Best of Worcester Living.Byline: Laura Porter Worcester Living readers have spoken: Here are your favorite places to eat, meet, celebrate, be pampered pam·per tr.v. pam·pered, pam·per·ing, pam·pers 1. To treat with excessive indulgence: pampered their child. 2. , take in a movie, buy a bauble, spruce up spruce up Verb [sprucing, spruced] to make neat and smart Verb 1. spruce up - make neat, smart, or trim; "Spruce up your house for Spring"; "titivate the child" your home, and more. A big round of applause for the winners and a big thank-you to all who voted. On the pages that follow, explore and sample the best. Business lunch Sole Proprietor 118 Highland St., Worcester (508) 798-3474 www.thesole.com When freshly cooked food (and the express check) appears on the table only 10 minutes after you order, it's no wonder that the Sole Proprietor is Worcester's prime spot for a workday lunch. The "always in flux" menu thrives on the new but relies on "a collection of things that have sold well" during the restaurant's 29 years in business, says general manager Wayne Peters. And the soul of the Sole? Fresh seafood, of course, delivered five days a week. Casual dinner Boynton Restaurant & Spirits 117 Highland St., Worcester (508) 756-8458 www.boyntonrestaurant.com Run by the John family since 1969 and renovated in 2004, the Boynton has long been a neighborhood icon - as a restaurant, a pizza place (including gluten-free pizza) and a bar. Weekly lunch and dinner specials (as well as one of the largest menus in town) draw loyal customers day after day. With 36 beers on draft, the Boynton remains in touch with its history as one of the first bars in town to get a liquor license Noun 1. liquor license - a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beverages liquor licence license, permit, licence - a legal document giving official permission to do something after the repeal of Prohibition
In 1919, the requisite number of legislatures of the States ratified The 18th Amendment to the Federal Constitution, enabling national Prohibition within one year of . Romantic dinner - tie VIA Italian Table 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 754-4842 www.viaitaliantable.com Rovezzi's Ristorante 108 Grove St., Worcester (508) 753-4511 2 School St., Sturbridge (508) 347-0100 www.rovezzis.com Sports bar Brew City Grill and Brew House 104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 752-3862 www.brew-city.com Televisions flicker into the late innings of the Sox game as customers order pulled pork Pulled pork is a form of barbecue. Pulled pork is served in many areas of the world and its presentation varies within the United States.[1] Preparation In Eastern North Carolina, this barbecue is traditionally made from a whole hog. sandwiches (smoked in-house) and choose from among 35 beers on draft or more than 100 bottled. Brew City offers casual fare like smoked chicken baked macaroni macaroni: see pasta. to families, college students and sports fans of all ages. Its extensive beer selection gives special attention to small craft breweries, including four of the seven original Trappist monasteries still brewing their own beer. Overall bar Boynton Restaurant & Spirits 117 Highland St., Worcester (508) 756-8458 www.boyntonrestaurant.com Place to meet/be seen 111 Chop House 111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 799-4111 www.111chophouse chop·house n. A restaurant that specializes in serving steaks and chops of meat. Noun 1. chophouse - a restaurant that specializes in steaks steakhouse .com Outdoor seating VIA Italian Table 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 754-4842 www.viaitaliantable.com Coffeehouse Bean Counter bean counter n. Slang A person, such as an accountant or financial officer, who is concerned with quantification, especially to the exclusion of other matters: Coffee Bar & Bakery 113 Highland St., Worcester (508) 754-3125 288 Boston Turnpike turnpike, road paid for partly or wholly by fees collected from travelers at tollgates. It derives its name from the hinged bar that prevented passage through such a gate until the toll was paid. See also road. , Shrewsbury (508) 754-0505 Since Alice Lombardi bought the Bean Counter seven years ago, she has been in pursuit of "a great shot of espresso," or what she refers to as "the God shot." To find it, she has traveled the country to test coffees and buy beans from micro-roasters. The Bean Counter's fresh-roasted coffee drinks are best accompanied by its beyond-delicious pastries, cakes and cookies, made on the premises. Breakfast Gold Star Restaurant 68 West Boylston Drive, Worcester (508) 852-7900 The booths are full and the bacon sizzles no matter what time you visit the award-winning Gold Star, where you can order breakfast from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (7 a.m. on Sundays). Spiro Manolatos, who has owned the diner diner, restaurant resembling the railroad dining car that is its source. In the mid-19th cent., the first dining cars that appeared on trains were nothing more than an empty car with a fastened-down table. George M. for 16 years, prides himself on serving fresh, homemade food. A handwritten hand·write tr.v. hand·wrote , hand·writ·ten , hand·writ·ing, hand·writes To write by hand. [Back-formation from handwritten.] Adj. 1. sign on the plate glass window advertises the most popular order - corned beef hash Noun 1. corned beef hash - hash made with corned beef hash - chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned for $4.15 - and customers line up for eggs, pancakes and French toast. Brunch Maxwell Silverman's Toolhouse Restaurant 25 Union St., Worcester (508) 755-1200 www.maxwellmaxine.com New restaurant Mezcal Tequila tequila Distilled liquor, usually clear in colour and unaged, made from the fermented juice of the Mexican agave plant. (See agave family.) It contains 40–50% alcohol. Cantina can·ti·na n. Southwestern U.S. A bar that serves liquor. [Spanish, canteen, from Italian, wine cellar.] 166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 926-8308 www.mezcalcantina.com Mezcal serves traditional Mexican plates as well as creative Southwestern regional specialties. Mike Covino, of Niche Hospitality Group (Block 5 Bistro and Bocado Tapas tapas Ascetic practice carried out to achieve spiritual power or purification. In Hinduism, it is associated with Yoga as a way of purifying the body in preparation for the more exacting spiritual exercises leading to liberation. Bar), said he and his partners "wanted to provide a full-service, privately owned Southwestern restaurant and take it to the next level." From made-to-order guacamole to an extensive tequila menu, Mezcal heralds fresh, bright flavors that bring new spice to Shrewsbury Street. Restaurant overall Block 5 Bistro 139 Green St., Worcester (508) 767-3483 www.block5bistro.com Wedding reception/event site Tower Hill Botanic Garden The Tower Hill Botanic Garden, in Boylston, Massachusetts, USA, is a 132 acre (534,000 m²) botanical garden with spectacular views of Mount Wachusett and the Wachusett Reservoir. 11 French Drive, Boylston (508) 869-6111 www.towerhillbg.org Barbecue Firefly's Bodacious bo·da·cious also bow·da·cious or bar·da·cious Southern & South Midland U.S. adj. 1. Remarkable; prodigious. 2. Audacious; gutsy. adv. 1. Completely; extremely. 2. Bar-B-Que and Beyond 350 East Main St., Marlboro (508) 357-8883 www.fireflysbbq.com Burger - tie Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury (508) 581-9200 www.redrobin.com Ralph's Diner 148 Grove St., Worcester (508) 753-9543 Pizza Corner Grille 806 Pleasant St., Worcester (508) 754-8884 www.cornergrille.com Steak 111 Chop House 111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 799-4111 www.111chophouse.com Seafood Sole Proprietor 118 Highland St., Worcester (508) 798-3474 www.thesole.com Chinese/Asian Nancy Chang 372 Chandler St., Worcester (508) 752-8899 www.nancychang.com Mexican/Southwestern Mezcal Tequila Cantina 166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 926-8308 www.mezcalcantina.com Italian VIA Italian Table 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 754-4842 www.viaitaliantable.com In the year since it opened, VIA has become one of the brightest stars in the Shrewsbury Street galaxy, offering a fresh spin on everyone's favorite Italian dishes These dishes are representative of Italian cuisine. Dishes and recipes Antipasti
n. A group or system of ducts: installed new ductwork in the building. , wooden beams and brick of the original flatiron-style building. Outdoors, the flower-lined patio seats from 80 to 90 for al fresco fresco (frĕs`kō) [Ital.,=fresh], in its pure form the art of painting upon damp, fresh, lime plaster. In Renaissance Italy it was called buon fresco to distinguish it from fresco secco, dining three seasons of the year. Middle Eastern El Basha Restaurant 424 Belmont St., Worcester (508) 797-0884 258 Park Ave., Worcester (508) 795-0222 2 Connector Road, Westboro (508) 366-2455 www.elbasharestaurant.com Fresh, homemade kibbee and grape leaves; chicken port saiid and fatouch: El Basha's Middle Eastern specialties have built a loyal following in Worcester since 1991. In spite of its expansion beyond the original Belmont Street restaurant, the family-run business has "stayed small," says John Sakhat, who now runs El Basha with his brothers, George and Eli. "That's the secret of our success. We stay on top of everything." Sakhat credits a dedicated staff - "they never leave!" - as well as community support for El Basha's ability to provide excellent food at good prices. Dessert On the Rise Baking 1120 Pleasant St., Worcester (508) 752-3809 www.ontherisebaking.com Vegetarian/organic Living Earth 232 Chandler St., Worcester (508) 753-1896 www.lefoods.com Deli/sandwich shop Regatta regatta: see rowing; sailing. A high-end Unix-based pSeries server from IBM. Introduced in late 2001, the model p690 incorporates mainframe class self healing capabilities and partitioning to the pSeries (RS/6000) family for the first time. Deli 28 Lake Ave., Worcester (508) 756-6916 3 Colonial Drive, Westboro (508) 366-8958 www.regatta-deli.com Sushi Baba 309 Park Ave., Worcester (508) 752-8822 Beer selection - tie Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester (508) 752-3862 www.brew-city.com Wine Vine 142B Highland St., Worcester (508) 797-9463 www.winevine.org Wine selection Wine Vine 142B Highland St., Worcester (508) 797-9463 www.winevine.org Sang Chhoeuk and Camille Bouchard-Chhoeuk believe in local business, fair trade companies and giving back to the community. The shop sells local cheeses and teas as well as 50 or more varietals of micro-brews from all over the world. Their wine collection of over 200 varietals - "we have a wine for everybody," says Chhoeuk - draws only from small vineyards, including local New England New England, name applied to the region comprising six states of the NE United States—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The region is thought to have been so named by Capt. wineries. They also offer tastings and wine seminars. Women's Clothing Tush tush canine tooth in a horse. 138 Green St., Worcester (508) 791-8874 Men's Clothing Shack's 403 Main St., Worcester (508) 753-8188 Since Israel Shack started the business in 1928, Shack's has outfitted generations of men and boys. "We keep up-to-date with all the fashions," says Jeff Shack, who has worked in his grandfather's store for 37 years. Catering to customers who range in age from their early 20s to their 70s, Shack's may sell more shirts and ties than suits these days, but everyone knows exactly where to go for high quality men's clothing. And for boys? It's the perfect place for that first pair of dress pants. Specialty Boutique Unique Boutik 123 Highland St., Worcester (508) 791-2900 Jewelry jewelry, personal adornments worn for ornament or utility, to show rank or wealth, or to follow superstitious custom or fashion. The most universal forms of jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring, pin, and earring. Sharfmans Jewelers 19 Glennie St., Worcester (508) 791-2211 www.sharfmansjewelers.com Local market Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace 408 Pleasant St., Worcester (508) 755-0258 www.edhyders.com Ed Hyder jokes that it only took him "32 years to become an overnight sensation." His market carries more than 4,000 products, including Middle Eastern appetizers, salads and soups made daily, 60 different cheeses, 20 kinds of olives, 400 wines and an extensive spice collection. Hyder also cuts and marinates meats. "It's the kind of store where people come to look around, schmooze and talk food," he says. Flowers - tie The Perfect Package 263 Park Ave., Worcester (508) 754-8055 Sprout 118A June St., Worcester (508) 757-5300 www.sprout-flowers.com Art gallery Dzian Gallery 65 Water St., Worcester (508) 831-1106 www.dzian.net Gifts - tie Bhadon Gift Gallery 1075 Pleasant St., Worcester (508) 798-0432 Prints and Potter Gallery 142 Highland St., Worcester (508) 752-2170 www.printsandpotter.com Furniture Rotmans 725 Southbridge St., Worcester (508) 755-5276 www.rotmans.com From designers to college students, shoppers looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. high-end furniture to those on a tight budget, Rotmans offers a broad enough selection to appeal to everyone. Since the business opened in 1964, the Rotman family has been "proud to be active in creating a more vibrant community for all who live here," says Bernie Rotman. With 200,000 square feet of floor space in the heart of College Square, Rotmans is indeed a destination. Park Elm Park Elm Park is also the name of the former ground of the English Association football team Reading F.C.. Coordinates: Elm Park is a place in the London Borough of Havering, East London. It is a suburban development situated 14. Park Avenue between Elm Street and Highland Street A bright summer's day finds kids clambering clam·ber·ing adj. Of or relating to a plant, often one without tendrils, that sprawls or climbs. over the jungle gym and toddlers feeding the ducks at water's edge. Sneaker-clad walkers spend their lunch hour striding around the perimeter; an older couple shares lunch on a sun-dappled bench. Across the arched Iron Bridge designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a bridal party fans out for a photograph. One of the oldest parks in the country, Elm Park hosts open-air concerts and family festivals, and offers an invitation to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city. Museum Worcester Art Museum The Worcester Art Museum, located at 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, is one of the largest art museums in Central Massachusetts. History and Collection Overview 55 Salisbury St., Worcester (508) 799-4406 www.worcesterart.org Festival/special event Big Dipper Big Dipper, familiar configuration of stars visible in the constellation Ursa Major (see Ursa Major and Ursa Minor). Ice Cream Festival Sponsored by Children's Friend www.childrensfriend.org All-you-can-eat ice cream for $5 - and children 12 and younger are free! This mid-summer benefit for Children's Friend features entertainment, a huge raffle, food, children's activities and, of course, ice cream! See how many flavors you can try on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Elm Park (a change from past venues). Golf course Cyprian Keyes Golf Club 284 East Temple St., Boylston (508) 869-9900 www.cypriankeyes.com Movie theater - tie West Boylston Cinema 101 West Boylston St., West Boylston (508) 835-4861 www.westboylstoncinema.com "People like our prices and the atmosphere," says Kevin Broderick, who, with his wife, Carrie, has owned this comfortable five-screen theater since 2003. Seniors and children pay only $3.50, while adult tickets cost $3.50 during the day and $5 at night. There's standard fare and art films and the occasional first-run movie. Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux 70 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Millbury (508) 853-4000 www.nationalamusements.com Reserve a seat in the Director's Hall and show up just in time for the opening credits Opening credits, in a television program, motion picture or videogame, are shown at the beginning of a show and list the most important members of the production. They are usually shown as text superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the to roll. Or arrive early and have a latte while you listen to piano music in the lobby. Food runs the gamut here, from food court offerings to the full menu at the Chatters Bar and Grille. And then there are those 14 movie screens ... Dance club Fusion 109 Water St., Worcester (508) 756-2100 www.fusionworcester.com Since August 2007, this upscale club, with a separate lounge, has added a new ingredient to the Canal District. Owner Rob Arakelian notes that Fusion's "dedicated dance room with killer lights" strikes just the right note with sophisticated patrons from 21 to 50. And on Friday and Saturday nights, when none of the neighborhood clubs charge a cover, customers can start at one place and work their way around Worcester's "up and coming entertainment destination." Fitness center Worcester Fitness 440 Grove St., Worcester (508) 852-8209 At St. Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer St., Worcester (508) 363-7000 www.worcesterfitness.com Outdoor music venue EcoTarium 222 Harrington Way, Worcester (508) 929-2700 www.ecotarium.org Indoor music venue Gilrein's 802 Main St., Worcester (508) 791-2583 www.gilreins.net Jazz and blues fill the air from Thursday through Sunday nights Sunday Night, later named Michelob Presents Night Music, was an NBC late-night television show which aired for two seasons between 1988 and 1990 as a showcase for jazz and eclectic musical artists. at the new Gil-rein's, still Worcester's quintessential quin·tes·sen·tial adj. Of, relating to, or having the nature of a quintessence; being the most typical: "Liszt was the quintessential romantic" Musical Heritage Review. "Home of the Blues." New owners (and blues fans) Mohan and Savita Prashad kept the famous steak sandwich long enjoyed by Gilrein's patrons but otherwise gave the place "a European facelift," as one customer noted. Open since March 2007, the updated Gilrein's draws acts and music lovers from all over New England. Hotel Beechwood 363 Plantation St., Worcester (508) 754-5789 www.beechwoodhotel.com Bed and breakfast Sumner House 5 Church Road, Shrewsbury (508) 845-6446 www.sumnerhouse.com Spa Tu Moda Spa for Beauty and Wellness 574 Pleasant St., Worcester (508) 754-1513 www.tumodaspa.com The mere description of Tu Moda's Relaxation Retreat package brings peace: a private steam shower In addition to acting as a normal shower, a steam shower produces water vapour using a humidifying steam generator. These types of showers are becoming increasingly popular in many countries. , an aromatherapy aromatherapy Therapy using essential oils and water-based colloids extracted from plant materials to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health and balance. Single or combined extracts may be diffused into inhaled air, used in massage oil, or added to bathwater. massage, facial and manicure. These are only a few of the luxurious options at Josue Rosa's day spa A day spa is a business establishment which people visit for personal care treatments such as massages and facials. It is similar to a beauty salon in that it is only visited for the duration of the treatment. , where for almost 20 years he has provided the very latest in beauty and relaxation. Plan your own Great Escape by choosing from among nine different massages, body treatments including hydrotherapy hydrotherapy, use of water in the treatment of illness or injury. Although the medicinal and hygienic value of water was recognized by the early Greeks, hydrotherapy attained its widest use in the 18th and 19th cent. and seaweed seaweed, name commonly used for the multicellular marine algae. Simpler forms, consisting of one cell (e.g., the diatom) or of a few cells, are not generally called seaweeds; these tiny plants help to make up plankton. wraps, and a full range of hair, nail and skin services. Hair salon A hair salon (also called 'Hairdresser' and 'Hair Parlour')is a place where one goes to get their hair cut, as well as styled, highlighted or coloured. There are many different types of hair salons that one can choose to go to. 126 Post Salon Spa 126 June St., Worcester (508) 459-7000 Landscape design Paul Massad Landscaping 411 Cross St., Boylston (508) 842-6599 www.paulmassadlandscaping.com "We bring the job from the design all the way through to the finish work," says Paul Massad of the "design-built" landscape construction company he has owned for 20 years. Concentrating on "higher end Coordinates: For other places with the same name, see Billinge. Higher End or Billinge Higher End is a district of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, in Greater Manchester, England. residential landscaping," he creates outdoor living and pool spaces enhanced by plantings, stonework stonework, term applied to various types of work—that of the lapidary who shapes, cuts, and polishes gemstones or engraves them for seals and ornaments; of the jeweler or artisan who mounts or encrusts them in gold, silver, or other metal; of the stonemason who and accessories such as fire pits. "We pay a lot of attention to detail," he says, "and we make sure that things look good for four seasons." Catering Pepper's 43 Hudson St., Northboro (508) 393-6844 www.pepperscatering.com For 21 years, John and Susan Lawrence (Arabella) Susan Lawrence (12 August 1871 – 25 October 1947) was a British Labour Party politician, one of the first female Labour MPs. Lawrence was the daughter of Nathaniel Lawrence, a wealthy solicitor, and Laura Bacon. have insisted upon bringing only fresh, local foods to their business, which specializes in catering for larger, upscale private and corporate functions. Pepper's embraces the "new American cuisine New American cuisine a term for upscale, contemporary cooking served primarily in restaurants in the United States. Combining flavors from America's melting pot with traditional techniques, New American cuisine includes ethnic twists on old standbys, Old World peasant dishes made ," offering healthy as well as natural and locally grown food in every category from hors d'oeuvres to desserts. Kitchen design Kitchens by Design 65 Central Street, West Boylston (508) 835-6300 www.kitchensbydesign.com Interior design Porro's at the Square 1098 Pleasant St. Worcester (508) 754-7692 Photography studio Erb Photography 380 Bridle Path, Worcester (508) 421-3912 www.erbphoto.com Pet grooming Petco 87 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury (508) 831-1116 www.petco.com ART: PHOTOS PHOTOG pho·tog n. Informal A person who takes photographs, especially as a profession; a photographer. : Photography by Tom Rettig, Mark C. Ide and Paul Kapteyn |
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