage was done: my parents will be going back to The Common Man on their next anniversary.

Another new restaurant alert, this time in Manchester: Mint Bistro, offering upscale fusion fare to the city. The globally-inspired eatery opened its doors on June 8th, with a grand opening celebration on the 12th. Reasons to go: rumor has it the Bistro offers a full bar with an extensive boutique wine list, sushi and tapas; the herbs used in each dish are apparently hand-picked; and all entrees are seasonal and fresh. Brunch is also offered Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (bring dad there this weekend), and the restaurant’s open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Have no plans Friday night? Mint also has entertainment every T.G.I.F., this week being Boston’s DJ Sis Chong. Sounds like a chic new place to enjoy a trendy meal, good wine, and live music.

More good news that our local economy may not be so bad after all: Chicken ‘n’ Chips on W. Hollis Street is re-opening (per the sign on their window, and a fellow “Tweeter“). Date still TBA, but looking forward to more of their famous Chix Stix and fries. Once open, take-out and free delivery will be available, according to their website, and the Chicken ‘n’ Chips car that delivers our food will be run on their own recycled vegetable oil. Sounds like the popular poultry pad is taking advantage of their new birth by goin’ green and thus keeping with the trends. Anyone know when it’s officially re-opening?

Eden’s Restaurant & Lounge in Salzburg Square is one upscale, hidden eatery in Amherst that just became more approachable. Personally, I would have kept going back despite Eden’s recent changes, but the restaurant has decided to lower the prices on their menu to better accommodate their customers’ wallets. Not only is the classy establishment giving 1/2 off appetizers Monday through Wednesday, they also now offer any of their dinner entrees in appetizer size (which thus, costs less money). This is all in addition to, of course, changing the dinner prices, too. Salmon for $10; baked brie for $9; and duck for $16? Yes, please. Did I mention Eden’s even has a new dessert menu, including their family recipe for apple crisp pie? New catering and event menu to come, too. Phew.

Side note: While you’re there, try one of Eden’s generous (in size and vodka) martinis.

In an older post, we said a sad goodbye to J Beaner’s Cafe in Amherst. In today’s post, I am delivering the exciting news regarding a new eatery that will replace the former J Beaner’s. The sign out front of the temporarily abandoned building says that Cassidy’s Food and Coffee House will be taking over in the near future. My research came up with nothing, but the sign promises passersby that Cassidy’s food will be good (just not in so many words). Let’s hope Cassidy’s still has the free Wi-Fi, and brings back gelato to the Amherst area. I’m excited to try it. Who’s with me?