thePULSEPulse Magazine’s guide to holiday happenings, choice places to shop, gift certificate finds, great restaurants for festive meals or parties and more!
December 2003 – What would we do without the holidays? December would be a long, cold, dreary month. We would miss out on lots of good parties, food and excuses to buy some hot clothes. We would probably lose friends and even family members without the holidays to bring us all together around the punch bowl.
The truth is, the holidays help us all make it through the winter without going crazy. So get out your Santa’s suit, drag out the sexy black velvet dress, stock up on shrimp, vodka and fudge and start shopping. It’s time to celebrate!
And Happy Holidays from all of us at thePulse!
Deck the Halls
One 20-something we know almost got into a fight with her roommate a few Christmases ago when they couldn’t agree on the best way to string holiday lights around their apartment doorway.
Decorations are a big deal and all of us are conditioned by childhood holidays past into believing that our way of decking the halls is best. For instance, how many times have you gotten into a disagreement over what color the bulbs should be in window candles?
No matter what your preference, there’s lot of great places to stock up on holiday decorations before CVS sells out of the little white lights that you have to have on your Christmas tree….
Flowers for the Table: Spags/Stop and Shop: As soon as the Halloween candy gets chucked, Spags trots out all kinds of Christmas paraphernalia. We like to hit Spags for two things early in the season – the big bags of extra large shrimp (recently Spags was selling 50 count bag of shrimp for around $8 – the best price we’ve ever seen) and the piles of boxed white narcissus and amarylis bulbs that anyone can get to bloom.
Since the bulbs only cost around $6 each you can buy several — just rip open the cardboard box, drag out the already potted bulbs, add water and a little window sun –it’s Real Simple.
Spags is also good for all kinds of tree decorations and lights, as well as lawn reindeer, Santas, you name it.
If you don’t want to bother with watering your bulbs, the floral shops in just about every Stop and Shop in Worcester County are filled to the brim during the holidays with all kinds of cut flowers, arrangements, baskets etc. at good prices.
Trimming the Tree: Tower Hill Botanic Garden/The Worcester Center for Crafts: Now it might seem weird to be talking about gardens at this time of year, but Tower Hill is a magnificent place to visit even when the ground is frozen solid. First of all, don’t miss Tower Hill’s “Holly Days” workshops, concerts and exhibits, visit the magicial Orangerie and then there is the giftshop.
Every year we spend way too much money on one of a kind ornaments, snowballs, candles and more in Tower Hill’s gift shop. And then there’s the wind chimes, the charming jewelry, the delicious things to eat.…don’t miss Tower Hill this December. www.towerhillbg.org
Our second favorite for unusual Christmas decorations is the gift shop at The Worcester Center for Crafts. Every year there are lots of handmade ornaments fashioned by local and regional craftspeople that may cost a little more than at Walmart, but really spice up a tree….and even if you aren’t decorating anything in your apartment or dorm room, this is a great place to find presents (the hand-made jewelry is really special) for just about anybody on your gift list. For information, go to www.worcestercraftcenter.org.
Echobrook Nursery: Located on Grafton Street in Worcester, Echobrook Nursery is a wonderland at Christmas-time when the owners pull out all the stops especially during their holiday open house, December 5,6, 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside in the nursery area there are lots of cut Christmas trees of all sizes, potted trees, greens of every type imaginable from boxwood to holly, roping and wreaths. Inside in the nursery’s airy, two-story gift shop are all kinds of treasures – pretty jewelry, vases, framed artwork, some lovely dried flower arrangements and much more, as well as pointsettias, Christmas cactus and other flowering live plants. During the Open House, Christmas goodies like cider and cookies will be served.
Christmas shows
Tidings of comfort and joy
We made a few phone calls and cruised through the socialweb.net on line and discovered that there are so many holiday shows scheduled for the month of December that this entire cover story could be nothing but holiday happenings.
So we’re just going to pick out some special upcoming events – if you want the full scoop on what’s going on in Worcester and environs, log onto www.socialweb.net.
A Christmas Carol: Every holiday season in recent memory, Worcester’s Foothills Theatre has produced “A Christmas Carol” with all the magic and splendor befitting this seasonal classic. This year’s show promises to be no less special. The grand opening will be Sunday, November 30 at 8 p.m. and the regular run will go until December 28 with shows Thursday through Sunday. For times and prices, call (508) 754- 3314 or log on to www.foothillstheatre.com.
A Concert of Christmas Carols: If you want to hear Christmas carols sung in the candlelight quiet of a lovely old stone church as part of your holiday season, then go to All Saints Church on Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m. The free performance is very moving – it’s what Christmas is supposed to be like. For information, e-mail choralartsociety@aol.com or call (508) 797-3483.
Boston Pops Holiday Concert: At the Worcester Centrum, you can spend a magical afternoon with famed conductor Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra as they delight the crowd with a full program of holiday classics, beloved carols and unique Pops arrangements. You can listen, sing-a-long and really get in the spirit at the December 21 concert, which will be held at 2 p.m. Get your tickets fast by going to www.centrumcentre.com.
Handel’s Messiah: Glor-or-or-rrriiiii-aaaa!! Who can get through the Christmas season without belting out the Messiah, Handel’s magnificent holiday favorite! Don’t miss the Worcester Choruses’ performance, which is especially wonderful heard in Mechanics Hall, on December 6. For information, go to www.musicworcester.org.
Holidays at the Higgins: If you never been to Worcester’s very own turreted castle full of priceless suits of armor, real swords and all kinds of fascinating medieval treasures, charge over to the Higgins Armory Museum on 100 Barber Ave. (right behind the Greendale Mall) for the “Holidays at Higgins” on Saturday, December 13 from 10 to 4 p.m. You will see traditional word dancing, a demonstration by a sword guild, help make a gingerbread castle…and best of all, shop in the fun and fanciful museum store which is a great place to get gifts.www.higgins.org
Holly Days Concerts: On weekends throughout December there will be special holiday shows at Tower Hill Botanic Garden starting with Sunday, November 30 when the Barre Players will perform scenes from the legendary holiday flick “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 1 p.m. For the full schedule, go to www.towerhills.org.
stART at the Bijou: Here’s a special Christmas gift that will keep on giving….support Worcester’s unique, much-loved Bijou Cinema and Worcester’s art community — and get some holiday shopping done at the same time by going to a Holiday Sale featuring artwork and all kinds of crafts by local artists in the newly renovated cinema pub. The Sunday, December 14 event from 12 to 6 p.m. will also feature live music, as well as delectable desserts, beer and wine….and you can finish the fun day off with a flick! For information, contact www.startonthestreet.org.
Clockwise from top: Steven Tyler of Aerosmith at the Worcester Centrum; John Davin will be Scrooge in Foothill’s Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,”; Keith Lockhart will conduct the Centrum’s Boston Pops concert; Amy Grant and Vince Gill who will come to the Centrum in December.
The scoop on just released dvd’s for xmas!
Okay, so you’ve completely run out of ideas for Christmas presents. Never fear! From The Alien Quadilogy to Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, our stellar film writer Robert Newton has some fine ideas for just-out DVDs that will be just the thing for anyone on your list.
Released December 2
Alias: Season Two [NR]. The mystery begins to unfold in this nifty second-season set of the dramatic Emmy-winning action series.
The Alien Quadrilogy [R]. A whopping 9 discs, including special editions of all four movies — Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992) and Alien: Resurrection (1997) — will not only help make this set a best-seller this holiday season, but will also hype next summer’s long-awaited Alien Vs. Predator movie.
The Ben Stiller Show [NR]. It may have been canceled after 12 episodes, but the lovable shlub’s Emmy-winning 1992 Fox series is finally available so that all might enjoy its sheer comic power. It also stars longtime pals Andy Dick, Janeane Garofalo and Bob Odenkirk, who later went on to co-create the cult favorite, “Mr. Show” (see also Melvin Goes To Dinner, 12.16.2003).
Pirates of the Caribbean [PG-13]. Disney’s smash hit of the summer starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush and the adorable Kiera Knightley is now a wicked cool double DVD set. Fans of the movie and the ride it was based on should check out the excellent fan site, www.tellnotales.com.
Released December 9
Assassination Tango [R]. Robert Duvall is a hired assassin with a penchant for dancing in this dark thriller, which the Oscar-winning actor also wrote and directed.
Bad Boys II [R]. As much as one might try to dislike this loud, abrasive, over-produced action comedy, charismatic stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make it difficult to dismiss it entirely.
The Battle of Shaker Heights [PG-13]. The second film to be released as a result of the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck brainchild “Project Greenlight” is pretty innocuous, but Holes star Shia LeBoeuf, as a teen wise beyond his years, is stellar. The first “Project Greenlight” film, Stolen Summer is also available, as is the first season of the show.
Released December 12-16
Freaky Friday (2003) [PG]. While it may not, for some, match the (as-yet unavailable) 1976 Disney original, about a mother and daughter who switch bodies, this is still a lot of fun, thanks mostly to leads Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen [PG-13]. Studio Fox had no idea how to market this dark and unconventional superhero yarn starring Sean Connery, though it is certainly worth a look on DVD.
Melvin Goes to Dinner. “Mr. Show” co-creator Bob Odenkirk directs this stream-of-consciousness comedy about a group of friends, a la My Dinner With Andre and Waking Life. The first three seasons of “Mr. Show” are now on DVD, as is the “Mr. Show” movie, Run Ronnie Run.
Rugrats Go Wild! [G]. Nickelodeon staples The Rugrats meet the Wild Thornberrys in this irreverent animated adventure, which features the voice of Bruce Willis as Spike, a dog that sings [insert too-easy punch line here].
Seabiscuit [PG-13]. This year’s early Oscar favorite about the legendary race horse stars web-slinger Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Oscar-winner Chris Cooper.
The Underground Comedy Movie [NR]. This omnibus feature in the vein of Kentucky Fried Movie and The Groove Tube features the comedy stylings of Joey Buttafuoco, a drunken Slash from Guns ‘N’ Roses and Michael Clarke Duncan, whose mother obviously needed an operation. Perhaps one of the most all-around offensive movies…ever. Not for children, or adults, for that matter.
Released December 23
Alex & Emma [PG-13]. Hit-hungry Rob Reiner’s farce about a desperate writer, played by Luke Wilson (Old School) who meets a tight stenographer, played by Kate Hudson (How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days) and the love affair that inevitably follows the sparks.
Anything Else [R]. Woody Allen’s tribute to Woody Allen is a reworked version of his own Annie Hall, only with less humor and more of Christina Ricci in her underpants.
L’Auberge Espagnole. A melting pot of European college students learn to just get along in a Barcelona flat in this engaging comedy.
I Capture the Castle. This solid drama tells the story of a once-prosperous family that falls on hard times, and stars Bill Nighy (Love Actually) and Henry Thomas (Gangs Of New York). Based on the novel by Dodie Smith (101 Dalmatians).
Christmas Food
It’s Christmas-time in the city….
Of course, the holidays are supposed to be about home and hearth. But the truth is that part of the fun of the holidays is cruising around the city, admiring the glittery, decorated store windows, looking at the big tree in front of City Hall festooned with decorations made by local school kids – ah yes and feasting at the area’s restaurants.
When you’re tired of shopping and need a little break from holiday demands, be comforted with a meal at one of these local restaurants, most of which also have private function rooms for family or company parties.
Anthony’s: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again…Anthony’s is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area, not just because the food is superb but also because the atmosphere is always warm, candle-lit, charming – even on days when the wind whips down Shrewsbury Street. This is also a great place to have a private party – check out the Serafini Room.
Try Anthony’s for delicious fresh fish, tender veal and superb hand-made pasta. You’ll see why their chef John Picolo was voted Worcester’s best in 2003.
Calabria Ristorante: Calabria’s main dining area is a big open room with floor to ceiling windows that gives you a great view of the scene streaming up and down the hottest street in the city – Shrewsbury, of course — and there is also a private function room available for holiday get-togethers. Of course, the food is Italian with an emphasis on steaks, chops, veal and seafood. The hearty antipasto choices here are very good and the reasonable prices for a wide range of entrees make this relatively new spot a welcome addition to the Street.
El Basha: There’s something about Worcester and ethnic restaurants – one food critic we know says that it is the city’s ethnic restaurants that really make dining an enjoyable experience here. Anyone who has been to the Worcester Magazine’s 2003 “Best Of Worcester” Readers’ Poll Middle Eastern restaurant winner, El Basha, agrees.
El Basha, at 424 Belmont Street and Route 9, is the perfect place to go for a soothing lunch. Recharge your batteries with some tasty, real-thing stuffed grape leaves, some delicious kibbe – this restaurant, which can also be found at a new location on 256 Park Avenue, just gets better every year.
Flying Rhino: Another one of Shrewsbury Street’s gems, The Flying Rhino, has some delicious homemade soups – just the thing on cold shopping days — including yummy chowder and chili, as well as all kinds of tasty sandwiches, wraps and entrees for both lunch and dinner.
And if you’re looking for a place to unwind after a hard day of holiday preparations, check out The Rhino’s specialty martini list. The Wormown Margarita featuring Tequilla and Cointreau with just a splash of fresh lime and OJ will help anyone get through the holidays. And then there’s the Godiva Martini (Stoli Vanilla and Crème de Cocao) or if things are especially stressful, the Rhino Tranquilizer featuring Stoli, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Cointreau with just an appropriately holiday red, splash of cranberry juice!
Primo’s: It might seem like we’re partial to Shrewsbury Street (might have something to do with the fact that thePulse’s offices are here), but really, the Boulevard (which is also the name of a great diner on the Street!) just seems to be chock-a-block full of good places to eat and drink. And Primo’s is another popular Italian spot that packs people in for delicious homemade pasta dishes, unusual soups and hearty salads.
The décor is especially charming at Primo’s, which used to be an Italian bank in the days when Shrewsbury Street was the city’s Little Italy. There are all kinds of intimate nooks and crannies where diners can enjoy a creatively prepared meal.
Right across the street from Primo’s is Porto Bello, which is one of our favorite places to go for homemade lasagna or a tasty and filling chicken and broccoli pasta dish that is the ultimate comfort food. For lunch or dinner, Porto Bello is a warm bistro with reasonable prices, a full bar and friendly wait staff.
If you really need to recharge your batteries to get through December, don’t miss one of Shrewsbury Street’s newest eateries, Miranda Bread located right at 140 Shrewsbury right across from D’Errico’s Market.
Offering all kinds of scrumptious breads and pastries as well as international coffees and a full line of natural juices from the Amazon, Miranda Bread is a good place to cruise through on your way to Spags or if you’re looking to stock up on goodies for your holiday soiree.
Another good place to find mouth-watering cakes, pies, breads and pastries is Bahnan’s Bakery at 106-112 Water Street, which also has a café that serves lunch, dinner and late night treats. Water Street is fast becoming one of the city’s hippest streets – a wave of new restaurants, stores and clubs is sure to make 2004 a banner year for this conveniently located community right off Kelley Square.
And last but not least, if you’re looking for truly decadent Italian cannolis, pastries, cookies to your holiday party memorable, stop by Wholly Cannoli on Grafton Street.
Gift Certificates
Santa Claus is coming…
Looking for that unusual gift for someone special? Here’s some local shops and businesses that offer great gift certificates as well as some special gifts.
AMF Jewelers: This is the perfect place to find a special present for either your girlfriend, your sister or your Mom. Check out the new line of Cape Cod jewelry. 701 Southbridge St., Auburn.
Bancroft School of Massage: What could be better than this – give someone you really care about a gift certificate for a massage – the perfect present during the sometimes stressful holiday season. Located on Shrewsbury Street, the Bancroft School of Massage offers a complete line of massage services as well as several kinds of exercise classes and more.
ClayTime: This is an idea that keeps on giving…at ClayTime’s pottery studios in Worcester and now in Shrewsbury you can either make your own gifts or give your close friends a holiday party – and then they can give the gifts they create and paint with their own hands to other friends or family members! Located at 805 Pleasant Street in Worcester and on Route 9 in Shrewsbury, ClayTime is a popular place during the holiday season!
H&B Wines and Liquors: Here’s a sparkling concept – H&B Wines and Liquors located at 725 Grafton Street, Worcester has a full line of top-shelf wine, beer, liquor and liqueurs that can be gift packaged for that person on your list who already has everything. Other ideas — how about a wine basket or a decorated case of wine? H&B will even be open on Sunday until Christmas!
Miraculous Creations: Give someone you love a free piercing at this Park Avenue emporium which has been voted best tattoo parlor several years running in Worcester Magazine’s “Best of Worcester” Readers’ Poll. Check out the tattoos, the piercing and branding and the body jewelry. Log on to www.miraculouscreations.com
Paul Conzo: We have personally tried out the full body massage in the spa at Paul Conzo’s salon on Shrewsbury Street, and we can tell you that it is a gift from heaven for just about anyone. You can get a gift certificate for a marvelous package that includes a cleansing steam shower, total rubdowns with sea salts and warm water and then a personalized massage from head to toe with warm scented oils. Give this to someone you love!
Tanfabulous: What could be better? Give someone a gift certificate to Tanfabulous – they’ll thank you for making them feel – and look – better! The Lincoln Street salon offers all kinds of value packages including student specials (students tan for under $4!).
Tropic Sun: Seven days a week, Tropic Sun, which has three salons in Worcester, Auburn and Hudson, gives “smart tans” to happy customers. This “Best of Worcester” winner has state of the art facilities and a $19.95 per month Club Plan – get this for someone special and they can have unlimited tanning! Stop in for details. www.tropicsuntanning.com
Vibes: Worcester’s new Gay Pride store is a bright addition to the jazzing up that’s happening all up and down Water Street. Stop here and find all kinds of perfect presents for the man or woman in your life, including artwork, movies, cards and novelties.
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area: We are lucky to have a first-rate ski area in our backyard. Why not give someone a few days of skiing or snowboarding? Check out the great deals Wachusett is offering. Log on to www.wachusett.com
