Welcome Back to Tronic Square

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!

One morning without power was enough...

...but, apparently there are still 12,000  people without power in Worcester (yea, that's twelve THOUSAND, not a typo).

I "Rip van Winkle'd" it, and slept through this "ice storm" we had Thursday night and woke up Friday morning to the precious sound of my boss' voice, "RISE AND SHINE SWEETHEART! WE DONT HAVE POWER SO WE'RE GOING TO PLAY IT BY EAR...MAYBE YOU CAN WORK AT NOON. MAYBE NOT UNTIL THREE.  I JUST DON'T KNOW, LIZZY, EVERYTHINGS A MESS. I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED."  (yea, he really talks in all caps.)

(Whhhaat? No "power?" Thank God I straightened my hair the night before. First things first, right?)

Happy to get an extra hour to sleep, since I wasn't quite prepared to "Little House on the Prairie" it and begin studying by candlelight, I didn't realize how bad our precious city was until I went to Starbucks:  that little side street that connects Flagg and Pleasant was completely blocked off by an enormous tree...so much for my shortcut!  I had to navigate and weave in and out of fallen branches all along the West Side, careful to avoid fallen down power-lines.  (Must.Get.Espresso.)

For our out-of-city readers, here's a picture of the aftermath, courtesy of the Boston Globe:

Read the accompanying article, too, from December 13, "Ice Storm Paralyzes Parts of New England." 

The city is still being cleaned up and I was back to work bronzing Worcester's finest today.  Schools are closed again tomorrow:  Four day weekend for the kiddies (and Momma P)!

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?

Nice Little Saturday

LP & KG went on a lil prowl to the Greendale Mall this afternoon. Despite the many comings and goings, (previous merchandisers include EMS, Marshall's, and that store "Rave" that's been going out of business since cargo pants were acceptable), it's always been an enjoyable alternative to a full scale shopping spree.

Our first stop/meetup happened at TJMaxx. LP found an adorable Michael Kors bag at a sexy discount, and KG revealed that she previously purchased a purse to match her Timberland Pro's. Both left with the same cowl neck, long torso-ed sweater in coordinating colors.

We then moved through the mall, towards the GAP outlet. Nothing exciting there, except GIANT room fans trying to keep the temperature below 80. Gross.

On our way back to the exit, we gave a quick glance down to DSW, but decided against it. As we passed by Old Navy, and had the usual discussion about how gross the clothing was, we saw it. There they were. Two total cougars, on the prowl in the serengetti of the GDM. They were frolicking, even preening if you will- showing their botoxed faces coyly, and standing confidently in their stripper heels and too-tight linen dresses. GORGEOUS, as Steve Irwin would say. RIP.

We moved on, and stopped in American Eagle. This was an excellent addition to the area, except I almost always, without fail, get talked into +/- 5 pairs of Aerie underwear. Aeropstale, the store I am always embarassed to get caught in, has also recently opened up. We also gave a moment of silence to DEB, the home of many last minute rushes for many a Tech fraternity formal event. Why spend good money if you know your date (or you) is eventually going to vom or pour a drink on it? Exactly.

As we walked out past Hot Topic and viewed this year's newest in the "Skank-girl-scout-halloween costume" genre, we were taunted by one of the many "professionals" in the assorted cell phone kiosks. He needed us to fill something out, or he would in fact loose his job. Our response? Maybe look for a more stable career. We kept walking.

We finished up the afternoon with a late lunch at West Side, where my BFF was as happy as ever. It was moderately embarassing when she expressed her suprise I didn't make a b-line for the liquor store, but all in all, excellent day.

Funniest.Thing.Ever.

Thursday's are trash collection days here at LP's house.

It's now a rare occasion that I'm home at this time (9 a.m.) since I have fancied myself a new job-- however! Someone knew I must have needed a good laugh.

Setting: LP, stirring around the kitchen, barely able to function, waiting for the coffee to brew. "Hurry up and trickle down faster, I have to finish my research assignment!!¹" She hears the sound of the garbage truck finishing up it's trash collection business on her street.

Garbage men:  [Load up the family's garbage]

Garbage truck: [Starts to speed away]

Garbage man: YAAAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

....what the?  I kid you not. A loud, boisterous, YAHOO came from the man on the back. Apparently picking up the trash gives you the same rush as lassoing wild hog. 

In either event, coffee's done. 

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1. Internal monologue.  It's known that I can't function before the ten o'clock hour without coffee running through my veins.  Or a good green tea.  Or even a Chai tea latte...it is Chai season now, too. 

Aside:  It was too much energy to run to the window to check them out...too bad for them, they could have potentially made the Hottie Watch! 

Time to Break out the North Face and Uggs: Fall in Worcester

It's officially my favorite time of year!¹

And, to help everyone get in the fall spirit, here's a WORCESTERistas Top 5 compilation of what to look forward to:

1. The pumpkin spice latte has made its annual arrival at Starbucks. 

2. Pumpkin Spice beer at Armsby Abbey, the hot new bar on Main Street, featuring over 100 beers on tap, an an alleged hot spot for young professionals, at least on "Friday nights."²

3. Pumpkin bagels at Bagel Time on Park Ave.

4. Apple cider from the cute farm stand on Pleasant Street, just inches into Paxton.

5.  Apple picking from any one of the neighboring towns³ -- and all the yummy desserts that go with it! 

Of course we want to know what your favorite thing is, too! Let us know! 



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1. Although I do love a good beach day, they're few and far between here in the Northeast! And I do love the many sweater options: I get cozy just thinking about a cardigan, chunky turtleneck, cable-knit crew...And, no, I won't stop wearing Uggs. I don't care if Vogue says they're "Out."

2. Review (and coordinating story) coming soon!

3. Read: cute.date.

Hottie Watch: WSC Baseball

Introducing the Hottie Watch:  Because, really? We could all use a little eye candy every now and then!

LP's three mile workout time might be officially switched from the early hours of the morning to approximately 2:10 p.m.

While my DILFs are on sabbatical, the fine young men of Worcester State's baseball team have taken their place at Logan Field.  It seems baseball practice starts around 2 p.m.  America's favorite pastime just got a little sweeter for LP! 

I'm lacing up my Nikes now¹! 

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1. ipod set to: Ron Carroll - Walking Down the Street

My Relationship with Mass Liquors

I am typing one-handed right now, while I enjoy my most recent purchase from my hands down (hah, get it?) favorite liquor store: Mass Liquors.

I first discovered Mass Liquors when I simultaneously moved to the west side and became gainfully employed. I just assumed they had a great selection of beer, wine and liquor because my previous financial situations hadn't really allowed for any real browsing¹ I just assumed that they took my Maine license because...why not? It's a legal ID. I just assumed that the staff was friendly and helpful in every neighborhood liquor store. I just assumed that every store carried the delicous beers I sampled throughout the city, a delectable assortment of wines under $15 AND Tanquery in the family sized portion². I guess I just assumed that was just one more prince charming in the fairy tale that is my adult life in Worcester.

Well, we allllll have heard about what happens when you assume. One day, I moved. I looked forward to getting to know my new local liquor store. I thought I was doing the mature thing, by switching to the new most convenient liquor store, in a strip mall, with no actual title. It just says "Liquor Store" above the door. Aside from the one hottie I saw working there on my first visit in, who lost his hott-ness when he refused to sell to my out of state id, even with the slammin photo, the staff there is horrible. The booze was SO overpriced, and in nothing larger than a liter. I politely inquired at what point we would be at the point in our relationship where we would be past all these "formalities" and they could just address me by name when I walked in wearing sweatpants a ball cap to buy a 30 of bud light. Not only did they say that would never happen, THEY DIDN'T EVEN CARRY 30's! I couldn' t believe that I had almost let go of something so wonderful, for something so awful.

So, I guess I realized who really cared about me: Mass Liquors. I'm willing to overcome the distance, to really make it work between us. Some of my favorite Mass Liquors stories include:

1. The time they entered the expiration dating on my old roomate's VT id and made a scene that it was a fake, then they gave her a free t-shirt

2. They put Saranac Summer Sampler 12's in the fridge for me, hidden. 12 packs of Michelob Ultra Fruit Infusions are also available.

3. An impressive array of hard liquor & beers- including foreign and domestic brews from too many places to name.

4. Each of the staff members, when looking at my ID for the first time, said "hey, that's where Shipyard is from!"

5. The double entendre of the title: MASSachusetts & MASS quantities!

So, we're back together. And I feel really good about it this time³.

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¹ With the exception of the occasional splurge during lucrative summer interships or special occasions, my staples were: Arbor Mist, Bud Light, and the Gallon o'Yellow Tail for a special occasion.
² Perhaps "Family Size" shouldn't be equated to a handle of alcohol.
³ It's probably inappropriate to compare my tumultuous relationship with a liquor store to an actual human relationship. I'll work on that in the future.