Blue Jeans Bistro, 266 Park Ave, August 19

Overall impression:  Lovely to sit outside on a summer night. Somewhat slow service, but fine food, including a large selection of appetizers.

(For general info go to: http://worcesterscene.com/worcester/restaurants/blue-jeans-bistro/
I can't find a dedicated bistro site, but Blue Jeans pizza is at http://www.bluejeanspizza.com/)

The building next to Blue Jeans pizza now houses "Blue Jeans Bistro" on the first floor, open Wednesday-Sunday. We have had Blue Jeans pizza before (mmm...) and were drawn to the Bistro by $5 burger Wednesdays and outside seating on a warm night. We were the only bistro customers outside or in, but a pizza-eating family with lots of small kids livened up the outdoor atmosphere. Overall it was a good experience.

[We had only been to this building once, 10 years ago. This was a time we spent a weekend in Worcester looking at apartments and doing the final decision-making process about relocating. Eric had been out for his job interview, and I requested to see the city before moving all the way across the country. We decided to check out the only Thai restaurant we could find then, which was in the now Blue Jeans Bistro/Loft 266 space. And - it was awful. God-awful. Limp rice noodles with vinegar kind of awful. I was sure it was a mafia front. It was a major shock to the system coming from Berkeley, CA, with world-class Thai food on almost every street. Yet we still moved. I am so happy that there are a few good Thai places in Worcester now (see Basil N Spice review). And that now a lovely pub-type restaurant has replaced the horrible old place.]

We started with potato skins. There aren't that many vegetarian things for main courses, but the appetizer list is jam-packed. I then had a great salad and Eric had the burger and onion strings and a beer. The server was very pleasant, though the food took a while. That was ok, we were enjoying the evening.

I think this would be a great place to go for drinks and munchies with a group of friends after work. Bonus for us it is on the edge of the west side (where many of our friends live) but not far from our house (north Worcester). And its close to That's Entertainment, where I am weekly or bi-weekly.

Sol of Mexico, 538 Pleasant St., August 12 and 15

Overall impression:   This place is fabulous!

http://solofmexico.yolasite.com/
http://www.solofmexico.com/

We have wanted to try Sol of Mexico for years, but have been thwarted by the afternoon-only opening times. (I believe  this was started just as a place to sell homemade tortillas, then the owner branched out a bit). As I had one last week of flexible summer schedule, however, I went there on a Wednesday and got take-out for lunch. To my happy surprise it is open Fridays and Saturdays 12-9, so we can go for weekend lunch/dinner. Which is great because I loved it on my own, and Eric loved it when I took him back three days later.

On the Wednesday I got in right at opening. By the time my order was ready there were five other customers and the three small tables were filled. Popularity is a good sign. I tried to order tamales, but she didn't have any, to everyone's disappointment (all parties were seeking tamales that day). But she promised tamales on Saturday, which is why I went back so quickly. For my take-out order I got a veggie burrito, chips and guacamole. Even the small (4 oz) guac is too much for one person, one sitting, but it was wonderful. The burrito was also too much for one sitting, but I didn't let that stop me and I ate it all. It was grilled just the perfect amount and tasted superb.

On Saturday, Eric and I were the only customers at 12:40. I guess it gets more of a work-lunch crowd, but regardless we were happy to sit down there. The ceiling is a beautiful shade of green and it was a bright sunny day. We both got tamales, mine veggie. They were well worth the wait. I also had a veggie taco (good, but I think I like the burrito better) and Eric got fish tacos. He was impressed, and started planning the next time in our schedule that we can return.

So - 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, etc. Yummy food, nice owner, pretty inside. Lovely.

Chuan Shabu 301 Park Ave August 5

Overall impression:   Go for sharing.

http://www.shabuworcester.com/


I went Shabu with too many limitations in my mind, and didn't have the best experience. If you visit- be open to trying anything on the menu. Make sure you are into hot soup. Maybe have a mai tai. Then it should be great.


Eric never really wanted to try this restaurant, but we went in a quest for this week's new place. Knitting friends said that they had good food, including Chinese dishes and appetizers other than hot pot. I think I'd be into hot pot, but Eric doesn't really like hot liquids (no coffee, tea, etc. He used to have hot chocolate about once a year in an airport Starbucks until he discovered frappucinos, so now hot cocoa is out too). I didn't want to do it on my own, so we both ordered other things on the menu.

Unfortunately I wasn't impressed by the scallion pancakes, or the veggie fried rice (the only large vegetarian option). But Eric thought the orange chicken was really good, so ironically he enjoyed his food experience much more than I did!  Even though we didn't use it, we thought the induction cook top was awesome. So did the people next to us - this was their first time for hot pot and they were excited. They asked the young couple next to them all about it, and were told that it would be super fun. So - this means I have to go back with a larger group and have the soup. There were some really cool looking mushrooms for the cooking, I'd like to try those.

  The ambience was nice. A guy with his daughters, couples, groups of friends. There are drawbacks to the seating though. Since the tables don't move, bench seating isn't good for those with long legs - too cramped. There are chairs in addition to built-in benches, but the chairs are for giant people. If I sat in one I wouldn't be able to lean against the back rest because the seat is so big. These are the problems of being 5'1" and having a 6'3" husband - nothing seems to fit us right. The parking is also bad, only a few tiny spots. (Next to a giant parking lot for bank business only). If you go, try to park on a neighborhood street parallel to Park Ave.

If you go, ask me along. It warrants a second try from me.

Pinecroft Dairy (West Boylston) July 31

Overall impression:  Like going back in time, but with modern ice cream flavors.

http://www.pinecroftdairy.com/


We just recently returned from a trip to Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes and many ice cream shops. So I thought when we got back we'd do a bit of comparison. This was kind of a cheating week - Pinecroft Dairy is in West Boylston rather than Worcester. I figured maybe I could have one restaurant in each Worcester-adjoining town this year. Anyway, my ulterior motive for heading out there was to explore possible new biking routes for my husband, and since we live in north Worcester this isn't too far.

I had heard about the ice cream at Pinecroft from a former neighbor a number of years ago. He was 10 at the time and gave it rave reviews. Meola's is our usual spot, but it is good to branch out. Plus, there is a farmer's market at Pinecroft in the summer. Also - this is a full sit-down restaurant (with walk-up window service too). More than half the booths circle a large counter and center area where ice cream is scooped and treats are made. Neat-o!  (As Eric said, its kind of like stepping back in time, so I think that word is appropriate).

We went on a Friday for lunch. The decor is dark and woody, and the music seemed to run pop female artists from the 80's (Belinda Carlisle, Sinead O'Connor, Whitney Houston). Perfectly enjoyable. We had a veggie burger and fish and chips. The fries were good, the rest of the food was fine but not anything outstanding. The ice cream was great, though. Eric had cookie dough and I had no-sugar-added peanut butter. The peanut butter taste was extreme, which I was in favor of.

The folks out for lunch were a diverse lot in age - this seems like a multigenerational gathering place. Great for grandparents and kids to go together. Multigenarational servers too, we were helped by a very nice woman and her teenage daughter. I would stop for ice cream here again if I'm in the neighborhood. Possibly in the middle of a bike ride.