Uxbridge, MA has had a new place to cool off since UXLocale opened to serve ice cream earlier this month. And, since recently being approved for its liquor license, UXLocale is expected to become be a new culinary destination harnessing local resources in a rustic setting.
Overlooking Uxbridge’s open fields, the restaurant’s goal (as the name suggests) is to source as much as possible within a few miles of the restaurant and to ensure that what is harvested will be applied to their creative, delicious, and health-conscious menu. To do so, UXLocale sources produce from Foppema’s Farm (Northbridge), Wedgwood Farm (Douglas), microgreens from First Leaves Family Farm (Whitinsville), and ice cream from Richardson’s (Middleton). In addition to locally sourced foods, UXLocale hopes to become part of the community, by creating a warm and inviting location that people return to regularly.
Founder and chef Elaine Pusateri Cowan has been primed for opening her own restaurant for years after having trained from childhood in industrial kitchen service, an Italian deli and various restaurants over the last several decades. Cowan exclaims, “My family and my husband’s family are one big family. When we started work on the place and asked for help, moms, uncles, aunts—some pushing 80 years old—sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues all came. And stayed beyond the first weeks’ ‘fun stage!’ This is bigger than a restaurant, it’s a dream and it’s contagious.”
When asked about the location, Cowan explains, “It’s breathtaking up here on the Hill. People have been coming for the food but end up staying to listen to the birds, watch the blue heron fly over at dusk, and watch the sunset. When we roll out live music in the future, we’ll be able to take advantage of the environment and even perhaps a ‘beer garden!’ We want people to come, relax and make themselves at home.”
Cowan concluded that the town and entire Blackstone Valley community has been welcoming, “The farmers I have met are all such hardworking, earnest people. People stop in all the time while we are working, and I have been so grateful for every encounter. The encouragement has been powering me through. I’m staying.”
UXLocale seats 65 and offers an outdoor terrace overlooking a picturesque landscape. Indoors, the newly revamped restaurant will feature local artists, including food photographer Donna Dufault and illustrator Veronica Fish.
The menu is an eclectic mix of Italian and Sicilian dishes that chef Cowan has tweaked with a local vibe—everything from a fun assortment of prima appertivos, creative salads, distinctive sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and ice creams. Described by Chef Cowan as “slow, peasant fare” the menu will also have weekly specials utilizing various local produce throughout the changing seasons.
