beef | Page 7 of 12 | Mass Food & Wine

Posted on July 23, 2014January 21, 2016 by Staff Writer

Beef Braccioli from Dino’s

Beef Broccoli from Dino's on Lord Street in Worcester, MA

I have to say, I really wanted to like Dino’s. It’s a family restaurant that, according to its website, has been in the business for over 60 years. It was voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by Worcester Magazine three times. I thought I would find here a treasure off the beaten path (literally – I can almost guarantee you’ll drive right by Lord Street the first time you’re looking for it).

Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

I ordered the beef Braccioli: “Thinly sliced beef stuffed with bread crumbs, cheese, spices, and herbs simmered in light tomato sauce served over your choice of pasta. Comes with side salad or soup.

While the salad was pretty good, the main course turned out to be tasteless. The promised combinations were far more interesting on the menu than they were on the pallet. The pasta, the meat, and the stuffing were all too similar in texture. Usually I have to force myself to stop from eating too much because I want to save a portion for lunch the next day. I didn’t have to struggle this time. After just a few bites, it was easy for me to push this plate away and not look back. Next Day Note: this meal did benefit from an overnight in the refrigerator as the flavors had some time sink in.

Not to say that Dino’s didn’t have some pluses. Our server was nice. Another diner’s antipasto salad plate was maxed out with veggies and meats. Moreover, the dessert menu has an impressive fourteen items to choose from. However, I couldn’t justify ordering a treat when I had eaten just a few bites of my dinner – what would my Italian Nonna say?

I understand that kitchen staff can have an off night, so I’d be willing to try Dino’s. However, it would have to be on a Monday or a Tuesday, when nearby Rosalina’s Kitchen is closed.

Posted on March 28, 2014January 21, 2016 by Staff Writer

Spicy Beef Wok

Chuan Shabu is one of the newest restaurants to emerge in the Worcester in winter 2014. The restaurant has a nice modern design with a large bar area and cooking tables throughout. On a previous visit I tried the hot pot experience that Chuan Shabu has brought to Worcester and I found the wait staff were very friendly and helpful in explaining the hot pot options. While Chuan Shabu‘s main theme is the hot pot experience they also feature a large menu of other foods, which I opted for during this visit.

After a review of the menu I opted to start with a small bowl of wanton soup and a spicy beef wok that was served over its own cooking wok. The wanton soup was a very simple broth and wantons. While it lived up its name, I had higher expectations for a restaurant known for soup. Fortunately, the spicy beef wok more than made up for the soup. I asked for it to be prepared with a moderate to medium heat and it was just the perfect spice. The beef was thinly sliced and tender. Accompanying the beef were onions, cauliflower, green peppers, and red peppers and a brown sauce that were a perfect pairing to the dish. Surprisingly, the cauliflower was the key ingredient that gave it just the right texture and variation from the more common broccoli that usually accompanies similar dishes.

Overall, my main course was a strong contender and great alternative to the hot pot. The hot pot experience is definitely worth a try as a social form of eating that allows you to try different combinations and is a interesting experience to share with friends. Yet, I was pleasantly suppressed by the other side of the menu. My suggestion is don’t forget “the other side” of the menu when you visit Chuan Shabu.