Tag: potato gnocchi

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Luxurious and Approachable Pairings at Via Italian Table

Via's Braised Short Ribs pair well with the Meiomi Pinot Noir.

Amid Worcester’s shifting culinary landscape, Via Italian Table prides itself in offering a measure of tradition. Count on Via for new twists on old family recipes and the distinguished wines that compliment them served by candlelight. For seven consecutive years, this giant of Shrewsbury Street has received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Select a bottle of the 2014 Meiomi Pinot Noir and prepare to immerse yourself in a rich marriage of raspberries and mocha.

Via's Beet Salad, which is served with whipped goat cheese, balsamic reduction, fresh arugula, and fried garbanzo beans pairs beautifully with the Meiomi Pinot Noir.
Via’s Beet Salad, which is served with whipped goat cheese, balsamic reduction, fresh arugula, and fried garbanzo beans pairs beautifully with the Meiomi Pinot Noir.

Start with the Beet Salad, served with whipped goat cheese, balsamic reduction, fresh arugula, and fried garbanzo beans. Chevre has been known to overwhelm many a wine pairing, but Meiomi’s alluring bouquet of ripe wild berries rounds out the pungent aroma of the creamy goat cheese. Meiomi’s toasty oak notes harmonize with the Beet Salad’s crisp garbanzo beans and each juicy sip enhances beet filled bites of candied wet earth.

Order the Braised Short Ribs and get lost in new depths of the Meiomi Pinot Noir. The dish is served with potato gnocchi, tossed with walnuts and arugula, then finished with a light gorgonzola cream sauce. Meiomi offers hints of cola and spice to enhance the bold profile of robust shiitake mushrooms that give the Short Ribs their character.

Meiomi totes this Pinot Noir as both luxurious and approachable; the same could surely be said about Via Italian Table.

 

 

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A Little Bit of Chorizo Stuffed Calamari and A Lot of the Grilled Tri Tip Steak at Lock 50

Grilled Tri Tip Steak from Lock 50 on Water Street in Worcester, MA

Summertime and the livings easy! Worcester is in full bloom and so are all of the new restaurants, cafes and bars throughout the city! Lock 50 stands out on crowded Water St. with its beautiful outdoor patio and exposed brick exterior. It was cozy and stylish with fun decor. I especially loved the hanging lights and rock salt crystal candle holders that were set on each table.

Buttermilk Fried Quail from Lock 50 on Water Street in Worcester, Ma
Buttermilk Fried Quail from Lock 50 on Water Street in Worcester, Ma

Our table of 5 quickly agreed to take the “YOLO” route and ordered a little bit of everything. For small plates we went with the Assorted Bread Basket, Grilled Beets, Potato Gnocchi, Chorizo Stuffed Calamari, Shaved Compressed Octopus, and the Buttermilk Fried Quail. My favorite of the 6 was undoubtedly the Chorizo Stuffed Calamari which was accompanied with zesty tomato broth and chickpeas. It reminded me of manicotti, but instead of pasta it was grilled calamari. I’ve honestly never seen or tasted anything like it!

As if all of that wasn’t enough we also ordered three shareable plates which were a lot larger than I expected. We went with the Porchetta, Grilled Tri Tip Steak and the Roasted 1/2 Chicken. All three were phenomenal, but the one that stood out most was the Tri Tip Steak with Roasted Potato and Broccoli Rabe Pesto. I had never thought of putting pesto with my steak but it was fabulous and cooked to perfection. After one bite I found myself going back for more.. and more.. and more.. until it was all gone. Each and every plate I tried was extremely satisfying and unique.

Our server was fantastic and well-versed on the entire menu. For drinks she recommended the Lookout Farm Cider from Natick and I’m so glad she did. I’m not normally a cider drinker because they tend to be on the sweeter side but this one was dry, crisp and refreshing! Definitely a new Summer go-to.

After ordering a handful of the small plates we asked if there was anything she thought was a must-try and she suggested the Buttermilk Fried Quail. It added a crunch that other plates lacked and I’m glad we went with it. Overall prompt service and great recommendations!

Lock 50 is a restaurant that brings out the best in Worcester! Although I found the dinner menu on the pricier side, it’s absolutely worth it for date night or a special occasion. I’ve been told their coffee (especially their Nitro Brew) and crepe selection is one of the best in the city, so I’ll be sure to hit up their cafe for a weekend treat! Overall it was a fantastic evening and my favorite Foodie adventure to date!