Lunch at The Ledger in Salem

When I was in Salem last week, I was so happy to check out The Ledger, a beautiful restaurant that opened up this summer from chef-owner Matt O’Neil. For those who aren’t familiar, he is the man behind The Blue Ox in Lynn, a spot I absolutely adore. At his new spot, The Ledger, he and executive chef Daniel Gursha have created an incredible menu focusing on New England inspired cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients. 

When I visited last week with my friend, we had a fantastic lunch — I’ve been raving about it since we visited. I thought the space was beautiful (it’s located inside the old Salem Savings Bank building), and every dish we had from appetizers to dessert was perfect!

We started with some cocktails — the Old Fashioned Pineapple Rye and The Corsair, a beautiful drink garnished with pink peppercorns and grapefruit.

For food, we started with the Steak Tartare, an impeccable dish made with chopped sirloin from Creekstone Farms. 

Also, the Foie Gras Torchon, made with apple butter, maple, rum, and walnuts, paired with brownbread. 

For balance, the beet salad, made with a wonderful whipped blue cheese, endive, apples, and candied walnuts.

Then, a little taste of some scallops with shaved porcini mushrooms.

Also, an incredible pork chop dish made with squash purée, cider glazed apples, bacon, and Brussels sprouts. I have to say — this is one of my favorite pork chop dishes that I’ve had anywhere. I always find that at most places the pork chop ends up either being too rough or too dry, but this one was perfectly smooth and moist and done with the perfect pairings. We loved it so much! 

Then, the star of the meal — this delicious steak.

And as if our meal couldn’t get any better, we ended with the most stellar dessert. The “Table Talk,” an apple pie with lard pie crust, cranberry, and vanilla ice cream.

We also got a scoop of their amazing black pepper ice cream.

Check out the Ledger’s full menu here. They’re located at 125 Washington Street in Salem.