Category: Restaurants To Bank On

Sometimes, it’s important to break from the normal routine to find a great restaurant. A lot goes into your decision to eat out and there is nothing worse than taking the time and money to have a bad meal… Restaurants to bank on offer some suggestions, a preview, of restaurants east of Worcester.

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Taste the Soul of India

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MA

The Metrowest area has what seems like an infinite number of dining possibilities. Many of these establishments, I have driven past hundreds of times and never given a second thought. Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, is one of these restaurants. Conveniently located equidistant between Route 128 and Framingham, Soul of India provides an intimate setting, high quality service, and authentic Indian cuisine.

In full disclosure, I had never eaten Indian food prior to my meal at Soul of India, so I really didn’t know what to expect. Of course I had reservations about spice, spice, and more spice. What I was hoping for was an experience that would allow me to learn more about the cuisine and come away having enjoyed an authentic Indian meal. 

Soul of India on Route 20 in Sudbury, MAUpon entering the restaurant, the time and energy taken to include traditional Indian decor was evident. We were seated very quickly and offered a basket of thin crispy bread (much like toasted Syrian bread) accompanied by three dipping sauces ranging from spicy, to savory, and sweet.

The waitstaff was very knowledgeable, and provided us with an explanation of the menu. Our server made sure to ask us what kinds of foods we enjoy and since it was our first time eating Indian food, recommended selections that were less spicy. Our order included garlic Naan, Vegetable Samosas, Tandoori Cooked Chicken with Pepper and Onions, and Chicken Tikka Masala. The waitstaff was spot-on with their selections, as the food fit our tastes. Each dish provided a mild spice, tempered by our server’s recommended of a refreshing mango smoothie made with fresh fruit and creamy yogurt.

The goal of Soul of India is to provide “a mix of authentically traditional Indian fare with a modern flare and offer a unique menu not previously seen in the Boston area.” The restaurant also provides a full drink menu, and a small but very functional bar space at the front of the restaurant. Additionally, most of the dishes can be prepared as gluten free upon request; Soul of India also offers an extensive vegetarian menu. In addition to the full diner menu, Soul of India provides an extensive daily lunch buffet, which allows patrons to sample more of their offerings, without the added expense. I believe this is one of the most reasonably priced dining establishments that I have visited during my time writing for Mass Foodies. Dinner for two, including drinks, was less than $70 including tip.

If you are looking for an authentic meal, Soul of India is conveniently located on the eastern side of Metrowest, and delivery is an option for those living within five miles of the restaurant. I fully expect to visit Soul of India again, and adventurously delve deeper into the menu. Soul of India is located at 103 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776.

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Taste Memories: Nancy’s Airfield Cafe

Mexican Salad, served with fresh avocado, and a lime vinaigrette from Nancy's Airfield Cafe in Stow, MA

Simple and unique is the best way to describe Nancy’s Airfield Cafe. Located at the Minute Man Airfield in Stow, MA, Nancy’s Airfield Cafe is small restaurant that provides diner’s with a small, but well executed menu using local ingredients to create seasonal favorites. With a view of the airfield’s runway from the dining room, an extensive and creative drink menu, and friendly service, there is a lot to enjoy.

Steak Frites from Nancy's Airfield Cafe in Stow, MA
Steak Frites from Nancy’s Airfield Cafe in Stow, MA

At Nancy’s Airfield Cafe, the focus is really to provide diners with quality food in an intimate setting. The menu is a collection of dishes from around the world, and by their own admission provide a menu that is “autobiographical,” in that it represents the extensive travels and “taste memories” Nancy has experienced. The goal of Nancy’s is to provide patrons with those same “taste memories” through the taste and smells of their own meals. This creates a personal connection from its preparation and is carried to the customer, and shows how much care is taken in preparing each individual dining experience.

As important as the ambiance and providing diners with “taste memories” can be, if the food is not prepared well, nothing else really matters. Fortunately, Nancy’s Airfield Cafe is able to successfully execute its diverse menu. Shortly after being seated, the server brought us warm rolls, and took our appetizer order. We started the meal with the homemade hummus and pita sliced. The salad special for the evening was a Mexican Salad, served with fresh avocado, and a lime vinaigrette. For the main course, we had the steak frites, which consisted of a flat iron steak cooked medium-rare. The house seasoning added a unique flavor to the steak, that worked to enhance the cut of beef. Additionally, the seasonal ravioli dish was ordered. This was a unique take on pasta, as it was served with a flavorful broth that made the dish soup/pasta dish. The ravioli was filled with cheese and peas, and the dish included shrimp, fiddleheads, asparagus, radishes and onions. Although dessert was not ordered, diners have the option of ordering samples of the desserts, which I thought was a clever way to indulge a little after a hearty and filling meal.

Overall, Nancy’s Airfield Cafe was a pleasurable experience, with food that was well prepared. They also offer a unique breakfast menu, that shares the same focus on local ingredients and providing the diners with a plethora of “taste memories.” Nancy’s Airfield Cafe is located on the Minute Man Airfield, 302 Boxborough Road, Stow, MA 01775.