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Great eats in the heart of Bolton

Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad from The International in Bolton, MA

Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad from The International in Bolton, MA

While driving down through the rural streets of Bolton, I could have sworn my GPS was taking me to The Last House of the Left. But when I arrived at The International, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the white sparkling lights and tall pine trees. It was nice to get out of the city and explore another town.

When I walked in, I instantly felt comfortable. It was a cold night, but inside was warm and cozy. It was everything a country club should be. The big fireplace and dim lighting added to the vibe. It’s the perfect place cuddle up with a book and bowl of soup by the fire, to bring a date or grab some apps with friends.

As I mentioned, I am, and always will be, that girl who orders sushi if it’s on the menu. My eyes were directed straight to the Spicy Crab Maki Roll, which had cream cheese (my favorite). And, it was deep fried (also my favorite). I knew it had to be mine. Then I ordered a salad because the sushi was listed as an appetizer. I was sold on the Rainbow and Beet Radish Salad as soon as I saw mention of a goat cheese wonton.

As I expected, the salad was enough for two. The goat cheese wonton was divine. I could have eaten two or three without regret.

When I saw the maki, I was love struck. In addition to a beautiful presentation, the maki was cold and crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside. It came with a side of seaweed salad as well. I forced down the entire roll, took half of the salad home for a little late night treat. Overall I had an excellent meal.

The restaurant had two separate tables. They set up a long table and a round table. I personally wish we could have all been at the same table since it was my first Worcester Foodie experience. I was at the round table where the service was excellent. Ice water was waiting for us, which was followed by some warm pita bread. Our meals and our dessert came out quickly.

A woman from the restaurant spoke with us after our meal. She told us about the restaurant, the golf course, the hotel and the events they host. She was welcoming and made me feel at home.

With so many restaurants in and around the city, I would have never thought to come to The Fireplace Room at The International. I hadn’t heard of it before this event. With an excellent menu, a dream-like atmosphere and welcoming staff, it is now a place I will be recommending to friends near and far.

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Volcano Roll from Baba Sushi on Park Avenue

Volcano Roll from Baba Sushi on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Volcano Roll from Baba Sushi on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

I was so excited to hear we were going to Baba Sushi. We sat in the back patio, an oasis that made you feel like you weren’t in the city, never mind busy Park Ave.

Walking into the back room, you are greeted with a trickling rock water display, some greenery, and a lofted ceiling.

I ordered a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to start and the Seaweed Salad as an appetizer. It was a large portion served fresh with light oil. Perfect!

For my meal I chose the Volcano Roll in a soy wrap, which is California maki topped with baked scallop, crabmeat, spicy mayo, tobiko, and scallion.

Baba is the only place I can find the Volcano Roll with the scallop and crabmeat topping baked. Typically restaurants will serve it cold on top. As usual, Baba’s Volcano Roll was substantial with a heaping mound of baked scallop and crab.

The fish was fresh. There was not too much tobiko sauce either. And, the topping was warm and crispy with mouthfuls of scallop and crab.

My Foodies friend ordered some sashimi and I tried my favorite: the scallop. This sushi perfection was thickly cut and cold. It melted in my mouth.

Wilson came by our table to welcome us. Plus he left us a complimentary chilled bottle of Saki for each table. Wilson’s friendly, gracious demeanor is another reason I keep coming back.

I simply cannot say enough about Baba Sushi. I do have a tip: Try their Hamachi Kama (baked yellowtail jaw). This is the only place that I can find it. It is buttery and light, truly something worth ordering.