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Cauliflower Steak at The Fireplace Room

Cauliflower Steak at The Fireplace Room in Bolton, MA

Cauliflower Steak at The Fireplace Room in Bolton, MA

The Fireplace Room, located in Bolton, is tucked away at the upscale golf club known as The International. With the fireplace aglow and the tables perfectly set with white linen tablecloths and napkins, I knew I would be in for a relaxing dining experience.

There were so many creative dishes listed on “Tonight’s Features” and the dinner menu, but the Cauliflower Steak caught my eye and ignited my curiosity.

The generous slice of pan-seared Cauliflower Steak was topped with San Marzano tomatoes and crushed toasted pistachio nuts, which came together to form an absolutely addictive crust. The cauliflower florets were cooked to perfection while the stems were slightly under-cooked. It’s challenging to cook this vegetable given that florets and stems are two different textures. Either pan-searing or oven roasting may have helped to cook it more evenly. Other than that, the steak was presented beautifully on top of roasted fingerling potatoes and fresh spinach. The spinach was not in the dish description, but it complemented the potatoes. The gorgeous vegetables were bathing in a very flavorful layer of San Marzano tomato broth that seeped down through the Cauliflower Steak.

Our server was very attentive. What I found to be exceptional was that the server gave individual checks to everyone in our large group.

Overall, I enjoyed my very first Worcester Foodies dining experience. All of the dishes looked like works of art. I’ll definitely come back and not just for the fine dining. The very informative hostess told us that during the daylight hours you can see for miles. I’ll be back to check out the lunch menu and the spectacular views.

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Shabu Chuan’s Satay Broth with Mixed Vegetable Platter

Veggie medley from Chuan Shabu on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Veggie medley from Chuan Shabu on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Winter 2014 – so cold, so in need of something to warm the body and soul. Savory broth, fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, fish, whatever you crave… All in one super-hot pot, this is–Chuan Shabu.

Shabu means Chinese hot pot, and why I have never taken the plunge (no pun) to try this delectable food and method of preparation is beyond me, as this is right up my food alley.

The décor is chic and fun. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and offered some great suggestions. I was slightly overwhelmed in a good way with the menu, but he really took the time to help us make some educated decisions.

We ordered the scallion pancakes, so delicious. Not too heavy, just the right amount of scallions and the flavor was fabulous! Will definitely order them again.

If you have never had Shabu – oh you must, just for the mere involvement. This is the ultimate “sharing” experience and even a germ phobic person like myself was ok with it, (perhaps it was the boiling broth that put me at ease).

We selected the satay broth, a mixed vegetable platter; I selected chicken and vermicelli for my noodles. You have the option of ordering your vegetables separately; I will definitely do that next time, great options on the menu.

I loved the flavor of this broth, it is hard to depict, it was not like Pho, and it almost had an ever so slight peanut flavor, just enough spice. Loved it!

You cook your items right in the broth for it felt like 30 seconds, you can use a little strainer (sorry Joe for knocking ALL your stuff out!), and then you move the items to your bowl to enjoy. It can be messy, although I think it was our space issue because the table next to us looked like professionals.

Shabu is super fun, healthy and crave worthy. I really cannot wait to go back and have been raving about it to everyone. Please try Chuan Shabu, perfect for this blistery weather and you will not be disappointed.