deep-fried | Page 2 of 2 | Mass Food & Wine

Porchetta from Chioda's Trattoria on Franklin Street in Worcester, MA

As you walk into Chioda’s Trattoria you get the instant feeling of old world Italian. The wait staff seemed to know the menu items and were very helpful with suggestions. Tuesday through Thursday they have a special menu with ten items for $9.99; a great bargain. We ordered the Arichini (deep fried rice balls) to start which were delicious—deep fried to a golden brown filled with rice cooked to creamy and cheesy taste; and was accompanied by a marinara sauce. A great way to start the meal.

I ordered from the specials menu and the Porchetta was delicious. It came with a side of green beans, smashed potatoes and I added on a side salad with house golden Italian dressing. My whole meal was excellent although the Porchetta was a little salty but was still very delicious. The pork and other meat wrapped in this pork chunk was mouth watering. I enjoyed my meal immensely and I can’t wait to go back to this little gem and try more menu items. I would recommend going back here to all my friends and family.

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

When 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.