Hot and Now

Who’s Opening, Who’s Closing, Who’s Celebrating, Who’s Selling

August 2005Waterfront Mary’s takes on a new look. Waterfront Mary’s, a Webster icon for generations, has taken on a new look. It’s now divided into 2 different spaces, one called Waterfronts and the other Rare. Rare is upstairs and is the more upscale of the two, offering steaks & chops with entree prices in the $20 range. Waterfronts has a more relaxed atmosphere and features sandwiches. Both levels overlook Webster Lake and are now owned by Kim Kirker and Tracy Lis.

Point Breeze Reopens. In other Webster restaurant news, The Point Breeze restaurant recently reopened after having been closed for over a year. Welcome back!

Lunch spots. Romaine’s on Route 20 in Northborough recently began serving lunch. Ditto for another great place, Rovezzi’s on Grove Street in Worcester. The parking problem that forced Tiano’s to close for lunch while it was in business has obviously been solved. Cedar Street in Sturbridge, purchased a year ago by Bill Nemroff, is no longer serving lunch. According to Nemroff, they want to concentrate on their dinner service and wine dinners, the latter of which will average around $50 with a reception proceeding each 4 course dinner. Call (508) 347-5800 for reservations.

Relish this. Glenn Gonyea opened his new venture Relish on 35 South St. in Barre in July. The restaurant has 30 seats and features outdoor dining. It also offers a private balcony for two overlooking the garden. Gonyea, who has cooked at some of the better places around Worcester, including the Struck, will feature what he describes as “eclectic cuisine.” Entrees are priced from $12 to $30. The phone number is (978) 355-3455.

Goodfish. Goodfella’s, which recently closed its Shrewsbury Street doors, will be reborn as a seafood restaurant. According to Fran Turo, the new restaurant’s name is Pearl Oyster and it will feature a raw bar, kettle cooking, and a late night menu. Turo has plans to re-do the interior, too, adding a new bar and new furnishings. The Turo family also owns Leo’s Ristorante just down the street.

With two you get egg roll. Work is progressing on the new Chinese restaurant slated to open in the old Imported Cars of Worcester showroom on Shrewsbury Street. Rumored to be owned by the owners of Shanghai’s Jack’s in West Boylston, the new place still has no (announced) name or definite opening date — but judging by the construction, I’d guess the doors will open in early September.

Coffee anyone? We hear that Starbucks will soon be opening its second location in Worcester. The new java emporium will be located next to Pub 99 on East Central Street. This location was formerly the long time home of AKU AKU.

Billy Goat missing. It appears from the sign on the door that the Billy Goat Beanery in Quinsigamond Village has closed its doors. Owned by the Johns family, former owners of the Coes Café and other Worcester restaurants, the Billy Goat served great sandwiches and was open for breakfast lunch and dinner.