Saturday, September 30, 2023

September 30th 2023: Arts in Common, Westborough

Today, we started out with lunch at Little Spoon, a Thai restaurant in Needham affiliated with Four Spoons in Newton, which we tried a while back. Nice decor inside.




We got the Chive dumpling (Chives, rice flour and Thai seasoning, served with ginger sauce),

the Shoyu Ramen (Ramen noodle with shoyu broth, soy sauce, Cha Shu pork (marinated braised pork belly), sesame seed, Edamame, Japanese bamboo marinated with sesame, marinated soft boil egg, scallion, sweet corn, and nori)
and the Drunken Noodle (Egg, onion, carrot, cauliflower, sweet pepper, Thai basil and flat rice noodle).
Pretty good I must say, although my other half bemoaned the lack of vegetarian options. Seeing the chive dumplings pop up everywhere as well.

Later, after checking out the Arts in Common event in Westborough,




we headed to Bertucci's nearby for dinner, this time getting the White Sangria,
the Eggplant Parmesan (Thick cut crispy eggplant topped with house-made marinara sauce, marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, Pecorino Romano & mozzarella, served with spaghetti)
the Fettuccine Alfredo (Fettuccine tossed in Pecorino Romano cream sauce).





and the Tiramisu (Ladyfingers, coffee liqueur, mascarpone, cocoa).

Pretty good meal today. At least I got to use my coupon this time around.





Friday, September 29, 2023

September 29th 2023: Lunch with Colleagues at Red Pepper, Worcester

 Today, I had lunch with colleagues at Red Pepper in Worcester, this time getting, among other things, the Beef Chow Fan,


the Tofu with Black Mushrooms,

and the Orange Chicken.
Pretty good meal as always from this place.


Thursday, September 28, 2023

September 28th 2023: Missed Opportunity at Bertucci's, Westborough

 Today, I had intended to use a coupon at the Bertucci's in Westborough, getting the Roasted Wild Mushroom (Roasted wild mushrooms, oregano, thyme, seasoned cream sauce, Pecorino Romano & mozzarella)


and the Shrimp Rossini (Sautéed shrimp, capers, a hint of hot pepper & tomato cream sauce, tossed with spaghetti, shaved cheese blend & scallions),


but I totally forgot about the coupon until just after I had paid for it, and they wouldn't entertain honoring the coupon after the fact. Oh well. The pizza was really good though.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

September 27th 2023: More Pizza from Shrewsbury House of Pizza, Shrewsbury

Today, we decided to get pizza takeout from Shrewsbury House of Pizza in Shrewsbury, this time getting the Indian Pizza (Tomatoes, Onion, Pepper Pineapple, Jalapeno and Indian Spices).
Not too spicy, but way too much onions for my liking.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

September 26th 2023: Wormtown Brewery, Worcester

 Today, we decided to check out the Wormtown Brewery in Worcester,


getting the Sealed with a Smile (Summer Shady blend of golden ale and lemon juice.)


and the Sriracha Fries.

Pretty good, although the fries might have been old, but still crispy.


Sunday, September 24, 2023

September 24th 2023: Dessert in Marlborough and Northborough

 Today, we decided to get some dessert first from the McDonald's in Marlborough,





this time getting the McFlurry® with M&M'S® Candies (sweet combination of creamy vanilla soft serve with crunchy M&M’S® chocolate candies swirled in).
A tad sweet and running with coloring, but otherwise to be expected. The Peanut Butter Crunch McFlurry was much better in all aspects, I must say.



Later in the day,  we decided to check out Oh Wow Frozen Yogurt & Smoothies in Northborough,

getting the Cotton Candy and Strawberry flavors in a twist.
Not bad for a day of dessert in two towns.



Friday, September 22, 2023

September 23rd 2023: Blue on Highland, Needham

 Today, we decided to check out Blue on Highland, a pretty nice bar restaurant in Needham.


We got the Mediterranean Bowl (baby spinach, quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted artichokes, chickpeas, kalamata olives avocado, feta, creamy Greek)


and the Short Rib Grilled Cheese (Texas toast, slow braised short rib, American, cheddar, mozzarella cheese, fresh cut fries).


Pretty tasty actually, although the service was slow today and we were late for our next activity.


Tuesday, September 19, 2023

September 19th 2023: Redemption Rock Brewing Company, Worcester

 Today, we decided to check out the Redemption Rock Brewing Company in Worcester. Pretty hippy area accommodating dog owners.



We got the Edelstein (German style wheat beer with an aroma of citrus and clove)
and the House-made Hummus (served with crackers, olives, carrots and olive oil).

not my thing, but probably good to bring beer drinking friends to.

Monday, September 18, 2023

September 18th 2023: Korean on a Rainy Night

 Today after a whole day of activities, we decided to have dinner at Westborough Korean Restaurant in Westborough, this time getting the Woodong (assorted seafood, vegetables and noodles in clear soup) 


and the Tofu Jigae (Spicy tofu and vegetable stew).


Really tasty this time around I must say, especially on a rainy night.



Sunday, September 17, 2023

Recommended Places to Visit: Marlborough

Recreation
Beer/Wine Making
Strange Brew
416 Boston Post Road East


Biking
Assabet River Rail Trail
Lincoln Street and Highland Street


Bowling
Apex Entertainment Center
21 Apex Drive


Water Bodies
Williams Lake
~300 Lakeside Avenue

Fort Meadow Reservoir
Bolton Street near Blaiswood Avenue

Hager Pond
~694 Boston Post Road East


Golf
Marlborough Country Club
200 Concord Road


Museums

Marlborough Historical Society
377 Elm Street


Beaches
Memorial Beach
671 Hosmer Street


Parks
Ghiloni Park
239 Concord Road

Artemas Ward Park
57 Orchard Street

45 Jefferson Street


Hiking
Recommended:
Cider Knoll Conservation Land
Stow Road near Simpson Road

Jericho Hill Recreational Area
496 Brigham Street

Tried:
Sheep Falls Brook
End of Sasseville Way

The Grove Conservation Land
Bolton Street near Blaiswood Avenue

Holt's Grove
431 Bolton Street


Events
Grand Diwali Mela


Shopping Malls
Solomon Pond Mall
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard


Architecture
Monuments
John Brown Bell
Main Street and Bolton Street

Brigham Park
West Main Street and Mechanic Street

Centennial Park
South Bolton Street and Grange Boulevard

Large Wooden Praying Mantis
231 Lakeside Road


Places of Worship

537 Bolton Street


Schools
Goldfish Swim School (chain)
43 Apex Drive


Town Facilities
Town Hall
140 Main Street

Council on Aging
40 New Street


District Court
45 Williams Street

Fire Station 2
98 Pleasant Street

Public Library
35 West Main Street

Fire Department
215 Maple Street

Yawkey Sports Training Center
512 Forest Street

Navin Arena
451 Bolton Street


Commercial Buildings
Marlborough Savings Bank
81 Grange Boulevard

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel
181 Boston Post Road West

Hilton Garden Inn Marlborough
170 Forest Street


Dams
Tyler Dam
193 Robin Hill Street


Historical Buildings
Franklin D. Walker Building
255 Main Street

Old West Meeting House
86 Pleasant Street

Old St. Ann's Church
Lincoln Street and Gibbon Street

Old Victoria Building
277 Main Street

Stephen W. Gersh Insurance Inc
9 Monument Avenue

Restaurants
Highly Recommended:
Thai
Chez Siam
280 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Fish Chowder Thai Style
Coconut Custard
Chez Siam Roast Duck


Thairiffic
128 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Roti Canai
Takoyaki
Soft Shell Crab Mango Avocado Curry

Up to Me Thai Kitchen
547 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Kapow
Miso Ramen

Breakfast
Big Apple Restaurant
331 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Big Apple Melt

Villatoro Cafe and Restaurant
353 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Adobo Pork Chops
Hot Chocolate
El Benedicto
Apple Crisp


Seafood
Fish Restaurant and Bar
29 South Bolton Street
Recommended Dishes:
Crab Cakes
Crispy Duck Breast
Cinnamon Bacon Beignets


Western
Eastside Grille
200 Concord Road
Recommended Dishes:
Ice Cream Sundae
Chicken Inferno

141 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
The Caniac Combo

170 Forest Street
Recommended Dishes:
BLVD Slaw Burger

All Star Bar and Grill
181 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Portabella Panini
Grilled Salmon Salad
Portabella and Spinach Ravioli
Strawberry Tiramisu

Stephen Anthony's Restaurant
999 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Pan Seared Crab Cakes
Papa's Pesto
Strawberry Shortcake

110 Grill (chain)
115 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Short Rib Flatbread
Lamb Meatball Sliders

Fanz Sports Grille
757 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Philly Cheese Steak Eggrolls
Spicy Fried Pickle Chips
Bourbon Steak Tips

Wildwood Steakhouse
189 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Ranch Sirloin Tips

Chill Kitchen and Bar
416 Boston Post Rd E
Recommended Dishes:
Ribeye
Artichoke Fritters

Kennedy's Pub
247 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pub Popover
Cheesy Tots
 
The Fix Burger Bar (chain)
139 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Pistachio Cheesecake
The Spartan
Boss Wings


Deli
Hot Table Panini (chain)
90D Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Swiss Steak Mushroom Melt


187 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Egg Souffle


Indian
Tandoori Grill (closed)
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Kheer
Plain Naan
Chicken Masala
Raita
Vegetable Pakora
Papadum
Coconut Soup
Tandoori Chicken
Began Bharta
Chicken Kadai
Mutter Paneer
Chana Masala
Chicken Masala

132 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Unda Biryani
Paneer Tikka Pasta
Bombay Chicken Pizza


Japanese
1009 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Miso Soup
Kirin Ichiban
Any 2 Roll Combo
Shrimp Tempura
Shrimp Tempura Roll
Spicy Salmon Roll
Singapore Noodles
Cherry Blossom Cake

197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Takoyaki
Tonkotsu Ramen
Chicken Karaage
Shoyu Ramen
Ducky Ramen
Tan Tan Ramen
Super Hot Lava Ramen
Grilled Salmon Miso Ramen

Latin American
Lalo's Mexican Kitchen (chain)
460 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Quesadilla

Italian

Sorento's Italian Gourmet (closed)
128 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Portbella and Spinach
Seafood Risotto

Linguine's Italian Eatery
350 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Roasted Vegetable Ravioli
Ricotta Pie

Allora Ristorante (closed)
139 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Lobster Chowder

Olive Garden (chain)
728 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Lasagna Fresca with Shrimp
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberries


Tried:
Thai
Ruby Thai Kitchen (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Pad Thai


Vietnamese
An Nam Vietnamese Grill
222 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Banh Mi Lemongrass Pork
Noodle Salad Garlic Chili Grilled Shrimp
Tofu Garlic Noodles
An Choi Fries
An Nam Bowl
Dark Brown Sugar Milk Tea


Italian
Lake Williams Pizza
270 West Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
X-Tudo Burger
Romeo and Juliet Pizza
Churros

Clockwork Pizza
19 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Special Pizza
Broccoli and Cheese Bites

Classic Pizza II
90 Broad Street
Recommended Dishes:
Portuguese Pizza
Brazilian Pizza

The Plum Tomato
547 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Meat Lovers Pizza
Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese

Pleasant Pizza
166 Pleasant Street
Recommended Dishes:
Pepperoni Pizza
Ham Pizza

Evviva Trattoria (chain)
142 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Mushroom Risotto
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi Pizza
Roasted Harvest
Sauteed Mussels
Build a Pasta Bowl
Tiramisu
Shrimp, Clam and Mussels Fra Diavolo
Balsamic Braised Short Rib
Italian Street Fries
Cranberry Mule


Deli
Nick's Roast Beef and Deli
636 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Roast Beef Sandwich

Church Street Sandwich Company
162 Church Street
Recommended Dishes:
Reuben

Jersey Mike's Subs (chain)
42 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Chipotle Cheese Steak

The Coffee Loft
406 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese


Dessert
Fruitti Yogurt (chain)
262 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Eurotart
Raspberry
Watermelon
Hawaiian Pineapple

Dunkin' Donuts (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Cranberry Orange Muffin
Hash Browns
Pumpkin Munchkin
Glazed Munchkin
Chocolate Glazed Munchkin

Starbucks (chain)
90 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Chai Tea Latte

601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Mango Smoothie


Latin American
Zarape
514 Lincoln Street
Recommended Dishes:
Caldo de Res

La Tapatia Taqueria
388 Boston Post Road
Recommended Dishes:
Tripa Taco
Shrimp Taco
Cueritos Tostado
Shreeded Beef Sope

601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
El Pastor Quesadilla


Brazilian
Pruller Restaurant
33 Maple Street
Recommended Dishes:
Caldo de Res

Brazilian Steak Grill
416 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Buffet

Labaredas Brazilian BBQ
500 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Buffet

Brasileirinho Bakery and Restaurant
168 Boston Post Road East

67 Mechanic Street
Recommended Dishes:
Coxinha


Breakfast
Jake's Restaurant and Coffee Shop
30 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Hot Chocolate
Jake's Benedict

Main Street Cafe
182 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Steak Tip, Mushroom and Cheese Grapper


Chinese
China Taste
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Egg Roll
Pork Fried Rice
General Tso's Chicken

Silk Road Bistro
150 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
General Tso's Chicken
Fried Rice
BBQ Spare Ribs


Western
Friendly's (chain)
157 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Lemon Pepper Fish
Lobster Roll
2 Double Sliders
 Kids Original Fribble® Milk Shake
Banana Split Sundae

265 Lakeside Avenue
Recommended Dishes:
Hand Cut Choice New York Sirloin

ProteinHouse (chain)
90 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
The Sexy
PH Protein Pancake Combo
Spicy Thai Chicken Wrap
Green Monster
Thai Monster
Aloha

Arby's (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Loaded Curly Fries

Auntie Anne's (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Mini Pretzel Dogs
Strawberry Smoothie
Original Pretzel Nuggets

Westender Restaurant and Bar
493 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Maryland Lump Crab Cakes
One Pound Little Necks 
 
Bolton Street Tavern
587 Bolton Street
Recommended Dishes:
Potachoes
Crock of Chili Con Carni
Mixed Marinated Grill 

Welly's (chain)
153 Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Montreal Burger

Sully's First Edition Pub (closed)
11 Florence Street
Recommended Dishes:
Baked Stuffed Scallops

Pit Stop Tavern
21 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Hawaiian Burger
House Made Potato Chips

Wendy's (chain)
176 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Italian Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich

McDonald's (chain)
155 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
4 pc. McNuggets Happy Meal
Bacon McDouble
McFlurry® with M&M'S® Candies
Peanut Butter Crunch McFlurry

Firefly's
350 East Main Street
Recommended Dishes:
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Po' Boy


Indian
Aunty G's Ice Cream and Indian Fusion
72 Hosmer Street
Recommended Dishes:
Gol Gappe
Chicken Chaat
Thandai
Mango Ice Cream

Mirchi Nation
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Shahi Paneer
Mushroom 65
Shrimp Masala
Andhra Chicken Curry
Gulab Jamun
Tawa Chicken Tikka
Coconut Pudding
Papad
Biryani Noodles
Goat Dum Biryani
Chicken Tikka Masala
Butter Naan
Vankaya Tomato
Varuval Banana
Murgh Soup
Chicken Pepper Fry
Neyyi Pongal

Japanese
Fuji Steak House (closed)
200 Boston Post Road East

Ginger Garden
200 Boston Post Road East
Recommended Dishes:
Yu Shiang Eggplant
Tatsuta-Age

Mosaka
58 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Signature Roll
Dragon Roll
Stir Fried Yakisoba


Okami (closed)
58 Apex Drive
Recommended Dishes:
Peanut Avocado Roll
Miso Soup
Spicy Escolar Tuna Roll

Japan One
197 Boston Post Road West
Recommended Dishes:
Banana Mania Maki

Sarku Japan (chain)
601 Donald Lynch Boulevard
Recommended Dishes:
Beef and Shrimp Teriyaki

September 17th 2023: Eating at the Food Court in Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough

 Today we were at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough in search of food, getting an El Pastor Quesadilla (flour tortilla filled with Mecian Blend Cheese and choice of protein, paired with 2 oz pico de gallo, 2 oz sour cream and chips) from El Sombrero Taqueria 

and a Mango Smoothie from Pop Tea.

The quesadilla would have been great with pineapple in it if not for those dreaded onions, and the drink was just alright by me.


Friday, September 15, 2023

September 16th 2023: Second Time at Cafe Mangal, Wellesley

 Today, we decided to have lunch at Cafe Mangal in Wellesley, which we visited once over eight years ago.

This time around, we got the Eggplant Dip (Fire roasted eggplant, lemon juice, yogurt, parsley, garlic & evoo),
the Grilled VEGETARIAN Sandwich (Sun Dried Tomatoes, Roasted Red Peppers, Muenster Cheese, Roasted Eggplant Basil Mayonnaise on Multi Grain Roll)
and the Hazelnut Cake (Alternating layers of hazelnut cake, hazelnut cream and chocolate cream,topped with praline hazelnuts).
Another excellent meal here, especially the flavors in the sandwich.




Tuesday, September 12, 2023

September 12th 2023: Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company, Worcester

 Today, while in Worcester,

Wawecus Road School

Sky Mark Tower

United States District Court


we decided to check out the Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company,

getting the White Grape Peach 8% Imperial Sour Ale (combines crisp sweet white grapes and ripe juicy peaches)

and the Beer Battered Onion Rings.
Pretty good for a quick bite.



Sunday, September 10, 2023

September 10th 2023: Brunch and Dessert in Worcester, Dinner in Westborough

 For brunch today, we decided to check out The Mercantile in Worcester, which I visited once in the recent past for a company function. This time around, we sat on the rooftop area.


 
We got the Fried Rice Bowl (fried jasmine rice, avocado, sunny egg, honey-sriracha, fried kale),


the Tempura Cauliflower (tahini hot sauce, lemon, cucumber)

and the Chinese Egg Tart (sweet egg custard, lemon curd, berries).
The egg tart was terrible, but thankfully, the fried rice sort of made up for it.

For dessert, we stopped by Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream nearby, which apparently has a few locations all over America. 
Interesting way of making ice cream,
of which we got the Pineapple flavor.
Interesting texture too.

For dinner, we went to Tavolino in Westborough, which I have been to once a long time ago. This time around, we got the Melanzana (fried eggplant, spinach, garlic, feta, mozzarella and marinara) and Mediterranean Pasta (with artichokes, tomatoes, spinach, pepperoncini, kalamata olives and feta, served over penne with a white wine, lemon and herb sauce).
I have to say the pizza was pretty good, especially the crispy eggplant pieces.