Friday, October 25, 2024

INSIDE THE NEW DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN IN WORCESTER

Friday, October 25, 2024

 

The new Dave's Hot Chicken in Worcester, Mass

Customers line up on opening day.

Inside of the new Dave's in Worcester.

A nod to Biggie in their dining room.

Dave's #2.
Dave's Hot Chicken has opened its latest New England location in Worcester, Massachusetts. I showed up just after they opened their doors for the first time today, and I was far from alone. Many people lined up for a taste of some of the best fried chicken around. Customers are greeted with a bright and colorful street art vibe in their dining room. Their sweet and crispy chicken is among the best around. I love their sliders with cole slaw, pickles and cheese. Choose how spicy you want your chicken from zero to reaper, which customers have to sign a waiver for because it's so spicy. Dave's is also vegetarian friendly with fried cauliflower sliders. Dave's is opening a bunch of new restaurants soon including in Newington, CT and Boylston Street in Boston.


Wednesday, October 09, 2024

SEVERAL UNO PIZZERIA AND GRILLE RESTAURANTS CLOSE

Wednesday, October 09, 2024


This Uno in Bellingham, MA is still open.

If you haven't been to Uno Pizzeria and Grille in awhile, now would be a great time to give them your business. The local chain best known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza has closed a bunch of locations - places that were open for decades. Their Wrentham location that's in Wrentham Village is now closed. Their Framingham location also shuttered recently. Restaurants in Leominster, Millbury and Westborough locations also shut down this year, along with one in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Only 7 locations remain in Massachusetts according to their website.

It's sad to see what's happening to this longtime local chain. Inflation continues to wage war on the restaurant industry, along with skyrocketing leases and post-Covid recovery. People just can't afford to go out as much as they used to.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

DILL PICKLE PIZZA AND APPLE CIDER DEL'S LEMONADE: THE FOOD OF THE BIG E 2024

Thursday, September 19, 2024

 

If I have one Big E hack to share, it's go during the week. Wednesdays are the least crowded and that's when we went this year. It was wonderful going right up to the food vendors and ordering without waiting in long lines. Of course, our trip started with this legendary dessert, the iconic vanilla cream puff. They are also selling cookies and cream puffs this year, but I can't resist the classic. 

Strawberry lemonade donut from Fluffy's. A tasty confection with a splash of lemonade that can be injected into the donut. It's good, but the $10 price tag was way too much.  

Sure, there's a lot of buzz and long lines for the baked potatoes from Maine, but I enjoy the potatoes from Danny's Smokehouse outside of the Connecticut building. They will also top them off with cheese and broccoli, pulled pork and chili.

It wouldn't be the start of fall without Shipyard's Pumpkinhead beer. A number of vendors are selling this, the finest of all pumpkin beers. Make sure to get it with a cinnamon rim.

Dill Pickle Pizza from Angela's Pizza. Really good. They are also serving slices of Mexican street corn pizza.

Apple Cider Del's. The classic Del's lemon lemonade will always be my favorite, but I LOVED their frozen twist on apple cider.  

Zack's Mac & Cheese. This mac and cheese with all of the fillings can be found at the entrance of the New Hampshire building. They make it for you fresh in small skillets. Have it plain of fill it with bacon, garlic or broccoli. Go for broke and add lobster. However you have it, it will be a delicious Big E memory. 

Saturday, September 07, 2024

WHETSTONE STATION IN BRATTLEBORO, VT HAS CLOSED

Saturday, September 07, 2024

 

The bar at the now closed Whetstone Station

One of the many delicious Whetstone beers

Raise a glass for Whetstone Station. Eat Up New England is sad to report that the restaurant and brewery in Brattleboro, Vermont has closed its doors for good. It was known for its beer and tasty comfort food. The cozy Vermont vibe couldn't be beat, with a fireplace that burned in the winter months and its location right on the water. North Chair Brewing took over the Whetstone Brewery over the winter and plans to can favorites from the Whetstone Brewery and release beer under its own label, according to to the Brattleboro reformer. 

There is some good news here. A new restaurant will be opening at the former Whetstone location. Rail & River Tavern will open in its place. It will offer high-quality American food and will be the home of the second location of Vermont Beer Makers. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

ON THE ROAD: MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

 

Eggplant fries


Chicken parm and ziti

Mia's Italian Kitchen in Alexandria, VA

I am just back from a wonderful trip to Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area. Talk about an amazing city for food!

My first stop was just outside of D.C. at Mia's Italian Kitchen in Alexandria, Virginia. This Italian restaurant offers all of the Italian favorites from arancini to lasagna bolognese. Appetizers include a giant meatball, meatball eggrolls and cacio e pepe arancini. We loved the eggplant fries and there was plenty for our party of four. The menu is filled with many brick oven pizzas, salads and pastas to choose from and the portions are hearty. I loved their chicken parmigiana, which comes with a side of rigatoni pomodoro. On weekends, Mia's offers a bottomless brunch where diners can enjoy as many items as like for $32 (as of this writing).

If you're looking for fantastic Italian food in the Alexandria area, Mia's Italian Kitchen is the place to go!


Friday, August 09, 2024

ICE CREAM FLOATS FROM "FLOAT" ARE THE PERFECT TREAT ON A HOT SUMMER DAY

Friday, August 09, 2024
Float food truck

Orange creamsicle float

It's been on of the hottest summers in a long time in New England. If you can't take the heat like me, stop by the Float food truck. I recently tried it out for the first time at the Out To Lunch festival in Worcester. Their orange creamsicle ice cream float was so refreshing and delicious. They also make root beer floats and even an iced coffee float. There are also sorbet mocktails or go for just a scoop of ice cream. You can find Float at festivals in the Worcester area. Check out their website (www.floatft.com) and Instagram (@floatfoodtruck) for where they will be each week.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

BUSTER IS BACK IN WORCESTER!

Thursday, July 11, 2024


Buster is back!

A summertime tradition is back in the city of Worcester. Each July, The Sole Proprietor puts this massive crab on top of the restaurant. It almost looks like Halloween has come early, but this is Buster the crab and each year he ushers in his own special crab menu. The Buster menu includes apps like crab rangoon and oven toasted crab cakes. Buster's entrees include king crab ravioli, crab stuffed haddock and king crab legs. Enjoy Buster and his specials though the end of July.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

GEORGE'S CONEY ISLAND: A WORCESTER TRADITION

Saturday, June 22, 2024

George's Coney Island: Serving Worcester For More Than A Century

Two dogs all the way

Mac & cheese
George's Coney Island 
Worcester, MA

If you were to ask anyone where to grab a bite to eat in Worcester, no doubt George's Coney Island would be high on their list. This place has been serving hot dogs since it opened more than a century ago in 1918. Generations have gone by but this place is STILL all the rage and it's easy to see why. The food is AMAZING.

I usually order a few hot dogs "all the way," with chili sauce, mustard and onions. Customers can also top their dogs with American cheese, ketchup, mayo, relish or celery salt. Not in the mood for a hot dog? No problem. Coney Island also offers some mighty fine burgers, grilled cheese, baked beans, pickles and some really good mac & cheese. Worcester staples like Table Talk Pies and Polar beverages round out their menu.

So, grab a table. Order a couple of hot dogs. And play a song or two on their jukebox. You'll be glad you did.

Friday, June 21, 2024

ORALE MEXICAN BRINGS FLAVOR TO HOPKINTON

Friday, June 21, 2024


Orale Mexican in Hopkinton, MA

The dining room and bar

Musical Bingo!

Chorizo tacos
Orale Mexican Restaurant
Hopkinton, MA

Orale Mexican Restaurant is bringing the flavor to Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Located just steps from the Boston Marathon Start Line on Main Street, this new restaurant serves up all of the traditional Mexican foods that so many of us love. There are shrimp, chicken, vegetarian and steak tacos or take it to the next level with their tacos al pastor, birria tacos or chorizo tacos. I loved the chorizo tacos. Plenty of flavor and they come with rice and beans.

Their menu also offers big burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, flautas and platters for those who are extra hungry. Apps include fried shrimp, chicken wings, nachos (which are really good), and a jalapeño toriado, which is a fried jalapeño covered with Tajin, onion, radish and lemon. Kids can chose from a quesadilla, chicken taco, chicken fingers and a burger. Orale also has a full bar stocked with tequila, beer, scotch, whiskey, rum and more. Save room for dessert because there are churros, flan and tres leches cake on the menu.

If you're lucky, they will be playing Musical Bingo if you visit at night. My family had a lot of fun playing it and I was thrilled to score a gift card for winning!

Monday, May 27, 2024

KICKING OFF SUMMER AT THE BLOUNT CLAM SHACK FOOD TRUCK

Monday, May 27, 2024

 

Blount Clam Shack Food Truck

Clam Cakes and New England Clam Chowder

Blount Clam Shack

www.blountretail.com

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer. There's no better way to welcome the season than with some fresh seafood. Blount Clam Shack has a restaurant and market in Warren, Rhode Island. They also operate a food truck that shows up at events during the summer. Eat Up New England was excited to find the truck at the Memorial Day parade in Blackstone, Massachusetts. My kids and I enjoyed their clam cakes and New England clam chowder. There's also a lobster roll, grilled shrimp,  fish and chips and some lobster nachos, which look amazing.

The food truck is set to stop at Wright's Dairy Farm many times this summer, along with many other places. Check out their website to see where you can find it.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

THE DONUT STAND CAFE OPENS IN HOPKINTON, MA

Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Donut Stand in Hopkinton, MA.

Check out the chocolate!
The Donut Stand Cafe
Hopkinton, MA

There's a new spot for donuts in Hopkinton, MA. The Donut Stand Cafe recently opened up and it specializes in craft donuts and sandwiches. Their donuts are made with a brioche dough with ingredients from local farmers and supplies. The result are some yummy, old-fashioned cake donuts with savory toppings. Make sure you arrive early for your favorite flavor because they go quickly!

The Donut Stand Cafe also bakes up their signature cinnamon rolls topped with a cream cheese glaze. There are also croissants and egg sandwiches for breakfast. Come back at lunch and order one of their sandwiches. There's a meatball hero, broccolini caprese, Mediterranean and many more. There are also a few salads and plenty of hot and cold coffee to go along with their food.

Thursday, February 08, 2024

IT'S ZEPPOLE TIME!

Thursday, February 08, 2024


Zeppole from Modern Pastry
It's the time of year for zeppole! These Italian sweet treats pop up at bakeries in the winter to celebrate St. Joseph's Day, which is on March 19. I found these pastries at the legendary Modern Pastry in Boston's North End. There are filled with sweet ricotta and each has a cherry or two inside. Zeppole are just so good. They are also a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

A TASTE OF SUMMER IN THE WINTER AT STOMPING GROUNDS GRILLE ON THE CAPE

Thursday, January 18, 2024


Lobster roll with fries and coleslaw

A summery cocktail.

Stomping Grounds Grille in Buzzards Bay

The cozy dining room.

Stomping Grounds Grille
Buzzards Bay

It's been freezing cold. We've had some snow. Sometimes, you just have to get away from old man winter to get taste of the summer. That's just what I did when I took a day trip to the Cape. I collected some shells at Scusset Beach and got in some steps by the Sagamore Bridge. Then, it was time for lunch.

So many restaurants are closed for the season this time of the year, but I was able to enjoy a bite at Stomping Grounds Grille in Buzzards Bay. I was delighted to see a lobster roll on the menu, so I enjoyed one along with one of their summery cocktails. Their lunch menu offers light fare such as salads, which they will top with lobster, cajun shrimp, chicken salad and more. Other sandwiches include a curry chicken salad wrap, pulled pork and reuben. 

Hearty Cape Cod classics fill their dinner menu. Choose from scallop and bacon casserole, lemon caper cod, Buzzards Bay casserole and a maritime mediterranean stew, among other meals. Stomping Grounds also offers plenty of bottles and cans of beer, including local favorites like Cape Cod Beer. There are also a number of cocktails. All of them are named after songs, which goes along with the musical theme of the restaurant.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

STEP INSIDE THE 24-FOOT-TALL REAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE AT MOHEGAN SUN

Sunday, December 10, 2023

 

Step inside this real gingerbread house!

The fireplace with edible stockings.

Frosting-covered Christmas stockings.

The leg lamp from A Christmas Story is lit up inside.

The Christmas decorations at Mohegan Sun are breath-taking year after year. One of my favorite traditions is their life-sized gingerbread house made with real gingerbread and icing. It is put together by Mohegan Sun's bakers each year and never disappoints. The 2023 gingerbread house stands 24 feet tall. Guests can walk inside where there's a gingerbread fireplace with stockings decorated with a menorah and the Heat Miser and Snow Miser. The legendary leg lamp from A Christmas Story is also on display as part of a cozy scene featuring a Christmas tree and rocking chair. The gingerbread house is so much fun for kids and adults alike, so be sure to check it out this holiday season. 

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

FANTASTIC FOOD AND LONG LINES AT WEIHNACHTSMARKT 2023

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

Lots of beer and long lines.

Pulled pork over potatoes

Weihnachtsmarkt aka the annual German Christmas festival was held in Walpole, Massachusetts last Saturday, and the secret is out about this event. Mobbed doesn't even begin to describe it. We had to park far away and walk to get there. When we arrived, people were packed together in lines to get the food. There was plenty of beer, pierogis, toasted nuts bratwurst and liege waffles, but getting any of it proved challenging. My two little girls and I waited in line for about 45 minutes to get pierogis and the people in front of us bought the last of them. Sold out. Not cool. Fortunately, we had a friend in line who was able to get us some amazing pulled pork over potatoes. There were also plenty of vendors, along with Santa for pictures. We also got to meet Krampus, which was a highlight. 
Weihnachtsmarkt had its fun moments, but the epic lines made this event a no-go in the future unless changes are made to adapt to the crowds.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

MOUTH-WATERING SLICES AT SAKIS PIZZA IN PROVIDENCE

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Grab a slice or two

Sakis Pizza in Providence

Meat lovers and chicken, broccoli & bacon slices

Sakis Pizza
Providence, RI

How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical is back at PPAC this Christmas and it's a must-see for children and adults. After enjoying the Dr. Seuss Christmas classic, I wanted a quick bite and found some AMAZING pizza slices at Sakis Pizza across the street. Sakis offers a variety of mouth-watering slices for hungry customers to choose from. I loved their meat lovers and chicken, broccoli & bacon slices. Choose your slice and they will warm it up for you. They are generous with the cheese and the toppings. Sakis customers can also enjoy full pizzas, along with salads, burgers, calzones, pasta and wraps.

Friday, November 17, 2023

THANKSGIVING ON A HOT DOG

Friday, November 17, 2023

Thanksgiving Dog at Snappy Dogs
It only comes but once a year. Today, Snappy Dogs in Hopkinton, Massachusetts served their famous Thanksgiving dogs. As you can see, they pile on the turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and gravy on top of a hot dog. It's just so tasty. They also bake mini pies to top off the meal. I'm so happy that I was able to take part on this holiday tradition. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Saturday, October 07, 2023

TASTY TACOS AND BOWLS FROM THE BRAISED FOOD TRUCK

Saturday, October 07, 2023

Braised Food Truck

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Taco Bowl with Beef Barbacoa

It's fall festival season. Wojcik's Farm in Blackstone, Massachusetts is a fantastic place to get your autumn on. There are hay rides, a corn maze, fresh donuts, apples, pumpkins and every weekend there are food trucks like Braised. This food truck specializes in "low and slow" cuisine like beef barbacoa, chicken and pork. Enjoy it in one of their bowls or try their tacos. The taco bowls are really tasty and fresh. Each one is filled with lettuce, rice, cheese, tortilla chips, black beans and house crema. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available.