Paul Giorgio

Howdy: It looks like the restaurants on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester will be hosting a country themed event on Labor Day weekend. On Sunday September 3 from 2 to 6 pm, “A Little Bit of Country, a Little Bit of Shrewsbury Street” will feature country music bands at several locations on the street. In addition, many of the restaurants will be giving out food samples like the very successful Taste of Shrewsbury Street held in June every year. Look for details soon.

Two Giants Pass: July was a hard month for the Worcester restaurant scene. John Evangilista, an original founder of Shrewsbury Streets Parkway Diner, passed away the first week of July.  Evangelista was in his 90’s but would show up at the diner frequently.

Evangeline Nicas, of the former Castle Restaurant in Leicester, passed away in the middle of July. She was the first person you met as you entered. Our thoughts go out to both families.

Bye, Bye, Nuestra Closes: Nuestra, a Puerto Rica restaurant at 55 Pearl Street in the old Bull Mansion shut down its range at the end of June. This is one of several restaurants over the past few years who tried to make a go of the space. No word yet on the future restaurant tenant.

Wexford Becomes Pho Sure:  The iconic Shrewsbury Street restaurant, the Wexford House, which closed last year is about to be born again. This time as Pho Sure, a Vietnamese pho noodle place currently located in White City, across the lake bridge. There is no opening date.

It’s Not Alfred: The Hitchcock Tavern opened  its doors on Main Street in West Brookfield.

They will be open for lunch and dinner, and it looks like they will be open seven days a week.

Another Cup of Joe. Good As Gold Coffee recently celebrated its 40th year in Worcester’s Canal District and their 50th year in business. Although it’s not food, most area restaurants serve it Good as Gold.  Mazel Tov to the Goldman family.

Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire: The downstairs bar at Barbers Crossing restaurant in Sterling caught fire at the beginning of July, shutting down the restaurant So check before you go.

Down Those Dogs:  Oxford’s Geoffrey Esper finished 2nd in Nathan’s Hot Dog 4th of July contest at Coney Island in New York City. Esper downed 49 hot dogs & buns in ten minutes.

News from Marlboro:  A new Indian restaurant will soon open on the old Post Road in Marlboro. Saffron Indian Restaurant will take over the space that once housed the Westender Restaurant after a makeover.

Struck It Rich: Steven Lania is taking over the main range at Struck Catering after longtime executive Russell Stannard’s recent retirement. 

I Guess it’s More than Music: Joyner Lucas just opened “Oh Wow Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies” in Northborough. I guess this gives Worcester’s Joyner Lucas a new career option if his music career falters.

Recently Opened: We had some confusion about what it was but Gambrino’s Cask & Barrel opened earlier this spring on Worcester’s Park Ave next to Blue Jeans Pizza. The brainchild of Blue Jean’s owner Steve Hopkins, the beer garden looks like a very cool place to grab a beer.