What are you in the mood for tonight? French onion soup topped with crispy onion rings? A spice crusted rib eye steak? How about a chili so hot it's named "Death Valley"? Head on over to Horseshoe Grille in North Reading, just five miles from Wilmington Center, and enjoy a fabulous meal.  The Horseshoe Grille has been a family owned and operated business since the 1920's and they have always been in the very the same spot--226 Main St. The spot has transformed from a members only social club to a public lounge to a self proclaimed "rib joint". The restaurant was fully renovated in 2004 and …

Chili's Restaurant is currently running a promotion called "Wild or Mild", allowing the customer to choose the level of spice in their food. If you're feeling wild try jalapeno-topped mini burgers or one big old burger covered in ancho-chile barbeque sauce. Wanting to keep it mild? Stick with the "Old Timer" burger or classic chicken fajitas. One of their best selling dishes is the Chicken Crispers, crispy pieces of chicken served with fries and corn on the cob. (Right now you can get those Wild too, tossed in a honey-chipotle sauce). Chili's most popular starter is their chips & queso dip, …

Focaccia Restaurant has gotten some major press over the past few years.  The Phantom Gourmet called it "a hidden jewel." The Boston Globe said Focaccia is "a great place to eat." Last but certainly not least, Peter and Robert DePesa, the chefs and co-owners of Focaccia Restaurant were featured on Chefs vs. City, a show on Food Network. Their website even boasts pictures of Mark and Donnie Wahlberg among other celebrities. Which is great and everything but the question remains...how's the food? Two words: Mouth. Watering. Italian is the DePesa Brothers' specialty and boy do they deliver the …

The 99 Restaurant is the place to go when you're meeting friends for drinks or a casual dinner. They offer a well-rounded menu that includes their current "9 meals for $9.99" promotion, their famous Gold Fever wings and a hot fudge sundae to die for. The 99 Restaurant has what hungry folks everywhere are looking for-tasty food accompanied by a bill that won't break the bank. Meals offered in their current promotion include: Eggplant Parmigiana, Panko Crusted Cod and Chicken Dijon. Add a salad and dessert for just $3. Looking to save even more money? "Like" The 99 on Facebook and you will …

These days everyone is in a hurry. There is so much to do and so little time in which to do it.  So tonight, why stress over what to make for dinner or feel guilty about feeding your family from the drive-thru menu again when you can stop at Elia’s Country Store? Elia’s Country Store has been family owned and operated for over fifty years. They have a full service butcher shop where you will find everything from filet mignon and porterhouse steaks to marinated chicken, pork, turkey and lamb. They have homemade side dishes ready for you to grab and go. With just one quick stop you can pick up …

Anyone from Wilmington knows Rocco’s Restaurant.  The DePasquale family has owned and operated Rocco’s for over seventy years and their specialty has always been Italian fare.  The restaurant is located at 193 Main Street and houses a comfortable main dining room with a bar area and a second sunroom style dining room, the perfect place to have lunch. Rocco’s menu features traditional Italian dishes such as chicken and veal parmigiana, lasagna and ravioli. They also have a great pizza and “spuckie” (Italian sub sandwich) selection as well as seafood dishes and burgers. The menu is diverse and …

Looking for a place to grab a bite and can’t decide if you are in the mood for sushi or Kung Pao chicken? Why not head to Golden Ginger and have both? Located in the Staples Plaza across from Market Basket, Golden Ginger is a very reasonably priced restaurant that specializes in Chinese and Japanese cuisine.  They have both a large dining room and a bar area so it’s the perfect place to have drinks after work with friends or enjoy a lovely dinner for two. The staff is friendly, the décor is welcoming and the food is excellent. Try the shrimp and lobster sauce over the house fried rice with a …

Breakfast at As Good As It Gets on any morning, especially on a weekend morning, is a delightful experience. Servers know your name or call you by a loving nickname and usher you to a table in a manner fitting for family. It is a comforting and relaxing experience. Vegetable omelets, eggs over easy with toast, and pancakes with bacon and syrup are all delicious and served as if you are in your own kitchen. Lunch is just as tasty. You can have a Reuben with pasta salad, a panini with chips, a cheesesteak with coleslaw or a salad with bread. The variety is wonderful, so if you arrive with your …

If you are looking for a quick lunch on the go look no further than your local grocer, Lucci’s Supermarket. The friendly deli staff makes great sandwiches in your choice of breads with a wide selection of cold cuts, cheeses and freshly made tuna, ham or chicken salad. One of their specialties is a chicken salad with walnuts and cranberries. Or try a cold veggie sub with freshly sliced Provolone. You can also pick up a garden salad with a scoop of tuna or chicken salad on top or grab a satisfying cup of their soup of the day. Craving a homemade dinner but lacking the time to make it? Try one …

Wilmington House of Pizza has been my go-to shop for pizza and Greek salads for nearly two decades. In my twenties I worked at a print shop and we would make the “Greek Salad Run” at least three times a week. On Friday nights I’d swing in and pick up some slices (and another Greek salad) to fill my stomach before my friends and I headed out for the night. I’ve had Greek salads from many restaurants but Wilmington House is still my favorite. It has to be the dressing which is sweet, oil based and loaded with plenty of herbs. It is perfect for dipping the soft pita bread that comes with it in. …