slides: Where to Dine for Worcester’s Restaurant Week 2014: Winter Edition

Friday, February 28, 2014
Nicholas Handy, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

More than 40 locally-owned restaurants in Central Massachusetts have signed on to be a part of Worcester Restaurant Week, an event that will begin this upcoming Monday February 24th and continuing through Saturday March 8th.

Worcester Restaurant Week offers customers an opportunity to eat a three-course meal at a wide variety of restaurants, all at the low price of $23.14, a price that reflects the current year in its cent value. In addition to these specially designed three-course menus – all of which have multiple options to choose from – some restaurants are also running special lunch menus and wine lists which will also be specially priced for the 13-day event.

Check out the slideshow below for a list of the participating restaurants and their Worcester Restaurant Week menus.

“We started [Worcester Restaurant Week] when the economy was suffering to give a better value to customers. The first year, we ran the event in the summer; it was so well received that restaurants asked if we could hold it twice a year,” said Paul Giorgio, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™ and president of Pagio Inc., who manages the event. “Restaurants are busy around Valentine’s Day and then they hit a slow period until March. We try to give restaurants a boost for that period. It’s also a big value for customers.”

In addition to the specially designed and discounted menus, Worcester Restaurant Week will also be raffling off gift cards from some of the participating restaurants at the end of the week through an email signup on their website.

A Restaurant’s Perspective

Among the ranks of the 42 restaurants participating in this edition of Worcester Restaurant Week there is a mix of experience levels in regards to event participation. While some restaurants have been linked to Worcester Restaurant Week since its inception five years ago, others are participating for the first time this year and are excited about the possibilities that the event can bring to their restaurant.

“We are really excited; I really like the idea,” said Frank Parnarelli, owner of Lakeside Bar and Grille in Shrewsbury. “This is new for us but we think it will be a good opportunity to bring in some new customers as well as offer something new to our faithful customers. We are trying a few new things on our menu; if they work out well, we might add them to our menu permanently.”

Because of the great exposure that Worcester Restaurant Week brings to restaurants every year, many who participate in the week-plus long event continue to stick around after their first year. Mezcal Cantina, Bocado Tapas Bar and The People’s Kitchen, all owned by Niche Hospitality Group, are three restaurants who have continued to partner with the event, sticking with Worcester Restaurant Week since its start five years ago.

“We think this is a great event because it helps to introduce our concept to customers, which is southwestern Mexican using fresh and local ingredients,” said Andrew Puori, the dining room manager of Mezcal Cantina. “We are sticking with a similar menu that we have used the past because it has been very successful. We are also excited to get some exposure because we recently moved from Shrewsbury St. to Major Taylor Blvd. in downtown Worcester.”

With the restaurants covering a wide array of food options there is sure to be a worthy option for all residents of Central Massachusetts.

  • 111 Chop House

    111 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.111chophouse.com/

    Appetizers:

    Tomato Bisque

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    Ginger Soy Seared Sirloin

     

    First Course:

    Mixed Greens Salad

    Apple + Arugula Salad

     

    Entrée:

    Surf + Turf Grill

    North Atlantic Salmon Fillet

     

    $26.14 Option:

    12 oz. New York Strip

    12 oz. Rib Eye

     

  • A.J.Tomaiolo’s Restaurant

    411 West Main St. – Northborough

    http://www.ajtomaiolo.com/

    Appetizer:

    Homemade Soup of the Day

    Caesar Salad

    Arugula Salad

     

    Entree:

    Shrimp + Chicken Romano

    Grilled Tuna

    A.J.’s Combo

     

    Dessert:

    Spumoni Ice Cream

    Apple Bread Pudding

     

  • Amici Trattoria

    582 Main St. – Shrewsbury

    http://www.amicitrattoria.com/

    Primo:

    Pasta Fagioli

    Zuppa del Giorno

    Insalate di Casa

    Caesar Salad

    Amici’s Wild Arugula Salad

    Arancini

     

    Secondo:

    Melanzane Ripiene

    Tortellini Quattro Formaggi al Forno

    Mollusco Provencale

    Pollo alla Parmigiano

    Due Salsicce alla Cacciatora

     

    Dolce:

    Cannoli con Ricotta Dolce

     

    Affirnare Mela Croccante e Pomemgranite Budino di Pane

     

  • Armsby Abbey

    144 North Main St. – Worcester

    http://armsbyabbey.com/

    Course One:

    Confit Fennel, Roasted Beet Puree, Pistachio, Yogurt Espuma, Honey, Orange Zest

    OR

    Crispy Pigs Foot Croqueta, Sweet Onion Soubise, Pickled Vegetables + Salsa Verde

     

    Course Two:

    Roasted Winter Roots, Harrissa, Buttermilk, Potato Pulp, Soft Poached Egg

    OR

    Handmade Papardelle Pasta, Beef Heart + Pork Jowl Ragu, Parmesan + Olive Oil Breadcrumbs

     

    Course Three:

     

    Torrija made with Honey Oat Bread Soaked in Spiced Cream then fried, served with Brown Butter Ice Cream and Caramelized Honey

     

  • Bocado Tapas Wine Bar

    82 Winter St. – Worcester

    http://www.bocadotapasbar.com/

    Experience for One:

    Choice of Cheese or Charcuterie Meats

    Choice of Small Paella (Classic, Meat, Seafood, Vegetable)

     

    Experience for Two:

    Choice of One Cheese + One Charcuterie Meat

    Choice of Three Tapas from a Select List

     Paella for Two (Classic, Meat, Seafood, Vegetable)

    Churros

     

    Experience for Four:

    Choice of Two Cheeses + Two Charcuterie Meats

    Choice of Six Tapas from Select List

    Paella for Two (Classic, Meat, Seafood, Vegetable)

    Churros + White Chocolate-Raspberry Bread Pudding

     

    Experience for Parties of Six or More:

    Choose Two Cheeses + Two Charcuterie Meats

    Choice of Six Tapas from a Select List (Served Grande Style)

    Bocado Signature Paella (Classic, Meat, Seafood, Vegetable)

    Churros + White Chocolate-Raspberry Bread Pudding

     

    Wine Specials - $23.14 per bottle

    White – Izadi Blanco (Viura), 2007 Rioja

    Red – Cruz de Alba Crianza (Tempranillo), 2007 Ribera del Duero

     

  • Brew City

    104 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.brew-city.com/

    Appetizer:

    Pesto Cream Mussels

    Spicy West African Peanut Soup

    Cranberry Goat Cheese Salad

     

    Entrée:

    Osso Buco

    Chimichurri Steak Fries

    Blackened Chicken Mac n’ Cheese

    Teriaki Salmon Burger with Asian Slaw

    Valencia Blue Moon Roasted Half Chicken with Spinach + Roasted Red Bliss

     

    Dessert:

    “Beeramisu”

     

    Banana Fosters Fried Cheesecake

     

  • Caffe Espresso Trattoria

    395 Chandler St. – Worcester

    http://www.ctrattoria.com/

     

    Appetizer, Soup, or Salad:

    Lobster Arancini

    Winter Salad

    Inziminio di Calamari

     

    Entrees:

    Haddock Alforno

    Veal de Nord

    Tortellini Bolognese

    Chicken + Eggplant Parmigiana

    Vegetarian Pasta Regina

     

    Dessert:

    Zuppa Inglesia

    Cannoli

     

  • Canal Restaurant + Bar

    65 Water St. – Worcester

    http://thecanalrestaurant.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • Castle Restaurant

    1230 Main St. -- Leicester

    http://www.castlerestaurant.com/

    Appetizer:

    New England Clam Chowder

    Seasonal Coup

    Seasonal Salad of Field Greens, Diced Macintosh Apples, Housemade Raisins and a Balsamic Syrup

     

    Entrée:

    A Long Lined Haddock Fillet

    Potato Gnocchi

    Pork Medallions

    Breast of Chicken

     

    Dessert:

    Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

    Fresh White Peach and Scotch Sautee

     

    Belgium Milk Chocolate Mousse

     

  • Ceres Bistro

    363 Plantation St. – Worcester

    https://www.ceresbistro.com/

    LUNCH MENU:

     

    Appetizers:

    Native Lettuce + Farmstand Salad

    Beef + Barley Stew

     

    Entrée:

    Grilled Chicken Breast

    Pan Seared Tilapia Picatta

    Turkey Bacon Sandwich

     

    Dessert:

    New York Style Cheesecake

    Amaretto Strip Cake

     

    DINNER MENU:

     

    Appetizers:

    Native Lettuce + Farmstand Salad

    Beef + Barley Stew

     

    Entrees:

    Soy Ginger Marinated Flank Steak

    Pan Seared Tilapia Picatta

    Mushroom + Fettuccini

     

    Dessert:

    New York Style Cheesecake

    Amaretto Strip Cake

     

  • Coral Seafood

    225 Shrewsbury St. Suite A – Worcester

    http://coralseafood.com/

    Appetizers:

    Shrimp Cocktail

    Ahi Tuna Tartar

    Duo Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell

    Steamed Mussels in a Wine Garlic Sauce

    Cup of Soup

     

    Entrée:

    Salmon in a Bag

    Stuffed Sole

    Grilled Trio

    Chicken or Shrimp Pesto

    Grilled Fillet Mignon

    Asian Tuna

     

    Dessert:

    Seasonal Fresh Fruits

    Grapenut Custard

    Chocolate Mousse Cake

    Warm Apple Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

     

  • Draught House Bar + Grill

    42 West Boylston St. - West Boylston

    http://www.thedraughthouse.com/

    Appetizer:

    Deep Fried Crab Rangoons

    Thai Chicken Spring Rolls

    Spinach Salad

     

    Entrée:

    Mediterranean Chicken

    Cajun Delmonico Steak

    Swordfish Scampi

     

    Dessert:

    Tiramisu

    Strawberry Cheesecake

     

    Carrot Cake

     

  • El Basha

    256 Park Ave. + 424 Belmont St. – Worcester

    http://www.elbasharestaurant.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • EVO Dining

    234 Chandler St. – Worcester

    http://www.evodining.com/

    Appetizers:

    Whole Roasted Garlic Bulb

    Mexican Crab Salad

    Black and Tan Onion Rings

     

    Entrée:

    Parmigiano

    Grilled Pork Chop

    Surf n Turf

    Vegan Alfredo Mac n Cheese

     

    Dessert:

    Scoop of Ice Cream

    Flourless Chocolate Torte

    Spanish Coffee

     

  • Flying Rhino

    278 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.flyingrhinocafe.com/

    Appetizer:

    Petite House or Caesar Salad

    Arancini (Cheese Rice Balls) with Marinara

    Crab Rangoons with Sweet Chili Sauce

    Buffalo Chicken Wontons with Buttermilk Dip

     

    Entrée:

    Steak Tips Au Poivre

    Grilled Pork Kebabs

    Rigatone Rose

    Almond Crusted Basa

    Rhino Chicken Scampi

     

    Dessert:

    Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding

    White Chocolate Croissant a la Mode

     

    Fresh Apple Slices with a Caramel Dip

     

  • Funky Murphy’s

    305 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    (Photo courtesy of Yelp user David G.)

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • Il Forno

    65 West Boylston St. – West Boylston

    http://www.il-forno.com/indexs.php

    First Course:

    Caesar Salad

    Strawberry Salad

    House Tossed Salad

    Cup of Homemade Soup

     

    Second Course:

    Seafood Melody

    Grilled 8oz. Filet Mignon

    Beef Burgandy

    Salmon Almondine

    Little Taste of Il Forno

    Parmesan Encrusted Swordfish

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Francese Style

    Lobster Macaroni + Cheese

    Fisherman’s Platter

     

    Third Course:

    New York Cheesecake with Strawberries

    Two Mini Cannolis

     

  • Joey’s Bar + Grill

    344 Chandler St. – Worcester

    http://www.joeysbarandgrill.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • La Scala

    183 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://lascalashrewsburystreet.com/

    Appetizer:

    Soup of the Day

    Arancini Balls of the Day

    Romaine Salad

    Parmesan and Cranberry Salad

     

    Dinner:

    Chicken Gorgonzola

    Haddock Bruschetta

    Spicy Sausage Alfredo

    Cheese Ravioli over a Pomodoro Sauce

     

    Dessert:

    Dessert of the Day

     

  • Lakeside Bar + Grille

    97 Boston Turnpike – Shrewsbury

    http://www.lakesidebar-grille.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • Leo’s Ristorante

    11 Leo Turo Way – Worcester

    http://www.leosristorante.net/

    Appetizers:

    Italian Rangoons

    Stuffed Cherry Peppers

    Stuffed Mushrooms

    Spinach Salad

    Grilled Romaine with Gorgonzola Cheese Chopped Tomatos drizzled with Balsamic Glaze

     

    Entrée:

    Chicken or Veal Saltimbocca

    Chicken Spinazola

    Steak al la Pizzaiola

    Seafood Monte Carlo

    Eggplant Rollatini

     

    Dessert:

    Cannoli

    Spumoni

    Brownie or Chocolate Chip Sundae

     

  • Mare e Monti Trattoria

    19 Wall St. – Worcester

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

    Appetizers:

    Eggplant Rollatini

    Zuppa Mussels

    Pomodoro Gorgonzola

     

    Entrees:

    Shrimp Risotto

    Pollo Maurizio

    Lasagna

     

    Desserts:

    Cannoli

    Tira Misu

     

  • Mexicali Fresh Mex Grill

    700 Main St. – Holden

    http://mexicalisfreshmex.com/

    Appetizers:

    Mexicali Cheese Dip

    Taquito Bites

    Nachos Supreme

     

    Entrees:

    Burrito Verde

    Tacos al Pastor

    Pollo Parilla

    Mexicali Chimichanga

    Southwest Quesedillas

     

    Dessert:

    Dessert Burrito

    Deep Fried Ice Cream

     

  • Mezcal Cantina

    30 Major Taylor Blvd. – Worcester

    http://www.mezcalcantina.com/

    Bocadito:

    Mexican Caesar

    Golden Fried Jalepeno Rice Balls

    Southwestern Kobe Meatballs

    Entrees:

    Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Burrito

    Grilled Mahi Mahi

    Mexican Shrimp + Broccoli Saute

     

    Dessert:

    Cheesecake

    Fried Ice Cream

     

  • The Mill at 185

    185 West Boylston St – West Boylston

    http://themill185.com/

    First Course:

    Choice of Homemade Soup

    House Salad

    Second Course:

    Stuffed Baseball Sirloin

    Seafood Risotto

    Third Course:

    Homemade Cannoli

     

  • Northworks Bar + Grille

    106 Grove St. – Worcester

    http://northworks.com/

    Appetizers:

    Cup of Soup

    Seafood Chowder

    Dinner Salad

     

    Entrees:

    Chicken Marsala

    Baked Stuffed Salmon

    New York Sirlion

     

    Dessert:

    Homemade Apple Crisp

    Chocolate Cake

     

    Includes two dinners.

     

  • Nuovo

    92 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.nuovoworcester.com/ordereze/1000/Page.aspx

    First Course:

    Caesar Salad

    Bruschetta

    Nuovo Appetizer

     

    Second Course:

    Chicken Marsala

    Eggplant Parmesan

    Pan Seared Cajun Tuna

    Beef Pot Roast

     

    Third Course:

    Flowerless Chocolate Cake

    Tiramisu

    New York Cheesecake

     

  • O’Connor’s Restaurant+Bar

    1160 West Boylston St. – Worcester

    http://www.oconnorsrestaurant.com/ 

    Appetizers:

    Winter Mesculin Salad

    Cup of Butternut Bisque or Soup of the Day

    Claire’s Caesar Salad

    Cup of New England Clam Chowder

    Trio of Shrimp Cocktail

    Fresh Garden Salad

    Poached Salmon Martini

     

    Entrees:

    ¾-lb. Grilled Bone-In Pork Chop with Savory Stuffing

    Roasted Cedar Plank Salmon

    Braised Limerick Lamb Shank ‘n Mash

    Grilled Swordfish – Romesco Sauce

    Chicken Soprano

    Broiled Sirloin Steak

    Butternut Squash Ravioli with Asparagus + Crimini Mushrooms

     

    Desserts:

    Red Velvet Truffle filled Iced Cupcake

    Amarena Cheery Gelato Sundae – Hot Fudge Sauce

    Our Famous Irish Bread + Raisin Pudding – Butterscotch Sauce

    Chocolate Cream Puff

    Lemon Sorbert

    Frozen Baliey’s Irish Crème Pie

     

  • Park Grill

    257 Park Ave. – Worcester

    http://www.parkgrillworc.com/

    First Course
     
    Caesar Salad
    Tomato Bruschetta
     
    Second Course
     
    Pollo Inverno
    Spaghetti with Angry Shrimp and Broccoli
    Melanzane Miracoloso
     
     
    Third Course
     
    Salted Caramel Creme Brulee Parfait
     

  • People’s Kitchen

    120 Commercial St. – Worcester

    http://www.1nichexchange.com/the-peoples-kitchen.php

     

    Appetizers:

    Crispy Duck Wontons

    3 Bean Clementine Salad

    Creamy Mushroom + Leek Soup

     

    Entrée:

    Grilled Flat Iron Steak

    Fennel Crusted Atlantic Salmon

    Locally-Made Sweet Potato Gnocchi

     

    Dessert:

    Peanut Butter Pretzel Bread Pudding

    Lemon Sorbet

     

    Wine List:

     

    30 different selection: $23.14 (While Available)

     

  • Peppercorn’s Grille

    455 Park Ave. – Worcester

    http://epeppercorns.com/

    1st Course:

    Lobster Corn Chowder

    French Onion Soup

    All ½ Salads available for extra $2

     

    Entrée:

    Veal Parmesan

    Seafood Lasagna

    Short Ribs

    Roadhouse Mac n’ Cheese

    Sicilian Stuffed Haddock

     

    Dessert:

    Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

     

    NY Cheesecake with Strawberry Glaze

     

  • Piccolo’s

    157 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.piccolos157.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • Ritual

    281 Main St. – Worcester

    http://www.ritualworcester.com/

    Appetizers:

    The Best Onion Soup

    Organic Baby Mixed Green Salad

     

    Entrée:

    Sirloin Steak with Mash Potato and Vegetable Orgy

    Beer Battered Fish and Chips with Broccoli and Slaw

    Chicken Broccoli Dinner

     

    Dessert:

     

    Lava Cake

     

  • Rosalina’s Kitchen

    83 Hamilton St. – Worcester

    http://www.rosalinaskitchen.com/

    Appetizers:

    Ricotta Sformato

    New England Stuffed Clam

    Baked Caprese Ravioli

    Marinated Veggie Salad

     

    Entrée:

    Rosalina’s Handmade 3-Cheese Ravioli

    Signature 4-Parm Avalanche

    Pan Seared Haddock

    Frutti Di Mare

     

    Dessert:

    Peanut Butter + Nutella Filled Fried Toasted Ravioli

     

    Ricotta Cannoli

     

  • The Sole Proprietor

    118 Highland St. – Worcester

    http://www.thesole.com/

    DINNER COURSE

     

    Appetizer:

    Duxelle Cake

    Fried Clam Strip Boat

    Shrimp Maki

     

    First Course:

    House Salad

    Cup of Clam Chowder

    Soup du Jour

     

    Entrée Course:

    Oven Roasted Salmon Fillet

    Grilled Mahi Mahi

     

    $26.14 Option:

    Steamed One Pound Lobster

    Haddock with Lobster Newburg

     

    LUNCH MENU - $14.14 (Mon – Fri 11:30am-4:00pm: Entrée and either an appetizer or a dessert)

     

    First Course:

    House Salad

    Cup of Clam Chowder or Soup de Jour

    Fried Clam Strips

     

    Entrée:

    Caesar Salad

    Salmon Marsala

    North Atlantic Haddock

     

    Dessert:

    Flourless Chocolate Cake

    Apple Brown Betty

     

    Hot Fudge or Strawberry Sundae

     

  • Tatnuck Grille

    638 Chandler St. – Worcester

    http://tatnuckgrille.com/home.aspx

    Appetizers:

    Shrimp Coctail

    Caesar Salad

    House Salad

     

    Entrees:

    Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Baked Scallops

    Honey BBQ Baby Back Ribs

    Surf & Turf

    Pan Seared Herb Marinated Rack of Lamb

    Baked Stuffed Haddock

     

    Desserts:

    Chocolate Volcano Cake

    Cheese Cake with Stawberries

    Lemon Cello Cake

     

  • Thai Time

    107 Highland St. – Worcester

    http://www.thaitimeworcester.com/

    Appetizers:

    Stuffed Angel Wings

    Vegetarian Sampler

    Steamed Mussels

    Spicy Shrimp Salad

     

    Main Course:

    Lobster Padthai

    Bangkok Duck

    Seafood Curry

    Khao Soi

     

    Dessert:

    Ice Cream (Ginger, Coconut)

     

    Mochi Ice Cream (Green Team Mango, Sesame)

     

  • Tweeds Pub Restaurant

    229 Grove St. – Worcester

    http://www.tweedspub.com/

    Option #1:

    Crock of French Onion Soup

    14 oz. New York Sirloin Steak

    Homemade Grapenut Pudding

     

    Option #2:

    Cup of New England Clam Chowder

    Lazy Lobster Pie

    Cheesecake with Strawberries

     

  • Ristorante Via Alto 27

    27 High St. – Clinton

    http://www.ristoranteviaalto27.com/

    Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.

     

  • VIA Italian Table

    89 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester

    http://www.viaitaliantable.com

    Appetizer:

    Tomato + Mozzarella Sticks

    Chicken + Sopressata Skewers

    Saffron Arancini with Honey Aioli

     

    First Course:

    Insalata Mista

    Chicken Orzo Soup

     

    Entrée:

    Grilled North Atlantic Salmon

    Chicken Piccata

    Pappardelle Bolognese

    Braised Pork Shank with Parmesan Polenta

     

    $26.14 Option:

    Sliced Porchetta

     

    THREE COURSE LUNCH - $14.14 a person (Mon-Fri 11:30am-4:00pm: choose one app or dessert with entrée)

     

    Appetizers:

    Saffron Arancini with Honey Aioli

    Truffle Fries with Parmigiano

    Chicken Orzo Soup

     

    Entrée:

    Chicken Caesar Salad, Mozzarella, Provolone, and Tomato Pizza

    Grilled Salmon + Spinach Salad

    Pappardelle Bolognese

     

    Dessert:

    Two Scoops of Homemade Gelato

    Chocolate Torta

     

    Mini Spumoni Canoli

     

  • Volturno

    72 Shrewsbury St. -- Worcester

    http://www.volturnopizza.com/

    First Course:

    Little Gem Salad

    Pancetta Zeppole

    Mushroom Bruschetta

     

    Second Course:

    Linguini Carbonara

    Spaghetti

    Ziti

     

    Third Course:

    Polenta Lasagna

    Eggs in Purgatory

     

    Marinara Pizza

     
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