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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Which Restaurants Decorate for Christmas? Enjoy The Splendor of the Holidays with these Festive Restaurants

Mass Foodies Christmas Trolley with Lock 50's Foie Gras.

This December, Mass Foodies took off on an adventure as they brought 70 readers around the city on a snow-white trolley. The journey was to enjoy restaurants that decorate to celebrate the Christmas season and while the two “Santa’s Sleigh Food Tour” sold out within a matter of minutes, this guide is a great way to ensure you can experience the wonder of the holiday season—while eating.

  • Nuovo Restaurant: Nuovo is a prime spot for large groups with expectations of attentive service. The staff values hospitality above all else and manages to make their extensive Shrewsbury Street space feel festive and intimate. For the crawl, the put together the eggplant rollatini and lobster sacchettini, characterized by its zippy dijon sherry sauce.
  • VIA Italian Table: VIA is certainly a long-term staple of Shrewsbury Street. With a flare for Italian, the subtle decorations ensure that the season isn’t lost on any of us. For their portion, VIA prepared crispy pork meatballs with sweet & sour glaze; House made ricotta on grilled crostini with local honey; Italian meat & cheese skewers with tomato red pepper, basil, prosciutto & fresh Mozzarella.
  • 110 Grill: This 240-seat eatery is a new edition to downtown’s thriving neighborhood. The menu features modern-American cuisine and pays special mind to gluten-free and allergy aware dishes. The outdoor firepit is particularly warming this holiday season. You might even catch a glimpse of a movie star along the way; Liam Neeson filmed a scene on the block just last week. Order the firecracker shrimp and share a cheese board with your Christmas crew.
  • Lock 50: There is nowhere else in the city where you can dine outside in an igloo during the dead of winter. Treat your friends to foie gras from the comfort of your toasty glowing orb. You deserve it. And, while eating, you can enjoy what is arguably the most decorated restaurant in the region. With Christmas lights, trees, garlands, and wreaths—both inside and out—you’d be hard pressed to find a more festive wonderland… with great food to back it.
  • simjang: While Christmas may be an American celebration (at least in the commercial extravagance) simjang made the list because its an unexpected place to find Christmas flare paired with its acclaimed menu. Also on Shrewsbury Street, simjang will warm your soul (and stomach) when the weather outside is frightful.
  • The Muse: Nothing says celebration like Italian cocktails. The Muse’s sprawling selection of Amari is only the beginning. Gorge on charcuterie served up by owner John Rinaldo himself and quiz him on top Italian Christmas traditions.
  • The Citizen Wine Bar: It’s last call at The Citizen in more way than one. This month marks the end of a decade-long run for the restaurant and we’re getting our fill. Miracle is taking over between now and December 31st. The Christmas themed pop-up bar has rolled out its yuletide décor and holiday glassware to send The Citizen on its way in style. Enjoy your last chocolate board and a cup of cheer.
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The Legacy of Water Street with Worcester Historical Museum

On Wednesday, the Worcester Historical Museum will be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Water Street’s legacy. The evening begins with the opening of the museum’s 1983-4 exhibit led by Norma Feingold, curator, with Nancy Sadick, Elaine Feingold, Sally Levinson and a team of community volunteers at 5:30. The evening continues with a light reception and Water Street video within the WHM’s auditorium, and concludes with Stuart Sadick commentary, “Water Street is Alive.” The exhibit will be running through mid-February at the Worcester Historical Museum.

WATER STREET: WORLD WITHIN A WORLD was a “landmark” exhibition offered by Worcester Historical Museum from November 30, 1983 to March 21, 1984. It captured a moment in time for the city, shared a major chapter in the history of Worcester Jewish community, and signaled the transition of Worcester Historical Museum to full realization of its unique role as the museum of all of Worcester’s history and people.

WATER STREET was “about a way of life that no longer exists.” It was about people; it captured the spirit of a place and a place. The exhibit, the catalog and the accompanying video—all the work of Norma Feingold, curator, Nancy Sadick, Elaine Feingold, Sally Levinson and a team of dedicated volunteers, researchers, lenders and donors–offered significant glimpses into a world that “now exists mainly in memory, yet is strongly reflect in the attitudes and habits of those whose lives were touched by it.”

Today that history—the larger story and the stories, artifacts, and images that inform it–is as important and significant as it was thirty-five years ago as a mirror of community. As Feingold wrote in conclusion in the WATER STREET catalog, reflecting on the street in 1983:

People representing a wide range of ethnic groups and economic levels come from all parts of the city and from neighboring towns. For many a trip to Water Street is part of a Sunday ritual. Some come to connect with childhood memories; others come mainly to socialize. Politicians come, and people with causes who need signatures on petitions. The street belongs to everyone. For some it is a new discovery; for others, it will always echo the past.

Thirty-five years later, “Water Street is still alive, but it is not a ‘Jewish street’ anymore,” as Norma Feingold, exhibition curator, wrote. Although Water Street has evolved over the past thirty-five years, it still “belongs to everyone.” Join us as we revisit Water Street… and Celebrate Worcester!

Free, but reservations are required:  508.753.8278   (Mon 1-3:30; Tues-Sat 9:30-3:30)