NAMA Helped Stuff Your Faces Last Month (And Other Nearby Food News)

Restaurant comings and goings, new businesses and the best dishes and recipes are among the items that have appeared on nearby communities' Patch sites over the past month.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food stories that were recently covered on area Patch sites. Read through our round-up for the latest food news.

North Andover

North Andover had a food-filled September. First, local businesses gathered for the North Andover Merchants Association Fall Festival. Stachey’s was there raising money for the Santa Parade.

“You meet a lot of new people, new faces, and become friends with everyone,” Dave Holland of Stachey’s said of NAMA. “People want to come in and support the business just like you want to go and support what they do.”

Then, which was a huge success. Dozens of restaurants in town offered great deals for customers as well as special menu items.

“I’ve been seeing a lot of new people coming in, a lot of new faces,” said Michael Saal, a manager at The Loft. “I’ve gotten good feedback on it, so I’d call that a success. The North Andover Merchants Association does a lot to help out local restaurants which Saal and his staff are thankful for.”

And Smolak Farms is so into the autumn food season, they even added a pumpkin tree.

Andover

Andover was given a couple treats in recent weeks.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt gave out free samples to many customers and encouraged customers to donate to Boston Children’s Hospital.

And Pizza Connection will be opening soon.

According to health director Tom Carbone, the owners have already gotten all construction permits from the town and are now working on preparing the interior of the store.

DANVERS

Londi's Famous Roast Beef, Pizza and More specializes in roast beef, salads and calzones. But their extensive menu has many more choices, from subs and triple decker club sandwiches to specialty pizzas that owner Ted Londi has learned to guage what's popular according the season.

"Right now, we are selling a lot of roast beef and club sandwiches," he said. "But in the winter it's all steaks and dinners. But pizza is all the time, starting on Thursday through Sunday - it's all about pizza."

At 116 Water St. in the Danversport, Londi's was one of the first businesses to open after the infamous Thanksgiving Day Blast shook the neighborhood back in 2005.

This upscale takeout restaurant was designed with an open concept and plenty of seating. With an open kitchen in full view, Londi's customers are treated to an immaculately maintained dining room, family friendly atmosphere, efficient staff and great food to boot.

Peabody

Su-Chang’s Adds Live Jazz to the Menu

Su-Chang's Restaurant is livening things up for its customers. The popular Lowell Street Chinese eatery received approval from the City Council last week for live entertainment on certain days, specifically up to a four-piece band.

An application from longtime owner Suzanne Waite said the intent was to bring in a jazz trio three nights a week. Televisions will also be added now and the band will take up space near the bar.

"I came before the council 20 years ago for a permit to build Su-Changs. It’s been very successful and now we want to add live music," Waite told councilors.

Her application asked for hours 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but City Clerk Tim Spanos pointed out in the hearing that requests for live entertainment on Sundays needs to go through the mayor's office not the council.

Councilors then unanimously approved the license for just the two days. Waite did not say then if she would seek the Sunday license after all.