thePULSEHot & Now: 1/2005
Out with the old, in with the new: The new year brings change to Shrewsbury and Stafford Streets.
January 2005 – Shrewsbury Street still hot as the Inferno. A new restaurant, Dante’s, is opening on Shrewsbury Street in the space that used to house Bread & Pasta. Owner John Grosse closed Bread and Pasta for reconstruction this past summer, and closed the restaurant again, this time permanently, only a few months after he reopened it. The new venture is owned by Jimmy Howarth, former owner of the Dive Bar. The restaurant has been granted a full liquor license and plans include 34 table seats and six bar seats in an upscale setting.
We’re very excited about John Piccolo’s new venture. As we reported last month, the former Anthony’s chef is opening a new restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in the space formerly occupied by Primo’s. The name has been changed from Piccolo Mondo to Piccolo and the space is being given a face lift. After being delayed by neighborhood opposition, Piccolo has received a liquor license and plans to open early this month. We are looking forward to having our old favorites that Piccolo used to cook across the street.
Changes on Stafford Street
Ed Murphy recently bought Sisters Breakfast & Lunch on Worcester’s Stafford Street from sisters Laura Monfreda-Reynolds and Joanne Perry. The sisters are helping Ed, a former Living Earth employee, get started. Murphy has changed the menu, adding “comfort foods,” but he will not change the name.
Andrea Ristorante, a longtime mainstay at 186 Stafford Street in Worcester, will soon become an Irish pub. Steven O’Connor is the new owner. Andrea’s served both Greek and Italian food and had been in business for over 20 years.
Vinnie C’s not T’s — Vinnie C’s Wine & Liquor on Route 140 in Boylston was recently purchased by Vinnie Casamassina. The store has expanded its wine offerings, specializing in wines from all over the world. The store will also offer tastings on a regular basis. Cassamassina, who purchased the business from Tim and Pauline Mullen, has updated the store with new carpeting and lighting.
Jerk chicken comes to a strip mall near you — According to Wine Enthusiast magazine, the next hot food trend will be Caribbean fare. Darden Restaurants, which owns the Olive Garden and Red Lobster chains, are introducing a new concept restaurant across America called Bahama Breeze, opening 32 locations in 16 states. Of course, Worcester’s Main Street has many authentic offerings already from the West Indian One Love Café to the Dominican Maria’s Kitchen.
