There’s nothing that makes me happier than good beer and quality pub grub - and I always seem to get those things at Beer Works. I use to frequent the one in Salem, Mass. before the Lowell spot opened up, but now I’m/we’re lucky enough to have one right in our backyard. Normally when I go to Beer Works I opt for the “safe” favorites: a burger, fried pickles, sweet potato fries - you know, the healthy stuff. But last week when I met a friend from my alma mater at the brew pub, I was in the mood for something a little more nutritious (despite the Fiery Fries with ranch dressing we split as an appetizer…and also besides the Pumpkinfest beer I slugged back). However, for dinner, I ordered the Malted Salmon: pan roasted, malt dusted fall-apart-with-a-fork salmon, served with cilantro mango fruit salsa, jasmine rice, and sauteed broccoli. Sounds deliciously healthy, doesn’t it? Now, I normally am a little skeptical of ordering fish at a non-seafood eatery, but this generous slab of sea life was obviously fresh, well seasoned, and perfectly crispy from the pan roasting. The salsa was also a great accompinament, although I could have done with the odd addition of red grapes. Either way, I’m not sure if I’ll stray from the burgers and fries next time I’m in L-Town, but this particular diversion was well worth saving my calories for more beer.

You only turn 25 once, so having a good meal (that you don’t have to cook) is a satisfying way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Luckily for me, my birthday dinner was a delicious success thanks to the chef, the waitstaff, and the company at my table at Unum’s on Pearl Street in Nashua. I’ve raved about Unum’s before, and this place has yet to give me a reason to complain. In fact, the eatery always leaves me with the notion that solid customer service isn’t dead, and innovative American dishes can be enjoyed by even the most unsophisticated palates. For dinner, I had the pecan crusted salmon which was served over a wild mushroom and goat cheese blini with a wild berry shallot chutney. The combination may sound odd, but every bite was uniquely delicious. Even my non-meat-eating boyfriend found plenty to eat, including a salad of baby greens with figs, citrus segments and dates, as well as the chestnut ravioli, minus the bacon. Note to vegetarians: Unum’s will remove meat from any dish, and substitutions are gladly made. Even the picky eater of my family was able to get chicken fingers and fries, which are nowhere to be found on the menu. Food aside, our waitress was also efficient without rushing us through dinner, and she never came to our table without a smile.