Tag: Maddi’s Cookery TapHouse

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Say So Long to June – Here’s Your Restaurant Recap

Wachusett Brew Yard at the Railers Sports Tavern downtown Worcester, MA

During the month of June, Wachusett Brewing Company launched the Brew Yard at Railers Sports Tavern where lawn games and live music abound. We’re still waiting on The Brew’s 500-seat Beer Garden which is ostensibly “coming summer 2018” just a few blocks away.

This month, contributor Giselle Rivera-Flores continued on her #SundayFunday quest, taking readers to Rail Trail Flatbread Co., a spot largely credited with activating Hudson’s once sleepy downtown. Giselle praised Rail Trail for, “Pressing their own juices and creating their own syrups,” in addition to lauding their fire roasted mussels as a fine summer dish. We were also excited to see the return of contributor Anna Leigh this month whose three day juice cleanse with Steam Energy Cafe left her feeling energized and lean.

Brandon, Server of the Week at VIA Italian Table on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA (source: VIA)
Brandon, Server of the Week at VIA Italian Table on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA (source: VIA)

I continued my tour de pre-meal, courtesy of Reserve, by spending an afternoon at VIA Italian Table. Sitting in on Worcester Restaurant Group’s pointed staff meeting reminded me that plenty of local eateries play at the idea of being the result of an owner’s eccentric passion-project-turned-success. VIA, on the other hand, makes no qualms about being an unabashedly corporate affair. Expectations are high, competition is hot, and employees are unequivocally happy. (Heck, I’d pick up a few shifts just for the gelato.)

Stonecow’s Farmhouse Saison pairs with Buck's Spicy Cougar from Buck's on Green Street in Worcester, MA.
Stonecow’s Farmhouse Saison pairs with Buck’s Spicy Cougar from Buck’s on Green Street in Worcester, MA.

I found a new corner of the Canal District in Buck’s Whiskey & Burger Bar, an establishment built for cowboys and sportsmen. (Cowgirls and sportsladies too.) I paired Stonecow’s Farmhouse Saison with Buck’s Spicy Cougar burger, knowing that sessionable libations are key for me when it comes to a lot of heat; at just 4.5% abv, this beer was superbly crushable. I also had the opportunity to visit Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse in the Canal District for their soft opening. The menu was spearheaded by Chef Christopher O’Harra, formerly of Flying Rhino, and owner Adam Hicks of Depot Street Tavern. I feasted on buffalo chicken balls, stick e. Bacon, and wings. With our hearts set on the Woo Sox, Worcesterites just can’t seem to get enough pub fare; both new restaurants shared conceptual similarities.

Cape Cod Bay Wine Pairings (Erb Photo)Finally, I had the pleasure of announcing that I will be visiting a half dozen Cape Cod restaurants this summer to add to the Mass Foodies repertoire. In my opinion, there is no strong comprehensive resource for dining on Cape Cod the way Boston has Eater and Worcester has us. Yours truly is hoping to fill the void (with lobster.) Expect visits to Ceraldi, Fishermen’s View, Chatham Bars Inn, and maybe even The Beachcomber. We salute summertime in the beautiful state of Massachusetts.

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Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse Now Open on Water Street in Worcester

Maddi's Cookery and Taphouse on Water Street

Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse opened their doors on Monday, June 18th at 11 a.m. Executive Chef Christopher O’Harra told Mass Foodies, “I am very excited to be a part of this new venture. Adam has built something very special here and we cannot wait for Worcester to be a part of it.”

Maddi’s Cookery and TapHouse brought out the buffalo chicken balls, stick e. bacon, and 'wings which way' to kick off their soft opening tonight on Water Street in Worcester’s The Canal District.
Maddi’s Cookery and TapHouse brought out the buffalo chicken balls, stick e. bacon, and ‘wings which way’ to kick off their soft opening tonight on Water Street in Worcester’s The Canal District.

Maddi’s is owned and operated by Adam Hicks who is also the chef and owner of the Depot Street Tavern in Milford. Hicks attended Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in the corporate world of food service with O’Harra before opening his first restaurant in August of 2014. His latest venture, Maddi’s Cookery and Taphouse is located in the former home of The Perfect Game at 64 Water Street. Hicks feels that Worcester is the right city for his brand’s expansion. He aims to create an approachable atmosphere for patrons of all ages.

Decor includes exposed brick, a thick-sealed concrete bar, and handcrafted furniture built with reclaimed wood. Maddi’s features 20 beers on tap and an outdoor patio that seats 100. According to Maddi’s website, the opening menu includes homemade porketta ravioli, pulled pork and poblano meatloaf, and a braised reuben “handheld.”

O’Harra was awarded first prize in the people’s choice category at the 2018 Worcester’s Best Chef Competition representing Flying Rhino Cafe & Watering Hole. He announced his departure from Flying Rhino at the end of March in favor of new opportunities at Maddi’s. O’Harra brings nearly two decades of experience in Worcester’s dining scene and has learned to favor creative and seasonal dishes that lend themselves to hospitable service.