www.Poppersatthemill.com
55 Main St
Newmarket, N.H. 03857
603.292.0110
I am sad to report that Popper's at the Mill had to close it's doors this week. Sometimes, good things have to end too soon.
"Tasting Is Believing"
I have fallen in love with Popper's At The Mill in downtown Newmarket, N.H.. When I am planning an evening out for dinner and I have friends that are up for either trying Popper's At The Mill for the first time along with me or just want to go back for another meal, I have to admit, I get excited. Local charcuterie and sausage artisan John "Popper" Medlin opened the doors to Popper's back in June of 2012. I didn't make it in for my first visit until September and after having dinner there I kept thinking I was missing out on this all summer! Popper's At The Mill is not your typical seacoast restaurant. In fact, I can't think of anywhere else I have dined that I could possibly compare it to, which adds to the appeal for me. Another huge benefit to enjoying dinner here often is they support the local farms, from the cheeses to the meats, they source as much as they can locally. I think that is very important for an independent restaurant to do and I am very happy that Popper's At The Mill is doing their part.
The menu here is very unique for the area (although he does make a mean Huis Burger and Pop Dog). I could go on and on here about the background of how the restaurant came about and how John Medlin is an old world style sausage maker and what he did before he opened the doors to this restaurant, but instead what I want to do is just tell you to GO TRY IT. If you are a little adventurous with your dining, if you like to take a break from the humdrum restaurant options and you like that where you dine you would supporting the local farms and you love the idea of charcuterie or homemade sausages, I ask you to try Popper's At The Mill and let me know what you think of it yourself. My friends tell me I have become obsessed with the place, but is obsessing over a restaurant like this such a bad thing? I don't think. The satisfaction I feel after a meal there tells me it is not a bad thing either. hahaha
Here are a few of my favorite dishes, oh and just so you know, they did recently add a few entree dishes onto the regular menu which as I understand will be rotated, but still great to have a few large plate options available on a regular basis. Back to a few of my favorite dishes- from the charcuterie selections, the Duck Pastrami (a 3 oz portion $5) hands down is my favorite. I had never had it before Popper's At The Mill and I really enjoy the flavor of it and sharing it with my friends. I think it is wonderful! It was served with homemade Anadama bread slices, a Smuttynose Porter mustard sauce and pickled summer squash and zucchini (which they also pickle themselves) The have several options that are on the menu for the charcuterie selections and also offer a few special ones nightly. I had an amazing pork pate during one of my first visits that was wrapped in bacon and made with pumpkin and sundried tomato. It was sweet, buttery and salty all at the same time and tasted like Fall. It made me happy. The Huis Burger ($9) served with Onion Marmalade, Bacon Jam, Red Dragon Cheddar on a Martins Bakery potato bun is mouthwatering (I will say I did have a friend that went recently and had the burger and for one reason or another it didn't taste like it usually did, not as good he said. He didn't mention it to the server and I wasn't with him so I don't know what happened that night) and it is served with house made frites. I love those too, they are cooked in lard and seriously are delish!
It offers an amazing cheese selection. I love cheeses, everyone that knows me knows this fact, I love cheese like a fat kid loves cake. I love cheese like my friends Juno and Chris love bread. Any of the cheese plates ordered have been wonderful. From the Sandwich Creamery Brie ($9) to the Honey Bee Goat ($9), served in 3 oz portions with accoutrements, I sure do look happy as I dine at Popper's. Did I mention the menu here starts with desserts? It does and it says very plainly and very honestly at the beginning of the menu, "because dessert should always be your first decision". How could you disagree?
The restaurant is not very large which I like and it does have a great atmosphere and bar seating as well. I recommend the Poppers Punch ($8). It's rummy and delightful.
There is one person I would like to mention in my blog that works at Popper's At The Mill that time and time again when I have been, stands out from every other employee. Her name is Abby. She is a hostess. She is the best hostess I have ever met at any restaurant on the seacoast. She loves her job and loves the food that Popper's offers and it shows. If you want a tour through the cases of the charcuterie displayed as you enter the restaurant, she is your girl to ask. Abby, if you ever read this, know you are exceptional at what you do and your enthusiasm that shines through when you speak of the food offered, is contagious.
I end this review challenging you to challenge your taste buds, to step outside of the box, to try something new and you never know, you might become obsessed with it as I have.
