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.)
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.
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.