June 20th 2022: Checking a Few Stretches of the Upper Charles Rail Trail

 Today, after passing through Westborough, 

George S. Kariotis Center,
75 North Drive

Old Lyman School

we stopped by the Upper Charles Rail Trail in Milford which I visited once in the past, trying to check out the water body near the junction of Cedar Street and Jacob Lane, but there was nothing much to see here.

We then went to another section of the trail in Holliston at 37 Cross Street,

heading eastwards to get to Phipps Tunnel under Highland Street. Nice tunnel.

With that, we called it a day for checking out parts of the rail trail I have not been to before.

June 19th 2022: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Watertown

 Today, we decided to try our luck again at Kura Sushi in Watertown, this time securing a place shortly after arriving. This place has a revolving sushi conveyor belt,

and robots going around delivering your drinks in a relatively tight space.

We immediately got to eating, getting the Kazunoko (Herring Roe),

the Golden Crunchy Roll,

the Seared Salmon Japanese Mayo,

the Umami Oil Seared Beef,

the Spicy Popcorn Shrimp Roll,

the Edamame, Premium American Beef,

the Tonkotsu Ramen,

the Tiger Roll, Aburi Salmon with Miso Cream Cheese*

the Spicy Garlic Tempura Philadelphia Roll,

the Harajuku Summer Salad, Caterpillar Roll, Philadelphia Roll,

Hokkaido Scallop,

the Tuna Yukhoe,

the Ikura Norimaki,

the Sea Urchin,

the Fried Takoyaki

the Shishito Salmon Skin,

and the Inari.

Every 15 plates, we placed in the slot at our table, we got a free toy.

We ended with dessert, getting the Hokkaido Milk Creamy Tart,

the Warabimochi,

and the Japanese Style Soy Milk Donuts.

Overall, I thought the food was pretty good, but perhaps a little overhyped and not worth the wait. My other half thought the meat was not that fresh either.

June 18th 2022: Spending Time in Sterling

 Today, while in Sterling,

Houghton Elementary School

we started out with a hike at the Allenwood Trail portion of the Wekepeke Conservation Land, the Lynde Basins portion having been visited a while back. From 48 Heywood Road, the path we took here is shown below in black.

Nice views of Crystal Brook Farm from here,

Although the vernal pool here was nothing to speak of.

Next we went to Rota Spring Farm in town

for some ice cream, getting a Kiddie Sundae (Butter Crunch).

Not bad to end the day in Sterling, although we next went for dinner at the Sole Proprietor in Worcester.

This time around, we got the Mango Mojito (mango rum, mango fruja, mint leaves, lime juice, soda, sugared rim),

QUARTER POUND LOBSTER ROLL (QUARTER POUND OF LOBSTER MEAT WITH A TOUCH OF MAYONNAISE AND LEMON JUICE IN A TOASTED BRIOCHE ROLL. SERVED WITH FRENCH FRIES.),

which came with a PEAR & WALNUT SALAD (Romaine and arugula tossed with a honey tarragon vinaigrette, walnuts, dried cranberries and Bleu cheese. Topped with red wine poached pears), 

the CHILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER (Shrimp, Oysters, Clams & Mussels),

the Shrimp, Tomato Scampi with Spaghetti

and the WILD SPANISH OCTOPUS (Marinated Spanish octopus prepared sous vide, served with

Yukon potato, crumbled sausage, pickled chili, arugula.)

The drink was pretty flavorful, while the lobster and raw seafood was fresh, the fries were crispy, and the octopus had extremely good texture, with the sausage mashed potatoes completing the flavor, and the pasta was excellent as well. Overall, a really good meal here as always.

June 16th 2022: Second Time at Chengdu, Westborough

 Today, we decided to have dinner at Chengdu, a nice Chinese restaurant in Westborough, which I visited once before a long time ago.

This time around, we got the Szechuan Spicy Wontons,

the Dragon Roll (california roll (Crab stick,English cucumber, avocado, and flying fish roe.) topped with eel and avocado)),

the Crispy Peking Noodles

and the Steamed Fish Slices (with pickle chillies ginger & garlic).

The fish was not bad, as were the wontons and sushi, but very Americanized, especially the noodles. Overall, just so-so from this place.