Hot & Now: 2/2005

Shhh We won’t tell: Your Valentine’s Day cheat sheet and other dining news

January 2005

A Valentine’s Day cheat sheet — A romantic dinner is the perfect way to start your Valentine’s Day evening. But are you wondering where to go? Here are a few of our favorite romantic spots. And don’t forget make your reservations early!

Amore Café on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester —
the name says it all.

The Castle Restaurant in Leicester is fit for your
queen (or king).

Cedar Street Restaurant in Sturbridge offers an
intimate setting and innovative cuisine.

Rovezzi’s Ristorante on Grove Street in
Worcester — its red colored walls shout
Valentines Day!

Romaine’s in Northboro will keep you and your
Valentine warm with their wood fired oven.

Wine and chocolate — S.P.Q.R. an Italian caffe is
celebrating Valentine’s Day a little early with a special
wine and chocolate tasting on Tuesday,
February 8 at 7 p.m. The chocolates will be provided
by Prifti Candy and the wine by Classic
Wine Import
s. The cost is $15 in advance and $20
at the door.

Buon Compleanno! — This month, Porto Bello on
Shrewsbury Street is celebrating its tenth year in
business. Owned and operated by the Tessier
family
, this popular East-side eatery continues to
turn out great Italian food at reasonable prices.

Adios Duke’s, hola tapas — Local Green Street
pub Duke’s was recently sold to Mike Covino, the
wine and beverage manger at 111 Chop House
and The Sole Proprietor. Our sources tell us that
he will be opening a tapas bar. Ever since Covino’s
first plans to open a Spanish restaurant and wine
bar on Shrewsbury Street fell through, he has
been looking all over the city for a different location.
His choice of Green Street is just another
example of the burgeoning Canal District.

Crossing Rt. 190 — Rumors continue to circulate
around the Greendale area that Barber’s Crossing
may relocate to the soon-to-be-vacated Shaw’s
Supermarket site on Gold Star Boulevard. The
restaurant, which had been located near Norton
Company on West Boylston Street, closed in
August after 22 years of business.

Resurrecting a landmark — The word on the
street is that The Blue Plate Diner, a Holden
entertainment landmark, may soon have a new
owner. After former owner Tiny Stacey passed
away a few years ago, the Blue Plate fell into
decline. We hope that the new owner can restore
the Blue Plate to its former glory as a premier
entertainment venue for live music