Tag: octopus

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Sashimi at Baba Sushi

Sashimi at Baba Sushi on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Sashimi at Baba Sushi on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Baba Sushi is able to deliver the full dining experience—the atmosphere, food, flavors and service combined with good friends makes it simply one of the best sushi restaurants.

Having sat in the front room dozens of times, the back dining room was a pleasant surprise. It has a much different vibe. The back room’s high ceilings give it an open, inviting feel.

Baba Sushi’s food has always been consistently outstanding and this visit was no different. Nothing is simpler than raw fish on a plate, yet, nothing compares to the taste.

My sashimi spread consisted of sake (salmon), hotate (scallop), taco (octopus) and maguro (tuna). As usual, it was fresh and full of flavor.

The taco’s texture and consistency were exceptional, easy to chew and not rubbery, which can be a challenge for octopus. The highlight of the night: describing hotate’s buttery flavor and soft texture to my Foodies friend. She tried it and loved it, thanks to my recommendation.

One note on the portion size at Baba…often after eating sashimi at other restaurants I might not be full, but Baba is generous and fair.

Our excellent server handled our large party alone. He delivered food in a timely manner, filled water glasses promptly and offered drinks right on time. He seemed very knowledgeable about the food. I overheard him speaking with a few folks about the preparation and ingredients of a few dishes in impressive detail.

Baba Sushi is one of a very small handful of restaurants in Worcester County I have found to be consistent with its fresh food, great service, and appealing atmosphere. For me, Baba is my go-to restaurant for sushi. Highly recommend.

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Channeling My Inner Greek

Spanaki from Meze Greek Tapas on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Spanaki from Meze Greek Tapas on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

I’m French (technically Northern French, I won’t say the “C” word—not that there is anything wrong with that) but after a recent trip to Greece I find a part of me wishing that I were Greek. Full disclosure: I also wish that I were Italian sometimes. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that a Greek tapas-style restaurant was opening in the heart of Shrewsbury Street. After a visit to Mezé on opening night, I was hooked. The atmosphere is designed to replicate the typical al fresco eateries you’d find in Greece and the menu is inspired by the Mediterranean style.

Octopus from Meze on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MAFrom the wine (some of the greatest Greek selections—although missing Robola of Kefalonia) and ouzo through the hot and cold dishes, the menu speaks to the nature of the Grecian diet. For this visit, I opted for the spanaki (spinach salad) which consisted of baby spinach, walnuts, sun dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, tossed with a balsamic vinegar dressing. The dish was surprisingly large for a spinach salad, but perfectly captured the essence of its flavors.

For my meal, I opted for the Octapodi (octopus). I am bad when it comes to tapas—I don’t like to share. And, when it comes down to the octopus, you can hold me to that. I commonly will stop at Mezé Greek Tapas Bar & Grille on my way home from meetings just to have a glass of wine and enjoy the octopus at the bar. It’s prepared on a bed of onions and grilled with simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil. To be honest, it’s my new go-to meal because the presentation, flavors and consistency. The light meat of octopus absorbs the Mediterranean flavors and satisfies all gustatory perceptions.

I look forward to any night that I know I can belly up to the bar and enjoy a glass of wine, octopus, and spinach salad. It brings out the Greek in me.