How long have you lived in Gloucester? The first half of my 57 years on the planet. I married “over the bridge” and moved 7 miles away to Manchester… Still Cape Ann… well, I thought that comment was worth a try. But I considered nowhere else to open our business.
What is your favorite season In Gloucester? Summer. You don’t need to shovel sunshine.
Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”? No secret now since the security cameras are there.. Head of the State Fish Pier, looking out off o’ Five Pound Island. You’ll see me there with a small Tuna & Egg Sub and a Dr. Pepper. I will be thinking, not mid-day napping.
What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester? Virgilio’s, but not for the pizza. I don’t really do Pizza. I hear they have a nice homemade Beauport Vodka pasta sauce in various sized jars and affordable prices, available daily. Should not every local restaurant feature local Virgilio’s Beauport Vodka Sauce. Call today. It is a “local “ call.
What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester? The closest one at the time of need. Destino’s, Yellow Sub,……
What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester? It does not matter what I think is “Romantic”. It matters what Kathy Ryan thinks is Romantic. I got engaged in the building where Duckworth’s Bistrot is. So Duckworth’s Bistrot is my answer !!!
What is your favorite bar in Gloucester? So, you want me to pick one? That would be poison to my business, Ryan & Wood Distillery, Gloucester’s maker of Beauport Vodka, Folly Cove Rum and Knockabout Gin. Very soon to launch: Ryan & Wood Straight Rye Whiskey! As the Craft distillers say “Think Globally, Drink Locally”
Bar style drinkin’ is pretty well behind me these days, but in an effort to answer each question here, having worked for 25 years on the State Fish Pier, I have been seen at a location known by many names. Pier Café, Earls CAV, Sherms CAV, Parker St. Palace, … Pratty’s CAV….3 part Trivia question, the first, most correct answer is worth a T shirt from us: What & Why is “C.A.V.” & Why the Key Slot at the entrance? I will confer with Jimmy Pratt as judge. I hope a true “Vet” wins.
What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester? I’m a simple breakfast guy. Joe Georges or Two Sisters…Two Sisters Bread, Fish Cakes & Beans and Patty let’s me bring my own Piccalilli.
What is your favorite local event in Gloucester? Dory races, St Peter’s Fiesta, 4th of July.. Thank you City of Gloucester, JimmyT and the International Dory Committee, Joe Novello with the Fiesta committee, Pete Williamson, Mr. Tucker, and all the committee for the Horribles Parade.. We have problems, but seriously, across the globe people are giving their lives daily to have just a thought of what we are able to be and do. For well over 200 years the cost has been high, but for me it’s the 4th of July.
In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat? Boat! I have not enjoyed the beach since a teen in high school. It was one particular day at Good Harbor when I and a friend went to the concession to get “tonics” for our group. When we returned “Fly” Amero had sat down, started with that guitar, in his odd way, and all the girls, I mean all the girls on the beach went to sit by him. It was like a darn Frankie Avalon movie. We were left holding the Fanta’s. Not Fly’s fault, of course, just nature. I decided that would not happen to me at a beach again, so no more beach. 40 years ago. Maybe I should let go of that.
Who is your favorite local artist? For paintings, it may seem odd, but I really do get lost in the murals around town by Jeff Weaver. Given my failing eyesight and his artistic license I enjoy the colors and feelings of his pre “Urban Renewal” working waterfront. I’m appreciating the photographic work of that era more and more.
Which is your favorite local beach? Good Harbor. If it were nearer to the equator it would be one of those top ten celebrity millionaire “must be seen at” beaches.
Who has the best chowder in town? Tough one. I’m rarely disappointed. I have not tried them all, but, Charlie’s Place and Lobsta Land are up there. Not so common but traditional, have you had the Finnin Haddie Chowder at the Patio? Tell Mixologist Rezza I sent you and you may get an extra bag of crackers.
Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog? Are you telling me there are other Blogs?
Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder? Haddock, Cusk, Cat are all over clam. Unless it is Billy Novak’s clam chowder. I like my clams in Fritters. Laurie Lufkin, can you make clam fritters with Folly Cove Rum in the fixings?
What is your favorite Gloucester neighborhood? Downtown. We all default to childhood. Are you asking me to trade that? My Gloucester may not be today’s Gloucester in that regard. Cedar & Sargent & Shepard was where I grew up. Cedar was not even paved at the time. Lots of kids, always a ballgame to join at Burnham’s Field, a thriving neighborhood back then. Zion’s, Nelson’s Bakery, Salah’s, Corey’s Barbershop, Sarofeen Subs, etc, all just on that street. As with all the neighborhoods everything needed was a quick walk away. The Fort, East Glou. West Glou, Magnolia (yes, there is a diff.), Green St, Lanesville, ‘Squam, on and on. They are all defined and it’s all good.
What is your favorite local band? One Man Band Jimmy Moses. Also, “Fly” Amero and family. Because of the above “Beach or Boat” answer.. Truthfully, I hear and read the bands names but, cuz, other than “Sunny D and Folly Cove Rum” I’m not really hip to the righteous G-town groovy music scene these days, diggit? I am so embarrassed I wrote that. But I do know it is the music and the restaurants that will carry Gloucester’s new economic future along with the already established daytime ventures. I hope not just umbrella rentals on the Beaches. To Fly, David Brown, Allen Estes, Gordon Baird, Peter Van Ness and all the facilitators, thanks for opening the doors and creating jobs through the newer Cape Ann music scene. (Soooooo..can I get some cloth or product placement on stages?)
As A Reward For Filling Out The Form For Use On GMG Feel free To Provide a Link Here to Any Business, Band or Website You Would Like Promoted www.ryanandwood.com
Good Morning Gloucester 
I’ll try it, Bob! Great interview.
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ooh whiskey! 🙂
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Bob, you are too way too serious about life lol 🙂
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C.apeA.nn V.ets and key card was for members and quest only , I remember it at one time located over a TEXICO gas station and Brown’s Supplier next door to the Main Deck at present day Head of the harbor before urban renewal chanceed the waterfront.
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Good job Joe T. Ok, that is the most correct and only answer so far. From what I understand during the move to the Fish Pier they had to keep club status to keep their serving license. The more important question is what were the Cape Ann Vets veterans of ? By the way, I am certainly willing to be told I am wrong on any of this.
Actually, did they take that white cinder block building down for urban renewal or for the Head of the Harbor later as a separate project? I bought my first (legal) drink at the Main Deck. I remember an all blond women country band in “Hot Pants” called the “Teddy Bears” was singing Elvis songs. Now that I’m thinking of them, Joey, can I change my answer for favorite band in my “Q&A” ?
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So, this is closed. Joe Testaverde will get a T-Shirt. If I can find him. Still no response on how the C.A.V. got it’s name. If it is that much a secret I’ll keep it. Maybe Jimmy Pratt will post the answer? It is his establishment after all.
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sorry Bob left for Florida be back in April. Nice and warm here and forcast 80’s and sun for another week. Have to suffer on the Beachs. See y’all soon.
Joe T.
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