I do not have fond memories of meat loaf. My mother, who in all fairness had little interest in cooking, served a meatloaf as dry as it was flavorless, most frequently with instant mashed potatoes. (Don’t worry. This lovely woman does not live anywhere near Worcester and will never read this review.) The meatloaf served in my college cafeteria tasted…well, it tasted exactly like you would expect a cafeteria meatloaf would taste. And yet despite my early exposure I continually seek out this American staple, perhaps searching for the meatloaf that I never had in my otherwise happy childhood. I recently continued my quest at Joey’s Bar & Grill where I experienced their Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf, which tasted exactly as I always imagined a meatloaf could taste. Joey’s tender, remarkably moist meatloaf is made from short ribs and is served with a very tangy BBQ sauce. The meal included a flavorful medley carrots, squash, and broccoli, perfectly roasted, not too soft with just the right amount of bite. (I added just a bit of salt to bring out the flavors.) To balance the flavors and textures of this meal’s stars, the mashed potatoes were simple and smooth with just a few pieces of potato skin. The portion was more than generous, including three slices of meatloaf. There was enough to bring home for the next day’s lunch. At $17, this meal was a bargain, especially when you consider the upscale but friendly atmosphere and fantastic service. -JD
A delightful twist on the classic American dish, meatloaf and mac and cheese. 86 Winter’s half and half delivered famished diners with a slice of meatloaf and a generous bowl of baked macaroni and cheese. The meatloaf, full of flavor, was a unique combination of veal and beef covered with a slightly sweet port wine sauce. The side of green beans were blanched and served with fresh garlic and crushed, crunchy, pistachios—a delightful and unexpected surprise. The mac and cheese used penne pasta and was topped a delicious crispy crust of crackers and butter. The macaroni itself was cooked al dente and not overly cheesy. This meal is a unique rendition of two of America’s most beloved comfort foods melded together to be a truly satisfying meal.