The Salem food scene has been in full adolescent growth spurt for the last two years. It's been a joy to behold, for those less enamored by witches and more interested in stunning food.
And given neighboring towns are awash with pizza and sub offerings, there can't be enough debuts like Kokeshi in our book.
Named after the Japanese children's dolls, it slots right in alongside the already burgeoning eateries. Owned by Larry and Tim, who also precide over Bambolina also in Salem, it's a buzzing, spacious, Asian fusion hangout. Part industrial interior mixed with Japanese wall murals and hanging paper parasols, it's the perfect place to discover on a wet, April day
We opted for the Kimchi 3 Way - a delicious mix of classic, Turmeric and Asian Pear infusions. To follow a range of soups from Faux Pho to Bacon 'n' Eggs all presented exactly as any hungry soup aficionado expects. Plenty of it and enough spice to wrinkle the forehead.
The broth was lip smackingly good, but it was the pork and noodles that was the star of the show. The fat on the pork just melted in the mouth, and noodles....such a simple mix of flour, water and fat were astonishing.
Add to this heady mix a bar selection of local brews and some well chosen grooves to listen to and you have something terrific.
And somewhere to return to regularly.
