Some of my earliest and fondest memories from my childhood consist of time spent on vacation with my family at the beach. We spent at least two weeks every year in our Layton camper parked at the State Reservation in Salisbury, MA. For years my sister and I rode our bikes up and down the rows and rows of campers, RV's, and tents, watching other families come and go, and making new friends with people starting their vacations. (Wish Facebook had been around back then. There are still a few people I find myself thinking about from time to time.)
In the evenings we would either hit the center and ride the rides, play the arcade games, or instead we would sit around the campfire pit and roast marshmallows. Sometimes we would even go for walks on the beach, after dark. There was one constant guarantee, though. Each year, at least one night, we would head over the bridge to Hampton Beach and dine at The Old Salt.
I remember the place like it was just yesterday that I stood there, waiting for our table. I used to play with an antique nautical telegraph which was fixated near the bar. I loved pretending that I was the captain of an ocean liner ordering full steam ahead. The decor of the restaurant was the perfect back drop for an imagined sea-faring vessel. Helm wheels, buoys, nets and ropes dominated the plank-wood walls, and just to add to the ambiance, I remember a huge fish tank filled with exotic-looking fish. Everything about the place made you think of the sea, and the centuries of history surrounding ocean travel, fishing, and of course, seafood. I cannot recall ever having better fish, burgers, or potatoes au gratin.
About eleven years ago, all that changed. A fire ripped through Hampton beach and burned The Old Salt to the ground. I was devastated. Of all the many, many, many places I have frequented for food, The Old Salt was by far my favorite. Fortunately, a phoenix rose from the ashes of what was The Old Salt at Hampton Beach. Not too long after the fire, the owners purchased Lamie's Inn on Lafayette Road (Rt. 1) and The Old Salt found a new home in the comfortable and delightful cross-roads of Routes 1 and 27.
As an adult, I have dined there many times. I enjoy taking friends and colleagues to The Old Salt. The new location, though not exactly new, combines the stateliness of a cabin on a ship, with the stone fire place in the main dining room to give the inviting warmth of an Old American Inn. The menu is still enticing to all palates, offering the best of seafood, steaks, and deserts, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff are always welcoming and ready to serve.
One of my favorite aspects of The Old Salt is the Sunday brunch buffet. It runs from 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. and if you're looking for a place with atmosphere and divine food, then look no further. They offer everything from traditional eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. to Roast Beef, Turkey, pasta dishes, to sushi prepared right in front of you, and a chocolate fountain cascading near a table of delectable pastries and cakes. Anyone can be satisfied by their offerings, and the authentic New England atmosphere.
The Old Salt at Lamie's Inn will always have the vote of the Nurse-Chef. My patronage will be guaranteed for years and years to come! I encourage you to partake of all they have to offer.
