Tag: pasta

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All Hail The Italian Pig Roast at VIA

For the entire month of July, you can enjoy a salad, appetizer, entrée, and glass of vino for just $29.99 with Via’s Italian Pig Roast.

VIA is, and always will be, one of Worcester’s most-loved Italian restaurants. From the rustic décor, to their open concept kitchen and year-round outdoor patio, VIA makes Shrewsbury Street feel like you’re dining in Italy. After driving past the Pig Roast billboard time and time again on my commute home from work, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try – and I’m so glad I did!

The Insalata Mista was a refreshing start to the meal, followed by the choice of a glass of red or white wine, or Wormtown’s Hefeweizen Warthog Wheat. Don’t get me wrong I love me some Wormtown, but I felt that a glass of wine was more appropriate for the occasion. I went with the Scarpetta “Frico Bianco” Friulano & Chardonnay. It wasn’t the best glass of wine I’ve ever had, but I might be a little biased because I work for a wine company.

Crispy Pork Meatballs over the Chicharrones from VIA on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA
Crispy Pork Meatballs over the Chicharrones from VIA on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Next was the appetizer. I went with the Crispy Pork Meatballs over the Chicharones. The four meatballs were super succulent and the glaze started off sweet and ended spicy. I’d definitely order them again.

Pork Belly & Orecchiette Pasta from VIA's Pig Roast on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA
Pork Belly & Orecchiette Pasta from VIA’s Pig Roast on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

The entrée was even more impressive than the appetizer! Both options sounded magically delicious so I knew it would be a win-win situation either way. I went with my gut and ordered the Pork Belly & Orecchiette Pasta because I’m a sucker for carbs. Plated beautifully with a generous amount of pork belly, the portion was a lot larger than I expected, but the black pepper and Parmesan cream sauce was so light that I was able to enjoy the entire plate guilt-free.

For only $29.99, I was able to enjoy a salad, appetizer, entrée, and glass of wine on the patio of one of the greatest restaurants in the city. Thank you, VIA, for making all of my Italian Pig Roast dinner dreams come true. I will absolutely return before July 31 and you should too!

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Porchetta with a Side of Penne

Porchetta with a Side of Penne from La Cucina on Hamilton Street in Worcester

Porchetta with a Side of Penne from La Cucina on Hamilton Street in Worcester

Take a short jaunt down Hamilton Street and you’ll find an Italian staple: La Cucina Italiana. This small BYOB restaurant opened earlier this year. The interior is quaint. It’s divided between two different dining areas with some small booths for quick dining on one side and a full dining room on the other side. The walls are adorned with black and white photos hung on antique doors that look like they’re straight out of Goodfellas.

The menu was complete with all of the Italian classics you could ever want: lasagna, chicken parm, meatballs, and various pasta dishes to satisfy the hungriest appetites. Everything was priced amazingly well too. Items ranged from $8 to about $12.

While almost everything sounded, looked and smelled amazing, I couldn’t help but order the Porchetta off of the board of specials. I opted for a side of penne and gravy, or red sauce–not to be confused with the brown stuff you smother on your Thanksgiving turkey. The Porchetta was fork-tender. It was stuffed and rolled with ham, salami, a mixture of cheeses, and vegetables then covered in a dark, mushroom gravy. The different cuts of meat and cheese added a good texture and flavor. The veggies were tender and cut nicely too. I only wish the outside skin of the Porchetta had been crispier. I found that it was slightly chewy.

Our server was one of the most attentive, happy and energetic waitresses I have seen in a long time. She always had a smile on her face and was always available when we had a question, or wanted a water refill. It appeared as though she truly enjoyed what she was doing.

La Cucina Italiana is a great alternative for someone looking for homemade classics that are off the commonly traveled Shrewsbury St. You can bring a bottle of your favorite wine from home and enjoy a great meal at a fantastic value, while not feeling pretentious or uncomfortable.

The warmth of the waitstaff, the character of the building, the décor, and the quality of the food can really be felt from the moment you enter the building. An inspiring quote was written on the chalkboard, “People who love to eat are always the best people”. This quote holds true for us and for anyone else who dines at La Cucina. It’s a great choice!