By Paul Giorgio

NAFTA works. The owners of Playa Del Carmen in Holden will open another Mexican restaurant at the site of the former Rom’s in Sturbridge. They are waiting for approval for their liquor license but a December opening is expected. Interestingly enough, this will be the first Mexican restaurant in Sturbridge, which has tended toward more classic American cuisine.

Also on the Mexican front.  The Baja Restaurant on Worcester’s Millbury Street, which served some of the most authentic Mexican food in the area, closed recently.  This family owned business got rave reviews from its customers.

Not just another Irish restaurant. The Celtic Tavern recently opened on Route 9 in Westboro in the space that formerly housed the West End Grille.  The Celtic Tavern is owned by Chris Muello but managed by Niche Hospitality Group.  The Celtic Tavern is serving traditional Irish fare and plans on offering live music on a regular basis.

Give us this day our daily bread.  The Daily Bread Bakery, located in Douglas, has reopened after contemplation and some renovations, according to owner Chris Sohigian.  The Bakery, which has its retail operation in Douglas, was a fixture at farmers’ markets throughout Central MA.  They produce fantastic artisanal breads and pastries. In addition, they have an on-site café open for lunch.

PJ’s changes concept.  PJ’s Restaurant on West Boylston St. in West Boylston has changed concepts and is now an Italian restaurant named Aglio’s, which means garlic.  Anthony and Skip Picarello remain on as owners but have a new chef, Andrew Angilella.  Angilella was formerly the chef at Anthony’s on Worcester’s Shrewsbury St. before going to Amici’s in Shrewsbury.

New Chef at Amici.  Paula McCarthy, formerly of Zia’s Grill on Shrewsbury Street, is the new chef at Amici Tratatoria in Shrewsbury Center.  This Shrewsbury native can literally walk to work since she lives right around the corner.

Winos Unite.  The 10th annual Boston Wine Expo is slated to be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, 2010 at the Seaport World Trade Center.  This event, which draws oenophiles (wine lovers) from around New England, is one of the best such events in the country.  It includes cooking demonstrations, wines seminars, and lots of wine.  Vendors from throughout the world offer free tastings.  For more information, check out the web site at www.wine-expos.com

Herbie’s  gets new cook. Laura Perry, who used to own Sisters on Stafford Street, has taken up the range and put together a new affordable menu for Herbie’s Bar on Worcester’s Southbridge St. She is featuring high value meals including lunches of swordfish priced at $9 and open steak sandwiched at $8.

Sun Rising.  Yamato Japan, a sushi and hibachi style Japanese restaurant, recently opened in the Twin City Mall on the Leominster/Fitchburg line.