Paul Giorgio

Eight is Enough: Worcester’s Altea’s Restaurant on Park Ave recently made Phantom Gourmets 8 great brunch spots.  A well-deserved honor in my book.Try this hipster hang out, it does not disappoint.

Holy Moly Where’s the Cannoli: Wholly Cannoli, which has been a staple in Worcester for nearly a quarter-century, recently announced its closure.

In a social media post, owner Richard Elia expressed gratitude to the community for its long-time support since the bakery opened its doors in 2000, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Wholly Cannoli.” Wholly Cannoli, was known for its signature cannoli and an array of traditional Italian desserts. 

Public Market Changes: Worcester’s Public Market in the Canal District is going through some changes with openings and closings. Pasta Mani, a very popular eatery, will be closing at the end of the year. Opening in the Market will be Ruby Doo’s, the brainchild of chef Drew Day, formerly of the Flying Rhino. They will open in the space that once housed Atlantis Oysters and will serve Korean/American food. Also opening will be Vita Dolce, which will offer Hawaiian and Brazilian food.  The former home of Canal District Wines will soon be home to Tapas Vino, owned by Kevin Comellas, who currently runs Little Havana in The Market, which is an offshoot of Havana Nights on Worcester’s Park Ave.

It Has a Name: Churrascaria Tropeiro’s Grill, a Brazilians Steakhouse will soon take the place of numerous restaurants in Shrewsbury Street Piccadilly Plaza. The Steakhouse will be opening the first week of September.

I Say I Say, I Think I See a Chicken: It looks like Dave’s Hot Chicken will soon open at Worcester’s Trolley Yard on Grove Street. It appears that they specialize in a variety of chicken tenders with a variety of heat levels. This will be their 9th Massachusetts location.

It’s Not the Super Bowl: Playa Bowls, a New Jersey-based franchise offering fruit-infused food items including acai bowls, smoothies, and juices, will open soon at The Revington across from Polar Park. Founded in 2014, Playa Bowls now has more than 200 franchise locations nationwide. 

A Honey of An Idea: Honey Baked Ham is coming to Worcester. In another sign that the Woo has arrived, Honey Baked Ham announced it was opening a store in Worcester. The shop in Framingham has lines outside the doors during the holidays.

Is It Moving or Closing: Pub 122 in Grafton turned off its range at its current location the last week of August. The owners say they are looking for new space. How’s this for a suggestion? Move into the space you were redoing on Worcester’s Water Street. You would be about 100 yards from Bombay Lounge, another South Asia eatery.