Posted on

Drew Breaks Down Niche’s Test Kitchen’s First Event

Bratwurst From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

Bratwurst From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

The Niche group has just raised the bar in Worcester’s dining scene with their “Test Kitchen,” located next to Mezcal on Major Taylor Blvd. Reserved for private gatherings, the Test Kitchen combines the traditional dining experience with a “behind the scenes” adventure into the kitchen, allowing the guests to observe and engage with the chefs while the night’s entrée’s are being prepared.

Worcester Foodies had the honor of being the first group to break the seal at the Niche Test Kitchen, and I must say, it was nothing short of amazing.

When we walked through the front door I knew this was going to be great. I immediately felt like I was back in time, working the kitchen at The El or The Sole. There were Niche’s chefs, at full speed and intense concentration, working a complete restaurant kitchen. The only thing that separated the staff from the guests were prep tables covered over by cutting boards, sauce pans, culinary tools of the trade and serving platters.

Our menu for the evening included six courses all derived from a whole pig; “Nose to Tail.” Orchestrated by Executive Chef Neil Rogers, each course represented a unique style from each of Niche’s restaurants: The People’s Kitchen of the Citizen, The Fix Burger Bar, Rye & Thyme, Mezcal Tequila Cantina, and Bocado Tapas Wine Bar.

From the first course of Bratwurst and spiced pork pate, to oysters on the half shell that included cured guanciale and the yolk of a quail egg, followed by mouth watering Pernil Al Horno, the Niche group not only delivered amazing food, but made us part of the experience of creating it.

If you are in search of an amazing and unique dining experience, The Test Kitchen is a must!

Posted on

Alex’s Test Kitchen Experience

Pork ready to be made into Porchetta Con Pimenton From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

Pork ready to be made into Porchetta Con Pimenton From Niche Test Kitchen in Worcester

I had absolutely no idea what to expect heading over to Mezcal looking for the Niche Test Kitchen. I was promptly brought back outside and down the street a little bit to a separate entrance with it’s own sign prominently displayed. Oops. The Test Kitchen is in fact, a kitchen with a few tall tables and some stools, but it is also a separate space open to the public for events. And this event was an event unlike anything I’ve been a part of. The chefs butchered a pig from Chimney Hill Farm and created eleven dishes representing each of the 5 restaurants run by the Niche Hospitality Group. Appropriate name, if I may say, because the owner, chefs, and beverage specialists were energetic, cheerful and welcoming. The eleven dishes, plus 2 desserts, were an amazing assortment of flavors and textures that left me so full I could not eat breakfast the next morning.

My favorites were the Banh mi Poutine, the lettuce cups, and the porchetta con pimenton. The Banh Mi Poutine included shredded pork, pickled vegetable, soy mayo, sliced jalapeno, and cilantro. The fries were crisp despite all the toppings, and the mix of sweet and spicy was sublime. I may have returned for seconds. And then I may have grabbed a couple off the plate as they took it away. The lettuce cups were filled with sweet gem, crisp pork belly lardons, bleu cheese dressing, and minced shallot. The creamy dressing surrounding the crisp pork belly created a satisfying textural mix and since the medium was lettuce, felt very light to eat. By the time my last favorite arrived I was very full. I had actually been eyeing the porchetta all night since I noticed it early on in the back. The outside was very crisp, and the inside very tender-expertly cooked. I took some home to eat for lunch the next day, and I did not cut off the fat but ate it while savoring the flavors at my desk. I highly recommend holding your next small gathering at the Niche Test Kitchen. The atmosphere, food, and drinks will create a night of excitement and happiness.