Seacoast Bark Magazine July/August 2022 by Nancy Dewar

publisher Nancy Dewar

nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com - 603.498.3237

design Mrs. and Mr. Design

info@mrsandmrpublishing.com

thanks to our contributors… Gayle Davis - Erica Madden - Kelly Talbot - Delise West Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright © 2022 Bark Media Group LLC Seacoast Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Portsmouth, Exeter, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Greenland, Stratham, Seabrook, Kittery, Newburyport & everywhere in between!

Interested in advertising with us? Have a good story idea or a suggestion on a great animal or person to feature?

Cheers to the dog days of summer; “the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere.” May you enjoy lots of lobster & lobster rolls, days at the beach, some time on the water, great road trips, cook-outs & BBQs, time with dear friends and family…hopefully with your dog or dogs right next to you! Have a wonderful, safe summer…filled with lots of laughter and happy woofs.

Please email Nancy Dewar/Publisher nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com (603) 498-3237

Cheers + Chow…

Nancy

We’d love to have you start following us on Instagram! (Instagram.com/seacoastbarkmagazine)

P.S. A visit to the Deck at Dockside in York is a nice day trip. They offer dog-friendly dining & their lobster rolls are the best!

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words of wisdom Senior Helpers

animal lover's profile 8 &16. rescue 6.

fun things to bark about 14. match.com 18. feature 12.

Evan Hennessey

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18 20. 22. 23.

local tails let's pawty

Ristorante Massimo

flips + flops

words of wisdom

Walter’s WORDS OF WISDOM By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

Profiles of Valor

In honor of July 4th and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I want to talk to you about a few of my friends here in New Hampshire that have helped to allow freedom to continue to ring. When we talk about those who sacrificed for our country, we must speak of valor. The great courage in the face of danger, a battle, an enemy.

Meet my friend Ray. He served in the Army in the U.S. 1st Infantry Division to hit the beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. He was nicknamed “Red” and known to dig the fastest foxholes in his battalion. A kind soul, who returned from France never acknowledging the history that he and his two brothers made. In recent years Ray at 94 became a Pease Greeter and was the Grand Marshall of a Portsmouth Holiday Parade. He has an infectious smile and a big heart. Unfortunately, due to restrictions where he lives, we only get to do parking lot visits. Next, Richard is like my grandfather. When I see him, my heart is full, and my tail can’t stop wagging. He joined the Marines and headed off to participate in the Korean War. He was initially a Marine Cook, who oversaw providing satisfying food to the troops. He was in control of the inventory, and he was good at it. Before long, the brass engaged with him to source various items, of which he became skilled in bartering. Upon his return home, he married the love of his life. He went on to open a shoppe where he made the best chicken pot pies and chicken salad known to man (and me too!). Richard is an avid reader, enjoys going for a walk and spending time at Moody Beach (I get to visit too!). When the 60’s were rolling in, Dick (aka “The General”) had no idea that he was in for more than rock n ’roll. He served in the Army, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War where he assisted in the deployment and return of military personnel earning both a Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter Certification. He is an experienced pyrotechnician having been a lead display shooter for over 30 years in the New England area. His creative pyro musical displays have been legendary, and he has been noted for his exceptional mentoring skills by his crew members. Dick has been a member of Pease Greeters since 2005. One of my newest friends is Mark. He served as an Army Ranger from 19872015. He was engaged in Operation Desert Storm and was stationed in Macedonia, Kuwait and Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan he was involved in a tragic helicopter crash. During his time in the Army, he served in many capacities from military police to the head of the NBC task force and oversaw desert training. Now that Mark is retired, he enjoys listening to music, particularly reggae, rock and country. He really likes basketball (just like my dad). He has some special furry kids; three that I am fond of (Hanna, Katie and Millie) and the other two (cats… Abbott and Costello), well, never mind I think that you will agree, I have some pretty cool friends! As we celebrate July 4th, I ask you to think about others that made a difference in defending our freedom, like Waverly Johnson Jr, the 25th Infantry Division in Korea, Lawrence Joel and Alwyn C. Cashe to name a few. We are a gifted nation, who prides itself as being a melting pot, a chance for a new life, the beauty of all colors of faces, richness of rituals, cultures and foods. United We Stand. Together We RISE.

Enjoy the summer, the sun, the sand and life! I’ll be doing my thing, Walter

Making a Difference... At Senior Helpers we are blessed to make a difference in the lives of our clients, their families, and our team every day. We lead with our hearts helping those in need. Extending our capable hands to lighten the load. Whether it be a medication reminder, preparing a meal, an escort to a doctor’s appointment or a good game of Rummy, the Senior Helpers Team changes lives one client at a time. Fondly…Dwight & Gayle Davis, our special team & Walter too! Senior Helpers provides in-home, non-medical care offering tailored services ranging from companion care for seniors who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. They’ve worked with clients ranging in age from 25 to 104. Senior Helpers has been voted “Best of the Seacoast” in the Home Health Care 3 years running and was recently awarded the Provider Circle of Excellence and National Employer of Choice by Listen 360 client and caregiver ratings. Stratham, NH – (603) 583-4580 www.seniorhelpers.com/nh/se-new-hampshire

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Ruby Knowles

animal lover's profile

Loving Life on the Farm

Eleanor & Franklin

By Nancy Dewar

Six years ago, Virginia and Chris Roosevelt of Newfields, New Hampshire made a life-changing transition and have never looked back. Having spent a great deal of their adult lives in New England, they’d always thought of themselves as “water and beach people.” The couple lived in Newport, Rhode Island for the past several years, and spent four to six months a year in North Carolina where Chris pursued his life-long passion as a commercial fisherman. As the industry became more regulated and overloaded with paperwork, it was time for a change; and make a change they did by becoming homesteaders here in New Hampshire! The modern-day definition of homesteader is “someone who seeks a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.” Disillusioned with commercial fishing, Chris started thinking about things he could do back in the Northeast and began reading about farming. His extensive reading piqued his interest in compromised food sources. The idea of a farm was beginning to take root, and they started gravitating to New Hampshire where Virginia had spent her childhood summers at the beach. When they came across Windroc Farm in Newfields, a meticulously restored 1794 home in a pastoral country setting, Virginia said, “That was it. We discovered this farm, and we just went for it. We really didn’t think it through at all.” Though the property had been a vineyard complete with a restored barn that functioned as a tasting room, the land needed

a lot of work. There were three acres of cleared land and according to Chris “lots of dust and little pasture.” To improve the soil, they started with pigs to loosen it and then brought in goats and sheep to fertilize and clear it. Pigs use their snouts to work the soil, tilling several inches into the ground. Over the past few years they’ve cleared four more acres and created 1 ½ miles of walking paths around the pastures built by Chris.

Windroc Farm now has sheep, chickens and of course, family dogs; and the animals have wound their way into Virginia and Chris’ hearts. They started with eight lambs, and this year they have five ewes, one ram and nine little lambs. “We’re more into animal husbandry. We love the animals and sell the babies that we don’t keep to other homesteaders for pets or for utilitarian purposes (grass or wheat

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cutting). Initially we raised them for meat but had such a hard time taking them to slaughter that we decided to try husbandry instead. This is why we began referring to ourselves as failed farmers,” Chris and Virginia declared with a chuckle.

animal lover's profile

Windroc Farm in Newfields

“When we started this Virginia said to me ‘I hope you realize that I’m not an animal person.’ Now she’s the most non-animal lover, animal person I’ve ever met!” This spring three of the lambs were orphaned so Chris fed them each three bottles a day. “These little ones became very attached to us. On nice days we take the three lambs and dogs to the top of the knoll, and they just stay with us,” Virginia said. She went on about the others. “They have their own way of communicating. We understand them, and they seem to understand us. We’ve a lamb that loves to be hugged and looked in the eye. They are very serene, peaceful, gentle animals. And of course, there is the all important fact that we feed them! What animal doesn’t love being fed?” What’s funny is Virginia wasn’t always into animals. Chris laughed as he told me, “When we started this Virginia said to me ‘I hope you realize that I’m not an animal person.’ Now she’s the most non-animal lover, animal person I’ve ever met!” They got their two dogs as puppies, and they are inseparable…from each other and from their Mom and Dad! Eleanor is a 5-yearold toy Aussie Shepherd and Franklin, a 4-year-old Coton de Tuléar, a small breed originally from Madagascar named for the city of Tuléar. “I wanted a lap dog and saw

Franklin,” Virginia explained. “He turned out not only to be a lap dog but also more of a farm dog than Ellie! He is expert at herding the sheep when we move them from one pasture to the next.”

The couple also grows a variety of vegetables that they’ve made more productive with the installation of a hoop house (a metal framed building covered with plastic). Temperatures stay 10 to 20 degrees warmer than outside, and they grow seven 65’ rows of veggies with a timed drip irrigation system. Fresh veggies are placed in their roadside farm stand on weekends and sold on the honor system.

Though homesteading sounds a bit romantic, it’s actually a lot of hard work; and Chris and Virginia do all of it. “I need a job that’s all consuming and takes up a full day,” Chris explained. “I’ve read dozens of books about how to bring back land and make it productive. We have good, healthy pastures now. I really want to spend my days in the field. We do everything ourselves here except for the vineyard which is leased out.”

Virginia expounded a bit more. “With everything going on in the world these days, working a farm is like being transported to

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an easier time. The lifestyle, it’s really quite beautiful. We are very focused and spend time together again. When Chris was fishing, I was alone from early morning to late at night and sometimes for several days at a time. Now we have three meals a day together again!”

In the six years that Virginia and Chris have lived at Windroc, it has become a fully productive, functioning farm again thanks to their relentless hard work. But getting it to this point wasn’t easy nor for the faint of heart. Virginia laughed as she explained a bit more about what motivates her husband. “Chris isn’t attracted to something unless there is a huge learning curve. This is what attracted him to me; a woman with five kids under the age of twelve. Now there’s a big learning curve, and obviously he loves a challenge!”

rescue

FROM RAGS TO RICHES…

A Puerto Rican Princess By Erica Madden – Rye, NH

Being a dog owner and knowing the unconditional love, affection and happiness dogs bring to our lives is an experience everyone should have. In the winter of 2012, I had a sweet little puggle at home and was content doting on him and being the best puggle mom on earth! Little did I know, on a winter holiday of that year, I would find the littlest love of my life and forever be changed by her presence. My friends and I went to Rincon, Puerto Rico for some sun, surf and relaxation. The trip was fabulous except for one thing, my heart ached for all the homeless dogs. Knowing these street dogs, through no fault of their own, were forced to fend for themselves each day and might never experience the love and safety of a forever home saddened me beyond belief. I also knew I couldn’t rescue them all, as my bank account wouldn’t make it out alive had I tried!

On one of the last days of our trip, while soaking up the sun on a beautiful Rincon beach, fate took over. While chatting with a family on the beach, they told us about a kind woman wintering on the island who had come across a little dog living in the field next to her bungalow. She was feeding the little doggy and had even brought her to the local vet to get spayed. She was essentially fostering the dog until she could figure out what to do with her, as she was leaving the island in a few weeks with her boyfriend who did not want a dog in their home. (I think I would have gotten rid of the boyfriend!!!) A couple of phone calls later, I went to Sally's bungalow in the jungle and met my little sweet Puerto Rican princess for the first time. She was timid at first, but after a little gentle coaxing she curled up in my lap and fell asleep. We could tell she was a younger dog, just a couple of years old, and had been in a few scraps during her time on the streets with some telltale

scars. It was also visibly noticeable that she had recently had puppies, and Sally took to calling her “Mamma.”

Sally told me about some of Mamma’s quirks. She loved to try and drink your coffee, made the cutest little “monkey noises” as Sally called them and loved to go for car rides. She was also quite the little daredevil and had jumped out of the car window a couple of times. I was instantly ready to pack her up and bring her home but due to being spayed recently, she needed a bit more time to heal before she could get vet clearance to fly. Unfortunately, I was flying home in a few days so Sally and I exchanged information; and I assured her I would adopt this sweet little girl when the time came.

Jump ahead a few weeks. With the purchase of a plane ticket and lots of coordinating between Sally and I, we had our little Puerto Rican princess on a flight to Boston. With it being February and having a plane change in Newark, my

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nerves were on edge worrying about her airport safety and handling between flights. It was a huge relief when I arrived at the Logan airport cargo facility and saw her happy little face peering out of her crate. My heart exploded when I saw Sally had put a small sweater on her. Sally was truly a savior not only to this little doggy but to me as well. My sweet little Mamma, who I renamed Medalla, was home.

Medalla is now 12 years old, and we are thick as thieves. She still loves her car rides, makes adorable little monkey noises to get your attention, still enjoys sips of coffee and walks on the beach are her happy place. I am forever grateful to Sally for fostering my sweet Medalla (a.k.a. Monkey). The love for animals brought Sally and I together and allowed us to rescue Medalla. But there are many more who need homes, so please strongly consider adoption when looking for a furry family member. The love and happiness they bring to our lives is irreplaceable.

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out and about

fun things to

Woofstock Beer Festival

For a tail-wagging day for pups and peeps, head up to Kennebunk on Saturday, July 30th, for the annual family- and dog-friendly Woofstock Beer Festival on the grounds of the Animal Welfare Society. The festival will have live tunes, a variety of craft brews offering tasting pours of beers, several food trucks, games, kids’ activities, dog agility courses, raffles, vendors and more! Woofstock is generously presented by Kennebunk Savings. Sponsorships, donations, raffle tickets and beer garden ticket sales benefit AWS' Companions for Life Fund, which provides veterinary care to local pets in need. (AnimalWelfareSociety.org/woofstock)

bark

ABOUT

Wine for Wags

Dog-friendly Zorvino Vineyards 2nd annual Wines for Wags event is being held on Saturday, July 30th, to raise funds for Live Free Animal Rescue. It’s an easy drive to this beautiful vineyard located in Sandown. Reserve a PAWtio table for $1 per person and every dollar will be donated to Live Free. Or purchase their limited label wine, Bottles for a PAWZ, that features rescue dog Maggie (one of 9 pups who found their fur-ever home at last year’s event) and a portion of the proceeds will be donated. And the best part…meet some adoptable dogs that are ready for a loving home (apply online in advance on the Live Free Animal Rescue’s website). Leashed dogs are welcome. (Zorvino.com) (LiveFreeRescue.org)

Nautical Flag Pet Signs

Ipswich River Craft, makers of custom nautical signs, is now offering two special designs for animal lovers…Woof and Meow hanging rope door knob signs. Show your love of the sea and your special 4-legged creature with a unique hand-painted, framed sign on 100% wood designed around the nautical signal flag alphabet. This local company also offers other custom signs. Last names, house names, boat names, initials or secret words are other fun sign choices…and make a special gift for those sea and lake lovers. (IpswichRiverCraft.com)

Maggie

Vineyard Dogs Brewer & Vinny

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With all the stress in the world these days, a new trend has emerged known as cow cuddling! This wellness trend for stress relief apparently comes from the Netherlands and supposedly reduces stress in humans by releasing the social bonding hormone oxytocin. Cows make good cuddling partners thanks to their warm body temperatures and calming presence. And you can now cuddle locally at Granite Oak Farm in Goffstown, New Hampshire (located about an hour west of the Seacoast). Book a 30- or 60-minute cuddle session via their website and then simply show up and spend some calm time petting, cuddling or brushing a cow! (GraniteOakFarm.com)

Sip & Shop for Rescues

Chris & Anne Nettleton

Thanks to Anne & Chris Nettleton of Coldwell Banker (a.k.a. The House Finch Team) for hosting this fundraising event for Lucky Pup Rescue. On Saturday, August 27th J. McLaughlin, a classic clothing store in Wells, will be holding a Sip & Shop event to benefit pups in need. 15% of all sales from 11:30 to 3:30 will be donated to Lucky Pups…a foster-based rescue that believes all dogs deserve a happy forever-home…and an organization that Anne & Chris proudly support. This could be a fun day trip…and a fun way to lend support for local rescue pups. (jmclaughlin.com) (LuckyPupRescueMaine.com) (HouseFinchTeam.com)

Maine Weinerfest

Though a bit of a drive, we just couldn’t resist giving a shout-out to another unique summer dog festival…Weinerfest in Belfast, Maine on Sunday, September 11th…billed as “New England’s only festival all about weiner dogs!” Maine Wienerfest is presented by PAWS Animal Adoption Center and hosted by the Belfast Parks and Recreation. In addition to food and retail vendors, there will be a grand parade, a costume contest and a Doxie Derby. Admission is $5 per person (kids & dogs free). This long drive (about 2 ½ hours from Portsmouth) might be worth it to see some adorable long dogs! (MaineWienerfest.com)

Cori Copley Spreading Fun

The Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel’s Canine Ambassador, Cori Copley, doesn’t just work at a hotel. She’s also an active community member in Boston. Recently Cori and her caretaker Joe, the hotel’s longtime Concierge, visited an elementary school to surprise Kindergartners who have been reading the “Catie Copley” books with Boston Police Officer, Lauren Woods. The books are based on Fairmont Copley Plaza’s very first hotel pup, the famous Catie Copley. The kids were overjoyed to see Cori walk up to their playground story time! Cori’s previous guide dog training was on full display as she graciously accepted many pets, hugs and kisses from the class. A big woof and thanks to Cori Copley and Joe for spreading more fun and joy.

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out and about

Cuddle a Cow

match.dog

"HOW I MET MY TRUE LOVE" love stories about real dogs + their humans By Kelly Talbot - Rye, NH

Sailor Blue

Lots of drool, drool everywhere is what we were told. If you get a Newfie you will have drool on your ceilings, we were warned. Though a whole lot of slobber would not deter us from welcoming into our lives our very first Newfoundland. We have always been a Golden Retriever family after having grown up with Luke, after buying our first house and adding Max and finally in welcoming Champ who would grow up along with our three children. We will forever have a soft place in our hearts for Goldens. After losing Champy in the summer of 2019, my husband and I agreed that we were done. Nothing could ever replace Champ, and we did not even want to try. While we would be forever animal lovers, we would not be getting another dog. The next four months were very lonely as I watched the beach sunrise each morning smiling at all the dogs frolicking around and chasing balls into the crashing waves. I felt that feeling that many of us have. The feeling that something was missing from my life. I knew while I could not replace Champ, I missed the love of a dog.

So, the search began. I’d always dreamed of having a Newfoundland. We’ve been a “big dog” family so the 120- to 160-pounds did not make us nervous. We began our search scouring the Newfoundland rescue sites hoping that there may be one in need of a forever home. Our timing was off as we searched and searched. Finally, our dreams were answered; and we connected with a breeder who matched us with a beautiful ball of fluff that we would name Sailor Blue. She was black with a white blaze on her chest in the shape of a heart! Our life has not been the same since. We welcomed our huge puff ball of fur and spice into our lives in August of 2020. Sailor quickly grew from an adorable puppy into a beautiful 120-pound Newfie and is still growing. It is unbelievable that she will turn two this month.

Walking in the town forest each morning is one of our favorite adventures. It’s always a thrilling surprise to see what other dogs may be rounding the next tree. Sailor tries her best going up to engage each and every dog whether they are exceedingly small or exceptionally large. She has, thankfully, learned over time to determine at their greeting if they are up to play or if they simply want to continue on their way with a sniff and a wag. While food was most certainly a motivator for our past pups, for Sailor it was not. For Sailor FUN was the motivator. While most puppies would dive into their overflowing toybox to find the loudest squeaking toy, Sailor preferred to grab the nearest shoe in the entryway as she knew a chase would ensue. Like a child she learned over time, and now her favorite pastime is her squeaking toys. Be careful what you wish for! Favorite memories of her puppyhood include digging holes large enough to climb into at the beach, wrestling with her best friend (a black Russian Terrier), gulping down a whole mackerel as her favorite snack and dragging the hose over to her pool while simultaneously barking to let the whole neighborhood know that she was ready for the pool party to begin.

It’s been amazing to watch Sailor grow up over these past 2 years. Growing larger by the week. And to be honest, we’ve never had to clean our ceiling! Needless to say, that gap in my heart is now overflowing with the love from our little bear. Sailor has not only warmed our hearts, but she has warmed the heart of her big brother, Henry our Ragdoll. Henry was not too sure what to think that first day when Sailor arrived with her massive personality. Since then, they have been inseparable.

P.S. Lesson learned…never say never. There is always more room in the heart for the unconditional love of a dog. 14 seacoastbarkmagazine.com

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rescue

Adopting our first senior dog was such a rewarding experience that we decided to open our home to more seniors, especially those with issues.

Kreen & Marvin Reckart

SENIOR LOVE By Delise West – Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography – Dover, NH

In our years as pet photographers, we have met countless animal lovers. It’s so much fun to see the bond everyone has with their pets. Through the years there are a few clients who have stood out and really touched our hearts. Marvin and Kreen fall into that group. They have a deep-seated love for senior dogs. Those dogs are often passed over at the shelter due to their age and health issues. We thought it would be nice to highlight these wonderful humans so perhaps someone reading this article will consider adopting a senior next time around. Most people adopt younger dogs. How did you decide you wanted to rescue seniors? We didn't start out wanting to specifically adopt senior dogs, but the first dog that really caught our eye happened to be a senior with both physical and behavioral issues. It was such a rewarding experience that we decided to open our home to more seniors, especially those with issues. What was the name of the first senior you adopted? His name was Bosley. His online write-up intrigued us, and we contacted Pope Memorial

Humane Society (then Cocheco Valley). He had been available for several months after going through painful heartworm treatment and had very little adoption interest. He was being fostered by a staff member, and she was going to adopt him on the very day that we arrived because she had given up hope that he would be adopted.

How many have you adopted since Bosley? Since adopting Bosley in the summer of 2014, we have adopted Taylor in the summer of 2015, Oliver in the summer of 2016, Kona in the winter of 2017, Jazzy in the winter of 2018, and Chester in the fall of 2020. Sadly, all have passed with the exception of Chester. We have also been fostering a senior, Wally, for over two years. He has medical and behavioral issues. A bit more about some of your rescues? Four of the six seniors (and foster Wally) that we have adopted have come from Pope. Pope has been great to work with. They are amazing in their care for the animals and their desire to find the perfect forever homes for them. They have a strong presence in the community with the following programs: humane education, food assistance, mother spay among others. It has been a pleasure to be adopters, fosters and volunteers for this organization.

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Taylor was a rehome when her original owner was too ill from cancer to continue caring for her, and Oliver was adopted from Yorkies Inc., a rescue specializing in small dogs, in Massachusetts. Do you typically foster first or move straight to adoption? Normally we go straight to adoption, though we did foster Jazzy for five weeks and Chester for two weeks prior to adoption. We still are fostering Wally. If you spoke with someone considering senior adoption what would you tell them to be prepared for? We would let them know senior dogs still have a tremendous amount of love to give and are so grateful to be given a forever home again. They are usually house broken and will settle in quickly. Don't be afraid to adopt a senior just because you may not have them for a long time. The joy that you will get will more than offset the pain that you will feel at their passing.

Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography gives back to our local communities through their signature “Catchapalooza” events and Dover Dog Howloween. Check them out on social at Facebook or Instagram at sitstaysmilenh. (www.sitstaysmile.pet) (www.GregWestPhotography.com)

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feature

The Best Recipe for Joy By Nancy Dewar

Although local restauranteur and chef Evan Hennessey has been creating award winning recipes for over 20 years, he discovered his own best recipe for joy in 2019 when he got his first rescue dog, Ellie. The restaurant business isn’t easy, and at age 42 Evan was experiencing the tolls of the industry plus struggling with alcohol abuse. At a low point Evan knew it was time to focus on himself instead of just his culinary success. He began journaling, confiding in good friends, rock climbing more, running a lot more…and found special Ellie, a two-year-old Australian Kelpie rescue from the South. “She is the sweetest girl in the world. By the nature of her breed, she loves and needs exercise. I wanted a dog that was active, could hike mountains with me and go on adventures with me. Well… everywhere with me. Ellie is that dog. She gives me what I give her; the best life possible.” Evan & Ellie

Evan is the chef/owner of Stages at One Washington in Dover which he founded in 2012. A Dover native, he fell into the restaurant industry as a dishwasher and prep cook at the age of 19 never imagining where it would lead. He attended the University of Kentucky for two years and did exceptionally well in fine art and math…and “really nothing else!” So, he headed home, got his first job in the industry at Newicks in Dover, spent time at other establishments including 3 ½ years at the Olive Garden and then attended the Le Cordon Bleu School at the Atlantic Culinary Institute (which was located in Dover at that time) where he graduated top of his class. “I started working at real restaurants after that,” Evan said with a chuckle. Locally, he was the chef at 43 Degrees North and The Dunaway Restaurant and worked at the One Hundred Club, all in Portsmouth. Evan then went to New York City where he worked at a number of Michelin starred restaurants including Per Se, acclaimed restauranteur Thomas Keller’s New York

interpretation of Napa’s well known The French Laundry. After a stint at Trio with Chef Grant Achatz in Chicago, Evan returned home to start his own venture. He said, “I’m not a city boy at all. I love this area, and we have everything we need here.”

Evan’s goal was to create a small tasting restaurant, but he felt that since it was a new concept to the area, it would be best to do it over time in stages; hence the name. “We started with monthly themed dinners, for example ‘the Titanic’ and ‘Julia Child.’ We did this for 1 ½ years, changing the menu and décor monthly. It was exhausting! Stage two was serving a 4-course prix-fixe menu along with a long 12-course tasting menu, and then we eventually evolved into offering our current 8-10 course tasting menu.”

The restaurant offers two seatings (for six) a night at the Kitchen Table, as they refer to it, as you’re literally in the kitchen as Evan and his small crew cook and serve you. “By

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doing the two small seatings, we removed the chaos from the restaurant and added closeness and intimacy to fine dining,” Evan explained. “As cooks and hospitality professionals, we want to enjoy our jobs and our guests. Stages is like going to a friend’s house for dinner. Fine food, excellent wine and lots of fun.” In June 2021 they added the Living Room. “What’s the room next to your kitchen? Again, developing in stages. The Living Rooms offers a small plate menu with great cocktails, mocktails and lots of fun board games.”

Stages serves “progressive New England Cuisine” with all ingredients coming from New England. Evan works with one farm that provides vegetables and dairy. Fish comes from a co-op in Portland and the meat is from a local farm that he established a breeding program with. They calculate the meat they’ll need for the coming year, determine the cost of raising and caring for the animals and then pay the farm monthly on a pro-rated basis so they’ll have the necessary cash flow.

feature

“If it doesn’t grow in New England, we don’t use it. We do ongoing foraging; looking for little green plants, garlic mustard, you name it! Whatever grows wild that one can eat or cook with. We dry, pickle, make vinegars and on and on.” Much of Evan’s foraging is done right on his own property in South Berwick. He and his wife Michelle have four acres that are surrounded by invisible fencing so the dogs have full run of the property, complete with trails they carved out for them. Dogs…yes…plural!

After falling so in love with Ellie, Evan wanted another herding dog and got Huck (short for Huckleberry), a 7-week-old Blue Heeler rescue puppy, in 2020. He came from down South, as well, where the cattle ranches don’t spay & neuter so there’s always a slew of puppies in need of homes. Their newest addition to the family is Isa (short for Isabel), a Shepherd/Husky mix who looks a bit like a wolf. “When I saw her online, I told Michelle that we need that dog! We put in an application and totally shined with our large, fenced property and experience with our two other herding dogs. And they picked us, thankfully!”

The beauty of being in the restaurant business is that one’s days are often free, and Evan takes advantage of this freedom as often as he can. Days hiking with his dogs are a true gift. “Ellie is my hiking buddy and is exceptional on trails. She’s a machine and won’t stop. She’s hiked twenty-two 4,000-footers in the White Mountains and has hiked Mount Washington and Mount Jefferson two times each. She’s incredible; like a mountain goat and has run over 600 miles with me.” Evan introduced Huck to hiking last year, and he’s done five 4,000-footers so far. Isa does small hikes with her Dad, and next year she’ll start going with the rest of the pack. Evan Hennessey has gone through several iterations both personally and professionally. He runs a very successful restaurant. He was a three-time winner of the national TV show Chopped, produced by the Food Network, and is a great Dad to his three children (ages 11, 14 and 24). “With over 26 years in the industry, burnout is to be expected at times. The key is to figure out where you want to go next, dust yourself off and come back up.” Ellie helped Evan dust himself off a few years ago and now his pack of three are major contributors of joy in his life. “What do I love most about my dogs? There isn’t just one best part,” Evan said with chuckle. “Friendship. They are my friends, and I love them. I love them following me in the house. I love our adventures. I love their smiles. They have three very different smiles. And snuggles…they all snuggle differently. Our dogs are the most gentle, loving and caring rescues.” (www.Stages-Dining.com)

The Living Room at Stages

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Evan on Chopped TV Set

Michelle & Evan with Huck, Ellie & Isa

Ellie, Huck & Isa Waiting for Dinner

local tails

Meet Some Special Seacoast Pups…

Juno - Rye

Here are some of our readers’ adorable dogs. If you’d like your pup’s picture in an upcoming issue, send an email with “Local Tails” in the subject line to: nancy@SnazzyJazzyPet.com. All breeds welcome!

Sadie - Salisbury

Clover - Salisbury Beach

Maverick - Hampton

Thomas - Hampton

Bentley - Portsmouth

Willow - North Hampton

Loki & TJ - Rochester

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Chip - Raymond

Mia - Middleton

Boo – Kingston

seacoastbarkmagazine.com 21

Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining!!! let's pawty

Seacoast Bark Magazine July/August 2022

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16. rescue

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