Category: Food Reviews

Mass Foodies is dedicated to consuming everything that the commonwealth has to offer. The food review portion of Mass Foodies is written by independent group of wandering consumers from different backgrounds. Foodies come together once a month at a predetermined restaurant, order off of the menu, and share their experience Learn more »

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Bootlegger Prohibition Pub’s Baked Mac ‘n Cheese

Baked Mac 'n Cheese from Bootlegger's Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA

I walked into the Bootlegger and felt like I had stepped back into the prohibition period. Good energy in this place. It seemed to be somewhat busy for a Tuesday night The wait staff were prompt and looked to be busy.

I started my night off with a drink from their extensive menu called the Carolina Peach Cosmo. It had Midnight Moon Peach Moonshine, cranberry, OJ, Lime Juice and Honey. I have to say it was delicious. I thought it was a little light on the alcohol. I was able to have 2 of them and didn’t seem to feel it. My husband and I proceeded to order an appetizer, we chose the Coney Island Fries, Rustic cut French fries topped the house made chili, banana peppers, shredded cheese, baked in a cast iron skillet, garnished with chopped green onion and smoked sour cream drizzle. It was amazing, I would come back just to order these delicious nuggets of goodness again. For my entrée I ordered the Baked Mac n Cheese, it came with large elbow pasta tossed in a five cheese sauce and baked in a cast iron skillet with a cornbread crumb topping. I was a little disappointed in this. It was not nearly “cheesy” enough for my tastes That being said I am a total Mac n Cheese Diva. I had high expectations for this dish after reading the description but at the end of the night I was disappointed and I wouldn’t order it again and I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends.

Our server was prompt and although I felt she did a great job she was not overly friendly and she didn’t seem to go out of her way to give us exceptional service. She was perfectly fine and pleasant and prompt when we asked her for anything. The service was good and I thought the prices were excellent on all of the offerings.

I was very happy with my appetizer of the Coney Island Fries, I enjoyed the Peach Cosmo even though I felt it was a bit light in the alcohol department for a Martini. The service was good. . I didn’t love my entrée of mac n cheese however it was not bad. I ended up eating most of it. Overall the portions were very good I thought and the prices were excellent.

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A Quick Stop at 435 Bar & Grille in Leominster

435 Bar + Grille in Leominster, MA (website)

435 Bar + Grille is set in an old mill in Leominster with exposed brick walls, large windows dominate one side of the dining room, original hard wood floors and exposed beams in the ceiling. The place is very open concept with tables set up throughout. A very large bar sits in one corner of the space and takes up a large part of the restaurant. Large flat screen TV’s above the bar provide the perfect viewing for your favorite sport team.

435 Bar + Grille in Leominster, MA (facebook)We were greeted promptly and asked if we had a seating preference bar or dining room. We chose the open floor plan dining room and were shown to a seat next to a large window. Our server Maddi was very prompt and was knowledgeable about the menu. She was able to recommend a few items for us as well as answer all of our questions. Very personable and she made our dining experience all the more memorable.

A decent wine list and beer selection as well as a cocktail menu was available. The menu for dinner had quite a decent selection of appetizers and entrees to choose from. We chose the Charcuterie plate to share. It came with a salami, pate, a cheddar, goat and blue cheese options. The blue cheese came drizzled with honey. The plate also offered Kalamata olives, Dijon mustard and a fig paste. A large quantity of toasted bread came with the charcuterie.

For my meal I ordered the fish stew which came in a large bowl with a tender flaky white fish, shrimp and a large amount of mussels. Also in the stew were yellow fingerling potatoes. The base was a tomato and fish stock. Very tasty and a large portion. I was unable to finish my meal.

My dining companion ordered the bacon wrapped meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes and brocollini, I tried it all and it was delicious. I would come back and try more items on the menu from this new establishment. Over all a great meal.