My Mini Adventures In Salem: Green Land Cafe

I have had sooooooo many adventures at Green Land Café that I couldn't even begin to write about them all, so I am going to give you my "highlight reel" or my "greatest hits" of all my times at Green Land Café. 

It all started with the frst time I saw the restaurant..it had me at hello! ;) With it's cool and hip candle lit interior it had me intrigued at first glance. It just looked like a place that would be fabulous and fun,and that's a very good place to start! 

It lived up to my expectations on my first dinner there with my friend Karen. We loved everything from our drinks to our two appetizers we split, and our delicious dinners. We had such a great night we recreated it a week later with a few more friends. Since then I have had many dinners there with friends as well as my 36th birthday celebration! My friends and I always comment about how the wait staff is very kind and helpful there which is a huge plus in my book ,and that always makes a dining out experience more enjoyable!

I signed up for Green Land's email list and one day saw they were going to start having live music. I was so excited! I told my boyfriend "D" about it since he is a musician and emailed them his information. They hired him and he has been performing there usually once a month for the past year. So not only do I get to go to one of my fave restaurants gauranteed at least once a month, I get to also be seranded by Delvis (who actually isn't my boyfriend anymore..we got ENGAGED three weeks ago! He is now my Fiancé (I like saying that)! I am still on cloud nine in love lala land..haha!)

To get the real 411 and the behind the scenes look at what makes Green Land Cafe so "Green" and much much more, my interview with the hard working, lover of Salem, and just an all around fabulous woman; General Manager of Green Land Cafe Penny Petronzio!

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Sarah:"What do you love about running a business/restaurant in Salem?"

Penny:"I love running a business in Salem, for a number of reasons. Salem is a tourist town full of history that is easy to talk about which interests our guests. Also we have a great group of “regulars”. The support system in Salem is huge from Mayor Kim Driscoll and her great staff, to Kate and Stacia at destination Salem, and Rinus and Jennifer at Salem Chamber and Main Streets. Most of all I have the best staff ever!"

Sarah:"What makes Green Land Café special/unique?"

Penny: "Green Land Café is very special not only because of its local food, music, and large selection of Craft beers and Craft Cocktails, but also for what we are trying to do for the environment. We compost not only food products, but we also purchase paper and plastic products that are 100% compostable, and have cut not only our trash, but also the bill in half. We recycle and conserve energy wherever we can. Our floors are recycled barn boards, the bar is made from recycled old doors, and we have acoustical panels to absorb sound on the ceilings made of recycled jeans. All of our staff is committed to this cause and helps keep me honest!"

Sarah:What is your favorite meal currently at Green Land Café/ What is a specialty that everyone should try?

Penny:"I cannot choose one meal that is my favorite, I have a few. The Pork Chop with Bourbon Mashed sweet potatoes and Spinach, Winter Vegetable Quinoa, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and all the Salads and Tapas! I love our food!"

Sarah: "You have music at your establishment, why do you feel it is a nice bonus to have local musicians play at your establishment/ Why should your customers come out on your music nights to your establishment/What makes music nights at Green Land Special?"

Penny: "We have chosen to hire local entertainment at Green Land Café. We like to keep it local whenever possible, and with the abundance of awesome musicians on the North Shore and Salem itself we have no shortage. We also love that it brings in local guests."

Sarah: Why should someone come check Green Land Café out who haven't been in to dine at your restaurant yet?

Penny:"If you have not been to Green Land Café, you are missing out! :) We have fresh ingredients, and cook each dish the way you like it. We only own a small freezer so our produce, fish and meats are delivered daily."

Sarah: "Thank you Penny for taking the time to do this interview with me and for all the great information! Even with all my adventures to your establishment I still learned a lot about Green Land that I did not know, which is really cool!"

Some Quotes also from Friends about Green Land Cafe. It's always nice to get some extra help with my blogs..haha! 

Quote from Karin (I have two friends name Karin. This was this Karin's first time at Green Land (Jan 2012) ) : "Listening to Delvis's great music changed the evening from going out for a great bite to eat to a really fun night out.  Thanks for the great tunes and dinner. "Karin"

Quote from Karen Sutton (The first person I went to Green Land Cafe with) says;  "Green Land is a scene land."

Quote from Delvis: "Green Land's haddock was so delicious last week I could have went for seconds, but my New Year's resolution held me back..haha! I really appreciate the support they give the local musicians (including myself), it's always a blast to play there!"

Find Green Land Café on Facebook or on their website Green Land Café :http://www.thegreenlandcafe.com/

**Photographs by SM Photography (My friend Malana and I). Our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/pages/SM-Photography/199571400128963 and feel free to "like" us too..we are "likable" ;)