What's New In Merrimack Valley Food?

We know Tewksbury residents don’t just stay in Tewksbury when they want a night out and a break from cooking.

Restaurant comings and goings, new business and the best dishes and recipes are among the items that have appeared on area Patch sites over the past month.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food stories local Patch sites have covered over the past month. Read through our round up for the latest food news in the area.

TEWKSBURY

Just in time for summer, Tewksbury Country Club has announced it outdoor dining will now be an option. The outdoor patio, has been redesigned to accommodate a larger tavern and, at the same time, provide the same prices and view of the country club property. Outdoor speakers will ensure that everyone can enjoy the entertainment no matter where they choose to sit.

The 170 River Road in Tewksbury now has a liquor license.

Lorraine Trull, co-owner with her husband Roy also made improvements to the snack bar, changing its name to T's Bar and Grill and expanding its menu. Although Roy has worked at the course since he was a young boy, the couple has been the sole owners of Trull Brook for the past year and a half.

CHELMSFORD

Celebrating one year since Vincenzo’s in Chelmsford changed to Rufina’s, Ribeck says the most popular item on the menu is Chicken Parmigiana (followed closely by any of the other parms, veal, eggplant and the combination of all three). Her favorite menu item is a toss up between Lobster fra Diavolo (loaded with fresh lobster meat simmered in a spicy marinara sauce tossed with linguine) or Haddock di Estate (haddock of the summer) oven roasted day boat haddock fillet served with julienned summer vegetables finished in a sherry wine and shallot sauce served over angel hair.

Do you have a go-to spot for drinking or dining in Chelmsford? Chelmsford Patch recently asked people what small businesses they support and like the most.

WILMINGTON

So far, business has been brisk at the Donut Shop, according to its owner. . The Donut Shop opened in April.

 Named after Lisa Johnson’s beloved grandmother who they nicknamed “Wowo” this "goodie" business really is a family affair.

It was, after all, the family carrot cake recipe that inspired the Johnson’s to found Wowo’s Goodies.

There is a new owner at Focaccia’s. Disney Oliveira took over the business in February.

Wilmington residents who enjoy a hot slice of pizza or a plate of wings from Kendra and Anthony’s will be sad to learn the restaurant closed its doors this month.

ANDOVER

Have you seen the lines outside Orange Leaf in Andover recently? The man behind the Andover location is David Pierre. With more locations slated to open in Tewksbury and Reading, Orange Leaf may be a place to check out, as it gets warmer.

If it’s ice cream you are looking for,

READING-NORTH READING

The tavern is undergoing some changes including a breakfast menu, a new manager on their liquor license and they are working on extended hours for the patio.

; cupcakes, which mirror The Chocolate Truffle’s award winning and locally made hand, dipped truffle and chocolate flavors. Some flavors include salted caramel, Sam Adams and Limoncello.

NORTH ANDOVER

Just in time for grilling season, North Andover Patch With Butcher Boy and the Meat House in town, there are plenty of options for the grill master in your family.