Tag: coffee

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Birchtree’s Pick-Me-Up Pair

Birchtree’s Pick-Me-Up Pair

Birchtree Bread Co. offers patrons a sprawling meeting place characterized by natural light, visual art, live music and plenty of caffeine. Located at Crompton Place, Birchtree has effectively maximized the attributes of a former textile factory to bring artisan breads and delicious pastries to the people of Worcester. With the recent addition of a serious bar program, Birchtree has evolved into the ideal spot for a pairing pick-me-up.

While most people have grown accustomed to pairing coffee with baked goods slathered in fruit preserves (after all, coffee itself derives from fruit) it is becoming increasingly commonplace to pair coffee with cheese. It’s not so strange if you think about it – most of us take a dash of dairy in our brew as it is. Not surprisingly, a rich, nutty sheep’s milk cheese pairs seamlessly with the sharp, earthy notes of espresso.

Order a latte made with Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur and pair with the Invierno & Membrillo, served on fresh country bread with Vermont Shepherd sheep’s milk cheese, quince preserves, and almonds. The most successful pairings enhance unique qualities of both food and drink, while creating a third sensation altogether. This pairing illuminates both the rich and rustic complexities of Invierno, bringing out hints of butter and mushrooms.

If you can’t resist something sweet, ask for a Salted Chocolate Rye Cookie to take your spiked latte to the next level. Visit Birchtree Bread Company at 138 Green Street to see for yourself!

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Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via

Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

This month Worcester Foodies went off the beaten path of our usual Tuesday night dining and ventured to Via’s Sunday brunch. Our party of 15 hungry foodies had a fantastic table reserved in their outside patio, which in my opinion is one of the nicest outside eating spaces in the city. That said, I think the ambience in the bar is amazing as well. The Ahlquists did a fantastic job with that building.

Our large group was waited on by two servers who were highly attentive, pleasant and helpful with the menu.

Flight of Bubbles served with a fruit cup at Via's brunch on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MAThe Sunday menu has a variety of morning alcoholic concoctions including the usual Bloody Mary, called Smoking Mary, and some unique options like a Flight of Bubbles or the Tangerine Dream as well. I was cooling the engines from the evening prior and chose a French Roast coffee, which to my delight was very good. If you’re going to do Sunday brunch, have a slamming coffee. They did.

For an appetizer I chose the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, per recommendation of our waiter. After a very long wait; everyone else had their apps., the server delivered my shrimp and apologized for the wait but said they were waiting for the shrimp to thaw out. Did he really just say that? He did. OUCH! At $19 a half dozen, they were OK, not worth price.

For my entrée I chose the Steak and Eggs, again following my server’s advice. I chose scrambled eggs and a cooking temperature of medium rare for my sirloin. The steak was prepared perfectly with a fantastic lemon pepper aioli drizzled over the pieces of meat, served over a bed of hash browns that were to die for. The eggs were cooked perfectly and were accompanied by a side of caramelized onions that complemented everything on the dish. This dish was excellent… except, it was warm at best, more on the cold side. Unfortunately I think my dish was prepared first and sat on the line while the other dished were finishing up, as my accompanying foodie’s dishes were all hot and very good.

I appreciate the difficulty involved with serving a large party, and so I am overlooking the temperature of my dish and focusing on the taste, the quality, the ambience and the service, all of which were very good. Therefore, I would highly recommend Via’s Sunday brunch, and look forward to trying it again.