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Recap Map: September 2018

Rice Violet on Main Street in Worcester, MA

Great Restaurants That You Haven’t Thought Of In Central Massachusetts: These establishments are approaching dining from angles that may feel unfamiliar in the local dining scene. Check out a few spots that feel exploratory even in our own hometown. Restaurants like Addie Lee’s, Bay State Shawarma, Fatimas, Meze, and Red Pepper are valuable contributors to Worcester’s beautiful and complex multicultural identity.

An Allergy Story – Navigating the Restaurant Scene with a Food Allergy: Contributor Dana Harrison speaks with simjang, Armsby Abbey, and Lock 50 about how seriously they approach food allergies in their kitchens.

You’re Invite to the George’s Coney Island Block Party: On September 30th, the George’s Coney Island team transported us back through 100 years of history with a block party in celebration of their centennial.

#SundayFunday – Traditional Thai At Rice Violet: Contributor Giselle Rivera-Flores shares that in Thailand, sharing a meal is the social occasion and at Rice Violet, the embodiment of shared dishes and good company make it a #SundayFunday destination.

Five Destinations Fit For A Knowledgeable Beer Pairing: I am always in search of knowledgeable hospitality teams to help me land on the perfect beer pairing. I found what I was looking for at Armsby Abbey, Kummerspeck, BirchTree Bread Company, The Civic Kitchen & Drink, and Rail Trail Flatbread Company.

Live From Redemption Rock Brewing Co. On Shrewsbury Street: I went live with CEO Dani Babineau who took us on a tour inside the future home of Redemption Rock Brewing, set to open by December of 2018 at 333 Shrewsbury Street.

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Here’s Your Invite to the George’s Coney Island Block Party

Representatives Mary Keefe and Dan Donohue at Coney Island

One of Kathryn Tsandikos’ greatest challenges as the owner of George’s Coney Island has been upkeeping the iconic restaurant’s infrastructure while simultaneously remaining frozen in time for her customers. On September 30th, Tsandikos and her team will transport us back through 100 years of history with a block party in celebration of their centennial.

The party will kick off in the middle of Southbridge Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hotdog deals, giveaways, raffles, face painting, and exclusive merchandise including pins and cups.

“We want this to feel like a time machine,” says Katie Rozenas of Discover Central Mass, who has been working with Tsandikos to plan the milestone event. Even the live music has been structured to take attendees through the decades. “We’re doing this to celebrate Worcester and how the city has changed itself,” Rozenas says.

Guests will be encouraged to contribute to an art piece to help memorialize what George’s Coney Island means to the community. “It’s not just about us, it’s about our loyal customers,” says Tsandikos, “We want to celebrate the community that has allowed Coney Island to exist for 100 years.” She hopes that everyone who has ever set foot in George’s Coney Island will join her for the celebration.

Other partners will be on hand for the festivities including Polar Seltzer, Table Talk Pies, Worcester Bravehearts, Kayem Hot Dogs, Ben and Jerry’s, Wachusett Potato Chips, and Wormtown Brewery. Admission is free.