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Broth: Worcester’s First Bar Dedicated to Ramen Opens On Green Street

French Onion Ramen from Broth, on Green Street in Worcester, MA

With the success of The Hangover Pub – a bacon-infused restaurant adding a little crispy pork to everything from cocktails to dessert – Chef Michael Arrastia and partner, Jay Grey, bring the first ramen bar to Worcester. Opening today, Broth by The Hangover Pub is destined to bring a little Japanese culture to Green Street.

Thanksgiving Ramen from Broth, on Green Street in Worcester, MA
Thanksgiving Ramen from Broth, on Green Street in Worcester, MA (Submitted Photo)

“When we visited Momofuku earlier this year, we knew right away that Worcester needed its own ramen bar,” said Grey. Momofuku, owned by Chef David Chang – a favorite of Chef Arrastia – has gained worldwide recognition for their innovative cuisine and with Hangover Pub boosting creative cuisine in Worcester, it was a natural choice to explore the world inspired by Chef Chang.

Located in the same building as the Hangover Pub, Broth looks to give its customers a closer look behind the kitchen. “We want to give our customers an inside look into who we are and what we are about. We want everyone to feel like they are coming to hang out with us in a great environment,” said Arrastia. With an open dining concept, ramen lovers will be able to watch Chef Arrastia create their bowls firsthand as the bar and kitchen will be a combination centerpiece of Broth. “Everyone will be able to see me create their bowls from scratch and watch our bartender, Nick, craft their cocktails,” said Arrastia. “There is nothing like it in Worcester.”

Infusing an American twist to the traditional Japanese ramen dish, Broth by The Hangover Pub will offer flavors like chicken pot pie, French onion, and Thanksgiving – a ramen dish filled to the brim with Thanksgiving classics like turkey and cranberries. “We want the ramen bowls to reflect our New England flavors and the crowd has spoken about their appreciation of our concept as we’ve slowly offered a ramen dish or two at Hangover Pub for awhile now and they remain a house favorite,” said Arrastia.

Broth by The Hangover Pub is setting their sights on becoming another creative culinary treat for the foodies of Worcester. With an interior decor showcasing Marvel comic book characters – customized by the comic book illustrator himself, Mark McKenna – the personalities and energy of Arrastia and Grey can be seen in every aspect of their new venture.

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Lighter Fare (That Still Involves Bacon) at The Hangover Pub

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

It’s finally beginning to feel like summer and eating lighter comes naturally when the sun is shining and the people are walking the streets smiling. Eating on the healthier side shouldn’t be a chore, nor a bank-breaker, and although one typically visits the award winning Hangover Pub for their infamous Man Candy (brown sugar and maple glazed bacon), Lobster Grilled Cheese, Three Pork Ramen or a Bacon themed cocktail, you can also enjoy some delicious fare on the lighter side, too. (Don’t worry, there’s still bacon involved.)

Bacon Wrapped Scallops from Hangover Pub (Submitted)
Bacon Wrapped Scallops from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

The Hangover Pub, New England’s first bacon gastro pub, has made a home for themselves on Green Street in Worcester and offers a chill vibe, eccentric decor, weekly specials (Taco Tuesday, anyone?) and a passionate staff. It’s quickly become one of my go-to spots in the city whether it’s for brunch, dinner or just a glass of wine and a friendly conversation at the bar. Becoming a regular here does have its downfalls. The Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Pork Belly Rangoons were quickly catching up to me and that’s when, for the first time ever, I looked at the “Light Stuff” portion on the top of the menu. The Chef’s board and Spring Panzanella Salad both sounded great, but the Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad was the victor.

Michael Arrastia, the chef at The Hangover Pub, could make you a peanut butter sandwich and somehow it’d be the best you’ve ever had, so I knew that although he was the king of indulgent cuisine, his salad skills could be trusted too.

Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Hangover Pub (Submitted)

The Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad ($11) is the perfect summer salad. Light and crisp with only 6 ingredients that pack a real punch and won’t leave you feeling hungover. Sliced apple, Marcona Almonds, Bacon, Shaved Pecorino, Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette, and of course, Brussel Sprouts.

Sliced apples. Thinly sliced green apples are the fruit you never knew you needed in a salad to give it that refreshingly crisp, tart flavor. Marcona Almonds. Almonds give this salad the satisfying crunch it needs. Bacon. A wise man once said, “When in doubt, just add bacon.” Shaved Pecorino. Pecorino is the best type of grated cheese to add to a summer salad. It’s sharp and flavorful but not heavy at all. Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette. Tangy, lemony, light and fresh, this is a salad dressing you can feel good about eating, and licking the plate. Brussel Sprouts. The main event in this salad. Roasted and Shaved Brussel Sprouts have got to be the most underrated vegetable in the salad game. They are leafy and delicious and certainly tie this summer salad together.

Hungover or not, find your way to Green Street for The Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad at The Hangover Pub.