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Brunch at Via: Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara from Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Pasta Carbonara from Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

While many diners might frequent Via Italian Table on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street for a hearty dinner, it would be a mistake to forego the diverse Sunday brunch experience. Via boasts a wide array of breakfast-to-lunch options with unique finds such as lemon ricotta pancakes and porchetta eggs benedict.

My meal began with piping-hot-out-of-the-fryer zeppole: small Italian donut holes made in-house and dusted plentifully with sugar and cinnamon. Mildly sweet and doughy on the inside, these proved quite a naughty and irresistible way to start the day — everyone at the table was licking their fingers. My main course was a dense pasta carbonara with crisp English peas and house-cured pancetta slices. The spaghetti was cooked al dente and garnished with pea shoots which helped cut the heaviness of the garlic cream sauce.

The highlight of the meal, however, was when my generous neighbor offered me a slice of her smoked salmon plate. This is the dish that will bring me back for more! Rustic toast rounds accompanied by a generous selection of smoky lox, capers, sliced red onion, a lemon wedge, fresh dill, and a mustard crema. The flavor of the smoked salmon was unparalleled – really, the best I’ve had — and the mustard crema in lieu of traditional cream cheese was a welcome surprise. Given the impeccable service and beautiful ambiance dining al fresco amidst a plethora of hanging flower baskets, I will have to return to Via….next time, however, the smoked salmon plate is mine all mine.

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Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina

Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MA

Shredded BBQ Duck Confit Chimichanga from Mezcal Tequila Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MAWhen entering Mezcal’s new location on Major Taylor Blvd. one would be amazed at just how expansive the new location is. With wide open areas for tables, a partition that separates the regular diners from the bar-goers and ample space to intermingle between the two, it is head and shoulders above the previous location. After not going to Mezcal for a couple of years, I was excited to become reacquainted with their menu. It ranged from their signature guacamole to basic Mexican classics like burritos and fish tacos…but I wanted something different; something I hadn’t tried at any other Mexican restaurant I had ever been to. I decided to get the shredded BBQ duck confit chimichanga. As the description on the menu read, it was rolled and deep-fried flour tortillas filled with mushrooms, onions, jalapeños and jack cheese, topped with salsa verde, chipotle aioli and crema, served with Mexican rice. It was one of the more moderately priced items on the menu but I was willing to splurge on something decadent. As the meal came out, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. The chimichanga came out fried to golden brown perfection, covered in the bright and vibrant salsa verde, chipotle aioli and crema covering the top of the crispy tortilla. The duck filling was rich and succulent…everything you would want from a game bird. The dark, rich meat was able to cut through the tanginess of the sauces and the texture of the fried tortilla for a taste that is unique to this dish in particular. As big at the chimichanga was, I had no problem polishing it off because of how delicious it truly was. The side of rice, despite being very flavorful could have been slightly bigger, as I was looking for a palate cleanser in between bites of rich duck. I am excited to go back to try Mezcal again after such a good meal. I am very happy with their new location. Given their new size, more eclectic menu and quality of food, I am wishing them great success.