This week's North Shore Nibbles column offers a closer look at some local Chinese restaurants with excellent take out menus - perfect for those hot summer nights when you just don't feel like cooking.SalemIf you're really hungry Salem's East Sakura Chinese and Sushi Buffet on Highland Avenue offers all you can eat dining, all the time. The restaurant was formerly Mandarin Buffet. With eight different bars to choose from the choice are endless, said Alex Lee, manager. Lee could not decide on what customers preferred the most because of the large variety. There's a sushi bar, salad bar, two …

The city of Salem has no shortage of restaurants that offer outside dining. Among them is the Lobster Shanty, a well-known location that has grown used to having the majority of its customers request the outside area. During the week, the area seats eight tables, but on weekend nights and Sunday afternoons it serves 16 tables in the outside area. Get there while you can, because come October it’s no longer an option because of the weather, said Sarah Stellato, the restaurant's front of the house manager. At Capt’s Waterfront Grill & Pub the second floor deck provides some fun in the sun. The …

If you enjoy your vegetables, but miss the taste of burgers why not try one of the vegetarian or vegan burgers at Whole Foods in Swampscott? If you decide you're into real meat, they've got you covered, too. "We have an entire case of sausages and all sorts of marinated chicken," said Charlie Genets, who works in the meat department. When grilling, Genes said you should flip the meat every five minutes. If you want to make sure your juicy steak has a lot of flavor, Genets said you should leave it marinating for at least 24 hours. Whole Foods331 Paradise Rd Swampscott, MA 01907781-592-2200www.…

Summer has arrived in Marblehead, the days are getting longer and the temperature is going up. Before you know it, residents will be looking for any way to beat the heat and many will choose to decide to cool off with some ice cream. Whether it’s a reprieve from the heat you’re in search of or just a tasty treat to boost your mood, here is Marblehead Patch's picks for local ice cream parlors. Marblehead: Lime Rickey’sAddress: 105 Ocean Avenue Marblehead, MA 01945Phone: 781-631-6700www.limerickeys.comLime Rickey's offers an upscale dining experience on the beach. They offer over 25 flavors of …

There's probably a long list of things your father has taught you to do. It may have been a nice game of catch underneath a sunny sky, or a simple task like tying your shoes. Or for others, the monumental moment you sat behind the wheel of a car for the first time. For these reasons and more you should show your dad how grateful you are.  On Sunday, Father's Day, celebrate your father's greatness with one of these specials. MarbleheadThe Landing Restaurant 81 Front Street Marblehead, MA 01945 781-639-1266 www.thelandingrestaurant.com Father's Day brunch served off the menu from 10:30 am to 2 …