June 6, 2008

Off Road

Ned’s Groceria Opens

If it weren’t for the horseface who butted you in line at the Middle Eastern lunch truck at MIT, your impression of grub-on-wheels might be warmer.

Guess you never made it to Ned’s Groceria, the souped-up gourmet truck that, until this spring, was parked at Gloucester’s Grant Circle.

Good thing you held off. Owner Ned Hand has moved her shop into a spacious, new wooden storefront on Washington Street. Bistro-style chalkboards are marked with quirksomes like a list of pig products one day and a quote from Miss Piggy the next (“never eat more than you can lift”).

There are meats, cheeses, boutique wines, and stellar pates on offer alongside dishes-to-go like grilled salmon burgers, hot panini, and black-eyed pea and shrimp salad.

Pick up the fondue au chocolat noir and a fresh fruit skewer for a dessert that’ll melt someone’s mind.

No butts about it.

Ned’s Groceria, 24 Washington Street, Gloucester (978-283-4136 or nedsgroceria.com).