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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Great eats in the heart of Bolton

Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad from The International in Bolton, MA

Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad from The International in Bolton, MA

While driving down through the rural streets of Bolton, I could have sworn my GPS was taking me to The Last House of the Left. But when I arrived at The International, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the white sparkling lights and tall pine trees. It was nice to get out of the city and explore another town.

When I walked in, I instantly felt comfortable. It was a cold night, but inside was warm and cozy. It was everything a country club should be. The big fireplace and dim lighting added to the vibe. It’s the perfect place cuddle up with a book and bowl of soup by the fire, to bring a date or grab some apps with friends.

As I mentioned, I am, and always will be, that girl who orders sushi if it’s on the menu. My eyes were directed straight to the Spicy Crab Maki Roll, which had cream cheese (my favorite). And, it was deep fried (also my favorite). I knew it had to be mine. Then I ordered a salad because the sushi was listed as an appetizer. I was sold on the Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad as soon as I saw mention of a goat cheese wonton.

As I expected, the salad was enough for two. The goat cheese wonton was divine. I could have eaten two or three without regret.

When I saw the maki, I was love struck. In addition to a beautiful presentation, the maki was cold and crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside. It came with a side of seaweed salad as well. I forced down the entire roll, took half of the salad home for a little late night treat. Overall I had an excellent meal.

The restaurant had two separate tables. They set up a long table and a round table. I personally wish we could have all been at the same table since it was my first Worcester Foodie experience. I was at the round table where the service was excellent. Ice water was waiting for us, which was followed by some warm pita bread. Our meals and our dessert came out quickly.

A woman from the restaurant spoke with us after our meal. She told us about the restaurant, the golf course, the hotel and the events they host. She was welcoming and made me feel at home.

With so many restaurants in and around the city, I would have never thought to come to The Fireplace Room at The International. I hadn’t heard of it before this event. With an excellent menu, a dream-like atmosphere and welcoming staff, it is now a place I will be recommending to friends near and far.

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New York New York at The International

New York New York at The International -JG

New York New York at The International -JG

As our group has grown, we decided to expand our footprint and visit restaurants outside Worcester. For our November Foodies gathering, we ventured to The International in Bolton, Mass.

Nestled in the woods of Bolton, a quick 25 minutes from Worcester, The International is known for being a world class golf destination with its own signature restaurant.

When we arrived, everyone was excited to be there. We met in the parking lot and meandered through the tall pine trees toward the unassuming Fireplace Dining Room entrance. The dining room is casual but upscale. The cathedral ceiling with wood beam details along with huge windows revealing a beautiful view of the grounds beside the crackling fireplace created the perfect atmosphere for a pre-meal drink.

The Fireplace Dining Room’s menu is seasonal because the restaurant locally sources many ingredients, which made it hard to select a meal.

I started with a very tasty Field Green Salad with fresh vine tomatoes, English cucumbers, and shaved carrots dressed with a champagne vinaigrette. The salad portion was very large. In fact, it was so large my dining companions commented on how long it took me to finish.

For my entree, I was torn. A friend told me to order the Chilean Sea Bass, but when I saw the roasted pork chop and the sirloin steak on the menu, I knew I would have a difficult time choosing a meal.

Ultimately I ordered the New York, New York Sirloin Steak. When it arrived, it was as expected. They plated the meal beautifully and topped the steak with the right amount of veal demi-glace and charred onions. The rainbow carrots provided an earthy companion to the perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. The potato and mozzarella croquettes added a creamy texture that worked well with the rest of the meal. My only criticism is that the broiled steak lacked the marbling I expected. However, the lean steak was moderately tender with a good chewiness and a robust beefy flavor.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the service. At our end of the table, our team of servers were never very far away. They were always there to answer a question, fill a water glass, or take an order for another drink.

I have golfed and attended many business functions over the years at The International so overall the experience was exactly what I expected. The facility is gorgeous. The Fireplace Dining Room is upscale while still warm and inviting. The food was outstanding. And, the service was excellent. The International is definitely worth the trip.