Tag: lobster

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Pumpkin with a Yummy Twist from The International

Lobster Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

Lobster Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

While driving down Rt. 70 from Worcester toward The International in Bolton I could not help but wonder, “Why did I agree to go outside of Worcester on this Foodie adventure when there are so many places left to try in the city?”

My GPS directed me down long winding roads into the darkness so I was happy when I finally saw the welcoming lights of The International entranceway. When I found my way inside the Fireplace Room, it was a large space with a warm glow.

The menu had a few nice options on it and the waitress offered up some helpful suggestions as well. Generally I like to go for something I haven’t eaten before. When I saw Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto on the night’s featured menu I had to go for it. The menu stated that the dish included Maine lobster, brown sugar roasted pumpkin, smoked applewood bacon, peas, asiago cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds.

I was not sure what to expect, but I was hoping it wasn’t a lot of cinnamon and apple spices. I was hoping for something creamy and savory.

What showed up was a tiny roasted pumpkin sitting in the middle of the plate with lobster pieces and creamy risotto pouring seductively down its sides. It smelled great. It looked great. And, when I slide my butter knife through the soft pumpkin skin and gathered up lobster, rice and a slice of pumpkin, it was heavenly. There was a lovely savouriness and a delightful creaminess that mixed perfectly. There were no disappointing flavors to be found. It was just fantastic so I ate the whole delicious thing.

Our table was served well. Our waitress was lovely and attentive. I did notice our companion table waited a long time for their meals. Large parties like ours can be a challenge to a kitchen staff. So I would say that if you go, expect a bit of a wait. The large dining room seats many a hungry diner.

Overall, my meal was excellent. The servers for our table were flawless. And, the company was lovely. I would go back there for a romantic evening or a group gathering with friends to celebrate a special occasion.

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Lobster Hibachi from Takara in Worcester

Lobster Hibachi from Takara on Millbury Street in Worcester, MA

Teppanyaki is credited with originating in Japan during the mid-1940s. Cooking Western-influenced food on a teppan proved to be more for show than for the meal itself, ushering in crowds of tourists instead of the Japanese natives. Taking this concept to North America twenty years later, the Benihana restaurant chain found a formula for success which has been duplicated in every major market—often under the hibachi label.

In Worcester, there are not many restaurants that mix performance with food, but in the heart of Kelley Square sits Takara Sushi Restaurant. The small restaurant, which opened in 2006, was founded by Sony Cao who was a ten-time recipient of the Benihana Chef Award during his time at the popular chain since 1984. And, at Takara, you can see the flair that this cooking style presents.

When people order teppanyaki, it’s most common that they receive a plate of fried rice, vegetables (squash, zucchini, onions and mushrooms) and either chicken or steak. Reflecting on my past experience of going to teppanyaki restaurants (I can count three occasions since childhood) I don’t think that I’ve strayed from that menu. On this occasion, I decided that I wanted to try something new; I opted for the lobster tail.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to mess up grilled vegetables, so it goes without saying that they were filling and good. The fried rice, made at the table, was also as good as you can hope for from any asian-themed restaurant. The lobster, however, was the only variable that I introduced that could make or break a meal. For the price, I ran the risk of it being too small; it ran the risk of not being good; it ran the risk of being “imitation” lobster meat; it ran the risk of not being satisfying. Fortunately, I was pleased on all accounts. To my surprise, there were two lobster tails that boasted a healthy portion of meat that was grilled to perfection.

While some of my dining companions had mediocre meals (one even had a bad meal) I was very pleased with my meal. It was a flavorful, generous portion that exceeded my previous experiences of teppanyaki. I always say to take risks when dining out; sometimes you can lose, but it is delicious when you win.