As I was driving at 70 mph down Rt. 128 last week, a truck rolled over about 100 yards in front of me across three lanes of traffic. Somehow, I managed to swerve into the breakdown lane and avoid all the other careening vehicles. The three cars in front of me were not so lucky. Miraculously, everyone walked away unhurt, including the driver of the toppled truck. I’m still not sure how that was possible, but I suspect it had something to do with seat belts.
So, in honor of cheating death for the 416th time, I decided to treat my one-year-old passenger, who inexplicably slept through the whole thing, and my own jangled nerves to a delicious lunch at the Strawberry Fair Restaurant. Actually, we were on our way there anyway for the article I’m supposed to be working on RIGHT NOW. Good thing, too, because near-death experiences make you hungry.
So where is Norwell, anyway? The South Shore, it turns out, somewhere between Weymouth and Marshfield. I grew up in the South Shore and I’ve never set foot in Norwell in my life. Does anyone live there? No one knows. They do have car dealerships, though. Lots of them, and the Strawberry Fair just happens to be nestled incongruously among them along the main strip.
A word of warning: the testosterone level of men who enter this restaurant is likely to take a steep dive. The décor is very country kitchen meets Lilliputian fairy tale. Shabby chic, to some. Girly, to others. It’s a cute little farmhouse with lots of cottage antiques crammed into every possible space. Which is why the little girl in me thought it was kind of neat. Okay, maybe it was one strawberry stencil design too many for my taste, but still, I’m a girl.
We had a quick lunch of onion soup, a Cape Cod chicken salad sandwich with cranberries and walnuts, a bag of chips, and the obligatory bowl of strawberries (they don’t force you to order them, I was just somehow compelled). And it was good. Better than average. And the service was great. (They also have meatloaf sandwiches on the menu so the girly men that come here can feel slightly better about themselves.)
I dare say I’ll be bringing the family back. I’m in favor of supporting the quirky little family-owned places serving up wholesome edibles where kids are welcomed with a smile (they even have a small toy stash for antsy little ones). It would make a good pit stop if you’re stuck in rush hour traffic on Rt. 3, or if you decide to head down the Cape on a Friday evening in the summer like a dumb-ass. It’s practically right off the highway if you need a bite from somewhere other than McDonald’s/ Burger King/Applebee’s/Ground Round and their ilk.
Maybe I was just glad to be alive, but I thought this place was just peachy.
(Strawberry Fair Restaurant, 14 Pond St., Norwell, 781-878-7878)
It's a little bit too much off my way to the supermarket but maybe I should give it a go! The fact that they have sandwiches with meatloaf on made it! Must me the testosterone in me... (what an ugly discovery to make about yourself on a Monday morning)
Posted by: ilva | January 29, 2007 at 02:21 AM
My husband and I were just talking about compiling a list of places we should try (eat-wise), to which we could bring the small one. In fact, if you wanted a second semi-reguar feature (because you must keep the pseudo-chef because I have a question every other week) you could ponder kid-friendly places that actually serve good food (not knocking Applebee's). I would read it. And I have a whole group of moms up here on the NoSho that would, too!
Posted by: squeezyB | January 29, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Good idea, squeezyB. I'll give that some thought.
Ilva, I'm not sure it's worth the uncomfortable drive from scenic Tuscany, but if you're ever in Boston with the kids, and get very lost...
Posted by: Tammy | January 29, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Thank God you came out of your ordeal in one piece! I'll never eat there... but, hey! I never leave Iowa!!! Glad you guys are OK.
Posted by: Sally | January 29, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Sounds like Strawberry Fair could be in small town Alabama. My kind of place. I will most definately stop in when I'm in Norwell.
I understand the serve a yummy breakfast in addition to that manly meatloaf. Worth a trip to the South Shore!
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | March 03, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Strawberry Fair is not too far off Route 3 at Exit 14. (corner of Route 53) We have been eating there for years. The food is all home made and delicious. Award winning clam chowder. Yes the decor is "cute" but that is part of its charm. It's the type of restaurant where people are busy chatting, catching up with family and friends - not a formal or stuffy restaurant. Homemade pot roast, chicken te amo (chicken with raspberries), steaks, sandwiches, salads, great desserts. There are specials every day. You won't be disappointed.
Posted by: Jidge | March 25, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Norwell? Car dealerships? Sure you're not confusing it with Norwood and the Auto Mile? Norwell prides itself on its quaintness and historical homes... there are a few car dealerships near the highway, but it's not the flavor of this little pre-revolutionary town at all! Meanwhile, I'm headed to try this restaurant next week!
Posted by: Vesuviana | May 08, 2008 at 03:27 PM
What kind of idiot grew up on S. shore and has never been to Norwell and professes ignorance of it as a real place? And then we're expected to take seriously their review???!!! Go back to East Bridgewater or whatever other moron town you come from. Hanover, Norwell, Scituate, Duxbury, Hingham, Cohasset, Plymouth, Pembroke; that is the South Shore!!!!!!!!!
P.S.Strawberry Fair is lousy and dirty to boot if you pay attention to detail.
Posted by: PDT | July 07, 2008 at 10:38 PM
That was some kind of an experience.. Phew. Good thing the baby didn't wake up.. :) Thanks for sharing your experience at the restaurant.
Posted by: medieval costume | April 11, 2010 at 11:03 PM