December 27th 2018: Healthy Lunch at ProteinHouse, Marlborough

After swimming today in Marlborough, we decided to grab lunch from ProteinHouse, a place nearby which serves food targeted at gym goers.

We ordered the Spicy Thai Chicken Wrap (Grilled Hormone-Free, Cage-Free Chicken, Romaine Lettuce, Red Onions, Cucumbers, Carrots, Basil, Mint, Copped Peanuts,Peanut Sauce. Served on Whole Wheat Tortilla and Side of Fruit),

the PH Protein Pancake Combo (Non-GMO Whole Grain Whey Protein Pancakes sandwiched with 6 Egg Whites and topped with one Strawberry)

and the The Sexy (Grilled Sustainable Salmon, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Asparagus, Squash, Avocado, Zucchini and Spinach. On a Bed of Quinoa with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette).

Nice presentation, but overall, pretty bland, and expensive to boot. Not coming back again for sure.

December 26th 2018: Checking Out the Whitinsville Social Library, Northbridge

After work today, I decided to head to the town of Northbridge

Whitinsville Post Office

to check out the Northbridge Historical Society. Before that, I decided to grab a bite from Peg's Diner, a small town place close by in town.

I got a Grilled Cheese,

which was not bad, but nothing special. Really cheap though.

From here, it was on to the Whitinsville Social Library,

where the historical society has a room that is open today. Nothing much here though.

Recommended Places to Visit: Northbridge

Recreation

Golf
Shining Rock Golf Club
91 Clubhouse Lane


Mini-Golf

West End Creamery
481 Purgatory Road


Water Bodies
Swans Pond
~481 Purgatory Road

Whitins Pond
Carr Road and Purgatory Road

Linwood Pond
670 Linwood Avenue

Carpenter Reservoir
321 Carpenter Road

Arcade Pond
Arcade Street and Main Street

Riley Pond
196 Castle Hill Road


Museums
Northbridge Historical Society
17 Church Street

Dams
Fish Pond Dam
Carr Road and Purgatory Road

Linwood Pond Dam
670 Linwood Avenue

Whitin Mill Dam
~23 Douglas Road


Hiking
Recommended:
Lookout Rock
Quaker Street between Forsythe Farm Road and Wolf Hill Road

Shining Rock
386 School Street

Architecture

Monuments

War Memorial
Providence Road and School Street

Whitinsville Common
Church Street and Linwood Avenue

Places of Worship

St. Peter's Parish
39 Church Avenue

St. Patrick's Church
7 East Street

Village Congregational Church
25 Church Street

Trinity Episcopal Church
33 Linwood Avenue

Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church
61 Linwood Avenue

United Presbyterian Church
7 Spring Street

Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church
315 Church Street

Rockdale Congregational Church
42 Fowler Road

Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church
305 Goldthwaite Road

Pleasant Street Christian Reformed Church
25 Cross Street

Schools
Northbridge Middle School
87 Linwood Avenue

Town Facilities
Whitinsville Social Library
17 Church Street

Whitinsville Post Office
44 Church Street

Historical Buildings
Cotton Mill Apartments
17 Douglas Road

Whitin Mill
~23 Douglas Road

Whitinsville Bank Building
8 Linwood Avenue

Aldrich School
14 Hill Street

Old Whitin Machine Works
~3 Whitinsville Road

Old Centre Congregational Church
Benson Road and Hill Street

Linwood Mill Apartments
670 Linwood Avenue

Riverdale Mills
130 Riverdale Street

Restaurants

Highly Recommended:
Western
Maison de Manger
670 Linwood Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Pulled Pork with Slaw Crepe
New England Clam Chowder

Tried:
Breakfast
Peg's Diner
87 Church Street
Recommended Dishes:
Grilled Cheese


Deli
The Green Plate 
167 Church Street
Recommended Dishes:
Coleslaw
Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap


Italian
Northbridge House of Pizza
2225 Providence Road
Recommended Dishes:
Meat Lovers
Hawaiian

Seafood

Pirate's Cove

74 Providence Road

Recommended Dishes:

Clam Chowder

Clam Cakes

Banana Split

Western
Rockdale Grill
91 Clubhouse Lane
Recommended Dishes:
Saute Shrimp

Jube's Family Restaurant
1227 Providence Road
Recommended Dishes:
Mr. Potato Head

Grille 122

91 Providence Road

Recommended Dishes:

Hawaiian Martini

Mediterranean Chicken

Thai
Divine Thai
123 Church Street
Recommended Dishes:
Winter Shrimp
Chilli Duck
Divine Fried Rice

December 25th 2018: Japanese Lunch at Hakata Ramen, Waltham

While passing through the town of Waltham today, we decided to stop by the local branch of Hakata Ramen, which happened to be open on Christmas Day.

The menu is somewhat different from the one we had in Quincy, and this time we got the Pyramid Roll (Eel, cooked shrimp and inari, topped with lobster salad, black tobiko and garnished with sesame bonito seasoning),

the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen (chashu, egg, bamboo, bean sprout, dried seaweed,  with spicy sauce)

and the Spicy Miso Ramen (chashu, egg, bamboo, bean sprout, dried seaweed, sweet corn,  with Miso).

The food was actually pretty good, the roll being presented pretty well as well, but I have to say it was a little expensive for the small portions we got. Probably not coming back again.

December 23rd 2018: Quick Bite at Lucky Fast Food, Malden

While at the 99 Asian Supermarket in Malden today, I decided to get some food from Lucky Fast Food, a pretty popular Chinese stall serving noodles and the like, of which I got the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup.

Pretty tasty actually. Can see why this place is popular with the locals.

December 22nd 2018: Lunch at South Shore Mall, Braintree

After visiting the Goldfish Swim School in Braintree today, which was dirtier in my  opinion than the Marlborough location, and with barriers in the water that did not allow me to swim with my little one smoothly, we headed to South Shore Plaza,

where we got Matcha Egg Waffles from Yuciren Egg Waffle,

and the Pork Tonkotsu Ramen

and Pork Steamed Buns

from Noodle Station.

The egg waffles were an interesting take on Chinese egg puffs, while the ramen and buns were actually pretty good. Not a bad day for eating in Braintree, although we were short on time.

December 20th 2018: Breakfast in Marlborough, Lunch in Worcester

I started out this morning in Marlborough, grabbing an Egg Souffle (egg, bacon and cheddar cheese)

from Brew Coffee Bean, a cafe which is affiliated with Brew on the Grid and Brew Beer Garden in Worcester.

Pretty good actually for what it is.

My department had another farewell lunch for some contractors, and it was at Via Italian Table as always. This time, we got the TRUFFLE FRITES WITH PARMIGIANO,

the Fried Calamari with Marinara,

the CRISPY PORK MEATBALLS (WITH SWEET AND SOUR GLAZE),

and the MUSSELS IN SMOKY TOMATO BROTH. for appetizers,

 while I got myself the SMOKY PORK CARBONARA (SMOKED PORK SHOULDER IS SHREDDED AND TOSSED IN A CLASSIC ROMAN STYLE CARBONARA SAUCE WITH ENGLISH GREEN PEAS, FRESNO CHILIES, LINGUINE AND GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE)

and the LIMONCELLO CAKE (WHIPPED MASCARPONE FROSTING, WHITE CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS AND A LIMONCELLO REDUCTION) for dessert.

The meatballs were a delight to savor, although I only got half of one, while the sauce for the mussels went really well with the toast that came with it. My pasta was the right combination of textures and flavors, even with the spiciness of the chilies, and the cake was on the verge of being too sweet, but thankfully not so. Yet another good meal here.

December 19th 2018: Checking out the Apex Entertainment Center, Marlborough

Today, I was invited to a company outing to the Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough, so I decided to go check it out. Before that, I decided to have lunch nearby at the Japanese restaurant, Okami. Pretty nice decor, although I could not say the same about the menu.

For food, I got the Peanut Avocado Roll and Spicy Escolar Tuna Roll,

which came with a Miso Soup.

The rolls were actually pretty good, especially the peanuts which were candied. Overall though, just a typical Americanized Japanese restaurant.

From here, I headed to the entertainment center, which has a lot of activities,

like bowling,

trampolining,

go-karting, laser tag and even an arcade.

Unfortunately, I could not stay long and had to hurry home to my little one before I could do any activities.

December 18th 2018: Company Lunch at Sonoma, Worcester

I had a company lunch at Sonoma in Worcester today. This was my second time here. This time around, I got the French Onion Gratinee

and the Kimchi Burger (Prime beef patty, house kimchi, avocado, Thai Basil aioli,aged cheddar).

Both dishes were a delight to savour, the burger being a pleasant surprise, the kimchi being in flavorful shreds, and the fries that came with it just the right amount of crisp and mashed potato goodness. Definitely glad I did not miss out on this free lunch.

December 16th 2018: Lunch Buffet at Mirchi Nation, Marlborough

Today, we decided to have buffet lunch at Mirchi Nation, a new Indian restaurant in Marlborough that has opened up in place of Tandoori Grill, which I visited a long time ago. Pretty much the same decor from what I recall.

The lunch buffet included things like Shahi Paneer, Mushroom 65, Shrimp Masala, Andhra chicken curry, Gulab Jamun, Tawa Chicken Tikka, Coconut Pudding , Papad, Chicken Tikka Masala (Tandoor grilled marinated chicken simmered in an onion, tomato and cream sauce), Butter Naan (Leavened flat Indian bread baked in a clay oven), Vankaya Tomato, Varuval banana, Murgh Soup (Mild chicken soup flavored with Indian spices), Biryani Noodles (Noodles, vegetables cooked with our signature biryani masala and Szechuan chutney), Goat Dum Biryani (Aromatic basmati rice dum cooked with goat meat and spices in a sealed dish), Chicken Pepper Fry (Boneless Chicken Stir fried with black pepper and signature spices) and Neyyi Pongal (south Indian rice dish tempered with ghee).

Not everything was to my liking though, although there were some unique stuff too like the banana, which I did not like. Overall, not one of the best buffets I have had, and a little on the expensive side too.

December 15th 2018: Eating at Cambridgeside Galleria, Cambridge

While at the Cambridgeside Galleria in Cambridge today,

we decided to grab a bite at the food court there, getting a Mango Lassi

and the Goat Curry (Tender baby goat slow cooked in onion ,tomato ginger , and garlic sauce with chef's special recipe)

from Surya Indian Express,

and a Chicken Shawarma Wrap

from Fava Bean Mediterranean

The drink was not bad, although the curry was a tad sour for our liking. Thankfully, the wrap was pretty tasty.

At least my little one got his first picture with Santa today.

Recommended Places to Visit: Leominster

Recreation
Shopping Malls
Mall at Whitney Field
100 Commercial Road


Movies
Entertainment Cinemas
45 Sack Boulevard


Water Bodies
Lake Samoset
Lincoln Drive and Argentine Street

Bartlett Pond
Wachusett Street near Elm Street

Fall Brook Reservoir
~100 Wachusett Street

Morse Reservoir
716 Elm Street

Rockwell Pond
Pond Street and Elm Street

Notown Reservoir
Palmer Road and George W Stanton Highway

Goodfellow Pond
Mount Elam Road and George W Stanton Highway

Pierce Pond
492 Lindell Avenue


Golf
Grand View Country Club
454 Wachusett Street


Parks

Barrett Park
Chestnut Street and Barrett Parkway

Carter Park
Main Street and Summer Street

Beautiful Scenery
Sholan Farms
1125 Pleasant Street


Museums
Leominster Historical Society
17 School Street

Hiking
Recommended:
Monoosnoc Ridge Trail
End of West Street near Route 2

Doyle Community Park and Center
464 Abbott Avenue

Tried:
Prospect Park
318 Prospect Street

Architecture

Monuments

The Living Stone Foundation
656 Wachusett Street

Johnny Ro Veterans Memorial Park
720 Mechanic Street

Johnny Appleseed Monument
120 Johnny Appleseed Lane

Monument Square
West Street and Main Street

Airplane
640 North Main Street

Places of Worship

St. Leo's Parish
128 Main Street

Unitarian Universalist First Church
15 West Street

First Baptist Church
23 West Street

Pilgrim Congregational Church
26 West Street

St. Anna Parish
199 Lancaster Street

St. Cecilia Church
180 Mechanic Street

Leominster Assembly of God
834 Main Street

Congregational Church of Christ
583 Main Street

Our Lady of the Lake Church
1400 Main Street

Holy Family of Nazareth Parish
750 Union Street

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
60 West Street

Chapel of All Saints
1469 Main Street

Town Facilities
City Hall
25 West Street

Public Library
30 West Street

Health Alliance Hospital
60 Hospital Road

Fire Department
19 Church Street


Historical Buildings
Kendall Hall
Hamilton Street and Main Street

79 Union Street
79 Union Street

Whitney Carriage Park
124 Water Street

Restaurants

Highly Recommended:
Western
Rye and Thyme
14 Monument Square
Recommended Dishes:
Pork Osso Buco
Potato Kale and Sausage Soup


Vietnamese
Lemongrass
134 Mechanic Street
Recommended Dishes:
Cafe Sua Da
Goi Cuon Bo Nuong Bo
Bun Thit Nuong Tom Cha Gio


Tried:
Breakfast
Tim's Diner
14 Water Street
Recommended Dishes:
Ham and Egg and Cheese Sandwich


Seafood
Sharky's Seafood and BBQ
301 Lancaster Street
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Bisque
Sharky's Seafood Sautee Supreme

Western
Five Guys (chain)
886 Merriam Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Bacon Cheese Dog

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (chain)

49 Sack Boulevard

Recommended Dishes:

Five Whole Wings Combo

Cajun Fries

Burger King (chain)

859 Merriam Avenue

Recommended Dishes:

Spicy BK Royal Crispy Chicken

Chicken Nuggets Kids Meal (6 Piece)

435 Bar and Grille
435 Lancaster Street
Recommended Dishes:
Margherita Pappardelle
Baked Stuffed Haddock
Shepherds Pie Stuffed Acorn Squash

McDonald's (chain)
340 New Lancaster Road
Recommended Dishes:
French Fries
McChicken
Chicken McGriddle
Chicken McNuggets


Deli
Desilets Market and Deli
172 Spruce Street
Recommended Dishes:
Poutine Paree
Pork Pie


Korean
Arisu Korean Restaurant
804 North Main Street

Recommended Dishes:

Samgae Tang


Vietnamese
Taste of Vietnam
814 North Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Ca Salmon Chien Sot Ca Chua



Thai
Thai Jasmine
446 Lancaster Street
Recommended Dishes:
Silver Soup
Lad Na


Dessert
Aunty Ellen's Creative Confections
16 Central Street


Brazilian
Comeketo
285 Central Street
Recommended Dishes:
Moqueca de Peixe com Camarão
Acai in the Bowl

Japanese

Yamato Japan
975 Merriam Avenue


Chinese
China City
285 Central Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pork Fried Rice
General Tso's Chicken
Beef Teriyaki

Golden Wok
100 Commercial Road
Recommended Dishes:
Lo Mein
Orange Chicken

Mai Tai's

638 North Main Street

Recommended Dishes:

Shrimp Tempura Maki

Salt and Pepper Fish Fillet

Pad Thai

Italian
C and M Pizza

69 Central Street

Primo Pizzeria
100 Commercial Road

Al Dente
23 Sack Boulevard

Recommended Dishes:
Buffalo Wings
Ravioli di Zucca

Gondola
428 Lancaster Street
Recommended Dishes:
Chicken Liver Plate
Spumoni

December 13th 2018: Lunch from Worcester, Dinner from Millbury

Today, I got takeout from The Spot American Caribbean Cuisine, a new hole in the wall place in a crappy part of Worcester at 314 Grafton Street, getting the Chicken Curry.

Nothing special though.

Dinner was from Kai Mook in Millbury, which I have been to once in the past and liked my experience there due to the authentic Thai food they serve.

This time, we  got the Jeh Lek Noodle (LIGHT BROWN BROTH, SPICES, STEW PORK RIBS, CHICKEN BALLS, CHINESE BROCCOLI, BEANS SPROUTS , CILANTRO, SCALLION AND FRIED GARLIC),

the KHAO SOI (NORTHERN THAI MILD CURRY NOODLES SOUP MADE WITH OUR SECRET CURRY PASTE, SERVED WITH PICKLES MUSTARD GREENS, SHALLOTS, ROASTED CHILI PASTE AND TOPPED WITH CRISPY NOODLE.)

and the Pad Thai (COOKED IN TAMARIND FISH SAUCE, PALM SUGAR WITH EGG, BEAN SPROUTS, SCALLION AND GROUND PEANUT).

Absolutely delicious, and I'm glad my other half liked them too.