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Worcester Wine Festival’s “Bubbles & Brunch” Menu Unveiled for Altea’s

Worcester Wine Festival's "Bubbles & Brunch" Set for Altea's Eatery

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The first course, a yogurt and granola is set to pair with a mimosa to start out brunch on a social, light note.
The first course, a yogurt and granola is set to pair with a mimosa to start out brunch on a social, light note.

Altea’s Eatery in Worcester has released the five course brunch menu that Chef Enton Mehillaj has prepared for their Signature Dining Event as part of the 2017 Worcester Wine Festival. The menu is focused on thoughtfully sourced, honest American food with a French twist. The “Bubbles & Brunch” menu (whose $50 price is inclusive of food, beverages, tax, and gratuity) is paired with a selection of Global Wine’s portfolio. You’ll start off with a mimosa and work your way through the flavor profiles from Italy, Oregon and Spain with Prosecco, Cava, Moscato d’Asti and more. The variation of bubbles are the perfect balance to match the flavors and texture in each delectable dish. The brunch, includes:

  1. Housemade Granola (Greek yogurt, honey, assorted berries) paired with Kelsey Sparkling Mimosas
  2. Spiced Sugar Beignets (Strawberry compote, crème fraiche) with Borgo del Col Alto Prosecco
  3. Frittata (Bacon, leeks, gruyère cheese, topped with greens) paired with Iris Pinot Gris
  4. Croque Monsieur (Black Forest ham, gruyère cheese, mornay sauce, on country white bread) paired with Flama d’Or Cava Rose
  5. Nutella Crêpe (Fresh strawberry and banana) paired with Mozzafiato Moscato d’Asti

The Worcester Wine Festival, which is a three day festival during Columbus Day weekend was created to bring the community together around wine. In addition to the Signature Wine Dinners, featuring restaurants like Lock 50, Bocado, The People’s Kitchen, Altea’s and more, the culminating event is the Grand Tasting which is scheduled on Sunday at Union Station. The Grand Tasting offers an intimate setting where attendees can taste over 400 wines, speak directly with the vineyard owners, and be educated on all things wine. In addition, the presenting sponsor, the Worcester Art Museum, will be hosting both a wine auction and a wall of wine raffle allowing attendees the chance to take home some of the best wines available.

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A Pit Stop At The Grafton Grill

Grafton Grill now open in Grafton, MA

Grafton Grill, located at 10 Bridge Street, is the newest addition to North Grafton. Their mission is to help their customers eat, drink and gather by disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with good friends and family.

Fish Tacos with El Brazo Albarino from Grafton Grill in Grafton, MA
Fish Tacos with El Brazo Albarino from Grafton Grill in Grafton, MA

Owners Lori and Steve Belfiorealong with Chef Welton Carmo have completely transformed what was once Bridge Street Bistro into a dining destination for all ages. The floor to ceiling windows in the dining room attract so much natural light and the modern, stainless steel décor in the bar area make for a great spot to watch the game while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Their forte is American style food and they’ve got some mouthwatering menu items to show for it; Shrimp Spring Rolls (8.50) , Sweet Potato Salmon (19.00), Zucchini Noodles (14.00), and Nutty Scallops (20.00) just to name a few!

Not only is their food menu out of the box but their drink list is a crowd pleaser too. Great local beers and ciders such as Wormtown Brewery, Jacks Abby and Lookout Farm fill the list along with unique wines such as an Albarino and a Sparkling Pinot Grigio from Global Wines, Inc.

Pairing recommendations:

Sfizio Sparkling Pinot Grigio (Italy) paired with the Crispy Calamari or Fried Green Tomatoes. Yes, you read correctly, a bubbly Pinot Grigio! This wine is a must try and compliments most appetizers or all by itself.

El Brazo Albarino (Spain) paired with the Fish Tacos, Seafood Risotto or Grafton Grill Chopped Salad. My coworker enjoyed a glass of with the Fish Tacos (14.50); tilapia with a red cabbage slaw and sour cream cilantro sauce. This crisp and clean white wine is a great companion to seafood and salads.

The Grafton Grill Wine List
The Grafton Grill Wine List

Sfizio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Italy) paired with the flatbread pizza, burger or pasta dish of your choice. I enjoyed a glass with the Grafton Grill Burger (12.00); a sirloin burger topped with sweet potato hat, cheddar cheese, avocado, and spicy aioli. It was a perfect pair!

Wormtown Be Hoppy paired with the Nacho Potato Chips, Steak Tips or Filet Mignon. IPA’s go great with salty, crispy or grilled meals so you’ll have no problem finding some great options on the menu to choose from.

Lookout Farm Cider paired with the Apple Harvest Salad, Roasted Pear & Prosciutto flatbread or Nutty Scallops. Pairing this hard cider with a fruit-forward salad or light seafood dish will compliment both the drink and the entrée.

Next time you’re passing by Pecorino Cheese Shop for your vino and cheese essentials or Anzio’s for a slice of authentic brick oven pizza, drive a mile and a half down the road and give the new kids on the block, Grafton Grill, a chance to show you what they have to offer!