Tag: pumpkin

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Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto from The International

Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

The Fireplace Room at the International has a large fireplace, a nice bar area, and an inviting dining room.

The menu offers a variety of dishes from casual eats like burgers and pizza to more elaborate dinner options like risotto and sirloin steak. While many items caught my attention, I ordered the Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto. When the dish arrived, the abundance of lobster amazed me. A small pumpkin was centered on the plate with a large portion of peas, pepitas, bacon and lobster claws along with a rich risotto. The flavors from the lobster, bacon, and risotto made for a wonderfully warm fall dish. The peas and pumpkin were the perfect balance to the saltier ingredients.

The service was very good throughout the night. The waitstaff kept water glasses full and drinks fresh. The only comment on the service was the kitchen seemed to be a little slow. But when the main course did arrive, it was worth the wait.

The International is a wonderful place to dine after a golf outing, to have a business meeting or to eat a formal dinner. The food and value are excellent. The International offers a nice alternative if you’re looking for a spot outside of Worcester.

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Pumpkin with a Yummy Twist from The International

Lobster Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

Lobster Risotto from The International in Bolton, MA

While driving down Rt. 70 from Worcester toward The International in Bolton I could not help but wonder, “Why did I agree to go outside of Worcester on this Foodie adventure when there are so many places left to try in the city?”

My GPS directed me down long winding roads into the darkness so I was happy when I finally saw the welcoming lights of The International entranceway. When I found my way inside the Fireplace Room, it was a large space with a warm glow.

The menu had a few nice options on it and the waitress offered up some helpful suggestions as well. Generally I like to go for something I haven’t eaten before. When I saw Lobster and Pumpkin Risotto on the night’s featured menu I had to go for it. The menu stated that the dish included Maine lobster, brown sugar roasted pumpkin, smoked applewood bacon, peas, asiago cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds.

I was not sure what to expect, but I was hoping it wasn’t a lot of cinnamon and apple spices. I was hoping for something creamy and savory.

What showed up was a tiny roasted pumpkin sitting in the middle of the plate with lobster pieces and creamy risotto pouring seductively down its sides. It smelled great. It looked great. And, when I slide my butter knife through the soft pumpkin skin and gathered up lobster, rice and a slice of pumpkin, it was heavenly. There was a lovely savouriness and a delightful creaminess that mixed perfectly. There were no disappointing flavors to be found. It was just fantastic so I ate the whole delicious thing.

Our table was served well. Our waitress was lovely and attentive. I did notice our companion table waited a long time for their meals. Large parties like ours can be a challenge to a kitchen staff. So I would say that if you go, expect a bit of a wait. The large dining room seats many a hungry diner.

Overall, my meal was excellent. The servers for our table were flawless. And, the company was lovely. I would go back there for a romantic evening or a group gathering with friends to celebrate a special occasion.