Category: Food Feed

Food happens. Whether it’s breaking news about an opening or closing, passion articles regarding chefs or restaurants, or even suggestions on pairings and places with atmospheres. For Mass Foodies, local food is always on our mind and this feed is a testament to why we are always hungry.

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Lock 50’s Ed Russo to Bring Classic Italian Eatery to Familiar Canal District Location

A few short years ago, Ed Russo wasn’t in the restaurant business. But he had a vision to open a restaurant in the burgeoning Canal District of Worcester and today, that vision is the restaurant Worcester has come to know as the award-winning Lock 50.

Lock 50 opened in May of 2016 and immediately made its mark. Executive Chef Tim Russo (owner Ed Russo’s nephew) pushes the limits of creativity by featuring contemporary American dishes that rely on local, fresh ingredients. The seasonal menu combines shareable plates along with larger entrees. There is a large outdoor patio that is extremely popular in the warmer weather and this Winter, Russo was again making news by introducing outdoor Igloo Dining to Worcester. Eight colorful and heated igloos allow for patio dining throughout the Fall & Winter months. The igloos have proven to be an extremely popular dining destination, as well as causing a social media stir when they debuted.

Now we learn, Russo has plans for a second restaurant, aptly named Russo, to take the space vacated by the Canal Restaurant & Bar at 65 Water Street.

“The success of Lock 50 speaks for itself. We are grateful for all the support we’ve received and honored to be part of the rebirth of the Canal District,” said Russo. “Now it’s time to bring authentic Italian American food to the hottest neighborhood in Worcester,” he added.

 

Expanding in the Canal District

Opening a second restaurant wasn’t necessarily on the radar when Russo visited the vacant space at 65 Water Street for the first time. But when he walked through, he knew immediately what he wanted to do. “The space has the feel of a classic North End Italian restaurant with exposed brick, rich wood accents and large windows,” said Russo. And the distinctive “cave room”  he says will be transformed into something very special. “We’ll make it a focal point of the new restaurant, serving as both a dining room and wine cellar allowing customers a truly unique dining experience.”

 

Ed Russo reviews plans for new restaurant to occupy space on Water Street in the Canal District

New Menu, Classic Dishes

Like Lock 50, the seasonal menu at Russo will include fresh, local ingredients. All the pasta will be handmade and only the highest quality meats, cheeses and seafood will be served. Expect to see approachable, familiar offerings such as Gnocchi, Veal Marsala and Pasta Bolognese. Russo will also pay homage to some of his classic Italian American family recipes, passed down from generations, including signature dishes such as a traditional Sunday Gravy and Minestra Fagiolo Verde (pork & green been stew).

Another surprise you’ll find when the new restaurant opens…antique furnishings from the recently closed Durgin-Park. Russo purchased century-old table bases, bar decor, lighting fixtures and more when Boston’s landmark restaurant closed last month. “The purchases from Durgin-Park will fit perfectly into the space and compliment the natural atmosphere,” Russo commented.

The new restaurant will feature two dining rooms and a full bar area.

Breathing life into the vacant space will take vision, but Russo says he is up to the task. “With Lock 50 really hitting its stride, people tell me to sit back and relax. But I believe in this new project, I believe in this neighborhood and I believe in this City,” he said. And we have no reason to doubt him.

Renovations at Russo have already begun. Stay tuned to MassFoodies for more information about this new Italian American restaurant and a possible Spring opening.

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Worcester Foodies Visit Cedar Street Grille in Sturbridge

Cedar Street Grill in Sturbridge, MA

Recently, Mass Foodies’ Worcester Foodies ventured to Sturbridge to visit the Cedar Street Grille on Stephanie’s recommendation. And if you haven’t been there yet, you need to make the trip.

As many of our readers know, Sturbridge is well worth the short drive if you are looking for restaurants to indulge in some outstanding food! From world-class BBQ at BT’s Smokehouse, classic Italian at Rovezzi’s, award-winning sushi at Baba Sushi and lots of eclectic options in-between, Sturbridge offers up a variety of menus to satisfy any craving.

Cedar Street Grille’s atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with warm décor and calming colors that fit perfectly. The layout offers multiple small dining areas as well as a front bar area perfect for enjoying drinks and sharing food. Evan thought “The interior was quaint and perfect for a romantic evening out”.

The Menu and More

The restaurant’s menu offers a few appetizers, a mix of small plates and a list of larger entrees giving you plenty of options depending on how you want to dine.

Stephanie thought “The restaurants’ tapas menu made it easy for sharing and allowed us to try a variety of different things, which was really great”.

Burger Sliders at Cedar Street Grille

The small plates at Cedar Street Grille encourage sharing around the table with options such as Lamb Meatballs, Duck Confit, Burger Sliders, Garlic Shrimp and lots more. The large plates include Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Hanger Steak and Pan Roasted Salmon to name a few.

Starting off with Drinks and Appetizers

Once we all arrived at Cedar Street Grille were seated immediately in a room off the main dining area to accommodate our large group. A seasonal drink menu was presented which included some interesting options, one of which was a Pear Martini that Scott felt was “quite good” and Aaron added his Espresso Martini was “very well done”. Looking down the table I saw a traditional Old Fashioned, some craft beer options and plenty of glasses of wine being enjoyed along with lots of apps and small plates.

Salmon Steak at Cedar Street Grille

The Deep Fried Goat Cheese and Mac & Cheese seemed to be popular small plate choices. Evan commented, “the fried goat cheese had a crispy exterior and a creamy, rich interior that was a textural delight”. He also thought the Buffalo Mac & Cheese was “one of the best I have ever had, bar none. The small cast iron pan kept the dish warm and pasta was covered in velvety cheese sauce”. According to Katie, the Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts with roasted garlic and lemon aioli were “amazing.”

On to the Main Courses

For her meal, Julie indulged in the Swordfish Steak which she thought was “fantastic”. She added, “the fish was tender and flavorful, and the restaurant provided portions that were big enough for two people”.

Robyn and Dana shared the Beef Sliders and thought they were “cooked perfectly”. In addition, Robyn had a Caesar Salad and thought “the dressing was one of the best she has ever had and she would go back for the salad alone…it was that good”.

The Fried Chicken with Red Bliss Mashed and Spinach Rockefeller

Aaron and Jamie seemed to enjoy the Cedar Street Grille. The Fried Chicken with Red Bliss Mashed and Spinach Rockefeller looked to be an incredible portion and as Aaron told us, was “the best we ever had”.

Our end of the table shared the Pan Seared Scallops and we were more than impressed. The three large scallops were delightfully light and the warm Parsnip Puree and Maple, Raisin and Almond Agrodolce added a sweet and sour flavor that paired perfectly.

We also shared a Harvest Salad that was a perfect starter. Full of Roasted Butternut Squash, Toasted Almonds, Robinson’s Farm cheese, Dried Cranberry and topped with a Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette the salad was an early Winter delight!

Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash, Toasted Almonds, Robinson’s Farm Cheese

For my meal, I opted for the Grilled Pork Tenderloin. The pork had a honey Dijon marinate that added some sweetness. Finished with Brussel Sprouts, Bacon and a Port Wine Demi, this meal seemed to be a signature of Cedar Street Grille. I would definitely return for this!

Outstanding Service

Given our large party and the fact most of our meals were shared small plates, the food arrived in a timely manner. Our servers were always close by to help with drinks, water and to clear empty dishes. Clearly, this was not the first time the restaurant had encountered a group of our size.

Overall our experience at Cedar Street Grille was excellent with many commenting it stood out as one of the best meals they had in 2018. Many folks added they would be making the trip to return soon!

Cedar Street Grille is at 12 Cedar Street in Sturbridge, MA and is part of the Table 3 Restaurant Group which also operates The Duck, Avellino and The Barn at Wight Farm.