February 26th 2023: Lock 50, Worcester and Caffe Nero, Dedham

 Today, we decided to have brunch at Lock 50 in Worcester, which we haven't been to in a while. We sat in a different part of the restaurant this time around.

We got the Mushroom Crepe (Swiss Cheese and Fresh Herbs),

the Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

and the Fried Chicken and Grits (cheese sauce, green tomato jam, fried egg).

Really delicious, especially the chicken with its combination of flavors.

Later in the day, while in Dedham, we decided to get dessert from the Caffe Nero in town,

we got the Ricotta Pistachio Cake (Pistachio and ricotta creams separated by sponge cake, topped with crushed pistachios and dusted with powered sugar.),

which was really tasty without any of that fake pistachio flavor. No wonder this place has so many locations.

February 21st 2023: Checking Out Places for Kids in Westborough

 Today, after checking out Boston Rhythmic

and the Launch Trampoline Park in Westborough,

we decided to get a quick bite from the Wendy's nearby, getting the Kid's 4PC Nuggets,

the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger,

and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

Pretty good, although the pretzel burger was a little salty at times.

February 19th 2023: Brunch in Worcester, Linner in Southborough

 Today, we decided to have brunch at Birchtree Bread Company, this time getting the Lavender London Fog (earl grey tea and lavender steeped with vanilla and topped with steamed milk), Spicy Benedict Florentine (house English muffin, poached eggs, VEGAN chorizo, braised greens, hollandaise, & side of truffle homefries),

and the Green Street Breakfast Sammy (house ciabatta, pork belly, bacon braised greens, Calabrian chili aioli, fried egg, side truffle home fries.).

Excellent food as always from this place, especially the bread.

For an early dinner, we decided to check out Nan's Rustic Kitchen and Market in Southborough. A fast food style place with a small grocery section in it.

We got the Chai Cider and Fig (Cascarilla Chai from MEM Tea shaken with a local apple cider and a jammy fig syrup.  )

and the Hot Honey Chicken Sammie (Crispy fried chicken with local honey infused with calabrian chillies. Served on a griddled bun with smoky mayo and crisp pickles.).

Not bad, but not the best I have had.

February 14th 2023: Noodles King, Boston

 Today, while in Boston, we decided to have dinner at Noodles King, a food stall located within the food court at Longwood Galleria. We got the Hong Kong Style Chicken and Ramen in Broth

and the Xi-an Hand-Pulled BiangBiang Noodle in Special Sauce (with Pork).

Pretty good I must say, for food court fare, especially the hand pulled noodles with its tangy sauce.

February 12th 2023: Viet Cafe, Worcester

 Today, we decided to get brunch from Viet Cafe, a new Vietnamese restaurant in Worcester at 439 Park Avenue. Nice decor inside.

We got the Banh Mi Thit Nuong (Marinated Grilled BBQ Beef), Banh Mi Xa Xiu (House BBQ Pork), Banh Mi Xiu Mai (House Meatloaf spread), and Banh Mi Dac Biet (Special Combination).

Not too bad in my opinion, but my other half felt it was not worth coming back for a second round.

February 10th 2023: Hike in Northborough, Dinner in Westborough

 Today, as the weather was nice out, we decided to go on a hike at Mount Pisgah in Northborough, where rough path we took this time around is shown below in pink.

We had a better view without the sun at the South View than I did when I last visited a long time ago, 

but the vernal pools on the Vernal Pool Trail here were nothing to look at, and we got lost and went off trail on the way back as the sun was setting, but thankfully the trail we took led us back to the car just as it got really dark. 

From here, we decided to have dinner at Thaiminal, a Thai restaurant in Westborough which we have visited once in the past, this time getting the Drunken Noodle (flat noodle wok stir fry with bell pepper, bamboo shoot, onion, Thai sweet basil chili garlic paste)

and the Khao Soi Chicken and Shrimp (Egg noodle, cilantro, scallion in yellow curry and side dishes of red onion, pickle and chili paste).

Really delicious flavors I must say, and the ball of crispy wonton noodles was an interesting touch as well. Definitely good choice tonight, though I was late for work later as a result.

February 9th 2023: Not Ya Mama's Vegan Cafe, Worcester

 Today, I decided to check out Not Ya Mama's Vegan Cafe, a new vegan restaurant in Worcester which has taken the place of Vegan Nest, which I visited once a while back. Nicer decor now in my opinion.

I got the BBQ Mac Burger (Impossible Burger topped with our famous Mac and Cheese on a Bulky Roll) and Mixed Greens Salad (mixed greens served with balsamic dressing),

which was surprisingly tasty and flavorful for a vegan burger. Worth coming back again for another try.

February 6th 2023: 2 Chefs Restaurant, Worcester

 Today for dinner, I decided to check out 2 Chefs Restaurant, a new Italian bar restaurant in Worcester that has replaced Wild Willy's Burgers, which I visited a long time ago. Pretty much the same decor as before.

I got the Linguine and Clam Sauce (Large chunks of clams sautéed in red or white garlic white wine butter sauce with linguine.),

A little on the salty side at first, but I grew into the flavor slowly. Pretty good, and filling.

February 5th 2023: Mick Morgan's, Norwood

 Today, while in Norwood,

Hampton Inn Boston-Norwood

my little and I decided to have dinner at Mick Morgan's, an Irish bar-restaurant located within the hotel. 

We got the Clam Chowder (New England style clam chowder)

and the Fish and Chips.

Not bad, and pretty big portions too. Everything else on the menu was too expensive though. Oh inflation.

For dessert, we got a Old Fashioned Strawberry Cheesecake (NY style cheesecake finished with strawberry preserves and a fresh strawberry)

from Dessert Works, a bakery in Westwood.

Not bad, but on the sweet side.