Tag: North Main Provisions

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Miss Last Month’s Food News? Here’s A Small Bite

Mass Foodies and The Queen's Cups sit down at Good As Gold Coffee to understand their air roasting and begin planning a fall event together. (Erb Photo)
The Kale Brussels Salad with Yellowtail at 110 Grill's new Worcester, MA location.
The Kale Brussels Salad with Yellowtail at 110 Grill’s new Worcester, MA location.

May means outdoor dining, a reality made simple with the launch of 110 Grill in downtown Worcester. I had the opportunity to tour 110’s new space for a Live segment with General Manager Patrick McClelland who expressed his excitement about the restaurant’s proximity to the AC Marriott. Lights still need to be installed on the patio, but guests are welcome to dine before dark in the meantime; stay tuned for fire pits. If you’re curious about the parking situation, rest assured that 110 Grill validates after 5 p.m. and anytime on the weekends.

The building permit for Crust's expansion as North Main Provisions.
The building permit for Crust’s expansion as North Main Provisions.

I joined Renee King of the Queen’s Cups on a tour of Good As Gold Coffee, one of her Canal District neighbors. I have driven past Good As Gold hundreds of times over the years, but this was my first venture inside. New advanced air roasting technology allows these local crafters to ensure steadfast consistency for customers. Their custom air roaster controls how heat is applied to the coffee bean, impacting the outside coloration of the roast color as well as the inside by taking measurements 10 times per second. What now separates Good As Gold from other roasters is an ability to provide more consistent coffee and dial in their recipes. Good As Gold is currently the only roaster in the United States with this precise technology. You can expect an autumn collab with the Queen. (Stay tuned for Coffee + Dessert #1!)

This month, Mass Foodies contributor Jim Eber took a chance on Crust Artisan Bakeshop’s Coney Island pizza. Alexis Kelleher’s homage to the “Up” dog, an iconic preparation with all the fixings, was created to trigger the same nostalgia she feels whenever she sets foot in her family’s eatery, Coney Island. Kelleher and her partner Nate Rossi are expanding their footprint to offer fine wine and cheese, a compliment to their signature fresh baked goods at Crust. The new entity will be called North Main Provisions.

The Worcester Market, photograph from Worcester Historical Museum
The Worcester Market, photograph from Worcester Historical Museum

Giselle-Rivera Flores broke the news that Chef Jay Powell has sold the Twisted Fork Bistro in Leicester to open a new venture in the town of Auburn. The new project will be called the Twisted Cochon BBQ and Grill. Flores also treated the family to a tea party at Fancy That in Walpole for her new series, #FamilyEats. In addition, she zeroed in on the community, applauding public markets like Allen Fletcher’s new Kelley Square Market project. Rivera wrote, “In the midst of a growth spurt, Worcester looks back on its roots in an attempt to infuse what the city needs the most: a common space to define and explore shared values among the diverse culture that breathes life into Worcester’s identity.”

The Worcester Foodies braved torrential downpours to test the waters at simjang on Shrewsbury Street. The crew found it easy to step out of their comfort zone under the watchful eye of Chef de Cuisine Mike Wenc and his knowledgeable staff. Robyn sprang for the Mulgogi (whole fish) and reveled in its flakey perfection. What a way to delight in May.

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Crust Bakeshop To Expand Worcester Footprint With North Main Provisions

The building permit for Crust's expansion as North Main Provisions.

Main Street’s Crust Bakeshop To Expand into Neighboring Storefront—to offer wine, cheese, and more, as North Main Provisions.

Alexis Kelleher and her partner, Nate Rossi – former sous chef at Armsby Abbey – plan to expand into the storefront next to Crust to open a wine and cheese shop. Crust was wildly popular before it even opened in 2014. Food lovers waited for the highly anticipated shop to open its doors and expectations were met with its grab-and-go model of freshly baked breads, pastries, Armeno coffees, farmstead cheeses, and breakfast sandwiches.

The interior work being done at the expansion of Crust— The building permit for Crust's expansion as North Main Provisions.
The interior work being done at the expansion of Crust—North Main Provisions.

In February 2018, Ms. Kelleher approached Mass Foodies days after signing a lease with even more exciting news for Crust fans: a 2018 expansion. Two months in, construction has recently taken the attention of passersby and North Main Provisions is starting to take shape. “With everything that’s been happening in Worcester, combined with an opportunity to take over the neighboring space next door it felt like the right time to expand. Nate and I are passionate about food, in general, but we are really excited to share our love of wine, cheese, and bread with the people of Worcester,” Ms. Kelleher explained. The new storefront will allow for more seating at Crust and will also offer a greater array of products.

The expansion is expected to be completed by the spring and open by the in the next month or two. Crust has also been asked to exhibit at the upcoming Worcester Wine Festival where they will be presenting tastings of the exciting new offerings.