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Sirloin Steak at Dino’s

Sirloin Steak at Dino's

Sirloin Steak at Dino's

It had been a long time since I’d been to Dino’s Restaurant, located off Plantation Street in Worcester, so I was very curious as to what it would look like and how the food would be. The first pleasant encounter was with their large parking lot. It was great being able to self park so close to the entrance. Inside, it was clean and just bright enough for dinning. I didn’t expect it to be so busy on a Tuesday night, but even though the restaurant was full and we had 12 in our Foodies group they handled us with ease. The service was very good and everyone’s meal came out promptly.

One of my go to meals is a nicely grilled sirloin with nothing but a Caesar salad loaded with anchovies for a side … but I don’t typically order that when I’m at an Italian restaurant. For some season it just doesn’t seem appropriate–I always think, why not try a specialty Italian dish instead? For some reason when the waitress came to take our orders I couldn’t help myself and blurted out. “I’ll take the sirloin, medium rare, and the only side I’d like is the Caesar salad with 8 anchovies.” (You have to specify the number of anchovies because they charge 25 cents per anchovy.) I guess that’s good in the sense that it saves money for the customers that don’t like anchovies … Regardless, the steak was cooked exactly as ordered, with nice a crisp char on the outside and very juicy and tender inside. It was very flavorful … I’d order it again in a second. The Caesar was excellent as well — a nice smooth and tangy dressing on fresh romaine hearts — simple and delicious.

The convenience, the service, the atmosphere, the meal, and even the finishing touch … a piping hot fresh cup of perked coffee, were all top notch. I’ll be back again again soon! You should try it too.

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Sizzling Mongolian Beef

Sizzling Mongolian Beef from Pho Dakao on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Sizzling Mongolian Beef from Pho Dakao on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Pho Dakao is one my go-to places for client lunch meetings in Worcester. I have never had a bad experience and really enjoy the bright open atmosphere, prompt service, and interesting menu. It’s perfect for a business lunch–informal, yet very clean and professional. Since I’ve only been there for lunch and already knew the food was excellent, I was excited to learn that our Foodies group was headed there for dinner.

For apps, three of us at our of the end table ordered 2 servings of Beef Teriyaki and a bowl of Seafood and Pork Noodle Soup to share. It wasn’t long before the bowl was empty and the server was removing empty plates — it all disappeared, leaving only three very satisfied and happy customers. Now for the main course: Sizzling Mongolian Beef, “Tender sliced sirloin mixed in a flavoring sauce with onions, scallions, and ginger on a hot pan.”

This dish makes a great presentation. It comes out steaming, sizzling, and spewing tons of pure deliciousness. The flavor is great, the meat tender, and the onions perfectly sweet and translucent. And even if you are not that proficient with chopsticks you will find the small bite-sized pieces easy to handle. I have nothing negative to say about the meal, the restaurant, the service, or the parking. All I can say is, it’s all good–go there and enjoy!