rice pilaf | Mass Food & Wine

Beef Shawarma Plate from Bay State Shawarma on Water Street in Worcester, MA

I always say, if you crave the dish the next day, you had a great meal. Well it’s been five days and I’m, still craving my dish I had at this month’s Foodies stop, Bay State Shawarma and Grill at 86 Water Street. This Middle Eastern eatery has been serving Worcester’s Middle Eastern appetite with fresh homemade food and baked goods for over twelve years. A casual dining atmosphere, much like a delicatessen, where the eater orders from the front counter and waits to be called by number to get their dish.

My experience began with an appetizer of vegetarian Grape Leaves. Stuffed with rice, mint, tomato, parsley & spices; a squeeze of lemon complimented the already flavorful dish. A must try!

For my entrée I chose the Beef Shawarma Plate. Fresh beef shaved from the rotating grill behind the counter; loaded with spices and presented over a bed of rice pilaf. Each dinner entree is served with a small Middle Eastern salad, hummus, vegetables and pita bread.

Friendly hosts, extremely reasonable prices and amazing food in a warm atmosphere, I cannot say enough about Bay State Shawarma. If you enjoy Middle Eastern food, you will not be disappointed.

Lamb Kabob from Wexford House on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

The Wexford House is one of my favorite casual restaurants in the city so when it was my choice to pick a restaurant for our next Foodies gathering, the decision was easy. The atmosphere at the Wexford House is laid back and casual, family members run the restaurant with roots and recipes that date back to the old El Morocco. We were seated in the newer of the two dining areas, a bright and open room which is in contrast to the older dining area which is smaller and not as brightly lit. The menu is huge, filled with a variety of casual comfort food, but I always choose from the Mediterranean menu items which includes kibbeh, humous, baba ganoush, kabobs and more. Tonight I chose the Lamb Kabob and true to form, it was outstanding. Perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly as I had ordered, the lamb was tender and flavorful and the vegetable medley was grilled to perfection. Served with a simply-seasoned rice pilaf and a side of butternut squash (not overly brown sugared) the whole meal was outstanding. Our server was fantastic, with a great sense of humor and made a wonderful recommendation suggesting I pair my meal with a seasonal pumpkin ale. Overall an outstanding meal and as always, I would highly recommend the Wexford House for our next casual dining experience!