Tag: chowder

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Chowda and Sandwich for Dinner at Bootlegger’s Prohibition Pub

New England Clam Chowder & Veggie Sandwich from Bootleggers Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

My first thought was that Bootleggers Prohibition Pub had a nice looking makeover and could I get some moonshine at the huge bar. Turns out you can! So let the drinks flow…

I looked over the menu and found a few things I wouldn’t mind trying out. I settled on the chowder and a veggie sandwich. The chowder was excellent, creamy and full of clams and flavor. Great portion size and quite filling. The sandwich was a disappointment. It was described as having fresh avocado, sweet onion, tomato, garlic oil, balsamic vinegar served in a pressed Italian roll. There was very little avocado, maybe two small slices and the sweet onion was scarce as well. I had to ask for more of the balsamic vinegar because I think they forgot to even add it to the bread. I was pretty disappointed. Huge shrug. I am not sure I would get back there anytime soon, but the drinks were worth a trip to hang at the very cool bar.

Excellent servers at the Bootlegger. Everyone from the front desk host to the waiter we had all evening- were super friendly and helpful. Great staff makes a place worth going back to…

Overall, the evening at Bootlegger was a fun night. I’d try some other kinds of food if I go back, and I hope they step up their veggie options. I’d certain say keep the moonshine flowing and keep that delicious chowder!

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Crisp Goat Cheese and Cream of Corn Teaser with Basil Jello and Freeze Dried Crisp Kernels

Crisp Goat Cheese Teaser

Crisp Goat Cheese Teaser

2009 Gravity Hills "Vertigo" Chenin Blank/Riesling (Central Coast, California)No, you read that title right. Ceres Bistro has become known for it’s gourmet style, “wow-inducing” atmosphere, and a generous balance between prices lower than the taste merits. This is true with the Crisp Goat Cheese and cream of corn teaser with basil jello and freeze dried crisp kernels, which, when paired with the 2009 Gravity Hills “Vertigo” Chenin Blank/Riesling (Central Coast, California) started the Worcester Foodies off in the first direction as their first course when visiting Ceres Bistro in early May.

The deep fried goat cheese was presented on a bed of arugula and topped with a pineapple chutney. The cheese was mild and did not compete with the other flavors on the dish but did offset the sweet and chunky chutney. The mild nature of the fried goat cheese and sweet taste of the chutney was brought together with the surprising nature of the basil jello cubes—cool, light, and refreshing. The trio of flavors and textures evoked a symphony of gustatory experiences.

The cream of corn “teaser” was aptly named as one’s desire for more grew with each bite until you were left wanting more when it was gone. Cream of corn chowder can often be overpowering as a course on itself, but the small portion with freeze dried crisp kernels helped to bring closure to this dish. Simple and familiar, it’s light body was luscious to the palate and, when adding the crostini for dipping and freeze dried kernels for texture, this teaser did leave many of the Worcester Foodies anxious for more and further curious about the second course—Sweet Sour and Salty Tuna and Smokey Brined Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower chow chow, braised collards, and marinated butter beans—and the finalé—Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Parsnip Gelato topped with Candied Bacon.