thePULSEBy Paul Giorgio
Court House spin-off. It appears that some downtown restaurants are doing better since the new courthouse opened. In addition, a couple of new places are opening up. The old Albrizio’s Deli is undergoing renovations and will open shortly as Z Deli. There is also a new deli opening across the street from the courthouse in the former home of Olympic Sports.
Calabria Ristorante in Millbury. The Calabria Club, which was a mainstay on the Shrewsbury St. dining scene for years before it closed down to make way for Funky Murphy’s, has reopened in Millbury at 7 S. Main St. The restaurant, owned by the Ritacco family and located in the center of town, serves great homemade Italian food. It is BYOB. (508) 581-9700.
More Canal news. Worcester’s Canal District will be expanding its ethnic horizons with a soon-to-be-opened Indian Restaurant across the street from Block 5 on Green Street. Word has it that Surya will be moving from its Shrewsbury Street location and relocating to the old Worcester Mattress Factory building which is being renovated into a mixed-use development.
Korean BBQ Kitchen opened late summer in Northboro at 290 West Main Street in what was formerly the Pickel House Deli. 40 seats. Owned by Munja Rhim and her husband Hotaek Rhim. Open for lunch & dinner, Dinner Monday-Sat 5-10 Pm, lunch Mon-Sat 11:30 to 3 PM
Not your ordinary liquor store. KJ Barrons, formerly located at 340 Main Street in downtown Worcester, recently opened in Washington Sq. opposite Union Station. Owner Katie Krock has spent almost a million dollars on the space. They have perhaps the finest selection of wines in the area, will be selling specialty foods, have a full kitchen for cooking demonstrations, and offer a private tasting room.
Wholly Cannoli. Wholly Canolli on Grafton Street, home of some of the best Italian pastries in the area, has recently expanded and opened a new café. The addition doubles the space of this Rice Square pastry shop, which has been featured on Phantom Gourmet.
Taste of North Central. The Montachusett Opportunity Council will sponsor a Taste of North Central on November 14 at the Best Western Royal Plaza in Fitchburg. The event, featuring some of the finest restaurants in Northern Worcester County, will be hosted by TV Diner’s Billy Costa. The event begins at 5:30pm and tickets are $30. Call (978) 345-7040 for details.
New in Westboro. Ted’s Montana Grill recently opened at 400 Union Street in Westboro. The Western-themed restaurant chain is owned by Ted Turner (yes, that Ted Turner) and George McKerrow, founder of the Longhorn Steakhouse chain. Everything is made from scratch and entrees are priced from $6-$20. One of the specialties here is American Bison. The restaurant is located off Route 135 near the center of town.
