Tag: Green Street

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Lighter Fare (That Still Involves Bacon) at The Hangover Pub

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

It’s finally beginning to feel like summer and eating lighter comes naturally when the sun is shining and the people are walking the streets smiling. Eating on the healthier side shouldn’t be a chore, nor a bank-breaker, and although one typically visits the award winning Hangover Pub for their infamous Man Candy (brown sugar and maple glazed bacon), Lobster Grilled Cheese, Three Pork Ramen or a Bacon themed cocktail, you can also enjoy some delicious fare on the lighter side, too. (Don’t worry, there’s still bacon involved.)

Bacon Wrapped Scallops from Hangover Pub (Submitted)
Bacon Wrapped Scallops from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

The Hangover Pub, New England’s first bacon gastro pub, has made a home for themselves on Green Street in Worcester and offers a chill vibe, eccentric decor, weekly specials (Taco Tuesday, anyone?) and a passionate staff. It’s quickly become one of my go-to spots in the city whether it’s for brunch, dinner or just a glass of wine and a friendly conversation at the bar. Becoming a regular here does have its downfalls. The Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Pork Belly Rangoons were quickly catching up to me and that’s when, for the first time ever, I looked at the “Light Stuff” portion on the top of the menu. The Chef’s board and Spring Panzanella Salad both sounded great, but the Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad was the victor.

Michael Arrastia, the chef at The Hangover Pub, could make you a peanut butter sandwich and somehow it’d be the best you’ve ever had, so I knew that although he was the king of indulgent cuisine, his salad skills could be trusted too.

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

The Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad ($11) is the perfect summer salad. Light and crisp with only 6 ingredients that pack a real punch and won’t leave you feeling hungover. Sliced apple, Marcona Almonds, Bacon, Shaved Pecorino, Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette, and of course, Brussel Sprouts.

Sliced apples. Thinly sliced green apples are the fruit you never knew you needed in a salad to give it that refreshingly crisp, tart flavor. Marcona Almonds. Almonds give this salad the satisfying crunch it needs. Bacon. A wise man once said, “When in doubt, just add bacon.” Shaved Pecorino. Pecorino is the best type of grated cheese to add to a summer salad. It’s sharp and flavorful but not heavy at all. Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette. Tangy, lemony, light and fresh, this is a salad dressing you can feel good about eating, and licking the plate. Brussel Sprouts. The main event in this salad. Roasted and Shaved Brussel Sprouts have got to be the most underrated vegetable in the salad game. They are leafy and delicious and certainly tie this summer salad together.

Hungover or not, find your way to Green Street for The Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad at The Hangover Pub.

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Southern Food Truck, Mama Roux, Takes Up Residency at The Dive Bar

Southern Food Truck, Mama Roux, Takes Up Residency at The Dive Bar

Jonathan Demoga’s food truck might be brand new, but the relationships that built it certainly are not. The custom trailer, Mama Roux, will take up residency in The Dive Bar’s beer garden this summer, serving southern cuisine. Demoga gained expertise in New Orleans cuisine while working for the Brennan Family (of James Beard notoriety) and envisioned coupling that experience with his time spent working on food trucks in Austin.

Mama Roux was built by Cart Concepts International, a manufacturer Demoga’s father came across years ago as his vision began to take root. When his father, John P. Demoga, passed in 2015 after a courageous battle with ALS, he felt compelled to make his dream a reality.

Demoga, a graduate of Johnson & Wales, returned to Worcester during his father’s illness and began working at Armsby Abbey for local restaurateurs, Sherri Sadowski and Alec Lopez. Upon hearing Demoga’s aspirations, Lopez saw an opportunity for synergy. He had long imagined offering food at his Green Street establishment, The Dive Bar, but with new projects in the works, he knew that he would have to put his trust in someone else. Demoga immediately rose to the challenge.

“He makes great comfort food. His heart and soul are in New Orleans and I know that will be reflected,” Lopez says.

Demoga is making a point to curate his favorite staples from different corners of the South for Mama Roux. Case in point, two aged Benton’s Country Hams are currently en route from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. “The ham is intense and salty with a real campfire taste. True terroir,” Demoga explains. He plans to serve it with pickles from Regal Crown on Mason Street in Worcester and creole mustard from New Orleans. Other opening menu items will include a gimmick free smash style cheeseburger, a Sichuan take on Nashville Hot Chicken, Gumbo Ya-Ya Poutine, Shrimp & Andouille Jambalaya croquettes, a variation of Pimento Cheese with smoked gouda, aged cheddar, roasted jalapeno, green onions, and pecans.

If all goes according to plan, the truck will open for business Thursday-Saturday starting at 6p.m. and eventually expand its hours. For the time being, Mama Roux will live exclusively at The Dive Bar.