Today was an opportunity to get out and explore Salem, MA. More infamous for its much heralded and now commercialized witch trials, Salem is home to two institutions worth visiting. The first is the Peabody Essex Museum, recently renovated and expanded it bills itself as a cultural art museum. The emphasis is on maritime and Asian art, which seems and odd combination at first, but since Salem was once the premiere port in the New World, many artifacts from the Orient found their way to America via Salem.The museum boasts a fine collection of maritime art, photos and china. Native American art from east to west coast and down to New Mexico is part of the permanent collection as are works from China, India and Japan.
We went to see the exhibition of contemporary furniture "Inspired by China" and fell in love with several pieces. Not in the sense of the need to possess, but rather the desire to make similar pieces. A pipe dream, maybe, but the simplicity of design and artistry of the work, coupled with its sensuous texture, created a "what are you smoking" moment? We both love working with wood and have about 60 mature oak and maple trees on the lot, so judicious cutting and replanting with younger more vigorous oxygenating trees could maintain our existing carbon dioxide neutral state and provide materials for crafting. We just need a three (or four) season workshop.
A bonus was the art exhibit from M.F. Husain, India’s most famous living artist and his epic work "The Mahabharata".
The photograph is of Cornell "Sugarfoot" Coley performing traditional drumming and dance works from West Africa, Cuba and Brazil, to the delight of children and adults.
The second best discovery is Boston Beer Works. Terrific, brewed on the premises selection of Extra Special Bitter (aka British bitter), hoppy India Pale ale and cask conditioned (yes wooden casks) strong ale. Food is great pub fare with flare (stir fried vegetables with ginger on jasmine pilaf rice) and the fish part of the fish and chips is real fresh haddock, white and flaky, not the usual soggy frozen gray mush served up by other pubs. The size of the portions is excellent without being obscene - two large pieces of fish, which provides plenty for a hungry one, or two on a budget. Quibble - why don't they teach bar staff to fill the glass. Imagine being served a 12 ounce glass, with a half inch of nothing above and inch of foam. Needless to say it was sent back for topping off.
Did I mention we are brewing our own beer at home these days ?
