thePULSEBy Paul Giorgio
TOSS it. The Taste of Shrewsbury Street kicks off the summer on Tues. June 21 from 5-9pm. Eat at almost 40 of Worcester’s best restaurants, all for the price of an admission button: $25. This annual kick- off to summer features tasting samples from the restaurants along Worcester’s Restaurant Row. Throw in music and local artists and cocktails and you have the makings of Worcester’s best block party. This is the 10th year for the event and proceeds go to both beautifying Shrewsbury St. and helping local charities.
Golden Wok opens. The Golden Wok, a Chinese and Thai restaurant, opened recently on Worcester’s Grafton St. opposite the South Plaza in a spot that once house a deli. The restaurant does eat-in and take-out.
Name change. The Marlboro Coral Seafood recently changed its name to Fish. The 160 seat restaurant is located in the center of Marlboro and recently had a face lift to go along with the name change. The restaurant is still owned by George Voyiatzis, son of Teddy & Georgia Voyiatzis who, along with their son Jimmy, run the Shrewsbury St. Coral Seafood.
Extreme makeover. Worcester’s Sakura Tokyo, located on Park Ave, closed its doors temporarily the last week in May for a makeover. According to news reports quoting manager Anna Ng, the restaurant expects to spend $2 million on an expansion and on updating the decor. Currently, the restaurant seats 300 people. Now that is an extreme makeover.
Nuovo opening in June. Nuovo is the new Italian restaurant going into the space that once housed TriBeCa on Worcester’s Shrewsbury St. The space has been undergoing extensive renovations which gives it a more open and airy feel. Watch for new lighting in the bar area as well as expanded seating. We hear that the menu will be Italian.
Sturbridge news. The Whistling Swan and Ugly Duckling Loft, located on Rte 20 in Sturbridge, recently underwent a refurbishing and reopened on May 6th.The restaurants are owned by the Table 3 Restaurant group which also owns Sturbridge’s Cedar Street Grill, which reopened in the last week of May. Table 3 is a partnership formed by Enrico Giovanelio, Patrick Farrelly ~ both chefs who formerly worked at several Sturbridge restaurants ~ and businessmen Dan Gonya and Michael Lyons.
Café Dolce closes. Café Dolce, a mainstay of Worcester’s Shrewsbury St and a pioneer dessert venue in the area, recently closed its doors. The sign on the door says that it is closed for renovations. We hear that Jay Evanglista, who owns Dino’s Restaurant, will eventually reopen the place.
Buppa de Beppo opens deck with a new deck menu. Buca di Beppo has created a special “Deck Menu” that will feature some of their signature Italian dishes paired nicely with drink offerings that include “$3 Deck Beer” and $4 Deck Cocktails.” Buppa, which overlooks Lake Quinsigamond, has probably the best outdoor dining venue in Central MA.
Junior’s gets new chef. Junior’s on Worcester’s Shrewsbury St. is getting a new chef: Bruno DeOliveira, who formerly worked at the 111 Chop House, will be starting at Junior’s the first week of June. I would be looking for some menu changes to follow.
