The best new chef-owned restaurants

Part of our 2014 list of Hot New NH Restaurants

Cure

Five Onion Soup has caramelized Spanish onions, red onions, garlic, shallots and chives in a rich beef broth with a touch of sherry.

Executive Chef Julie Cutting opened her bistro on State Street in Portsmouth after 10 years of experience, a stint at Brazo and an appearance on the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen.” She describes the menu as affordable, upscale comfort food. Indeed, most of the entrées are under $20, but are complicated preparations, like her slow-braised orange BBQ short ribs, spicy duck leg drumettes, house-made chicken liver paté and smoky brined pork T-bone with a caramelized leek potato gratin. The menu is just a joy to read, and even better to savor.

Don’t Miss: The Five Onion Soup, warm and savory for a winter’s day ($7)

Cure
189 State St.
Portsmouth
(603) 427-8258

DRAE

Derek and Wendy Rae Moody (pictured) combined efforts and names to create DRAE, a bistro restaurant that is a riff on what they would put together at home after a day in corporate cubicles. Their take on dining out is enjoying more options with small plates. Menu standouts include the slow-braised beef ribs and their award-winning meatballs. Find entertainment scheduled for later in the evening in the cozy space in downtown Derry. Wednesday’s is Buck a Shuck with Duxbury oysters, if you are lucky that night.

Don’t Miss: Duck confit spring rolls with a ginger slaw of red cabbage, onion and carrot ($12)

DRAE
14 Broadway, Derry
(603) 216-2713