Secrets of a Stylist: Where a Stylist Gets Back to Her Roots and Away from it All! Daria's Guide to PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Daria has been working as a stylist for over a decade. She divides her time between her two favorite cities: Los Angeles and New York. Last month we tagged along on a shopping tour of Los Angeles, and this week we’re getting the inside scoop on her hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire-- full of quintessential New England style!
If it weren't for the cold snowy winters, I would happily move back to the sea coast gem of my hometown, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Portsmouth is the last stop in New Hampshire before crossing the border of Maine and it's a hot spot during summer months as it is brimming with great food, activities and New England charm.
EATJumping Jay's Café
150 Congress Street
The fish here changes daily due to the local fishermen’s catches of the day. Your selection is cooked how you like with sides of sauces or marinades - so you can be as healthy or unhealthy as you want. I have never left here disappointed. The bar is hip and cool. Lots of locals hang here.
Surf
99 Bow Street
Fantastic views of the water and right on the Piscataqua River ( the mouth that empties into the Atlantic hence the name "Ports-Mouth" not mith.....). Surf is a new spot with decent food and killer views. Try the Bloody Mary shooter made with minced celery, vodka and a shucked oyster to wash down the baked lazy man’s lobster which is tres populare.Other notables: parmesan crusted founder, lobster roll or fish tacosSidebar: just opened up a sushi bar next door!
Four
189 State Street
There is a prix fix for $40 that changes monthly or you can order a la carte. I had the tuna and avocado starter which was delicious and only $5, and believe me this is not a five dollar place!
Cava
10 Commercial Alley
Yummy Cava is hidden in a brick alley and serves tapas! It's so cute and quaint and a new find in Portsmouth I came across on this last visit.
Friendly Toast
121 Congress Street
This diner is full of 50's /60's memorabilia and has a massive menu of mostly breakfast and lunch options, and they have a lot of vegan choices as well. They bake their own bread and serve massive portions at inexpensive price. Sidebar: open late night. Its a fun trippy time my fellow deadheads...
Red Door
107 State Street
no sign, just a red door!Rad bar on the dl..... This cozy chill bar resembles a house party. It's like having an after party with your favorite DJs at your kick ass pad. My favorite DJs are Patrick Joyce and Ryan ObermillerSignature drink : red door pomegranate martini. Just don't drink it when your’re wearing white! I also used to love the espresso martinis (back in the day I sauced it up…) with espresso beans on top!Side bar: no shots here
Caffe Kilim
163 Islington Street
me with the owner YeltsinMy go to coffee connection. A Turkish treasure. The story I just heard here is, "A farmer had some goats who ate berries which is what coffee looks like before it is roasted. After the goats ate the berries they started dancing all around and that's how caffeine was discovered.” My favorite coffee is their Dancing Goats-- obviously.Sidebar: Their new store carries Turkish ceramics, blankets, rugs and jewelry.
Beach Pea
53 State Road Kittery, ME
My childhood friend is a baking extraordinaire! She began her business selling at farmers markets and opened this always busy and sold out breakfast and lunch bakery. "Having my teachers from elementary school coming in and eating my baked goods, which are all natural and homemade by me, is like coming around full circle.” Beach Pea is all about “clean food,” sourcing everything locally. ( I dream of the bread ..honestly).
The Station
80 Wright Ave
The Station is a BYOB pop up restaurant that is super cool. Catering to hipsters, the restaurant is temporarily open and hidden away in what used to be a gas station from when I was a kid (this is where I would put air in my bike tires). The menu is super bar style seafood grub. Would you call it a seacoast gastropub? Perhaps....
Sidebar: get the gelato next door. YUMSHOP
Wear House
74 Congress Street
A consignment boutique started by Angela from the chain Second Time Around. Upon my last visit I found pieces by Trovata , Prada, Ralph Lauren, DVF, Marni and more! Only good spot for duds in Portsmouth.
Making Faces
65 Bow Street
A hair care, make up, and fragrance store carrying Philosophy, Trish McEvoy, Kate Somerville, Bare Minerals and Fresh. They offer make-up lessons and facials as well.
Bull Moose Music
82 Congress Street
Need I say more? A music store still alive and kicking in today’s age? Obviously they do something right. I love love this place!
STUFF TO DO…. BESIDES EAT & DRINK
Prescott Park Musicals
Every Friday and Saturday in the summer you can lay a blanket down in this park on the water and watch a live musical for free! This year they are featuring Willy Wonka.
Strawberry Banke Museum
14 Hancock Street
Historical Preservation at its best. My mother worked here for years as an archeologist and I have spent many hours here imaging myself as a pioneer with those horrible bonnets. What a fashion disaster of a time period. However, if you’re into history, this is a must see.
Chauncey Creek
16 Chauncey Creek Road Kittery Point, ME
Bring a group of friends for a feast on the water. This place is barebones so you have to bring all the fixings and sides for a lobster feast with your friends (don't forget the booze and candles). Chauncey Creek only provides the lobsters-- and ambiance of course. My favorite spot ever!
STAY
Because Portsmouth is my hometown I am not an expert on Inns in the area, but my brother recently stayed here and I took a peek…
The Ale House Inn
121 Bow Street
The Ale House Inn is an adorable gem of a B & B with complimentary beach cruiser bikes. Owners Doug and Dan have used a cool color palette that still feels cozy, to accent the killer views – and at reasonable prices. The location right in the heart of downtown seals the deal. A must stay place!
Well thank you, Daria! We look forward to your next blog on the Phish tour....!! xoxo