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Duck Choo Chee

Duck Choo Chee from Thai Time on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

Duck Choo Chee from Thai Time on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

I had the privilege of choosing this month’s Worcester Foodies location. My choice, based on one excellent experience prior to, was the recently opened Thai Time on the corner of Highland Street and Denny Street. Some of you may remember this location formerly as Tortilla Sam’s, and even earlier days as The Mexican Acapulco (80’s flashback). The layout has not changed and neither has its BYOB policy. Parking is difficult, as with any spot within that area, but manageable.

I began my experience with the Pork Dumplings appetizer and chose steamed over fried. Six somewhat small sized dumplings arrived on the plate with a side of light soy sauce. They were fresh, not frozen and full of flavor. If I had to point out anything, I would only say, make them bigger! Otherwise, a great appetizer.

For my entrée’ I went for one of my go to’s when dining Thai, Duck Choo Chee. Traditionally, Choo Chee is served over fish. I was introduce to the Duck Choo Chee dish a few years back at a Thai restaurant and fell in love with it. You can find it at most Tai restaurants however; Thai Time did not have it on the menu. They had Choo Chee dishes, and they had duck–three different prepared styles actually–but not them combined. Which leads me to exemplify how great this place is; they created it from scratch, and it was fantastic! I’m always overly impressed when restaurants can get off the beaten path to accommodate.

A great addition to the Highland Street area and to Worcester’s growing list of great dining choices. A reasonably priced menu, excellent service and fantastic food, Thai Time is a winner. Highly recommended!

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Sangria from Mezcal Cantina

Sangria from Mezcal Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MA

Sangria from Mezcal Cantina on Major Taylor Boulevard in Worcester, MAI was eager to try Mezcal Cantina in their new downtown location. I have long been a fan of their cuisine but not a fan of fighting the crowds in the smaller space formerly located on Shrewsbury Street. The space was open without being overly loud, and homey without being overly rustic. I love all of the establishments managed by the Niche Hospitality Group. In a dining scene dominated by cookie cutter wine lists I can always count of finding something interesting at the Niche restaurants. But on this night I didn’t even look. I went straight for the Sangria. I am so glad that I did. It drank like a wine rather than any sangria I have had elsewhere. It was excellent. The pitcher served both of us two very generous pours. Ice and fruit (cherry and orange) was served on the side – THANK YOU, MEZCAL! The wine was a dense violet color. The intense aromas leapt from the glass with fresh, ripe, red berry fruit with a hint of orange peel. A dry wine, well-structured with a refreshing acidity and just a touch of astringency. However, the best part was it wasn’t syrupy sweet like so many other sangrias I have had. Many sangrias are overly sweet in order to hide flaws such as overt acidity or bitterness. If I had to guess, I would imagine this was made with a Tempranillo or Grenache which tend to be highly aromatic but low in acid. If you are a light red drinker (pinot noir) lover you will love the Sangria at Mezcal. It’s a Sangria you will want to sip rather than swill. Dare I say, it had finesse?!? It paired beautifully with the duck confit quesadilla. The mole sauce which was delicately drawn on the flaky, pastry like tortilla highlighted the subtle spice in the wine. The flavorful savory duck was the perfect companion for the long lasting fruit dominant wine. Delightful!