Posted on

Ron Reviews Niche’s Test Kitchen in Worcester

Oyster on the half shell From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

Oyster on the half shell From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

I had the great pleasure of participating in Worcester Foodies 50th event. For this occasion we went on a great adventure of sights, tastes and textures at The Test Kitchen — 6 rounds of various samples, all featuring part of a roasted pig from Chimney Hill Farm. We were served everything from home made Bratwurst to Mexican Hot Chocolate Cheesecake — 13 dishes in all. One of the more interesting ones and my personal favorite was the Oysters on the Half Shell with a raw quail egg, house-cured guaniciale, uni, and grapefruit mignonette. Those big glistening Wellfleet oysters looked so enticing and slid down so easily I could have eaten a dozen! My next favorite was the Porchetta Corn Pimonton — thick slices of tender pork loin covered in pickled onion, shaved carrots and crushed marcono. Tender, moist and cooked to perfection. Of course there were many more very delectable dished … too many to describe, but all very well done and presented with flair.

The Test Kitchen itself is just a fun place to be. A long counter presents itself as you walk in. Behind which the chef and his helpers are busily preparing food, joking amongst themselves and explaining the various dishes as they spread them out before our eager mouths and gleaming eyes. The stainless steel ovens and big gas stove form the backdrop to all this splendor. In the corner to the left a table was set up for the bar tender. Craft beer and hand selected wines along with a delicious Buffalo Trace punch were available to quench the thirst. Everything was clean, bright and cheery — people chatted freely as they walked around tasting the tantalizing tidbits. I can’t say enough, words don’t do it justice, you’ll just have to go experience this marvel for yourself!

Posted on

Louisiana Fry

The Louisiana Fry served at Smokestack Urban Barbecue on Harding Street in Worcester.

Urban Barbecue may sound somewhat strange in Worcester. However, Smokestack Urban Barbecue on Harding Street delivers the goods, especially when trying the Louisiana Fry. A dish piled high, it came with freshly fried catfish, oysters, and shrimp, with a side of fries, slaw and remoulade served on a playful, yet down home country feel, of parchment paper.

The slaw is very peppery and refreshing, which proved a good compliment to the crisply fried seafood and fries. The true stars of the dish…the seafood consisted of perfectly cooked shrimp that still had a nice snap to them and even a slight crunch from the carefully fried tails. The oysters were creamy and briny, small tidbits of deliciousness, while the catfish resembled oversized clam strips, but without that intense seafood flavor. The fish was mild and very flaky, not dry and tough like the reputation that catfish may have. To finish off the meal, the thinly cut fries were done perfectly, creating a nice retreat from the plentiful seafood dish. Although not one’s typical BBQ fare, the Louisiana Fry from Smokestack Urban Barbecue did not disappoint.