Watch Out for Lobsters!

The T&G ran this article today, about the illegal theft of diesel covered lobsters on 395.

"On Sunday, workers had to offload the lobsters by hand. Some of the lobsters tried to scurry away and had to be chased, witnesses said. "

Also, I believe the Robert Moscoffian mentioned in the article is this fellow, the reason why there are skid marks coming out of the tunnel onto Main Street, and the creator Summer Nationals!

Crowley's

Having rid my body of my weak liver cells last week on vacation, I have quickly become friends with Crowley's Package Store at Tatnuck Square.

(I think they liked me when I desperately asked what time they opened in the morning when they were getting a new shipment of my new favorite treat, Michelob Ultra fruit infused beer: pomegranate-raspberry, tangerine-orange, and lime-cactus¹. All amazing.)

Don't let the size of the storefront fool you, either. Although small, they have quite a wide variety for all taste buds, plus they're sure to always have your favorite 30 in stock.

The prices are less expensive than the Discount Liquor Store on Mill Street².

And, when you stock up for the weekend's (or day's!) activities, and you've bought clearly more than you can handle³, they walk your packages to your car with you!


Salute.






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1. What? I was leaving for the Cape that next morning. Don't judge.
2. And, they're on my shit list for the punk working the check out that would not accept an out-of-state ID from someone who was clearly over the age of 21. I had my in-state ID, too, and the sale was still a no-go. I shant be patronizing that establishment anytime in the near future.
3. Calling all strapping young men...where were you?! Thank you, Poppa Crowley!

Block 5

For the first time since my undergraduate years at WPI, I visited Block 5 on Friday evening. I had been informed by a co-worker that the menu had recently changed, so of course in an effort to sound trendier than I truly am, I mentioned this to my companion. Problem was, once we actually got there I realized I couldn't find a single change. I kept my mouth shut about that one.

One thing I didn't remember being there the last time was outdoor seating. There really is nothing better than cocktails outside on a warm evening, even if the view is only of a partially abandoned mill on Green St. in Worcester. It definitely adds a lot to an evening.

We both ordered Mojitos, and so our server asked the obvious question: "Would you just like a pitcher?" Easy sell. The pitcher was only $15, but we each only ended up with (1) not great Mojito. Boo. In a do-over, I would opt for my own cocktail from the extensive list. Sharing doesn't usually work out.

I wasn't too hungry, so I had planned on just an appetizer ($7-12). However, it was a pretty quick turn-off for me to realize that most of the list was a seafood based. The remaining items weren't interesting enough for the obvious calories involved. Since I see the "Juiciest Part of Summer" billboard at least twice a day on my commute, I ordered the burger. I was pleased to see several pre-conceived combinations listed, and even more interested in the "build your own" option with many different items included with no extra charges. Much classier when the bulk of the cheese choices do not have "Add $.59". I added cheddar cheese, tomato, something that had 3 words including ketchup in the title, and avocado. It was an excellent combination. As usual, the burger came with several options for a side - I choose zucchini fries (not nearly as exciting as they sound). For a price, you can also "upgrade" your beef selection from the "house" meat (..really?) to USDA Certified Prime, All Natural Ground Beef, or American Kobe ($17!? for a burger?!). I took my chances with the Block Original/Mystery meat ($10).

After the meal, we each reverted to our old standbys from the booze department, (G&T, $6.75, beer, $4-5, both about standard for the area) rather than get sucked into that Mojito trap again. We enjoyed a very skinny, homely looking man sing Dispatch covers and play guitar, as well as the next table over obviously & adorably on a first date. Judging by how many times they fell into the Mojito trap, it was on track for success.

Jumpin' Juice & Java

The old Tatnuck Bookseller plaza on Chandler St. has been revamped and I am loving the result!

As a native Worcester resident, my heartbreaking sentiments were shared with the community when they closed in 2006; it was the perfect place to go for a quick (but so delicious!) sandwich and always had your summer reading in stock. It's been a few years, but now in its place is Jumpin' Juice & Java (tag line: the hippest drinks on earth^TM ).

(And, really, it couldn't have come at a better time after my heart-wrenching announcement of the Shrewsbury Street Starbucks closing!)

Jumpin' Juice & Java serves a full line of specialty coffees, espresso drinks, both java and juice smoothies (non-fat/dairy), and a variety of menu items, including breakfast (served all day!), salads, sandwiches and wraps, paninis, and bakery items.

I sampled a 12oz cappuccino with sugar-free almond syrup and my mom had a 16oz latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup -- both could stand up to my Starbucks standard of delicious. (And, for all you DD-lovers: there are no pretentious names or sizes, rather just 12, 16, 20, or 24oz!) And, none of the menu items are over $7.00!

They kept most of the Tatnuck Bookseller's rustic appeal- with the original floors, ceiling, and beams throughout, and added in a fireplace, cush leather seating, a row of comfy booths and plenty of tables to accommodate yourself and a good book (or homework! They have free wifi!!) or a group of your closest friends.

And, they offer perks! They have the frequent-buyer cards for Lattes, Smoothies, and Coffee. Purchase 9 and get one free!

Should you find yourself outside of the city, locations are also in:
Gardner, MA
486 Chestnut Street

Leominster, MA
843 Central Street

...we also brought home a Caribbean Sunrise smoothie (with pineapple, mango, coconut, peach)...with the intention of adding some Malibu Rum to it later on!

Nutritional information for their smoothies can be found on their website.

Jeffrey Roberts

Since I already had an oil change, and I also had Thursday off, I decided it was time to cash in that missed facial. I showed up about 30 seconds prior to my 9:00 am appointment, and I think I was visibly nervous as this was in fact my first time ever. While I really enjoyed the convenience of an early morning appointment on my day off, I actually really disliked this schedule shift when I tried to book other appointments around my work schedule.

ANYWAY. This experience really was excellent. There was a massage, an exfoliation (or three, I'm not actually sure). Then, there was a masque, followed by more massage. At this point, I actually got a little nervous that perhaps I hadn't booked the $25 facial, and would be asked for $65 upon checkout. Then, there was this weird gun like thing that used electricity & Argon gas to prevent post-facial breakouts. Then more massage. Then a moisturizing mask. Probably another massage. The point is, it was a good deal for $25.

Additionally, they are running a few other specials including a $35 mani/pedi combo, $35 brazilian ($55 at St Cyr, $65 normally. This is a good deal.), and some other awkward waxing and miscellaneous procedures.

Starbucks on Shrewsbury Street to Close

I read this morning in the Telegram & Gazette that Starbucks is set to close down their Shrewsbury Street establishment, one of seven in the state slated for closure.

The Shrewsbury Street location was by far the best one in Worcester (IMO, of course). With plenty of seating (unlike it's other Worcester counterparts) and a prime location for an after-dinner coffee (especially on evenings where one was all Cafe Dolce-d out and couldn't possibly fit a cappuccino and piece of cheesecake in her¹...), this location was ideal.

I was pleased to read that an unidentified employee is hoping customers can convince Corporate to keep the store open through a grass-roots effort². Let's hope this works. Otherwise, my next favorite one, located in Auburn, will be seeing more of me. A closing date for Shrewsbury Street Starbucks was not released.

The other two locations, 11 East Central Street (the one with the drive-thru) and 1 West Boylston Street will remain open. As for the rest of Central Massachusetts, the article reported that no other Starbucks were to be closed³.




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1. What? Like you can go into Cafe Dolce and not order dessert? Don't judge.
2. I haven't found anything on the internet about this yet, but I'll post as soon as I do so you, too, can help the effort.
3. And you can keep your "I love Dunkin Donuts" comments to yourself.

What's the Best You Can Do With $1.99?

Early last week, I excitedly booked myself a Saturday facial at Jeffrey Roberts. They are running excellent specials on several premium services (facials, brazilians, etc), but more on that later. About an hour before my scheduled appointment, I got a phone call canceling it! Sad, but I will reschedule for later this week.

Instead, I decided to get an oil change. I had had a bad experience previously with Valvoline, so I had been planning on taking it to the dealership. I had ALSO had a bad experience with Patrick Subaru, so myself and my hopes for a smooth oil change went to Long Subaru in Webster.

How suprised was I to find that if I was a first time customer and provided them with an email address, the oil change was only $1.99! This is only a one time deal, but still! They also washed Simba at no extra charge. That means that I got two services totaling at least $40 for $1.99!

Gas Prices Going Down?

...at least for the next 5 minutes.




I don't know about you, but I hate spending money on anything car-maintenance related - new tires, oil changes (seems I need one every 2 months with my commute!), and especially gas. With the national average topping $4.10 per gallon, I definitely found a bargain here, especially considering the other nearby choices:

• Getty Station (right next door to Cumbie's): $3.99;


• Mobile Station (diagonal from Cumbie's): $4.09.
  

There are somethings I just cannot sacrifice - fashion magazines, Starbucks, dry cleaning, the regular mani/pedi - so I might as well save a few cents here and fill up so I can continute to indulge myself later!

WRG Happy Hour

Three of Worcester's finest restaurants (The Sole Proprieter, 111 Chophouse, & Via), are offering two very exciting deals, on the cheap, for an indefinite amount of time. This has actually prompted me to go to each of these restaurants, and fund the experience myself. For a long time, I was of the belief that the food actually tasted much better if someone else took care of this portion for me.

The first is the revival of the $5 Martini/Cosmo. I will actually have to take their word that this is a revival, because even at the Boynton any sort of mixed drink starts at $6. I took a leap of faith to try this out a few months ago, and I have practiced several times since then. I have enjoyed the experience each time; my favorite part is sitting in the bar observing those who have been enjoying the experience for an hour prior to my arrival. I also enjoyed breaking several glasses on the eve of my birthday, and showing my face (4) days later.

The second pairs nicely with the first. If you arrive, sit at the bar, and order off the bar menu at any of these restaurants between the hours of 5-7 pm on Monday-Friday, each of your purchases will be only $5! This is quite the deal, considering the menu items range from $5.99-12.99. Some of my favorites include the Chicken Primavera (preferably at the sole), the Bruschetta (at Via), and a tie between the Chicken/Pasta/artichoke dish & Wagyu Burger Sliders at the 111.

Basically, to sum it up, you can go to any of the three most notable restaurants in Worcester and have the time of your life for $30. Or maybe $40.