thePULSEBy Paul Giorgio
Niche Hospitality hosts Holiday Fundraisers. The Niche Hospitality Group, owners of Bocado, Block 5 and Mezcal, will host their second annual Holiday Toy Drive. With times so hard for so many people this year, the event will benefit two local charities ~ The Why Me program of Worcester and The Key Program. The event will be held at Bocado on Sun., Dec. 14th from noon – 3pm. They are calling the event An Afternoon with Mrs. Claus, and are asking for a $10 donation or $5 plus a toy. The day will include face painting, art, holiday movies, holiday treats and, of course, story time with Mrs. Claus. Niche is also holding a holiday non-perishable food drive from Nov. 28th-Dec.22nd at all 3 Niche locations to benefit Rachel’s Table
Beechwood host Santa Claus Brunch. The Beechwood Hotel on Plantation St. in Worcester will be hosting its annual Santa Brunch on December 7, 17 and 21 this year. The brunch is from 10:30am to 2pm and features entertainment and an appearance of that most famous personage from the North (no, not Sarah Palin), Santa Claus. The brunch is priced at $26 for adults, $11 for children, and kids under 5 free. Book early because all three dates sell out pretty quickly.
Hope for the holidays. Hope Lodge at 7 Oak St. in Worcester is hosting a holiday open house on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 4 – 7:30pm. There will be baked goods along with holiday items to purchase. Hope Lodge furnishes housing for out-of-town cancer patients being treated at area hospitals.
Blue Marlin closes its doors. Downtown Leominster’s Blue Marlin Restaurant, which specialized in seafood, has closed its doors according to our sources in the North County. The Blue Marlin was owned by Donna Barletta, who also owns Leominster’s Monument Grille.
Federal Square gets new restaurant. Federal Square is the name of the new eatery opening in Worcester’s Federal Square, adjacent to the Hanover Theatre. Plans call for the 140 seat restaurant to serve American comfort food and have a full bar. It will be owned by Ed Madaus and Paul Demoga, the inspirations behind the renovation of the Hanover Theatre. Amy Demoga, formerly the food & beverage manager of Standard in Miami Beach, will be the manager. Oxford native Travis Reckner, formerly of Rialto and the East Coast Grill, is the chef. Reckner will prepare and smoke his own meats. I guess we can look forward to some good pastrami & corned beef. Look for a late February opening.
Wine Dinner at the Webster House. The Webster House in Worcester’s Webster Square will host its annual Holiday Wine Dinner starting at 6pm on Sat., Dec. 13th. For $70 a head you will be served 12 wines along with you choice of entrée. Call 508-757-7208 for reservations since seating is limited.
