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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The Civic Kitchen & Drink: Community Farm to Table

Dinner from The Civic in Westborough, MA

The fast paced world in which we live is driven by trends, or rather social movements. Restaurants are no different, and the flavor of the week, pun completely intended, is farm to table dining, which is characterized as serving local food at restaurants through direct acquisition from the producer. The Civic Kitchen and Drink in Westborough, MA, defines itself as such a restaurant that strives to create an environment that becomes the focal point of the community and brings people together.

At Civic, the farm to table concept extends beyond the menu, which in and of itself is wholly satisfying and leaves you wanting more. It becomes apparent as soon as you walk into the restaurant that the staff share a vision to make the farm to table “trend” more of a lifestyle. This is truly the line of demarcation that separates this restaurant from the rest. Chef Rick Araujo aims to create delicious dishes using seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. The seasonal menu allows diners to have a vastly different experience each time they go to the restaurant. General manager Sarah Lee can be found talking to customers about the local businesses that supply the restaurant with everything from wine, spirits and beer, to beef and pork, and desserts baked by neighboring partners. The dining experience is not just about the meal, but also educating patrons on the quality products sourced miles from the restaurant.

Learning about your food is one thing, but if it isn’t prepared properly, then there is no point using quality ingredients. The menu is not overwhelming, but it is designed to satisfy most palates, whether you are looking for fish, meat, or vegetarian options. Also, many of the items on the menu can be prepared gluten free. Our meal included the Charcuterie Selection, and Rhode Island Style Calamari as an appetizer.  Although the Cheddar and Bacon Arancini, Chorizo Tacos, or Pork Belly Elect also stood out as desirable options. The main course included Scallops Rockefeller, which was a creative remake of the traditional Oysters Rockefeller. This sizable entree included tender broiled scallops topped spinach and toasted breadcrumbs, served with a side of roasted carrots. The other entree we ordered was the Grilled Pork Chop, served with a side of roasted cauliflower. The bone in chop was marinated, and cooked in a sous-vide style, lightly grilled to finish it off, and cooked to perfection and butter knife tender. Sides are also available to accompany your meal, and include classics such as Porcini Whipped Potatoes, or less traditional Local Creamy Polenta.

I would be remissed if I didn’t make an effort to explain how impressed I was with the drink selections, but also with the knowledge the bar staff showed while I was laboriously making my drink selection. I was offered samples of the beers on tap, allowing to order a beer I knew I would enjoy. The staff explained each sample, where it came from, and how the flavor profile would come through. Again, a testament to the staff and the time and effort they put into their craft.

Civic Kitchen and Drink is a unique dining experience, with a dedicated staff and a style that holds true to the farm to table ethos. The Civic’s vision is to bring the community together, and remaining true to their lifestyle roots has allowed them much success. There will be no shortage of people coming together and I encourage you to taste the lifestyle that is taking hold in Westborough at 121 West Main Street. Reservations are highly recommended, as seating is limited.

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The Linden Store – A World Class Deli

Linden Store Wellesley, MA

Often times, the best and most memorable food experiences are found in the most unassuming locations. The Linden Store, located at 162 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA has been one of these places since it first opened in 1933. Of course much has changed since it first opened its doors, but the simple fact remains, good service, high quality ingredients, and a friendly atmosphere leads to a loyal following. As delicatessens go, The Linden Store provides its customers with good food, and a unique experience that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

The Linden Store is a classic deli, with made to order subs, homemade soups, a variety of salads, and with a recent renovation, a wider selection of breakfast options. When you walk into The Linden Store, you are immediately hit with the smells of fresh bread, half-sour pickles, and the sounds of orders being shouted out. Unlike most local sub shops, everything is in view for the customers. There are 8-10 sandwich stations, each with a dedicated deli-slicer. Not only is each sandwich made to order, the components of the sandwich are freshly prepared for each individual order, including slicing of the deli meat. One of the “knocks” has been the lack of seating, but with the recent expansion, more counter space is available, and as the weather becomes nicer, the outdoor picnic tables increase the available seating. Lines often seem long, but with a large staff, and multiple sandwich stations, the wait is rarely more the ten minutes. An often used trick to beat the lines is to call your order in, and your sandwiches will be wrapped in their waxed paper blankets waiting for you when you arrive.

Although the reputation of the sandwiches at The Linden Store has created an ever growing cult following, the service truly brings people back. Every customer is made to feel like they are apart of something special. The owners, two brothers, strive to provide their customers with the very best. They are always at the store, and they work to connect with their customers with a quick “Hello,” or a casual conversation. It is clear all that work at The Linden Store take pride in providing their customers with a world class experience, which is saying something for a deli. If your order is not exactly as you expected, they will take care of you.

The menu at The Linden Store can be overwhelming, and often new customers are unprepared to order when they get to the front of the line. Yet, it is a safe bet to assume that the “regulars” will favor the “Linden Special,” which is made up of mortadella, salami, prosciutto, provolone cheese, tomatoes, marinated peppers and olive oil. Or the “Isabella,” with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes and olive oil. And even with such creations on the menu, the staff will be happy to take custom orders as well.

A local sandwich shop doesn’t seem like a logical choice for a food blog that often focuses on higher end establishments. Yet, the quality of the food and service dictates that The Linden Store is deserving of such praise. The Linden Store is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays from 6:30am to 3:30 pm.