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Recap Map: Last Month’s Happenings

The Chefs and MC of Chopped! Worcester (2017)

In Praise of…

Wildwood Mushrooms: Nestled in the historic Manchaug Mills in Sutton, Massachusetts, Brad Allain has created a controlled lab where mushrooms are cultivated for restaurants like deadhorse hill, Kummerspeck, and BirchTree Bread Co. in addition to local markets like Living Earth and Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace.

miracle at The CitizenAtmospheres and Appetites

Mare E Monti: Guests are invited for a real Italian family experience – to relax, and to simply enjoy their meals in an atmosphere that resembles the seaside coast and the mountains of Italy.

#FamilyEats

Legacy Bar and Grill: There comes a point in the family dining experience where parents sometimes look at each other and question their decision to bring the kiddos to dine out, but the concept of family dining is embedded in the very existence of Legacy Bar & Grill.

Pairings

Kummerspeck: Fried chicken Monday at Kummerspeck also means $5 cans of Medusa – a combination sure to bring the balance and fulfillment that you need to start your week. Chef/owners Matt Mahoney and Rachel Coit have picked a worthy pair to entice, offering first responders and teachers 10% off their bills (excluding alcohol) on fried chicken Mondays all summer long.

Food News

Fratelli’s Corner Crust Pizza is under new ownership.

Worcester Art Museum Cafe is extending its hours.

Miracle, NYC’s popular holiday-themed pop-up bar, will return to The Citizen in Worcester.

Jeremiah’s Inn will sponsor the 2nd Annual Chopped! Worcester with competitors from deadhorse hill, Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse, Kummerspeck, and BT’s Smokehouse.

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February’s Food News Wrap Up

Decorative elements of simjang on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

New culinary spaces are experiencing activation throughout the region by major players from Worcester’s burgeoning food scene. Let’s start with simjang, the latest brainchild of deadhorse hill’s accomplished team. A friends and family opening on Monday revealed the 1928 Buick dealership under fresh minesweeper lights in true art deco fashion. The menu included Korean inspired easy-to-order, quickly prepared dishes as well as large format items for sharing. A chain link fence lay in wait of the March 1st opening. We’re getting our love locks ready and you should to; simjang promises a torrid Worcester romance at 72 Shrewsbury Street.

Executive Chef Jared Forman standing behind the raw bar display at simjang on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA (Erb Photo for Mass Foodies)
Executive Chef Jared Forman standing behind the raw bar display at simjang on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA (Erb Photo for Mass Foodies)

Armsby Abbey countered simjang’s locks with keys of their own. A Facebook post from the owners picturing a set of keys indicated that licenses had been approved and a lease signed on Main Street in Hudson—called Cónico. The announcement of Armsby’s second restaurant came on the heels of their 8th consecutive ‘Great American Beer Bars’ honor as the Best Beer Bar in Massachusetts by CraftBeer.com. Downtown Hudson has experienced tremendous economic growth in the last few years with the arrival of tastemakers like Rail Trail Flatbread Co., New City Microcreamery, Less Than Greater Than, Medusa Brewing Company, and Amy Lynn Chase’s retail destination, The Haberdash.

Armsby Abbey might have its sights set on Hudson, but their flagship establishment will continue to shine as Main Street in Worcester makes its transformation into a densely populated neighborhood. A walkable, vibrant vision is afoot downtown on account of new development and Mark Gallant of The Dogfather knows it. Gallant is establishing “Food Truck Row,” a destination which will host a minimum of five vendors during lunch every Monday through Saturday, with the capacity for up to ten trucks. General attendance and parking will be free beginning on March 5th in the municipal parking lot at 40 Highland Street, directly behind the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. Beyond simply satisfying our appetites, food trucks have major spatial benefits which impact our ability to activate blank territories throughout the city. Gallant is organizing the first official Food Truck Throw Down, scheduled for May 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Green Hill Park. Mass Foodies’ own Giselle Rivera-Flores will serve as a judge. Check out her #SundayFunday series for a taste of her sensibilities. This month, she highlighted local favorites: The Hangover Pub, El Patron, and Carl’s Oxford Diner.

Local natural food stores and ethnic markets have persevered in the wake of last month’s Whole Foods. Living Earth has evolved with an increase in prepared foods as well as added cafe seating. Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace is busier than ever, despite the saddening blow of Ed Hyder’s recent passing on February 5th. Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace continues to be a true family business, invigorated by the dedication of the Hyder children. Ed Hyder will be remembered in our neighborhoods, kitchens, and hearts.