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Teriyaki Julian

Teriyaki Julian from Takara in Worcester, MA

Teriyaki Julian from Takara in Worcester, MA

One of my favorite things about having teppanyaki, is the camaraderie with friends. Sitting around the table, chatting and having fun and enjoying the show the sushi chef’s culinary and knife juggling talents. The food is just the topping on the cake so to speak.

I’m not sure when the concept of teppanyaki started, but I really enjoy it.  Takara shares in the teppanyaki tradition offering the usual entrees.

I had the Teriyaki Julian (beef teriyaki and shrimp) with fried rice and vegetables. Stir fried and chopped cooked medium rare.  It’s hard to “critique” this restaurant as typically the meal or food is the primary critique, however in this case I think it is more about the “show” and atmosphere. That being said, it was great fun to have all of the Foodies around, drinking sake and having general merriment. The food itself was good, but not exceptional. In case of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had any exceptional teppanyaki ever. It’s just stir fried food. The best is if it isn’t over cooked or bad. The worst is if it is over cooked and bad. In this case it was cooked well and the Chef was entertaining.

This is not a restaurant that I would probably go to really, as it is out of the way and in Kelley Square. Not an area I typically travel through on a regular basis. It seems that this is a good place if you are a local of the area where you can either walk to, or really like to drive through Kelly Square.

All in all I had a good experience, but doubt I would go back unless invited specifically.

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Beef Shawarma and Kibbe

Beef Shawarma and Kibbe from Bay State on Water Street in Worcester, MA

Beef Shawarma and Kibbe from Bay State on Water Street in Worcester, MA

Bay State Shawarma & Grill was a complete surprise! The placed looked a little like a cafeteria and had that style of ordering. Menu showed photos of the food and was above the food line and the staff was taking orders behind the glass. But here’s the thing- the folks working there were super friendly.  And the food, oh the food was just about the tastiest shawarma I have ever had. I ordered the Beef one and it came with salad and pickles and something else I did not recognize and when I asked about it I was told it was a yogurt mixed with a ton of garlic and mint., a side called Labne. So it had a kick, but super tasty. The grape leaves we ordered were also excellent, I had my hubby go back and order more so we could have some for lunch the next day. He returned with some kibbe as well as grape leaves and it made for a nice meal the following day.  Everything was so reasonably priced it really made for a great experience.

Over all this place was an excellent foodie choice, in fact I think I will run over there right now for lunch….