While Iced Tea Lemonade may have been in season for several weeks, the thaw was officially ended for me last night. Innaugural outdoor seating experience at West Side!!!
I'd visited a few times over the winter (not nearly as many as I said I would), but once the weather warms up how can you not just pick up a 12 pack and head on over!?
Big Bob was outside, wearing a mis-matched plaid outfit. Apparently, nothing ever really came of him shooting that guy that had his bro at knife-point last fall - although they did need to re-do the carpet. Also, how did I not realize that the world's best brother's store is open until 11 on Sundays!? Eileen, we need to keep this in mind.
All the other old faves were there too - a random table of college students with a 30 rack spilling over the table. The mysterious foreigners of unknown eastern European descent. The hoochies that always seem to accompany them. The expensive cars parked in and around the crosswalk. Yesss summerrrr hurry up and get here!
Showing posts with label BYOB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BYOB. Show all posts
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Canal District/Roma
Let's take a moment to discuss the Canal District. As most of you know, there is in fact NO visible canal in Worcester, nor has there been for over 100 years. At one time, the Blackstone Canal linked Worcester, MA to Providence, RI, and in effect made the case for the Providence-Worcester rail line, which in turn actually created the Heart of the Commonwealth. Today, the Canal is buried deep under downtown, and actually serves as an integral part of the city's combined sewer overflow system (look that one up on Wikipedia). Basically, in an extreme weather situation, an amount of the "sewage" is allowed to be discharged into the water source without being treated. Fun Fact: Worcester is one of the few cities in the country to have an Environmental Protection Agency approval of their CSO- most others had to completely redo their sewer system. My roommate and I explained this in the parking lot of the Home Depot
Recently in Worcester, there has been a big movement to "Free the Blackstone" to celebrate the historical influence the canal had on the economy of the city. Let's keep in mind that the structure was interred in the city after several years of requests from citizens - it was dirty, it was disease ridden, it actually became an open river of sewage through the city. There are actually people who feel this would attract business and visitors.
Another option that gets tossed around would be to create a non-functional, yet water filled, replica of the canal. This is what I personally would rather dine next to, and what I'll assume the derelict sign I saw from the window of Roma saying "For Lease! Canal Front Property!" was referring to.
Anyway, scenery of Worcester aside, I tried Roma on Friday. The absolute first thing I noticed (and completely kicked myself for not researching before!) upon our 9:30 pm, fashionably late arrival, was that it was BYOB! How could I have missed this little tidbit?! Oh right. I usually only see it as a classier alternative when making what I like to call the "Run of Desperation" to Wings Over Worcester. Anyway, after I finally interrupted the hostess from her very complicated erasing, she decided perhaps she could seat us. We had the BBQ chicken pizza, sans onions. The sauce was very "tasty", and not too sugary. Sugar, I am told, is a main ingredient in almost all BBQ sauces according to Men's Health. And, it was much better than the close-to-caramel pizza we had at Uno's the week before. Service was quick, and the place was pretty bumpin' considering it was after 10 by the time we left with mental notes to return with booze. We followed the guy with the empty cooler and the wine bottle haning out of his jacket pocket. Don't worry, we let him have a head start. Good thing that Canal isn't there just yet.
Recently in Worcester, there has been a big movement to "Free the Blackstone" to celebrate the historical influence the canal had on the economy of the city. Let's keep in mind that the structure was interred in the city after several years of requests from citizens - it was dirty, it was disease ridden, it actually became an open river of sewage through the city. There are actually people who feel this would attract business and visitors.
Another option that gets tossed around would be to create a non-functional, yet water filled, replica of the canal. This is what I personally would rather dine next to, and what I'll assume the derelict sign I saw from the window of Roma saying "For Lease! Canal Front Property!" was referring to.
Anyway, scenery of Worcester aside, I tried Roma on Friday. The absolute first thing I noticed (and completely kicked myself for not researching before!) upon our 9:30 pm, fashionably late arrival, was that it was BYOB! How could I have missed this little tidbit?! Oh right. I usually only see it as a classier alternative when making what I like to call the "Run of Desperation" to Wings Over Worcester. Anyway, after I finally interrupted the hostess from her very complicated erasing, she decided perhaps she could seat us. We had the BBQ chicken pizza, sans onions. The sauce was very "tasty", and not too sugary. Sugar, I am told, is a main ingredient in almost all BBQ sauces according to Men's Health. And, it was much better than the close-to-caramel pizza we had at Uno's the week before. Service was quick, and the place was pretty bumpin' considering it was after 10 by the time we left with mental notes to return with booze. We followed the guy with the empty cooler and the wine bottle haning out of his jacket pocket. Don't worry, we let him have a head start. Good thing that Canal isn't there just yet.
Monday, December 15, 2008
BYO Round-Up
Amidst the floudering economy, one of Worcester's most enduring qualities was reinforced for me this weekend: the BYOB restaurant. From some light online reesarch, it seems like it might be a bit difficult (and expsensive) to actually hold a full liquor license in the city. Therefore, many restaurants don't even bat an eye when you bring your own bottle of wine, a few beers, or in one case I heard of, the better part of a keg into a restaurant. Here are some of our favorites (some you may know of, some you should probably suprise a date with a 6-pack and check out!)
Tortilla Sams, Highland Ave - Our first experience with BYOB during our undergrad tenure. The mexican food is great, the service isn't so hot, and it's just a short walk to once you recover from the inflated prices of Highland Liquors. At least the staff has turned over enough there so that they didn't recognize me on Friday night.
West Side Steak & BBQ, Richmond Ave - Nothing says summer like friends, BBQ and Leinies & loitering at Tronic Square. See previous post for further descpription.
Corner Grille, Across the Street - I would stick with Yellow Tail or better, or else you'll just feel out of place at the trendiest pie company in town. Cabernet + Buffalo Chicken or Mad Russian is about the easiest way to this girl's heart!
Le Mirage, June Street - Even though I lived well within the stumble range for this small french restaurant for a year, this is still a must hit for me at some point sometime soon. From the looks of this place, I would also avoid Bud Light. Probably no boxed wine either.
Mac's Diner, Shrewsbury Street- I will assume the body of the restaurant did start out as a typical Worcester diner, however the rest of the facility is some sort of drunken architect's mishmash. Or maybe several architects. However, the food is great and definitely share-ablely portioned.
Lucky's, Grove Street - I've only ever been here for breakfast, and finding out it was BYOB opened up the possibility of Mimosas (or Screwdrivers if you're so inclined) on a Sunday morning. If you'd rather wait until noon, they do lunch (cute sandwiches!) 7 days a week, and dinner Fri & Sat.
Zia, Shrewsbury Street - Another one I haven't tried, but will definitely have to. I hear it's a mostly italian menu, with a few American items thrown in. LP? What are you doing this weekend?
Tortilla Sams, Highland Ave - Our first experience with BYOB during our undergrad tenure. The mexican food is great, the service isn't so hot, and it's just a short walk to once you recover from the inflated prices of Highland Liquors. At least the staff has turned over enough there so that they didn't recognize me on Friday night.
West Side Steak & BBQ, Richmond Ave - Nothing says summer like friends, BBQ and Leinies & loitering at Tronic Square. See previous post for further descpription.
Corner Grille, Across the Street - I would stick with Yellow Tail or better, or else you'll just feel out of place at the trendiest pie company in town. Cabernet + Buffalo Chicken or Mad Russian is about the easiest way to this girl's heart!
Le Mirage, June Street - Even though I lived well within the stumble range for this small french restaurant for a year, this is still a must hit for me at some point sometime soon. From the looks of this place, I would also avoid Bud Light. Probably no boxed wine either.
Mac's Diner, Shrewsbury Street- I will assume the body of the restaurant did start out as a typical Worcester diner, however the rest of the facility is some sort of drunken architect's mishmash. Or maybe several architects. However, the food is great and definitely share-ablely portioned.
Lucky's, Grove Street - I've only ever been here for breakfast, and finding out it was BYOB opened up the possibility of Mimosas (or Screwdrivers if you're so inclined) on a Sunday morning. If you'd rather wait until noon, they do lunch (cute sandwiches!) 7 days a week, and dinner Fri & Sat.
Zia, Shrewsbury Street - Another one I haven't tried, but will definitely have to. I hear it's a mostly italian menu, with a few American items thrown in. LP? What are you doing this weekend?
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