The Wardhurst Peabody

When a holiday falls on a Monday most restaurant stops serving from the lunch menu, but The Wardhurst Restaurant & Bar takes a different approach. They put out a very special low priced menu.

This is the all-day specials menu. Look at those prices!

I was invited by John, the GM, to come in and preview the menu. I sat at the bar, where the very nice Carol had things under control. She has only been with them for 28 years. I started with the Lollipop Meatballs ($4.99) that once came with a toothpick inserted. The meatball was outstanding, tender and juicy and well seasoned. The tomato sauce was bright without being overly acid. This is a far cry from the rubber balls that you so often get.

Next was the 14 oz Center Cut NY Sirloin ($9.99). "Available Pittsburgh Style: Charbroiled on the outside, rare on the inside". It was actually charcoal on the outside. I had never heard about Pittsburgs style, but John said it was very common when he grew up. I expected the specials to come with only one side, but no, you get two. Perfectly baked potato and nicely cooked green beans. The charcoal just added a hint to the taste. It was cooked as ordered. It was a very nice meal and a pleasure to chat with John and Carol. They also have a really excellent weekend special that I haven't blogged about yet. The outside really doesn't reflect on the nice inside that was renovated about six years ago.

Address: 31 Lynnfield St, Peabody, MA 01960 Phone: (978) 531-9730

I was invited as a media guest, but all opinions are my own.