Category: Atmospheres & Appetites

Atmospheres & Appetites look beyond food but instead tries to understand the details that go into the aesthetics of a restaurant. Often an environment can—consciously or subconsciously—affect the flavors of a meal as part of the whole dining experience.

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Atmospheres & Appetites: The Railers Sports Tavern

Railer's Sports Tavern in Worcester, MA

The hometown feel is building a distinct atmosphere at Railers Sports Tavern. 

There is an almost immediate sense of comfort upon entering Railers Sports Tavern, the newest addition to the Niche Hospitality group. On a cold and icy afternoon, I was able to sit down with Mike Covino, co-owner, and chat about what makes this traditional sports bar anything but traditional.

Several things drive the atmosphere at “the tavern.” But, what you may not know, is that this building was once two separate structures joined by an alleyway. When the masterminds, Cliff Rucker and Mike Covino came together for this venture, they had a few obstacles in their way, but they knew it would be worth it.  During the initial vision, they knew they would have to connect the two buildings that once stood here and quite literally build up the walls between them. You’ll notice while dining that Railers Sports Tavern is a large space, but almost all of it is horizontal space rather than depth.  The majority of sports bars possess depth to house pool tables, TV’s, and overall space for larger groups.  At the Railers Tavern, the long and skinny floorplan keeps things intimate.

With a goal to create the ultimate viewing experience from every seat in the house, it’s no surprise that everywhere your eyes wander about there is a TV within a comfortable site. The vision came naturally to Covino; he was excited to work on a project so different than his other restaurants.

Everybody wants to root for the home team, and there’s nothing quite like a big win – that’s why creating an atmosphere that paid testament to the Railers was so imperative to Covino.  In my opinion, the biggest score that has contributed to the environment here is the memorabilia. Sure, nearly every sports bar has some. But, not every sports bar can claim that each piece has been hand-picked, purposely placed, and done so with Worcester in mind. The memorabilia you see placed around has come from a mixture of backgrounds – some pieces were already among the owners’ possessions, some of them were specific pieces sought out for purchase, and some pieces were donated based upon the teams. The Worcester Railers HC, the Bravehearts, the Celtics, the Patriots, and the Bruins are all represented, as is the team that represents our country. The piece that stands out to Covino the most is the famous “Miracle” photo that hangs in the front of the Tavern depicting the 1980 gold medal winning USA Men’s Ice Hockey team. When Covino sees that photo, he can recall being 10 years old,  and the feelings it evoked as a young hockey player when the 1980 team won. Another familiar face includes Ted Williams shown at Fitton Field in Worcester. All the photos on the walls were curated organically to create a combination that could resonate with nearly every type of sports fan.

Aside from the elevated traditional sports bar food, Covino wanted to take the atmosphere in a more sophisticated direction than what might normally be associated with a sports bar. By putting the restaurant aspect of it first, and then focusing on the bar second, Niche Hospitality was able to hold the environment to the same standards at which they set their other establishments.

Whether you are a die-hard sports fan, on a first date, visiting with family or just catching up with the gang – the Tavern is the comfortable and unpretentious sports bar that Worcester had no idea it was missing.

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Atmospheres & Appetites – Where every table feels like the best seat in the house: Via Italian Table

VIA Italian Table has accomplished not only authenticity through cuisine, but through an atmosphere that has brought so many guests together.

The vibe of VIA Italian Table can only be described as Electric Warmth.

No, not on account of a blanket or a space heater. What I mean is that the décor of this Worcester favorite has achieved what many fail to. It seamlessly pulls together timeless tradition, Italian culture, and relatability.

VIA Italian Table has accomplished not only authenticity through cuisine, but through an atmosphere that has brought so many guests together.Keith Carolan, the General Manager for the past 8 years, was kind enough to give me the grand tour.

While it seems backward to start from a focal point in the rear of the restaurant, I find it necessary due to the meaning and importance of the piece.

While in Florence, VIA’s owners snapped a photo of a classic Italian scene – we all know it – locals dining at a table over pasta and wine. They adored the photo and the feelings it provoked so much, that they hired Arlene and Kyle Varlet (local artists from Rhode Island) to not only paint the photo they had taken but to expand it as well. The painting was custom made to fit a wall that is not only tucked away, but that gives a feeling of exclusivity. However, if you dine on VIA’s porch in the summer months, you will be able to catch glimpses of it from just beyond the windows – a win for all.

Another addition straight from the country that inspired VIA’s menu is located in the very same corner. A custom-made table also sits in the semi-private space known as, “the best seat in the house,” which is generally set aside for large groups or special occasions. You’ll see in the video tour that the table is even inscribed with “Made for Via Italian Table.”

First impressions are everything, so rest assured, I won’t skip over the undeniably charming sight that fills one’s eyes upon entering VIA. The bar.

The bar at VIA may be well known for its after work drinks or its incredible wine selection, but, those are not the only factors that make it the bar you love. At least not from my perspective. Did you ever notice how it wraps in a semi-circle? This shape encourages the gathering feeling we all think when we think of Italian dining.  It pulls you in and makes you look across at other bar-goers, rather than facing you shoulder to shoulder, perhaps allowing you to lock eyes with someone you may have never noticed if seated traditionally. Love at first sight, anyone?

VIA Italian Table has accomplished not only authenticity through cuisine, but through an atmosphere that has brought so many guests together.So if the painting is the hidden focal point, and the bar is the first impression, then where is the heartbeat of the restaurant? Just to your right as you walk in, you’ll peek over the mountainscape of beautifully set tables and into the kitchen, open for all to see. The open kitchen concept is something that you may have seen before, but not like this. The freezer of gelato is in full sight, as is the sous chefs, the head chef himself, and other culinary staff who are hard at work on the meal you are about to dine on. It’s a show every night, every lunch, and every meal – allowing full transparency to customers on how the dishes are prepared with love that quite literally pours out into the dining room.

That electric warmth is showcased through all of the above, alongside the hustle and bustle which makes for a dance recital on a regular Saturday night. VIA Italian Table has accomplished not only authenticity through cuisine, but through an atmosphere that has brought so many together.  Watch the video to take a mini tour of VIA Italian Table!