BOSTON AREA WORCESTER DAY OF EATING: SAT. MAY 19, 2012 ITINERARY

9AM: Acoustic Java for coffee;   www.acousticjava.com/
 
9:30 Boulevard Diner  www.yelp.com/biz/boulevard-diner-worcester
 
11:30 Wonder Bar   http://wonderbarrestaurant.net/
          Corner Grill   www.cornergrille.com/index.html
COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESE CLASSIC THIN CRUST PIZZA JOINTS, WOOSTAH STYLE!
 
1:00 George's Coney Island dogs   www.coneyislandlunch.com/
 
Either Worcester Historical Museum   http://worcesterhistory.org/
or  Higgins Armory Museum  www.higgins.org
or Tower Hill Botanical Garden  www.towerhillbg.org/thewebdir.html
depending on weather
 
Wholly Cannoli   www.whollycannoli.com/
Crown bakery  www.thecrownbakery.com/
 
Pupusala Salvadorena  www.yelp.com/biz/pupuseria=la-salvadorena-worcester
 
Boynton Restaurant   www.boyntonrestaurant.com/ordereze/default.aspx
 
We will be driving our own cars or can carpool once we are there.
 
RSVP on this thread ASAP!!
 
Bethgrd

I'm on board ... It's been too long since I've seen "the gang" ... see you there !!!
 

I'm hoping to make it there.  I was thinking of taking a bus up to Worcester on the 18th (getting in around 5:30pm) and taking the same bus back from Worcester around 6:00pm on the 19th.  Beth, would that work for you?

Thank you Beth for putting together the itinerary.  I'm a definite YES!!!!  I'm going to start the day at the gym if anyone is interested!!!!  I'm also marking my calendar to call the Crown Bakery  a few days ahead of time and have them set aside 3 of their chocolate cream rolled cakes.  They sometimes sell out early and I want to make sure everyone gets a taste.  BEST CAKE I'VE EVER HAD!!!!  Anyone who I have shared it with agrees.

Um yeah Karilyn, I don't know about that whole gym/working out thing.  Sounds a bit too ambitious for my taste!  

I just notice karilyn has a mere 28 posts ... if there is an award for the most overall impact per post, i nominate you karilyn.
 
 

I appreciate that Gregg!   It is my goal to lose the junior burger status (without being annoying!) . . . not sure how many posts that means!  Not sure what the next level is either.  Is there a cake level or is it all about meat???

karilyn


I appreciate that Gregg!   It is my goal to lose the junior burger status (without being annoying!) . . . not sure how many posts that means!  Not sure what the next level is either.  Is there a cake level or is it all about meat???

When you get to the next level, I'll come to Boston to buy you a cake (or cupcake with Beth, to re-live Beth/yours/my little outing a year or so ago.)

Just bought the plane tickets, so Mariton and I are in.  That looks like quite an ambitious itinerary, but that's the way we like it.  Can't wait to see everyone.
 
I am keeping my fingers crossed for a billyboy sighting!

buffetbuster


Just bought the plane tickets, so Mariton and I are in.  That looks like quite an ambitious itinerary, but that's the way we like it.  Can't wait to see everyone.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a billyboy sighting!

BBoy
&
BBuster

Even though they haven't responded to this thread, I assume wanderingjew and ayersian will also be there?

buffetbuster


Even though they haven't responded to this thread, I assume wanderingjew and ayersian will also be there?

I believe you are correct sir
We've been corresponding via e-mail.
 
Are you flying into Boston or Providence?

WJ-
Boston.  It is one of the few places where I can fly direct from Pittsburgh.

Hey All, BB says "ambitious itinerary".  I would throw the word "aggressive in there also
 
I know your dance card is full, but if you get a hankering for an early breakfast, try Carl's Oxford Diner.  You will eat like Champs and laugh  your butts off.  Sit at the counter, and as you start to finish off your meal, Gordon will do everything he can to fill your plate back up(no Charge).
 
And maybe get your picture taken in the bus!
 
Oh, and if any of youse guys decide to join the Chunkindales....please......no pictures
 
 
 
 

Lori and I are in. We've just bought tickets.

1. SO excited to hear of the wonderful response!! Of course AMy and Chris and Dale are coming. It will be great!!
2. beth

Hey Joe
 
That schedule is a cake walk compared to the one BB and CTD did in Nashville or I guess we could say Nashville was just practice forr this day.
 

Ralph and Lori too!
 
Fantastic-
perhaps we can convince joerogo to join us as well

Jeeze, I don't know if I could eat that much  
 
I would love to make one of these meet-ups, but I will probably be at the Festa dei Ceri on the 15th.  You should see me dressed as a Ceraioli di San Giorgio
 
If I can make, I could probably pick up billyboy on the way.  I'll know by the end of next month.
 
 

Egggggcellent!  It's all coming together according to plan!! (Rubs hands furiously and cackles maniacally).  This should be an eat & greet of epic proportions. 
Ralph & Lori, looking forward to meeting you both! 
Joe Rogo, it's been too long, good sir! 
Beth & Karilyn, thanks for putting this together!
 

I love New England, so I'm really looking forward to this. I am totally going to Rancatore's for ice cream while we are there :-)  This trip will be too short, but totally worth it!
 
(For those who don't know me, hi, I'm Ralph's wife, aka "the hand with the fork in the dessert photos.)

I can't wait to break bread with another "junior burger" . . . though it sounds like cake might be more appropriate - works for me!
 
Looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone!

Wowzers! We are so excited to break bread with all of our New England (and Pittsburgh!) friends. Apologies for the late reply, but we will definitely be there!

Calling Ellen ... Calling Ellen !!!
I'm hoping this might be an occasion for another New England excursion for you.
There is always a couch waiting for you here in Northampton.  AND, it would be fun to be able to carpool with my superb RF friend.

wheregreggeats.com


Calling Ellen ... Calling Ellen !!!
I'm hoping this might be an occasion for another New England excursion for you.
There is always a couch waiting for you here in Northampton.  AND, it would be fun to be able to carpool with my superb RF friend.

Ellen here,  Ellen here  !!  Ellen answering her paging call :)!
I will take U up on the offer for the good couch, & the good comraderie ,   Gregg  :)!!

ellen4641

wheregreggeats.com


Calling Ellen ... Calling Ellen !!!
I'm hoping this might be an occasion for another New England excursion for you.
There is always a couch waiting for you here in Northampton.  AND, it would be fun to be able to carpool with my superb RF friend.

Ellen here,  Ellen here  !!  Ellen answering her paging call :)!
I will take U up on the offer for the good couch, & the good camaraderie ,   Gregg  :)!!

That's good news ... Looks like Beth and karilyn are doing a superb job "getting the gang together"

Wish I was back up home to join you all - reading the places you're going makes me hungry for food from back up in Mass! Looking forward to seeing photos and hearing reports of the trip!
 
 

Beth & Karilyn, sorry to report that I won't be able to make it up in May.  Perhaps next time.  

   Sad news!!!  Whatever the reason I hope it's a fun one!  We'll miss you!
 
I still want to do a day in Brooklyn . . . any interest?

I just heard from Ellen. 
She was excited to report her tickets and everything were all set ...
 ... into Hartford on the 11th, back on the 14th.
I broke the news to her about the date.
Now she's coming twice !!!
- She and I will be foraging through Hartford on Friday afternoon, Western Mass on Saturday/Sunday the weekend beforehand.  I want her to try a burger at Joe's in Northampton ... and then (maybe Pittsfield) ??? (Open for ideas and crossing paths with other foodies.) ... practice run ???
- Then the 19th ... see you all in W'town.
(As of this writing, she'll be camped out in Northampton, both weekends.)
 
 

Just 10 days away!
 
I'm certainly looking forward to this.
 
My friend Mike and possibly his wife Lori will be joining us as well.
Billyboy,
Sorry to hear you can't make it.

WORCESTER  SATURDAY MAY 19, 2012            
 
Yes, we are 10 days away and counting down!
 
Beth and I have contacted all of our stops and we're getting our ducks in a row!
 
So far we have attending:
 
Beth and Steve (?), Karilyn, Gregg, Ellen, Cliff, Mariton, Dale, Amy, Lori and Ralph Melton and Mike . . . maybe his wife Lori as well.  I have a few people who need to confirm that they are joining us also.  
 
We'll pass out a copy of this itinerary as well as cell phone numbers when we meet at our first stop.  Meeting times (except Acoustic Java) are approximate.  Drive/walking times are from google maps and are rounded up.
 
I'll be starting the morning at 8:00 AM at the Crowne Bakery.  I've already reserved some of their chocolate rolls so whoever does not get here can enjoy them later.  I hope I have company here but expect to see everyone at the next stop at 8:45 AM.
 
Crown Bakery
133 Gold Star Blvd, 508-852-0746
Karilyn called and spoke with Jeanne/manager – reserved 4 Chocolate rolls for those who don’t get here.  Jeanne has Karilyn's name/number
Cash/credit    plenty of parking
 
8:45 AM
 
Acoustic Java – coffee
932 A Main Street, 508-756-9446
Beth called . . . they are letting us arrive early and will let us in.
10 minute drive to next stop.
 
9:15  AM
Boulevard Diner – breakfast
155 Shrewsbury St, 508-791-4535
Karilyn spoke with Lisa who will be there on 19^th.  
They only have 32 seats and will not save seats.  We may swing by on our way to Acoustic Java to put name in and check out situation.  Parking in lot in back or park on street – But, you can’t keep car in lot while walking around.    cash/credit    From here it is a 15 minute walk from here to Historical Union Station.  
 
10:45 AM
 Union Station – historical landmark On the Blackstone Canal Historical Tour
2 Washington Square
10 minute walk from here to Wonder Bar
 
11:15 AM
 
Wonder Bar
121 Shrewsbury Street, 508-752-9909
Cash Only
Beth called . . . they will hold tables for us if we call 4 days ahead
10 minute walk back to cars parked near Boulevard Diner
Then a 15 minute drive to Corner Grill
 
1:00 PM 
Corner Grill
806 Pleasant Street, 508-754-8884
Beth called, they have very limited seating and they will not hold tables.  Hoping to get a menu ahead of time so we can call in order on the way.  May eat picnic style!
15 minute drive from here to Museum
 
2:30 PM 
Worcester Historical Museum
30 Elm Street, 508-753-8278
10 to 4pm, $5 entrance fee includes Salisbury Mansion at 40 Highland Street
15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Historical Museum to Mansion
5 minute drive from Museum to George's Coney Island
Karilyn spoke to Maria     They do not have walking maps so we’ll print some from museum to mansion, different route there and back, interesting architecture in neighborhood, plenty of parking
 
4:00 PM
 
George’s Coney Island
158 Southbridge Street, 508-753-4362
Cash only
Karilyn spoke to Cathy who is very excited.  She said 4 is a good time – usually not too crowded.  Cash only.  There is street parking and a lot behind.  The alley way to the lot is to the right of the place, between them and the car place.
 10 minute drive to Wholly Cannoli from here
 
5:00 PM 
Wholly Cannoli
490 Grafton Street, 508-753-0224
Beth will call to confirm the day of – should be no problem
10 minute drive from here to Pupuseria LaSalvadorena
 
5:45PM
 
Pupuseria La Salvadorena
82 Pleasant Street, 508-756-5586
Cash Only,
Salvadoran Food
5 minute drive to Boynton Restaurant if interested
They have not answered phone yet so we keep trying - hoping they will save us tables.
 
Due to timing we took the Boynton Restaurant off of the itinerary.  However, if anyone is interested in going, I highly recommend it.  I could be tempted!  They take reservations for parties of 8 or more. 
 
Boynton Restaurant
17 Highland Street, 508756-8458
 
Looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone . . . anticipating a wonderful day!  karilyn and beth
 

As a transplanted Massachusetts gal who is unable to attend this tour, I look forward to photos and commentary with eager anticipation! Especially because a number of stops are places I've wanted to check out AND some are ones I've never heard of since I moved out of the Bay State nearly 12 (!!) years ago. Have "a wicked good time"!
 
Beth / Mod Betty

Thanks for the good wishes . . . wish you could join us!
 
Heather is a definite YES . . . anyone else?

Dense and I will join you. for part of the day.

Walt/Denise . . . . So glad you can join us!  Will you be at acoustic java? 

See you all at the Boulevard.  I will be interested in the food stops.  Walking has been a problem lately so I will probably skip the museums and drive to the other places.  Hope to see you all Saturday.
 
Paul

looking forward  to the comraderie, & the pizza (espescially!). Plus, I put in a special request with Gregg, to have us stop at the Mad Jack BBQ in Worcester, after the official tour ends.
Need my beef rib fix, LOL..
 
I'm receiving gr8 Northampton hospitality this "mothers day" holiday weekend.  (tnx, Gregg!).   (super good fresh burger at Joe's Pizza) I feel like I'm at summer camp:)   .  And, gonna fly back up here for the Worcester meat up !  

Waltpiii and Paulde
 
Looking forward to seeing you again.

WORCESTER INTINERARY UPDATE . . . . Less than 3 Days!!!
So far we have 15 attending with 4 additional maybes
 
 
8:00   Crown Bakery  133 Gold Star Blvd, 508-852-0746   cash/credit   parking
Karilyn reserved 4 Chocolate rolls with manager Jeanne – will pick up to share with anyone who doesn't make it here
 
8:45 AM     Acoustic Java – coffee         932 A Main Street, 508-756-9446
Beth called - they are letting us in early              10 minute drive to next stop
 
9:15   Boulevard Diner – breakfast   
155 Shrewsbury St, 508-791-4535            15 minute walk to Historical Union Station
Karilyn spoke with Lisa who will be there             cash/credit
Parking in lot in back or on street – can’t keep car in lot while walking but can if on street
 
10:45   Union Station – historical
On the Blackstone Canal Historical Tour,  2 Washington Square
10 minute walk to Wonder Bar
 
11:15   Wonder Bar   
121 Shrewsbury Street, 508-752-9909      Cash Only
10 minute walk back to car near Boulevard diner       15 minute drive to Corner Grill
Beth was able to get them to hold tables for us.
 
1:00  Corner Grill    Very limited seating.  Most likely will get pizzas to go.  
806 Pleasant Street, 508-754-8884      15 minute drive to Museum
 
 
2:30     Worcester Historical Museum     30 Elm Street, 508-753-8278
10 to 4pm, $5     part of entrance fee is Salisbury Mansion, 40 Highland Street
Salisbury Mansion, 40 Highland Street
15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from Historical Museum to Mansion
5 minute drive to Coney Island
 
4:00   George’s Coney Island
158 Southbridge Street, 508-753-4362    Cash only    
The alleyway to the parking lot is to the right of the place, between them and the car place.
10 minute drive to Wholly Cannoli
 
5:00     Wholly Cannoli
490 Grafton Street, 508-753-0224    5 minute drive to Sweet T Southern Kitchen
 
5:45    Sweet T Southern Kitchen 
35 Blackstone River Road      508-756-0100
Michaun is saving a table for 16 people for us
 
 
 

What an itinerary!  Thanks so much to karilyn and Bethgrd for all organizing work they have done.  Mariton and I were just talking this morning how much we are looking forward to this weekend.  We can't wait!

Looking forward to it ... thanks to karilyn an Beth.
Looking forward to seeing some old RF friends and some new ones too !!!

Looking forward to it- looks like I'll be bringing Mike only, his wife won't be able to make it.

We've learned from the best . . . THANK YOU!!!  B and A
 
Scouted out places to sit near Corner Grille if there are no tables when we get there.  Close by there is a church with lots of steps in front . . . further up the street is a park with benches.  Weather looks fabulous so dining al fresco is possible!

Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. my first wife was from Lancaster and i liked the area.

Can't wait to taste those chocolate rolls!! thanks karilyn for spearheading this.

If you are headed for Worcester this morning, take a second and notice today's Roadfood restaurant of the day. Coincidence? I think not!

Looking forward to seeing everyone in a few hours.

I just saw that - how strange!!!  Beth and Heather are picking me up soon . . . we may have time to swing by that address.  I spent days trying to reach them and finally got a completely different business.  My money says they are closed!
 
See you very soon . . . so excited for the wonderful day we will have!  I've been eating salad most of the week getting ready!!

Someone posted on Yelp a few days ago that they are "closed until further notice." If you guys do swing by, please let us know if that is true!

Bruce, that is what the sign said when we drove by on Saturday.

What a nice day.
Great seeing/meeting everyone.
Thanks again to karilyn and Beth.

A big thank you to Karilyn and Beth for putting together a fantastic event this past Saturday. Kudos to  Karilyn put together a detailed  itinerary packet for everyone .
 
I had a great time and it was good to expose my friend Mike to the Roadfood culture even if its only for a day, it was great to see everyone again. The adventures continued into yesterday spending the morning in Quincy with Buffetbuster & Mariton and  additionally, the afternoon in Cambridge with Ralph Melton and his lovely bride, Ice Cream Chick and the Chris half of Ayersian.
 

It takes a village!!!  Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful day . . . . mother nature included!  We could not have had better weather after so many days of rain.  I hope all of the travelers got home safe.  Thank you for making the effort to come to Worcester!!!  
 
I'm actually heading back to Worcester tomorrow night.  Possibly a meal at Via or Boynton before seeing Joan Rivers at The Hanover Theater.  Maybe dessert at Sweet!   Worcester . . . . so many places . . . so little time!
 
Looking forward to the next Roadfood adventure . . . .