thePULSEHello, Ruby Tuesday… or is it Hooters?
What’s new at old Aku Aku site: Rumors have been circulating around the city about future plans for the present site of Aku Aku, the Polynesian restaurant on Worcester’s East Central Street at the Route 290 exit ramp. One rumor has a Ruby Tuesday going in. Ruby Tuesday, is one of the three largest chains in the bar and grill category. The closest one to Worcester is in Marlboro, with another one set to open in Westboro. But the more juicy rumor has it that Hooters is going in on the site. Hooters features barely clad waitresses in bright orange tops. This destination restaurant will certainly turn a few heads if it opens in Worcester. Stay tuned!
El Morocco sold: It appears that the building that once housed the legendary El Morocco restaurant on Wall Street will reopen shortly. A hearing will be held before the City’s License Commission on July 17. We’ll keep you posted…
The partners in the new corporation that will seek to open the restaurant are Frank Zipolo, the former owner of Il Palazzo, Nick Fiorello who has been involved with the Crystal Palace strip club, Attorney Joseph Lucier and George Leviton who owns Michelino’s Restaurant on Chandler Street.
Another Monument to rise: Tony and Donna Balletta, owners of the fabulous Monument Grill in Leominster Center are opening another restaurant, this one in Leominster. The new eatery will be called Benito’s and will be located on the site of the current Legends Pub, at the corner of Main & Mechanic Streets. The restaurant will be named after Donna Balletta’s father, Benito Fini. The Ballettas say they love downtown Leominster! The concept and menu are still in development. Look for a fall opening.
Best place to work on a tan while sipping a drink: So, where can you get a tan and a beer? The best place is probably Vinny Testa’s on Lake Quinsigamond, which has a large deck overlooking the lake. Cactus Pete’s, as well as Peppercorn’s on Park Avenue serve outdoors, as does Tatnuck Bookseller on a garden patio. The Atrium downtown opens its roof during the summer in order to let the rays shine down. Tweeds on Grove Street has several outdoor tables. Then there is Shrewsbury Street with a half dozen establishments from end to end, offering outdoor seating.
Picnic and enjoy outdoor entertainment? Don’t miss the Jazz at Sunset series at the EcoTarium where you can enjoy a picnic and hear great music as the sun sets on the grounds of the EcoTarium, Worcester’s “environmental exploration” center. Every Friday night at 6:30 p.m., jazz legends like Tito Puente, Jr and Ernestine Anderson will fill the night air with the sweet sounds of jazz.
