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.
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111 Chop House
111 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester
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
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A.J.Tomaiolo’s Restaurant
411 West Main St. – Northborough
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
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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
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Armsby Abbey
144 North Main St. – Worcester
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
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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
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Brew City
104 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester
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
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Caffe Espresso Trattoria
395 Chandler St. – Worcester
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
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Canal Restaurant + Bar
65 Water St. – Worcester
http://thecanalrestaurant.com/
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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Ceres Bistro
363 Plantation St. – Worcester
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
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Coral Seafood
225 Shrewsbury St. Suite A – Worcester
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
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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
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El Basha
256 Park Ave. + 424 Belmont St. – Worcester
http://www.elbasharestaurant.com/
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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EVO Dining
234 Chandler St. – Worcester
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
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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
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Funky Murphy’s
305 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester
(Photo courtesy of Yelp user David G.)
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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Joey’s Bar + Grill
344 Chandler St. – Worcester
http://www.joeysbarandgrill.com/
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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Lakeside Bar + Grille
97 Boston Turnpike – Shrewsbury
http://www.lakesidebar-grille.com/
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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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
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Mexicali Fresh Mex Grill
700 Main St. – Holden
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
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Mezcal Cantina
30 Major Taylor Blvd. – Worcester
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
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The Mill at 185
185 West Boylston St – West Boylston
First Course:
Choice of Homemade Soup
House Salad
Second Course:
Stuffed Baseball Sirloin
Seafood Risotto
Third Course:
Homemade Cannoli
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Northworks Bar + Grille
106 Grove St. – Worcester
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.
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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
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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
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Park Grill
257 Park Ave. – Worcester
First CourseCaesar SaladTomato BruschettaSecond CoursePollo InvernoSpaghetti with Angry Shrimp and BroccoliMelanzane MiracolosoThird CourseSalted 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)
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Peppercorn’s Grille
455 Park Ave. – Worcester
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
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Piccolo’s
157 Shrewsbury St. – Worcester
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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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
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The Sole Proprietor
118 Highland St. – Worcester
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
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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
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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)
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Tweeds Pub Restaurant
229 Grove St. – Worcester
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
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Ristorante Via Alto 27
27 High St. – Clinton
http://www.ristoranteviaalto27.com/
Official restaurant week menu has not yet been released.
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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
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Volturno
72 Shrewsbury St. -- Worcester
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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Willy’s Steakhouse+Sushi
2 Grafton St. – Shrewsbury
http://www.willyssteakhouse.com/
Appetizers:
Soup of the Day
Miso Soup
Edamame
Mixed Field Greens Salad
Steakhouse Salad
Caesar Salad
Entrees:
Sushi Combo I – “Crunchy Ko” Special
Sushi Combo II – Tempura Roll + Nigiri Sushi
Vegetarian Conchigle Antipasto
White Truffle Hollandaise Fillet of Salmon
Szechwan Breast of Chicken
Willy’s Pan Seared Sirloin Steak
Dessert:
Death By Chocolate Mousse
Espresso Tartuffo