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Shrimp Scampi from Via’s Brunch

Shrimp Scampi from Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Shrimp Scampi from Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

The menu described this dish as pan seared shrimp with grape tomatoes, parsley, and a lemon white wine butter sauce. All served over a spaghetti. And it was nicely delivered just as stated. The sauce was very lemony and very flavorful. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and the spaghetti was cooked firm to the bite, the perfect al dante, just the way I love it. It was a smaller portion which was perfect for brunch. We also indulged in the Smoked Salmon Plate. The salmon was just perfect, rich and delicious, with the perfect extras of capers, red onion and a light mustard sauce. I look forward to enjoying brunch there again.

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Teriyaki Julian

Teriyaki Julian from Takara in Worcester, MA

Teriyaki Julian from Takara in Worcester, MA

One of my favorite things about having teppanyaki, is the camaraderie with friends. Sitting around the table, chatting and having fun and enjoying the show the sushi chef’s culinary and knife juggling talents. The food is just the topping on the cake so to speak.

I’m not sure when the concept of teppanyaki started, but I really enjoy it.  Takara shares in the teppanyaki tradition offering the usual entrees.

I had the Teriyaki Julian (beef teriyaki and shrimp) with fried rice and vegetables. Stir fried and chopped cooked medium rare.  It’s hard to “critique” this restaurant as typically the meal or food is the primary critique, however in this case I think it is more about the “show” and atmosphere. That being said, it was great fun to have all of the Foodies around, drinking sake and having general merriment. The food itself was good, but not exceptional. In case of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had any exceptional teppanyaki ever. It’s just stir fried food. The best is if it isn’t over cooked or bad. The worst is if it is over cooked and bad. In this case it was cooked well and the Chef was entertaining.

This is not a restaurant that I would probably go to really, as it is out of the way and in Kelley Square. Not an area I typically travel through on a regular basis. It seems that this is a good place if you are a local of the area where you can either walk to, or really like to drive through Kelly Square.

All in all I had a good experience, but doubt I would go back unless invited specifically.