Fatima's Cafe, 37 West Boylston St. (January 25)

Overall impression:  Awesome food, particularly the samosas. Bright, no-frills dining room, a family place. I will definitely go back.  https://www.facebook.com/FatimasAfricanCafe

A friend and I had heard about Fatima's cafe, and were anxious to try it - not having to drive to Boston for this type of African food (meat and veggie stews, injera) was quite the exciting prospect. After one failed attempt we finally made it on a sunny Sunday afternoon, joined by my husband. He isn't an injera fan and had reservations about coming along... but the idea of lunching with Melissa and I appealed to him. I'm happy to report that all three of us were satisfied. Eric was the only one who didn't have food to take home (besides his leftover Anjero, which I will be eating with my lunch tomorrow).

We were some of the only customers for the hour we were there (one man came in to order takeout, and a young obviously over the moon in love couple came in for lunch). Which is too bad - I wish more people knew about it. The inside is clean, no-frills. Lots of tables in the small space, but the walls are a bit sparse. It was bright and sunny though - it had just snowed the day before and there was lots of reflective sun. This is a family-run place, a mother was cooking and a daughter serving. Service was pleasant. The food didn't come quckly, but this isn't a fast food place. It was so obviously fresh and piping hot when it came. A tiny bit of a wait, but worth every second.

We ordered samosas, African doughnuts and beverages to start (coffee took a while to make, but was good and strong). I was brought a meat samosa by accident, bummer for me because I had to wait for my veggie samosa, but a boon for Eric as he got to have an extra beef one. The server was very apologetic for the mistake, and didn't charge us for any of the samosas. And once it came, the veggie one was amazing! Very saucy inside, awesome colors and flavorful. Eric and Melissa then had beef stews with Somali Anjero (like injera, but I thought it was less sour, more crepe-like).Eric and Melissa were also given lentils and eggplant. I had the vegetable stews (lentils, cabbage, spinach) with Anjero.  I was enthusiastically happy with everything, and have lots of leftovers.  I saved my taste of a doughnut for dessert, also delicious.

The outside advertises "Middle Eastern, African and American food". Writing this, I'm totally embarassed that we did not spend time chatting with the family that has the restaurant. I'm still completely ignorant of the differences between Ethiopian and Somalian cuisines.  I'm not sure what on the menu qualified as Middle Eastern or American food. Fatima's cafe has been around for around nine months, according to our server; it started doing community events and branched out. I don't know how large of a group they can cater for, but I'm hoping to get some of their food the next time we host a party. Try it, try it, try it!

The Compass Tavern 90 Harding St. (January 22)

January 22, The Compass Tavern   90 Harding St.

Overall impression:  Very large bar is the main focus, probably better for drinks than dinner. Ok food, fine service.    http://www.thecompasstavern.com/

I went to The Compass, located at the former home of the Smokestack barbecue, on a Thursday night with my husband Eric and our friend Sarah. My first impression was that the bar was huge (and had nifty little bar "peninsulas" that jutted out from it), as were the tvs. Their website says it is the largest bar in the city, and it does make quite a statement. We came primarily for food (though Eric and Sarah had alcohol, they were equally likely to have water or soda), so we sat at a table. I chose the chair with my back to the bar, and consequently missed some of the fun being had. The group of young professionals in our corner were having a grand time - lots of cameras flashing and one incidence of falling off a stool, as my companions described it.

We had nachos as an appetizer, which were good. The bar was out of both of the beers Sarah and Eric first ordered, but I think they were happy with their second choices. I had basically all the vegetarian options on the menu (nachos, vegetable quesadillas and a salad) while the two of them both got barbecue (pulled pork, brisket). Maybe it was the memory of smokestack that prompted that. Unfortunately, though, the sandwiches were reported to be fine, but nothing to write home about (sauce a little on the vinegar-y side, too much of something that was like artificial smoke). My food was also fine.

But - the onion rings and sweet potato fries got thumbs up, and the service was good (the manager stopped over just to see how we were doing). Since all the appetizer/sides were yummy, I think this is probably a great place to go for drinks and bar food. We watched the bartender top a froofy drink with fresh whipped cream for a patron, that looked super yummy (having to drive home and work in the morning kept us from trying it).

A nice location and lots of parking, and I wish them well. Not a highly emotionally charged review. Perhaps I need to try them another day/time/for another purpose.

Helen's Bakery and Cafe, 246 Greenwood St., January 19, 2015

Overall impression:  a local (place for locals and regulars), simple and good diner breakfast, fast, nice staff. Not sure I would go back to eat-in, but maybe to try breads or pastries.   http://www.helensbakeryinc.com/

My friend Nadine and I decided last minute to check this place out. I arrived at 8:55 am on a holiday Monday, about 15 minutes before she did. No sugarcoating -  my first feeling when I walked in was discomfort. It was busy, packed with a 60+ crowd. I definitely felt like I stood out: alone, a youngster (at 40), and a newbie. There was an empty table I sat at after asking the other customers if I was taking anyone’s place. I wasn’t sure how to order, so I just stared pointedly at the large chalkboard menu.

Now here is where I started to become more comfortable – the man working behind the pastry counter called over asking what I would like (two scrambled eggs, Swedish rye toast and coffee), giving me various toast options and getting details on how I wanted things. Both he and the woman who was at the grill were super nice. That really is just the best set of adjectives I can think of  – “super nice”, and I appreciated it. I have been to some old diners in Worcester where the staff did not welcome new customers, they seemed quite content with those they’d had for 40 years. This place was not like that.

My food came two minutes after I ordered it. As I ate, the unusually quiet place started to liven up, because of a young woman with her kids (maybe 4 and 2 years old). My friend Rob tells a story about going to Herbie’s on Southbridge street with another colleague whose father had been an electrician at Holy Cross. A number of Holy Cross physical plant guys were at Herbie’s at the same time.  Rob says this guy got the rockstar treatment – everyone wanted to say hello and talk about his dad.  At Helen’s today the same kind of thing happened to this woman. Once people she knew told others who her husband and father-in-law were, her kids were ooh-ed and aah-ed over, resemblances were marked on, and people reminisced about working with her family. This had the opposite effects of making me feel warm and fuzzy, and even more like an outsider.

So… by the time Nadine arrived it was humming. I had a lovely breakfast with her, but she is wonderful to chat with no matter where we are. I was happy to have company. Besides breakfast she got a loaf of soda bread to try, I’ll have to check back in a few days to see how it was. (A different friend also told me they have amazing baked beans.) I was excited by the fact that a 20-something couple was sitting at the counter when we left – they weren’t eating though, but picking a wedding cake.

I probably won’t go for breakfast again. This is not a place where one can be anonymous. If you are not a regular, you will likely stand out. That isn’t to say that if you come often, or even just a few times, you won’t quickly fit in (at least the staff and proprietors will be welcoming). I’ve got my own neighborhood places though– some near our house, one nearer where I work, so I’ll probably frequent those instead.


[Two days later: Nadine seconds that the service was friendly, prices very low, and adds that it might work better for me as a no-frills takeout place. The bread she got, rye with dried fruit, was not to her usual tastes, but good (she'd prefer more wheat/dark options, less white and fluffy options).  She also thought the donuts, but not so much the cookies, looked delicious. Nice alternative to Dunkins?]

Straight Up Cafe, 795 Main St. (January 16, 2015)

Overall impression:  Down to earth, non-pretentious, community-center feel, simple food cheap and good, not incredibly strong coffee. I would definitely go back again.  http://www.straightup-worcester.com/

I think was the first customer when I arrived at 8:20 am. My feeling was that the place was big, and didn’t deserve to be so empty (but it was early, they only open at 8). Besides the staff, there were a few teenagers/young adults hanging out (which was nice, but kind of disappointing that some had Dunkin Donuts coffee cups). Since my friend who was going to join me had to cancel I brought a book. However, it’s definitely a place for conversation and people interaction, less so for reading or studying. It is a bit cavernous, and no music was playing, so the acoustics were echo-ey. I half-read and half-listened to the conversation (and breaking into song) of the staff and teenagers. The things going on in their lives are markedly different than what I hear from my students, my usual reference mark for people that age. (There was talk about being parents, and working to beat the stats of getting stuck in poverty as a young person with a child. If these things come up at my college, its in an academic discussion.) A change from my usual circle, change is good.

Now I sound like a horrible eavesdropper. Anyway, over the forty-five minutes I was there a dozen or so older adults came in and the young people’s conversations quieted down because of that. It looked like they were starting a meeting, board meeting was my thought. Which brings me to my reservations about this café  - according to what I understood from their website, it’s run by a Christian ministry. I’m a non-believer, and religion makes me uncomfortable. Indeed, there were a couple of inspirational religious signs, and a bookshelf full of religious books for sale. However, it wasn’t overpowering and ultimately not a big deal. They have started selling Chick-Fil-A on Fridays, which makes me more uncomfortable – my impression is the Chick-Fil-A is run by a religious family that is also homophobic. But, whatever. If a gay friend of my husband’s can post his excitement over a Chick-Fil-A opening in his town on Facebook (“I know, I know… but they are so delicious!”) then I can deal with it.

I had two scrambled eggs, toast and coffee. All fine, and cheap – under $6.50 for everything. One other guy came in for breakfast, everyone knew him, he seemed a regular. (good sign). When I left I told the staff I really liked their café, but that they needed some music. This was met with a bunch of “Yeah, we know” – they are pro-music. The young woman who made my breakfast explained that they were just transitioning from holiday music (which they all seemed glad was done). We’ll see what they’ve got  on next time I’m there.

The Why of What Where Worcester

What does Worcester have to offer, in the way of cafes, coffee shops, diners, holes in the wall, bakeries, restaurants and bars?  I've lived in the city nine years, and have a number of favorite spots (many of which just opened in the last 2-5 years). But during this my tenth year here I've decided to seek out more. Much more.

Why? At a friend's birthday party in early January, conversation turned to the recent NY times article "Long a College Town, Worcester Now Looks the Part". Some were disappointed it was a puff piece, without social commentary. I personally am of the mindset that it was perfectly fine to have a "rah rah Worcester" vibe (and after all, it was in the commercial real estate section). I love living in Worcester. My husband and I moved here from Berkeley, CA, and while Berkeley had things going for it like great food and coffee it also had many drawbacks. I'm much happier here. Yet I often find myself having to explain to people why I didn't like Berkeley, and why I do like Worcester. I'm ready to leave the explaining behind. Worcester has great stuff! People should see for themselves!

But what is the good stuff? Like I said, we have favorite spots. My husband and I don't really cook, so we eat out a lot. Kind of embarrassingly a lot. Of course, like most people, we get into a routine of only going back to our usual haunts. To avoid the rut, to get to know the city better, and to be able to share ideas with friends, I'm going to try a new place every week this year. Or around every week, we'll see how it works out.

This blog is just a way of sharing my adventures. Hopefully many friends will be joining me on excursions, but we won't be going in groups of 20+. So this is for everyone.



P.S....   I am a vegetarian, though my husband and a number of friends are not. So I can comment on veggie food, and maybe others can comment on meaty food dishes. But this will likely be as much about ambiance and experience as well as food - I'm no food critic. I'm also only going to write about places I'm visiting for the first time, so ironically my old favorites won't appear.  But just FYI, here are some of the places I like: Birch Tree Bread Company, The Citizen, Crust, Crown Bakery, Miss Worcester Diner, Pho Dakao, The Smokestack BBQ, Sweet, Wild Willy's, Via, Volturno. Also places in Shrewsbury and West Boylston (right now we leave the city for Indian and Mexican food), but this is to be only about Worcester.