woostalicious's Profile
Oceanaire San Diego trip report
Ate at Oceanaire tonight. It was lovely. I got (description from the menu) the “KID DYNAMITE” BLUE CRAB CRUSTED MEXICAN MAHI MAHI Sake and Soy Poached Bok Choy with Screaming Rooster Sauce and hubby got PAN ROASTED BAJA BLACK GROUPER Pan Fried Goat Cheese Grit Cake with Fig Jam and Toasted Walnut Oil. The mahi mahi was spicy, but not overly so, with seasame oil flavor, and a good amount of crab on top of the fish. A light cream sauce binding it all together but not overly heavy or gluey. The fish was very fresh for both myself and my husband. My husband's dish tasted great in terms of flavors, but the grouper seems to have been a weird cut where he actually had to get a steak knife to cut it well. He said it tasted excellent but it was tough. He mentioned this to the waiter and the waiter was nice; he took it to the kitchen and they offered us a complimentary dessert. They may have done more but honestly, it still tasted so good, my husband ate it all despite the texture. We finished the night with baked alaska. The crust was blah, and the meringue was mediocre, but the ice cream in the middle was great; black cherry ice cream with big pieces of cherries in it. I would certainly recommend this restaurant again. It's 1 block from the convention centre. My husband is in sales and does a lot of conventions, and he will be taking customers here in the future. It's good food with things for foodies, but also conventional dishes for the conservative eater. Fairly high end without being ridiculous. Nice atmosphere and immaculately clean bathrooms. 4.5 stars!
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Oceanaire Seafood Room - San Diego
400 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Ethnic-Fusion Cambridge Eats?
Wow, Baraka sounds really cool! What is b'stilla? The 36 hours in advance piece intrigues me...
Ethnic-Fusion Cambridge Eats?
Hi there-
Any suggestions for funky, different, really tasty restaurants? We wanted to go to Oleana, which we love, next weekend, but they're all booked. We've tried Elephant Walk too which is yummy, but I'm wondering if there is something different that we haven't tried. Can anyone suggest restaurants along those lines- not super fancy, but very high quality food with unusual entrees? Thanks in advance.
New high end beer bar in Worcester, MA
Ooh, I've never heard of the Dirty Truth. I will have to try it next time I'm out that way. Have you tried the People's Pint? That is my favorite spot for out West.
New high end beer bar in Worcester, MA
Sorry, I just saw this reply and I wanted to address it. We asked the waitress what the policy was when we were there and she said it was state law, which was blatantly wrong. Then my husband called the following day and asked to speak with the manager, who had no cogent argument for how 5 years old was decided upon. Your argument above seems to make sense, but then are you saying that if one of the front two tables are open it's fine to have children younger than 5? And I'm not sure why an infant who can sit in a car seat is not free to stay in that car seat; it seems pretty safe to me. I just think that if you want to be kid-free, just be kid free and make no apologies. It was really frustrating getting kicked out whent there must have been 5 little kids running around the place on the afternoon we were there. Honestly, we just felt that we were treated pretty rudely, and that your post above continues the same negative tone. We will continue to go to the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson which has an amazine beer selection and is always very friendly to customers - kids or not.
New high end beer bar in Worcester, MA
Well, we tried to go on 12/26, day after Christmas and were unsuccessful. We arrived at 5 with a group of friends and my 5 month old baby. Apparently the restaurant has a strange policy where children from 0-5 years old are not allowed, but over 5 are. So we got booted. I was really disappointed; my group really loves Belgian beer, and we had been looking forward to trying the place for a while. Obviously I would not bring my baby into a bad atmosphere for her, but it was 5 o'clock and there were many families there, several with kids that I would guess to be between 6-8 years old. I just can't understand what the difference is in having a 5 year old versus a 6 year old at a pub! No one likes a crying baby, but my baby was completely happy and quiet, and if she had cried, I would have taken her out to soothe her and left if she didn't stop, so that wasn't the issue. Also, the waitress claimed this was a state law and said they could lose their liquor license with the baby in there. That turned out to be a flat-out lie, which the owner admitted when we called them later that week to ask about the incident. My husband spoke to one of the owners about the policy, and it seems like they hadn't really thought it out carefully. They seemed to be concerned about seats and kids taking up space that other adults needed (it's a pretty small bar), but then I can't understand why they make the 5 year old distinction. I would honestly be fine if they just said "no kids" for their restaurant to preserve the pub-like atmosphere, but it makes me upset that they have this bizarre policy with a 5 year old cut off and no good reason behind it. I am hoping they will change this policy in the future so we can patronize this establishment. They definitely lost a lot of business from my group of friends!
More new Worcester restaurants! 2008 openings
I just heard about a new place called Armsby Abbey that is opening. Can't wait to try it. Here is their website blurb describing the place:
-from www.armsbyabbey.com
"The beer selection will be unparalleled to any establishment in Central Mass; featuring 22 Rotating Craft Draughts
(6 dedicated to Belgian), 1 Cask, Over 120 Unusual Bottles (70+ of which will be Belgian), and will include some of the rarest beers on the planet.
As with our beer selection, the ARMSBY ABBEY menu will change often, especially with the seasons. While we aim to utilize locally grown produce and livestock from farms across New England whenever possible, if it is not an option for whatever reason, please know we already have purveyors lined up who will supply us with everything we need from farms across the country, and Europe, supporting sustainable agriculture.
Our Farmhouse style menu will feature SLOW food; some of the items you can look forward to ordering include: an array of farmstead cheeses from New England and beyond; artisan baked breads, farm fresh salads, small plates, sandwiches, and hearth baked rustic pizzas."
More new Worcester restaurants! 2008 openings
Are you sure that group doesn't own 86 Winter? B/C 86 Winter used to be located where Bocado is, and then it moved down the street; I thought it was a business decision within that group of owners to highlight Bocado, but maybe I'm wrong. I am just guessing; not informed by any facts. :-)
Thanks for the update on Mezcal. I've actually never been to Block 5 because of all the mixed reviews that I hear on Chowhound and it sounds like Mezcal is the same way. Some good points but not enough to justify the price or to make you want to go back. That is sort of the way I feel about Via. That place is always packed and I think the food is average at best, the service is bad, and that it's just not worth the hassle going there.
Have you been to Morocco? It might be hard for a restaurant like that to survive in a town with Sahara, El Basha, and Shiraz all competing. I'll have to try it soon as I really like Middle Eastern kinds of food.
Whistler for Valentine's Day?
Hi-
I just wanted to update that we ended up going with Araxi. It was... okay. We were only able to get a very early reservation, around 6:00 on V-Day, and it was kind of annoying because the restaurant remained empty for about an hour after that, so it seems strange that we couldn't get something later. The waiter was positively annoying, literally asking us 5 times if we had decided on what we wanted before we ordered. Listen, I know it's Valentine's day and you have to move people through the restaurant, but really, for the prices they were charging I expect to be able to relax, talk, and eat at my own pace.
Despite the awful waiter, the food was very, very good. The prices were very high, but it was worth it. It was our only night out alone on a family vacation, so in my mind every penny was well spent. We started with some pate which was quite delicious, and a good portion size. Then I had lamb tenderloin which came with a really nice sauce and assorted root vegetables (little carrots, parsnip puree, some other things). It was very well done, and again, a good size portion. My husband had some black cod, which he really enjoyed. We had baked alaska for dessert, which was a little disappointing; it was covered with Grand Marnier, which they are supposed to set aflame so the alcohol taste burns off, but I think maybe they didn't let the flame burn much at all because it tasted very boozy. So, all in all, it was a good night for a place which is kind of a tourist trap. It's not really authentic anything, but if you have $ to spend and want some good food and you can ignore the service, it's a good choice in a land of limited choices.
Lunch in Worcester
I second the One Love idea if you're not in the hot dog mood. A Jamaican lady cooks your food to order - it's a tiny little spot in a really bad neighborhood, but the restaurant itself is like its own little world when you go inside. BYOB, or if you forget run next door to the liquor store to buy a beer.
More new Worcester restaurants! 2008 openings
After the great debates on the last post on new restaurants in Worcester (http://www.chowhound.com/topics/358099#2164625) I thought I'd start a new 2008 post for restaurants that have opened this year.
So far, I've seen 2 new ones on Shrewsbury Street:
Mezcal (Mexican) which I hear might be owned by the same people as Bocado and 96 Winter.
Morocco? which has moved into the restaurant where Anthony's used to be.
I haven't been to either yet. Please let me know if anyone has gone what they think, and also if there are other restaurants that are new to the Worcester area in 2008.
Why does no one eat at Dante's in Worcester?
I was at Dante's last night, an Italian restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. I hadn't been there for about a year and was meeting some friends there for dinner. The place was EMPTY on a Saturday night. When I say empty, I mean there was only one other table seated other than us, and this is at 7:30 on a Saturday. But my question is- why does nobody go there? The food is really good. From the outside, the place looks shabby; a converted mutli-family house across from the Picadilly Pub. But it's quite nice inside and the food, in my opinion, is much better Italian than Via, the over-hyped place on the other end of Shrewsbury St. It seems like a perfect date place, so I'm just puzzled why it is dead. Have people had bad experiences? Let me know.
By the way - all the food was good last night. I ordered lamb, which was done perfectly with nice seasonings. My husband had filet mignon. Friends had salmon with strawberries (never heard of that combo before, and am not a salmon person myself, but friend seemed to like it a lot), and other friend had pasta special with sausage, shrimp, and scallops in a vodka sauce. I would recommend and definitely go again. But please help me solve this mystery. I like all the Italian restaurants on Shrewsbury and hope they all stay open to keep this restaurant area alive!
Whistler for Valentine's Day?
No preference really. Some place with interesting food and a good atmosphere. I'm not a fan of incredibly trendy-high attitude places, but if their food is very good I'll deal with the attitude. Also, I'm pregnant, so sushi is probably not going to be a good idea, or any place whose main draw is their wine selection. I'm thinking good food, romantic atmosphere. It will be my last chance for a romantic night out alone with my husband probably for a long time, so I want to make it good! :-)
Whistler for Valentine's Day?
Hi-
I'm going to be skiing at Whistler for Valentine's day, and I'm wondering if I could get some recommendations for nice places to go for a romantic dinner. I've never been to Whistler before, so I have no knowledge of what is there at all (other than a big mountain). :-)
Thanks!
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
Have you tried Dante's on Shrewsbury St? After Anthony's closing, I think it's the best Italian left on that street. It's weird- it's in the bottom of a multi-family house and looks kind of shabby from the outside, but it's actually quite nice inside and the food is very good Italian, and reasonable prices.
Is there ANYTHING good near UConn?
Thanks, dugbee. That sounds like it might do the trick. I'll check it out.
Is there ANYTHING good near UConn?
I'm planning on visiting my younger sister in September during her freshman year at UConn, and I'd like to take her out to dinner. Nothing incredibly fancy, but something nicer than the fast food junk they have on campus. Is there anything in that area? It kind of seems like it's in the middle of nowhere. I'm from MA, so I am not familiar with CT at all.
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
Wow, this thread has turned into such a great resource for Worcesterites to find a good place to eat.
I have some more restaurants in Worcester that I'd love to hear people's opinions on:
-Castellana's
-Bamboo Hut (don't think this is new, but I've been hearing some good things lately)
-Tribeca (this was posted in my original post, but there doesn't seem to be too much of an opinion so far)
-Baba
I have to agree with the poor reviews of Via and Pearl Oyster. I expected a lot out of both places and got awful service and disappointing food. The seafood at Pearl Oyster did not taste all that fresh. And at both places, the bill was much higher than the experience justified.
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
I have to disagree. I've only lived in Worcester for 3 years now, being formerly a Bostonian, and it seems to have gotten progressively better during that time (or maybe my standards are just getting lower!! LOL!) With all the new restaurants (at least 5 good ones this year alone), it seems to be on the upswing to me.
northampton/amherst ma area good food/beer but ok with children
I would definitely second the People's Pint. Good food, home brewed beer. Children wouldn't be a problem.
eating ethnic in Worcester ?
I'd add Sahara to this list. It's middle eastern food (similar to Shiraz & El Basha) but I think the food is better quality, and the atmosphere is much nicer. The waitstaff is quite slow, but that can be good for a romantic night out.
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
One more thing, and I'll stop posting, I promise.
I noticed that 86 Winter St. has reopened. It used to be where Bocado is located (appropriately, @86 Winter St.), but has now reopened around the corner. This is exciting- 86 Winter had really good upper-mid range American fusion type cuisine. I was really sad to see it close, and it's good to know that it was just moving into a new space.
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
Also, on my way to Bocado, I saw a sign for what seems to be a new restaurant right around the corner, the Cellar. Anyone have info on that one? So many restaurants, so little time!!
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
I was just able to visit Bocacado last night, and I had a similarly good experience. It was just two of us, and four tapas and a soup filled us up (and we are good eaters). We had the gazpacho, which was very fresh and tasty, and healthy as well, which is always nice. Fried goat cheese with honey and almonds (cancelled out the healthiness) was tasty, but the frying did kind of make it hard to cut into without it oozing everywhere. We also had: berenja asado (roasted eggplant, tomato, oil, garlic, and capers), piquillo rellenos (piquillo pepper stuffed with taso ham, garbanzo beans, & goat cheese with grilled onion crema), wild boar sausage with cranberry relish on mashed potatoes (okay, doesn't seem quite Spanish with cranberries and mashed). All of this was very good, and there were many more things on the menu that I would have liked to try on future visits. The best part was the wine list. It was almost all Temperanillo, and while my husband and I are very into wine, we are not familiar with this variety. But the waitress was quite helpful, and recommended some excellent ones. Their format is great- they allow you to choose whether you want a 2oz (taste), 6oz(glass), carafe (?oz), or a bottle. So any wine on the menu is available by glass or for tasting, which is different from many restaurants that have a limited wine by the glass menu. I had one that was so good, I am copying it from the menu here, for other Hounds to look for: 1996 Faustino I Gran Riserva (Temp/Mazuelo/Graciano),
Rioja. The fact that they are pouring a '96 wine by the glass blows me away. I love that. And at $12 a glass or $6 per taste, you can try it without committing to an expensive bottle. All in all, our bill came to about $75- and that included 6 "tasting size" wines and 1 glass of the wine noted above. Not bad at all.
The atmosphere was noisy- a good place to see and be seen, which is a rare feat in Worcester. Looking around, I thought, who knew that Worcester had all these funky young people? It was really refreshing, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will do well.
Clio Chef's Tasting Menu Report
It took about 3 hours to do it all. They rushed it a bit at first, but it slowed down as the meal went on.
Clio Chef's Tasting Menu Report
Visited Clio last weekend for a milestone birthday celebration and everyone tried the "Chef's Tasting Menu." It was so amazing, I have to give a full report of the experience for other hounds. The dinner was an unbelievable 15 courses, each a tiny little bite-size portion. They won't tell you what is on the menu in advance; the chef apparently creates a new menu every night, so it is always changing, apparently even during a single night. For those with an open mind about food who really want an amazing experince, I would definitely recommend it. I've never had anything like this, and it was really an event to remember. Here is a summary of our courses, as far as we could remember/ describe. I'm not sure what some of these ingredients are, but they are what the waitress described.
1. Home made sodas: rosewater, saffron, and annisette flavors. Accompanied by what they called "pop corn," which seemed to be little carmelized cones filled with cheese popcorn bits (as if it were run through a food processor), and carmelized pumpkin oil drops.
2. Tomato water with basil oil and a caper bud, served in a martini glass. Accompanied by a tomato popsicle.
3. "Sea bream" sashimi with mustard seed and sea grapes
4. Scallop sashimi with tomato water and caviar, served in scallop shells
5. Pickled mackrel with "fin spice" and mung beans
6. Himachi tuna tartare with roasted sesame on seaweed
7. "Two hour poached egg" (poached for 2 hours) with mushrooms, croutons, serrano ham foam, mint, dill, and basil
8. Beet salad with blood orange and hibiscus
9. Black cod seared with miso glaze on soy beans and cilantro
10. Foie gras with bee pollen and raspberry compote
11. Veal sweetbreads with star anise, radish, and jalapeno peppers on a pear sauce
12. Pork tenderloin with fig sauce, parsnip, and cooked rhubarb greens
13. Cheese, a different type for each person: goat cheese, blue cheese, and possibly manchego (didn't exactly catch what the third type was).
14. Pineapple "cloud" with sesame oil, accompanied by wasabe sorbet with puffed rice and candied meyer lemon
15. Cucumber sorbet on chocolate "dirt" with chocolate mousse.
Amazingly enough, the portions were small enough that we could eat all of this and be full, but not uncomfortably so by the end of the evening. We also selected the option of having each course paired with a different wine. It was really interesting- they chose almost exclusively white wines since there was so much seafood on the menu. We normally are not big white wine drinkers, so this was a little disappointing, but on the other hand it was nice because we were introduced to some really interesting and tasty white wines. Our recollection of the wines we had were not as good as the food, so we can't describe the vineyard, year, etc., but here is as much as we can remember that we were served: Champagne (brut), New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Grune Veltlinger, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Lilly Pilly, Eden Hill Chardonnay, Sake, Sauternes, Gerwurtztraminer, Liona Sangiovese/ Cabernet blend, Grenache (red dessert wine). We asked in the middle of the meal if they were going to do any reds, and they said they could modify their wine pairings for us if we didn't like white, but in the end we decided to trust their expertise and it ended up being quite good.
This was such a fabulous experience, I can't say enough good things about it. It's expensive, but it's an event to remember.
Any reviews of the new restaurants in Worcester?
Just wanted to report that I ate briefly at Coral Seafoods- big disappointment. The restaurant itself is gorgeous- it is decorated with custom lights that reflect different sea animals- modern fish sconces, sea urchin bar lights, and gigantic jellyfish-shaped chandeliers that change color (it sounds cheesy, but they pull it off in a contemporary look kind of way). Anyway, we didn't have a full dinner, just appetizers, but I'm glad we didn't have more. Clam chowder seemed to have no clams and be a paste-like substance. I had crab cakes which were very full of breading and lacking big crab chunks. My husband got oysters rockefeller, and they just seemed a little off. Maybe dinner is better than the first courses, but in my mind, any seafood restaurant that can't make a good clam chowder has a serious problem. I know some people on this board slam the Sole Proprietor, but I'll be happily returning there next time I want seafood.
Picturesque New England town with a great restaurant?
What an interesting discussion! The Green Emporium is a restaurant housed in an old church in Colrain, MA (western MA, Berkshire region). http://www.greenemporium.com
My husband and I got married in a nearby town, Charlemont, and this was one of the places we were considering for our rehearsal dinner. Everyone raves about the food, and I think the idea of converting a church to a restaurant is really cool.
111 Chop House, Woostah - Good? Better? Best?
I've been there once and thought it was good, not great. Everything was tasty, but nothing really knocked my socks off. I think that if you want to stay in the Worcester area it's a good place to go, but if you're willing to go into Boston for your birthday dinner, you could find something more special. Have you been to Willy's Steakhouse in Shrewsbury? It's actually a combination sushi/ steakhouse place, and I find it to be just as good, if not better than 111 Chophouse, with a nice atmosphere and not as much attitude. http://www.willyssteakhouse.com
