thePULSEBy Paul Giorgio
New Range Rider at the Bull. The Bull Run in Shirley has a new Executive Chef; it’s Isaac Carter, who has been manning the range since the beginning of the year. The Bull Run is more known for its music than for its food, but Carter hopes to change all that. Carter worked at Olives in Charlestown before moving to the Rustic Kitchen in Las Vegas’s Bellaggio Hotel. Carter is a big advocate of the farm to table movement, so watch for the freshest of foods. The Bull Run is owned by George and Allison Tocci.
Best Chowder. The Public House in Sturbridge recently won a People’s Choice Award for the best chowder in the Tri-Community Chowderfest. I guess anyone can do a New England Clam Chowder, but they won with a fried chicken chowder. Now that is different.
Silver Anniversary. Chef John Lawrence of Pepper’s Fine Food and Catering in Northboro will soon kick off his 25th anniversary year as chef and owner. Lawrence owns the business along with his wife Susan. Congratulations to John and the entire staff ~ and especially Susan, too, who holds it all together so John can cook.
The End of a Dynasty. The Ding Ho Dynasty restaurant ~ which very well may be the oldest Chinese restaurant in Worcester ~ recently closed its doors.. The Ding Ho, which is next to the Hanover Theatre, has closed after almost 50 years in business. We hear that another restaurant has been looking at the space, which may need a major facelift ~ and we’re talkin’ a Joan Rivers kind of facelift.
Shrewbury Street Rumor Mill. Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street is awash with rumors about the reopening of the space that once housed Junior’s. Word on the street has it that Robin Francese, the former manager, will be opening up the place, and has been toying with car-themed names.
Opening Soon. Word has it that a couple of new restaurants will be opening soon in Worcester, both after renovations. 7 Nana, a new Sushi/Tapenaki restaurant on Shrewsbury Street, is slated to open at the end of April. Some say they’ve spent over a million dollars converting office space into a restaurant.
Also opening soon is Gumbo, a New Orleans style eatery on Worcester’s Water Street; they are just waiting for state approvals.
…And Already Open. Lago opened the last week of March. This new Italian restaurant is located on the shores of Coes Pond in the space that formerly housed Joey’s.
Taste of the Nation. The annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank and Rachel’s Table will take place on Monday, April 23 at The Manor in West Boylston. Over 50 restaurants and various vendors will be showcasing their food, all for a good cause ~ to end hunger. The tickets are $50 in advance and $75 at the door. Visit www. Strength.org/Worcester to purchase tickets.
