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Filet Mignon from The Boynton

Filet Mignon from The Boynton on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

Filet Mignon from The Boynton on Highland Street in Worcester, MA

Atmosphere: Liked

Ah, the Boynton. Yes, I’ve been there many times and it’s easy to write a review on a local favorite. The food is great and the atmosphere is loud and exciting. I’d consider it a Sports Bar/Restaurant. Yet, even with that being said, the food is amazing—from amazing gluten free pizza options to the traditional wings, burgers and large salads. There’s something for everyone.

Food: Liked

Usually, I’m a burger maniac, but tonight I opted for the Filet Mignon. A ½ pound center cut tender piece of heaven. Mmm, good! It is served with your choice of potato and side. I opted to have the mixed vegetable medley and steamed broccoli as my second side. I’m doing my best to cut back on the carbs.

It was cooked perfectly; medium rare and super tender… Just the way I like it. The broccoli was also cooked great, super crunchy and green. My guess it was quickly blanched. The mixed vegetable medley had a wonderful subtle lemon flavor that added to it nicely.

Service: Liked

Our server, Jamie, was very easy going and seemed to handle our group of 15 easily and was quick; she was responsive and had a wonderful smile. Along with her team of servers, the food was served all at the same time (not an easy task for a group this large)—kudos to the kitchen staff who pulled this off as well as having to service a completely full restaurant at the same time.

Overall: Liked

Overall, it’s easy for me to say that I like this place, as we tend to frequent it often. I like the range of food options available to me, as well as all the amazing beers on tap.The Boynton wouldn’t be considered gourmet, but if you are looking for above average, seriously tasty food, that will fill you and your family up and at a good price, then this is a great place to go.

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Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via

Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Steak and Eggs for Brunch at Via on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

This month Worcester Foodies went off the beaten path of our usual Tuesday night dining and ventured to Via’s Sunday brunch. Our party of 15 hungry foodies had a fantastic table reserved in their outside patio, which in my opinion is one of the nicest outside eating spaces in the city. That said, I think the ambience in the bar is amazing as well. The Ahlquists did a fantastic job with that building.

Our large group was waited on by two servers who were highly attentive, pleasant and helpful with the menu.

Flight of Bubbles served with a fruit cup at Via's brunch on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MAThe Sunday menu has a variety of morning alcoholic concoctions including the usual Bloody Mary, called Smoking Mary, and some unique options like a Flight of Bubbles or the Tangerine Dream as well. I was cooling the engines from the evening prior and chose a French Roast coffee, which to my delight was very good. If you’re going to do Sunday brunch, have a slamming coffee. They did.

For an appetizer I chose the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, per recommendation of our waiter. After a very long wait; everyone else had their apps., the server delivered my shrimp and apologized for the wait but said they were waiting for the shrimp to thaw out. Did he really just say that? He did. OUCH! At $19 a half dozen, they were OK, not worth price.

For my entrée I chose the Steak and Eggs, again following my server’s advice. I chose scrambled eggs and a cooking temperature of medium rare for my sirloin. The steak was prepared perfectly with a fantastic lemon pepper aioli drizzled over the pieces of meat, served over a bed of hash browns that were to die for. The eggs were cooked perfectly and were accompanied by a side of caramelized onions that complemented everything on the dish. This dish was excellent… except, it was warm at best, more on the cold side. Unfortunately I think my dish was prepared first and sat on the line while the other dished were finishing up, as my accompanying foodie’s dishes were all hot and very good.

I appreciate the difficulty involved with serving a large party, and so I am overlooking the temperature of my dish and focusing on the taste, the quality, the ambience and the service, all of which were very good. Therefore, I would highly recommend Via’s Sunday brunch, and look forward to trying it again.