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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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Swap & Shop

Since 2006, Amy Chase has been a prolific promoter of vintage style and niche shopping. Having started with a personal blog, PunkyStyle.com, she was quick to bring her love of thrift shopping to Worcester with the opening of America’s first mobile vintage shop, The Haberdash. Since then, Amy has joined Swap.com as their Fashion Director and has spread the idea and passion of clothing swaps to cities around the country; from Worcester to Boston and Los Angeles to New Orleans.

Amy and the Swap.com team is bringing the eco-friendly mantra of “swapping before shopping” back to Worcester on Saturday, May 14th at Crompton Place (138 Green Street).

Those looking to participate can drop off a bag of gently-loved items from 11am-1pm, where they will receive a self-guided tour map of the Canal District, featuring a map of all the new boutiques & area restaurants that are offering special deals for swap participants.

The swap will begin at 2pm sharp and participants can fill up a bag with fun new finds – although it’s typically a mad dash for the best stuff, often compared to the “Running of the Brides.” All items leftover at the end of the swap will be donated to Goodwill of Massachusetts in Worcester.