By Paul Giorgio

The Crescent rises. The Crescent Café, a Worcester landmark at 69 Canterbury Street, reopened in the middle of March. The Café is owned by Charles Luster and his wife, former City Councilor Stacey Luster. The café is serving Southern comfort food and will feature live music.

Two Cousins closes. Chandler Street’s Two Cousins, which was located in the space that previously was home to the Struck Café, closed its doors in January. It had been operating in the space for several years. No news about who is looking to locate there.

Speaking of the Struck. As has been reported, The Struck, located on Chandler Street in Worcester, closed its doors at the end of the year, ostensibly for renovations, but they did not renew their liquor license. It now appears that the landlord is showing the space to prospective restaurateurs. By the way, the Struck Café has no relationship with Struck Catering on Hamilton Street in Worcester, which is still going great guns according to owners Barbara Cotter & son Derek Grillo.

More news from Rovezzi’s in Worcester. The Rovezzi’s Ristorante on Worcester’s Grove Street is now offering private cooking classes. The class size has a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 people. Rovezzi’s will also be hosting wine dinners on April 7th & May 19th.

Joe Petrou looking around. Word on the street is that Joe Petrou, the former owner of the Restaurant at Union Station and Primo’s on Shrewsbury Street, is looking around for another restaurant opportunity. Petrou has built up a loyal following in Worcester.

Spin-off? It looks like economic spin-off from the Hanover Theatre may already be occurring. The Z Café at 389 Main Street in Worcester’s downtown has decided to open nights. You can contact Jaime or Ryan Sens at the Z for information. 508-304-1220.

Armsby Abby. According to Worcester License Commission documents, a new bar/restaurant will be opening at 144 Main Street in downtown Worcester across the street from the Crown Plaza. The Armsby Abby will be brought to you by the owners of the Dive Bar in the Canal District. We hear the concept may be locally sourced food. Stay tuned.

In the North. Thirty-One Main recently opened its doors at 31 Main Street in Ayer, MA. Thirty-One is owned by husband & wife team Mark and Karen Engle. The eclectic dinner menu features items as diverse as grilled lamb loin, Kansas City ribs and Jambalaya, all priced in the $14-$22 range. The eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is closed Mondays. 978-772-2233.

New Mexican. The Center Bar & Grill will be opening in April in the space that now houses Blackstone Pizza on Worcester’s Green Street. It will be open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner. The restaurant will have a casual atmosphere, with food such as quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and pizza. It will also feature Margaritas and draft beer.