Eat like an insider: Suzi Maitland

When some seriously beloved Boston restaurant fixtures get together for a brand-new project just outside city limits, you’d better believe we’re getting a rental car. At the Paddle Inn (27 State St., paddleinnsurf.com) in Newburyport, where Suzi Maitland and members of the stellar Trina’s team have opened a brand-new concept with friendly, frisky comfort food and easy-going renditions of tiki classics. Amesbury resident Maitland, who serves as executive chef for Paddle Inn (as well as Parlor Sports and Trina’s), shares her favorite spots to snag a barstool for chicken parm, the tastiest under $5 meal we’ve heard so far and the ultimate Instagram pic to grab.

Best late night meal?

Peach Farm in Chinatown — the steamed pea pods are my favorite thing in the whole world. We always overorder. The Cashew Chicken is amazing. And you can’t not order Crab Rangoon. 4 Tyler St., peachfarmboston.com

Best meal under $5?

The potato knish at Mamaleh’s. They’re $4 and so filling! Perfect on a really cold winter day. One Kendall Square, Cambridge, mamalehs.com

Best foodie gem?

The East Side Grille on Cambridge Street is totally tucked away. It’s a mom and pop owned bar. Their portions are huge and the chicken parm is my absolute favorite. 561 Cambridge St., East Cambridge, eastside barandgrille.com

Best place to dine alone?

In the weeks leading up to The Paddle Inn opening in Newburyport, I spent many a night at Brine right next door. It’s such a classic New England oyster bar. We love our neighbors!
25 State St., Newburyport, brineoyster.com

Place you recommend for out-of-towners?

No hesitation: Myers + Chang. It’s where I send everyone. It’s got a big town feel and big flavors. Fun, loud and delicious!
1145 Washington St., Boston, myersandchang.com

Best place to catch up with friends?

I’m really lucky that I get to work with all my best friends — and they all happen to work at Trina’s Starlite Lounge. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, trinastarlitelounge.com

Most Instagrammable dish in town?

Waypoint’s Market Vegetable Roast was insanely beautiful. I want one right now. 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, waypointharvard.com