North Shore Food Buzz: Dining Wish Lists And The New Red's

When you're looking for a night out and a break from cooking, you might want to know what's new not just where you live, but in other nearby North Shore communities.

Here's our round up of the latest food news in the area:

Wakefield

We asked Wakefield residents what businesses they'd like to see open in 2013. Not surprisingly, food was on many people's minds, with calls for a Trader Joe's, a bagel place, Starbucks or Mexican restaurant.

Lynnfield

Lynnfield residents chimed in about which closed businesses they'll miss the most. The answers included several restaurants, including Bostonville Grille and The Big Dog.

Peabody

Of course, 2012 also saw lots of restaurants open. In Peabody, that included the long-awaited outpost of Red's Sandwich Shop in Salem — Red's Kitchen and Tavern.

Beverly

The new managing partners at the Wild Horse Cafe, which reopened Wednesday and boasts a martini bar and 26 beer taps, promise not to tamper with the nachos as they mull spring renovations.

Salem

Salem food writer Jade Mason posted a hangover cure that, while aimed a New Year's Eve revelers, could ease the pain on day-afters throughout 2013: Sweet Savory Eggs Benedict With Champagne Lemon Sauce Over Maple Waffles.

Danvers

Over the holidays, volunteers prepared Christmas dinner for homeless families living in a Danvers hotel. With Thursday's news that the families will be moved out in the next year, that could be the last Christmas dinner the volunteers will bring to the hotel.

Andover

Pizza Connection, which just opened on Park Street, doesn't just offer hand-tossed pies. Their "Fried Heaven" plate combines fried chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, fries and sauce.

Wenham

Neighbors are divided over whether they want the Richdale convenience store toadd a small beer and wine selection.

Marblehead

Similarly, in Marblehead, Patch readers mourned the closing of several restaurants in 2012, including Sweeney's Retreat. "We will miss Sweeney's Retreat," wrote one resident. "Great fish chowder with a popover and salad for $7.95 served by the friendliest waitstaff."

Swampscott

The Whole Foods in Swampscott had a surprise visitor over the holidays — a hawk flew right into the store and settled in amid the rafters.