Jump on the wine tasting bandwagon

Taste of the Nation to raise money for hunger relief

By Paul Giorgio

April 2005

Eat, drink and raise money – The 17th annual Taste of the Nation takes place Monday, April 11 at Worcester’s Crown Plaza Hotel from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sponsored nationally by Share Our Strength, this premiere tasting event brings together over 60 of the region’s top restaurant and wine vendors. Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door; proceeds benefit the Worcester County Food Bank and Rachel’s Table. For more information, check out Worcester County Food Bank’s website at www.foodbank.org or contact them at (508) 842- FOOD or info@foodbank.org.

Sole choice – The Sole Proprietor on Worcester’s Highland Street was recently selected as one of the best seafood restaurant in America. The Houston, Texas-based “America’s Top Ten Club” selected the Sole based on quality, service and price. Tom Horan, who heads the group, was the food and restaurant editor for PM Magazine.

Relish this summer – Glen Gonyea is at it again, opening a new restaurant at 35 South Street in Barre. Slated to open in July, Relish features an eclectic menu with dishes such as Asian Salad, Old New England Chicken Dumplings, Duck Filet and some other twists on favorite classics. One of Gonyea’s signature desserts is Milk & Cookies — he assures us that these aren’t Oreos, but cookies he bakes daily. He is also planting a garden where he’ll grow fresh herbs for the restaurant. Relish is housed in the space formerly occupied by the South Street Café, with two small dining rooms and a chef’s table in the kitchen.

Taste of the Andes – Add Peruvian food to the global mix that is Worcester’s dining scene. Tradicione’s de Peru has recently opened at 63 Hamilton Street on Grafton Hill. Open from 5 to 9 p.m., the eatery serves traditional Peruvian food.

Happy Birthday! – Webster House Restaurant at Webster Square in Worcester is celebrating 70 years of business. This is a tremendous milestone – our hats are off to Christy Liazous and staff.

Time to move on – Jeremy O’Connor and Tony Tynan recently sold the Foo Bar. The club has become a Park Avenue institution for the college crowd but, according to O’Connor, it was time to move on. The two recently opened Junior’s Pizza Grille on Shrewsbury Street. Michael Fanale of FG Ventures, LLC in Boylston is listed as the new owner of the bar, along with Michelle and John Granger of Sutton. George & Co. of Worcester handled the deal.

A little slice of Bourbon Street – A Cajun/ New Orleans-themed restaurant was the latest business to look at the Colonial Wallpaper building in Kelly Square. The two unnamed local operators seem ready to invest in this great location right off of Route 290. We will keep you posted.

So long fellas – Goodfella’s, the Shrewsbury Street martini bar, has closed. It was owned and managed by Mark Turo, whose family owns Leo’s Ristorante just down the street. No word yet who might move into the space.