The Worcester’s Best Chef culinary competition will take place Sunday, January 31, 2010, at historic Union Station, from 4 to 8 p.m., with some exciting developments. “Some Iron Chef elements, like a live Mystery Basket final round, will be added to the event,” said Alina Eisenhauer, one of the competition’s judges and a featured chef on Food Network’s Chopped. Michael Giletto, a celebrity chef from Iron Chef America, Chopped, and the Tyra Banks Show, is one of many highly-accredited chefs that will sit on the panel this year alongside other culinary greats and food critics.
Last year’s winners included Judges’ Choice champion Laddavanh “Anna” Bouphavichith from Yama Zakura in Northboro and People’s Choice champ Wilson Wang from BABA Sushi in Worcester. They will be joined by several other top chefs, all competing in one of three categories, Fine Dining, Asian, and Dessert. The gourmets will all be preparing their very best, as this is no ordinary food show—”The chefs are coming to win and they are bringing their ‘A’ game,” said judge Stanley Nicas from the Culinary Institute of America and The Castle Restaurant. The judges’ criteria are based on those of the Culinary Institute of America, and results are audited and announced by Worcester-based CPA firm, Houssan Ojerholm, PC. Last year’s event saw the likes of stuffed lobster, King Crab, a fully skewered and slow-roasted lamb, caviar-filled sushi, stuffed fillet mignon, and much, much more.
The Worcester’s Best Chef culinary competition also features a full tasting of wines from throughout the world. Guests will also be trained in the art of “Champagne Sabering” by Sir Jeremy John Bell of Scotland, a master of uncorking $80 Perrier-Jouet French Champagne with a 4-foot saber. Sir Jeremy will also indulge guests in the history and tasting of Absinthe, an ancient liquor known as “The Green Fairy”, which inspired world-famous artists like Picasso and Matisse, as well as author Ernest Hemmingway. Guests will witness a Salsa, Cha-Cha and Merengue dance exhibition by the kings of Latin Swing, Salsa Storm, then they will cast their votes via text messaging after tasting the extraordinary delights, but not before they get some relaxing massage therapy courtesy of Theracopia of Soutboro.
Net proceeds will be donated to Worcester Technical High School’s College Scholarship Fund. The intent is to reward young culinary students who are talented and work hard, but don’t have the economic means to continue on to higher culinary education. Students are also paired with mentoring chefs during the competition for training purposes. “Supporting the culinary arts is a very important aspect of this event,” said Peter Crafts, director of technical education at Worcester Technical High School’s $93 million facility in Worcester. Mercury Media & Entertainment, the organizers of the event, plan to introduce a competition this year between the students of the many technical schools from throughout Massachusetts, called Massachusetts Best Student Chef. Worcester’s Best Chef will sell out, as it did last year. Sponsors include United States Army, Percy’s, WorcesterScene.com, Quality Business Graphics, Vantage Printing, WXLO, WCRN, and WSRS. Check out T&G press features and other information, and get $10 off when you buy 2 tickets at WorcestersBestChef.com.
Buy your tickets now, see pricing information at the Worcester’s Best Chef web site.
Black ties, tuxedos, evening gowns, classic World War II military uniforms, a 22-piece Big Band & Swing orchestra, and a huge dance floor—that’ll get you “In The Mood”!
Nostalgia will set it—’big’ time—on February 13th, 2010, as the Odd Fellows Home celebrates Valentine’s Day in style. The Moonlight Serenade Sweetheart Ball fundraiser will offer a posh evening full of WWII regalia, memories and tradition. “This event really highlights the splendor and American sentiment of the Big Band era in the grandest of fashion,” said Clarence Plant, Secretary to the Board of Trustees at the non-profit Odd Fellows Home of Massachusetts on Randolph Road.
The fundraiser is necessary to fund the replacement of 76 windows and installation of therapeutic equipment.
The Odd Fellows Home is a non-profit, 501 c (3), Skilled Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation facility designed to improve the lives of it’s residents. Historically, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in North America (United States and Canada) became independent from the Order in England in 1834. In modern times, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs have been in the forefront of nearly all organizations in helping to make this world a better place in which to live. Odd Fellowship is a family fraternity with activities and programs for every member of the family. Former Worcester Mayor and talk show host, Jordan Levy, is master of ceremonies for Moonlight Serenade, and stressed the importance and uniqueness of this event to the community, “This is a really upscale, fun, and entertaining evening that helps a very worthwhile cause in the city of Worcester. Besides, when do you get the chance to have a great meal and Jitterbug to a 22-piece orchestra? – not often.” The event also boasts a wine tasting, silent auction, and ballroom dance exhibitions and lessons.
The Moonlight Serenade Sweetheart Ball takes place on Saturday, February 13th, 2010, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Worcester. Tax-deductible tickets are $125, and are available online at WorcesterMoonlightSerenade.com, or by calling Nancy Cyr at 508-853-6687. Multi-course dinner included. Corporate Sponsorships available. Seats are limited.
On November 17th, Brew City Grill & Brew House officially introduced their newly updated menu with a three course Cask Ale dinner featuring local craft breweries. Participating in the event were Central MA’s own Wachusett Brewing Company, Shipyard Brewing Company from Maine and Harpoon Brewery based out of Boston.
In a tradition of excellence that has kept Brew City Grill & Brew House on top of the “Best of” list in Worcester, Massachusetts, Brew City now features forty beers on draft and a phenomenal bottle selection exceeding 120 beers. The highlight of the bar experience is three newly installed Angram beer engines, imported directly from England. This elegant centerpiece delicately delivers the beer into your glass through the use of a hand pump. “As poured in England, it’s truly the most natural way to drink beer,” says co-owner, founder and genuine beer enthusiast Jerry Azzarone. “We spared no expense having this system custom built to suit out customers needs.” On a typical night you will find yourself amazed by the display of beers running through this hand-crafted system from craft breweries across the country. Recently featured breweries include Allagash Brewing Company out of Portland, Maine, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery from Milton, Delaware and Smuttynose Brewing Company out of Portmsouth, New Hampshire.
With the draft beer selection well covered and an ever growing bottle list, Jerry and his team are dedicating more and more time to the food at Brew City Grill & Brew House. “Our restaurant has a great reputation for accommodating the sports fan or the businessman, but we didn’t want to get away from the core values which have made us so successful,” states Azzarone, “that’s our family atmosphere and eclectic menu.” A trip to Brew City will have you amazed at the menu which includes items such as the ever popular Smoked Chicken Baked Macaroni, Grilled Mediterranean Tuna and Beer-BBQ Brisket. Be sure to try Brew City’s “burger bar concept” menu…there are over 38 trillion possibilities. Beer dinners will also be conducted on a regular basis to increase awareness about beer’s place at the dinner table. “Beer and food is the perfect match, sometimes people don’t stop to think about it,” he adamantly expresses. “That’s where we come in.”
Brew City Grill & Brew House is located at 104 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, Massachusetts and has been an integral part of the community of restaurants which give the city so much character. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Brew City Grill & Brew House is the premier place in the city to meet up with friends, take a colleague to lunch, watch the game, have a beer, or enjoy a night out with the family. Visit Brew-City.com to join the email club for news, events and promotions as well as special offers and discount coupons.
Worcester’s Supreme Chancellor of beer, Matt Webster, sits down with Ben Roesch, the head brewer at Worcester’s first and only Brewery—Worm Town Brewery, opening soon at Peppercorns! You have have seen the video (if you haven’t, then watch it below), but here are the cold hard facts to the future Craft Beers brewed in Worcester!
MW: When did you start brewing? (Could you expand on it to put some stuff in there about why as well?)
BR: I started brewing in college. I was at a bar contemplating why Guinness was so different from Bud and had to find out. So I grabbed a few books and starting reading. Then I had to try for myself. I was brewing multiple times a week and fermenting in my roommates closet. After I graduated from college, I was lucky enough to work at a local homebrew shop and get and interview for an assistant brewers position at Cambridge Brewing in Cambridge, MA.
MW: What is your favorite/least favorite style of beer to brew?
BR:My favorite style to brew would probably be an I.P.A. (India Pale Ale). Getting to throw tons of aromatic hops in the kettle and have the sweet wort boiling mix with the floral grassy hops is a sensory bliss. Brewing I.P.A’s is also tough because the physical amount of hops going into the kettle transferring to the fermenters can be a nightmare – clogged heat exchangers and pumps aren’t a good thing!!
MW: What is your go-to style for beer when you’re out drinking or picking up beer at the store?
BR: My go to style for myself is I.P.A. Love the bitterness and the palate cleansing effect hops have on the palate – ready for the next sip. If I’m out shopping for a group and have to go lighter, I try to grab a flavor toward Kolsch or Pilsner.
MW: Who are some of your mentors in the craft beer industry and what do you like best about the craft beer industry?
BR: The person that has has the single greatest influence on my career has been a personal mentor is Will Meyers from Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square. He gave me my first brewing job and since day one has helped me become a professional brewer. He also answers his phone when I have a question and would do anything for me – or any of his friends. The best part about the craft beer industry is the camaraderie. Every craft brewer helps out other brewers. They want to see the whole industry succeed.
MW: If you could wake up tomorrow and do anything in the world, say you had a magic wand, what would you do? (If you say brewing that’s cool, just remember – this is ANYTHING)
BR: Definitely being a brewer in Worcester. It was my dream years ago and I still wake up every day grateful that I have an opportunity at Worm Town Brewing to fulfill that dream. I grew up in Worcester and was a little young to be able to appreciate the last time there was a brewery in town.
Sleep Alive filmed their music video, Put It On My Tab, at Union Station in Worcester.
Worcester has had some great claim to fame in the music scene—both mainstream and underground—over the past century. With some great music venues like Lucky Dog, Tammany Hall, and Palladium we’ve seen some great bands come to Worcester and ignite the stage. The music video below, found by our friends at Worcesterite.com and featured on WorcesterScene.com’s Main Stage for November, is a great use of Worcester’s iconic Union Station (home to Luciano’s) combining it with Worcester’s talent—both musically and cinematographically.
The fourth annual Blackstone Canalfest will take place Saturday, September 12 from 11am – 6pm, on Harding Street in Worcester, between Temple and Winter streets, directly on top of the historic Blackstone Canal.
Canalfest is a classic, family-oriented street festival, celebrating the rebirth of the neighborhood in general and promoting the Canal replication project in particular. Staged by the Canal District Alliance, it is free and open to the public – a perfect way for budget-conscious families to enjoy their first post-Labor Day weekend.
The event features vendors of all sorts; mouth-watering food concessions from neighborhood restaurants; shaded public eating areas; two stages showcasing musicians, dancers and street performers; fabulous children’s activities; a cash raffle; park rangers and historians spinning Blackstone lore; horse-drawn wagon tours of the neighborhood; and kayak testing on an actual, water-filled pre-creation of the Canal project itself. The festival will run from 11 to 6 p.m., and several thousand participants are anticipated. Admission is free, and parking is available for $1 at the nearby Union Station Parking Garage.
The Blackstone Canal established a commercial link between Worcester and Providence in the early 19th century and still exists in its original location beneath what is now Harding Street. The Canal District Alliance is promoting the re-creation of this watercourse between Union Station and Kelley Square, to serve as the spine and catalyst for the growth of a mixed-use district. The purpose of the Canalfest is to raise consciousness and excitement for the project and to celebrate the new life that is already unfolding in the neighborhood.
Just released, today: Worcester Chatter! Want to know what is happening in your city? Want to know what trends regular people are talking about, live as they happen? Check out our new Worcester Chatter in the BETA testing!
This is highly addicting, no need to refresh your browser. When new content is posted, your browser will automatically update it! Enjoy! And please leave feedback on what you think!
The Worcester Art Museum has been having their Third Thursday events for many years and while hundreds of people have attended, there are still some that may not have yet… it is easy to make an excuse not to go, but tonight is the last time that you will be able to go before Summer truly kicks in.
Tonight’s Third Thursday is held in both the Cafe and outdoor courtyard to truly enjoy the weather from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM to enjoy the music of Jubilee Gardens. Want to stay in the cool? Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Rona Pondick: The Metamorphosis of an Object.
If you have not made it to a Third Thursday yet, this is the one to go to. Meet some like-minded people, enjoy great music, appreciate some art, and head to the Third Thursday at the Worcester Art Museum. (Cash bar)
Worcester’s music scene is a big one, and rightfully so. There are countless individuals and groups that have a lot of passion and talent, and the combination of the two, along with great venues to perform is the formula for true entertainment—Worcester style.
After a 2 year break, the overwhelmingly popular Green Street Music Series is returning to Worcester! This local celebration of the music of R.E.M. and U2, starring Rattle & Hum and featuring over 5-hours of music, over 50 songs, and over 20 guest singers is sure to rock the Lucky Dog Music Hall on Saturday, May 19 at 8:00 PM sharp!
Tickets are $10 in advance and will also be sold at the door. This is a 21+ show.
Looking to enjoy some music, win some great auction items, and support music? Perfect! Pakachoag Community Music School will be hosting its 21st annual fundraiser to help support and proliferate music to change lives. The event is Friday, April 3rd at 1:00PM and two performances on Saturday, April 4th at 1:00 and 7:00PM.
In addition to complimentary refreshments, raffle items, and silent auction items; be dazzled by the local legend, Sue Natoli. Sue’s diverse background includes Broadway and performing with Englebert Humperdink/Tony Bennett/Sammy Davis Jr/Natalie Cole/Rodney Dangerfield/Jay Leno/Billy Crystal/Jackie Chan/Red Skelton/Pat Cooper and many more. She has performed at Madison Square Garden, Fairmont Hotels, Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe and breaking records at the famous Sahara Hotel and Playboy clubs.
Originally from Worcester, Sue is helping to support the Pakachoag Community Music School in it’s mission of providing the highest quality music instruction and performance opportunities to the broadest possible student base, from infants to the elderly, by creating excitement, joy and high expectation for intellectual, emotional and creative self-development.
Tickets can be purchased directly through the Pakachoag Community Music School for $20 ($15 for students/seniors) or $25 at the door.
