In December I wrote a rant on some of the worst appetizers in Beverly restaurants. Read it again here. Progress has been made, people. Two of the appetizers I mentioned have been stricken from their menus. And both are at SOMA.

Is it a coincidence these two appetizers disappeared after my posting? Probably. Maybe they were just removed during seasonal revamps of the menu. Maybe public outcry had a hand in it. Maybe they realized how much they sucked. Maybe it really was my literary influence. How cool would that be? One thing is for sure, according to my handy-dandy web stats log, that posting is one of the most viewed articles on this site.

I definitely know of one place where my opinion matters. The Ryal Side Café on Bridge Street in Beverly. I was having a cocktail a week or so ago with the owner of the café and I suggested she add kielbasa to their breakfast menu. I cruised by there for breakfast today and guess what was on the menu as a special … KIELBASA!! She said it was my influence which partially drove her to add it to the specials menu. I know, it’s really not a big deal to suggest a small restaurant offer grilled kielbasa, but I’m flattered anyway! To top it off she says it’s selling so well, they will make it permanent on the menu. Hot dog!

I haven’t written anything up on the Ryal Side Café, but I will soon. I love the Ryal Side Café and it’s very, very pretty owner.

Yankees suck!