THE REGISTRAR RECOMMENDS...

2006-04-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Actually, the only place the registrar really wants to eat is at home. However, we do patronize a few local restaurants, and you can click on most names to get a link...

If you have visited the registrar's recommendations on lodging, you will know that we hold the Norwich Inn's pub in high esteem. The innkeeper's husband is the brewer for what is officially Jasper Murdoch's Alehouse, and there are usually three or four beers on tap at any given time; there is also the usual range of other drinks available. A very nice "fusion" menu is served at reasonable prices. [Yes, it's true, not all "fusion" food is nice, but the Inn's chef hits it well; I have yet to have anything there I have not enjoyed.] With beer, but without coffee or dessert, the tab usually comes in at around $25 per person. The same food is available in the dining room at much higher prices, but without the wait for a table which is the pub's one true drawback.

Our other Great Favorite is Three Tomatoes Trattoria in Lebanon, NH. Unlike what seems like every other institution in the Upper Valley, Three Tomatoes [which opened branches in Burlington and Rutland after its smashing success in revitalizing downtown Lebanon] has no web presence. Like the pub, they do not take reservations, so on nights when there is an event at the Lebanon Opera House, the wait can be endless. Otherwise, weekday nights are not bad. And the food, if you like wine, garlic, and well-blended fresh ingredients [and what's not to like?], is excellent. With house wine, but without coffee or dessert, the tab usually comes to about $30 per person.

Our children are partial to Jesse's, which is on Route 120 south of Hanover, on the way to the new hospital. Basically, it's about large hunks of what we delicately term "dead animal" [beef, chicken, and fish are grill specialties, along with prime rib] and unlimited access to a pretty good salad bar, included with the meal. The tab, with wine or beer, but without coffee or dessert, runs about $25 to $30.

Anyone staying at the Marriott Residence Inn at Centerra, which looks down on Jesse's from the top of the hill that separates Hanover from Lebanon, is all too close Tio Juan's Margaritas. We have only been there once, and were underwhelmed, but if you need a frozen margarita, this is definitely the place for it.

The word is that Gusanoz, the NEW Mexican restaurant in town, on what is referred to as the "Miracle Mile" in Lebanon, is excellent. But we haven't been there yet. We have also heard that the Irish pub Salt Hill, which sits across the pedestrian mall that was once Hanover Street from Three Tomatoes, is excellent. But we haven't been there yet, either, in spite, or rather because, of the fact that they make their own very tasty potato chips...

Orient, the new Chinese/sushi restaurant that opened up in downtown Hanover after someone at the Panda House franchise skimmed credit cards one time too many, is your basic American Chinese restaurant, from parasol drinks to fortune cookies, but with some pretty good items in between. Jewel of India was one of our favorites under its original management, and not just because they rewarded us for our loyal support; but we feel that it has fallen off. The children report that India Queen now has better food...

Rosey Jekes Cafe makes very nice grilled panini sandwiches and coffee. The arguments over pizza: Ramunto's has the crispier crust, though it's sometimes hard to see or hear inside the place; EBA's [Everything But Anchovies, and yes, they will serve anchovies...] offers a better selection of toppings and while you can at least always see, it gets loud here, too; most likely to make your teen-age son gain weight while working there: C & A's.

Beyond these, I would follow the Tuck School recommendations. The ZINS wine bar at the Hanover Inn is OK but overpriced; I would say the same of the Canoe Club. The "campus casual" places on the Tuck list are what you'd expect; I am partial to the burrito wraps at Boloco, but my son Will likes 5 Olde Nugget Alley and Murphy's. De gustibus.

ERH ROUNDTABLE:RESTAURANTS

THE REGISTRAR RECOMMENDS...