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Central Mass Gets Serious About Mexican Cuisine

Tacos from La Terraza

We won’t judge if a fast food franchise was your entry point to the finery of Mexican cuisine. We will, however, suggest that central Massachusetts is full of options whenever you’re ready to graduate to something a little more authentic. Read on if you want to taco ‘bout it.

El patron drenched burrito
El Patron drenched burrito

El Patron

Chilaquiles are traditionally served as a morning dish, but they’re sure to hit the spot anytime of day. At El Patron, the Chilaquiles are prepared with corn tortillas sauteed in red or green sauce tossed with sour cream, cheese and chicken. El Patron is a family owned Mexican restaurant in the heart of the Canal District. We recommend the irresistible drenched burrito.

La Terraza Parilla Mexicana

Tacos al Pastor is a Mexican descendent of shawarma. At La Terraza Parilla Mexicana on Park Ave, this dish is prepared with fresh tortillas stuffed with diced pork, grilled pineapple, cilantro and chopped onions. La Terrazza has entered the central Massachusetts dining scene with a simple philosophy of “integrity.”

Tacos Mexico

Jose Zuniga has been hard at work for over a year, doing his part to revive The Greendale Mall with authentic Mexican cuisine. Taco purists come from near and far to enjoy Zuniga’s Tacos Suave at Tacos Mexico in the food court. We suggest spicing things up with the Pico de Gallo, a raw tomato salsa with freshly diced veggies.

Sol of Mexico

Sol of Mexico is known for their house made tortillas which pop up on the menus of many other Mexican restaurants in the area. As a result, the Tacos and Enchiladas are an obvious choice at this Pleasant Street destination, but we also recommend giving the Tamales a try. Corn dough is mixed with broccoli, zucchini, carrot, cilantro, bell pepper, jalapeno, and chayote then topped with sour cream, lettuce, and green or red sauce for a sumptuous bite.

Hacienda Don Juan

Hacienda Don Juan on Main Street is known for their Salvadorian Pupusas, but they also cook up a traditional Mexican Cochinita Pibil that is not to be missed. For this dish, slow roasted pork is marinated in orange juice then served over rice, beans and tortillas. And, don’t forget to order the flan.

Tacos Mexico
Tacos Mexico

Plaza Azteca
Plaza Azteca on Lincoln Street offers tableside guacamole service. Pay close attention if you’re hoping to replicate the process at home. Your personal guacamole guide promises to give new life to avocado, jalapeno, tomato, onion, lime, and cilantro before your very eyes—don’t take our word for it, Worcester Foodies was joined by MassLive to enjoy a #TacoTuesday.

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Comings and Goings – Winter 2010

As the year draws to an end it is time again to update what has been happening in Worcester. In the “Goings” category, Shrewsbury Street was hit particularly hard with the closings of Tribeca, Morocco, Zia Grill and Scano’s Bakery. Sad to see Scano’s Bakery close as the business dates back to the early 1950’s. Also gone are Doherty’s Pub and BlueBird Pizza on Park Ave.

Fortunately for Worcester there are always new and ambitious people looking to forge ahead and open new and exciting places for everyone to enjoy. This month we welcome The Registry Restaurant on Park Ave (in the old Apsara space below Loft 266). The Registry Restaurant offers affordable American cuisine in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Next up, Pepe’s on Franklin St., billed as “authentic Italian cuisine”… Pepe’s has brick oven pizza, panini sandwiches and Italian specialties to tempt you with. Back on Shrewsbury St., Zia Grill has been replaced by Cafe Manzi (a familiar name in Worcester food lore) serving breakfast and lunch with wraps, soups, sandwiches and entrees. Next door you’ll find John Grosse has opened Shrewsbury St. Bread and Pizza. John has been baking bread for ages and has finally opened a retail shop. This is a neighborhood bakery making some of the best bread and pizza around.

Also joining the roster recently are Nuf Ced on Park Ave (that is enough about that), Club InStyle (a new upscale club in the old Club Red 1888 space) and Plaza Azteca (mexican-styled food with mariachi bands) in Lincoln Plaza.