Pulse Magazine by Pulse Magazine

Marc h 2017

march 2017 In this issue COVER story

FOOD+DRINK

6 Central mass's brewery boom

28 new around the woo: Whisk has settled into new digs

entertainment

29 Pulsebrew: Beers of Ireland

10 worcester gears up for

st. patrick's day

30 dining review: One bite of Dacosta's pizza is all you need to become a fan

11 st. patrick's day parade map 12 how to recognize an irish pub

31 hot & now

worthy of the name

sports+fitness

13 pulsebooks: These books will get you pumped

12 Go a round (or nine) at

14 THE central scene

worcester's newest gym

18 Club, Pub + grub Listings

13 findingbalance: Restorative yoga

22 PulseShots

read pulse Online

art+culture

lifestyle

ThePulseMag.com

34 lights, magic and naked aussies!

24 the steps you need to take

30 follow us on social media: Follow us on Twitter @WorcesterPulse

to get out of debt

beauty+style

26 the luxe list: New wallets offer style and protection

36 Is there a right way to

exfoliate? yes, there is

PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Pulse reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Pulse is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For information on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Worcester Medicine, Vitality Magazine, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com, & TasteWorcester.com

Paul Giorgio, Publisher Donna Roberson, Editor Vanessa Herbold, Art Director Chris Reddy, Alex Theisen, Kyle Sullivan Account Executives Mitchell Perry, Event Manager

Kim Dunbar, Sports Editor Jennifer Russo, Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Dunbar, Jennifer Russo, Jason Savio, Bernie Whitmore, Michael Wood, Paul Giorgio, Simone Milasas, Audra Brackett, Merilee Kern, Kerry Cyganiewicz, John Trobaugh, Sloane Perron, Jamie Burke, Rachel Shuster Writers

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By Jennifer Russo photos courtesy of discover central massachusetts Once upon a time, people in Massachusetts had to fill their gas tanks to the brim and trek up to Vermont or Maine for a brewery-hopping experience, since breweries here were few and far between. Fortunately, the bandwagon drove through our little state and a whole bunch of people jumped on for the ride! The Central Massachusetts area has now become a kind of “brew hub,” offering us every kind of beer style on our wish lists. To understand why this explosion of breweries hit our area in the last few years, we asked the experts. According to Rick Walton, of Gardner Ale House, “There are a lot of interesting ‘organic’ trends catching on. By organic I mean quality, worthwhile, good for you and good for the environment … diet and stress reduction and just simple living are getting a lot of coverage. I feel we’ve been heading this way for a while … people are recognizing quality more and more. What is interesting is that they are finding ways to afford it; it’s a priority for them.”

Fortunately, most of the breweries in our area locally source their ingredients, getting hops, barley and fruit from local farms, making this a truly sustainable collaboration. When you get your ingredients locally, you are guaranteeing a fresh product. Jackie Cullen, co-founder of River Styx Brewing, agreed and said that “the evolution of American culture created an incubator for craft products. The impacts of big industry combined with regulation changes and other factors helped spark a new generation of consumers who seek local products hand-crafted with passion, creativity and respect for the ingredients inside.” And people certainly are passionate about their beer. According to the Brewers Association, in 2015, craft beer sales went up nearly 13 percent in the United States, with the overall craft beer market at $22.3 billion. Almost $2 billion of this is from Massachusetts breweries alone. This is excellent for our economy, and many of these breweries are also hiring, so if your dream is to work in beer making or sales, the time is now. River Styx is currently looking for local artists to help design some art for bottles and cans – reach out to them on social media if you are interested! Katrina Shabo, from Wormtown, tells us why she loves her job.

“I love the passion, creativity and energy I’m surrounded by every day. Someone once told me if you aren’t passionate about what you do, you will never succeed. Our team loves what we do, we love our brand, and we all energize and help each other to succeed. Beer is a fun industry. Even outside our amazing team, I am out there almost every day, meeting interesting and driven people who work in beer, and I love it! They love it!” If you’d rather let others do the work and just kick back with a beer, the choices now are greater than they have ever been. Why grab a the usual when you can grab a Thai Take Out from Cold Harbor Brewery or a K. Sutra Double IPA from Flying Dreams? Cullen said one of her favorites at River Styx is the Phanes, a beer she and her husband Scott collaborated on for their anniversary, which is

aged on wild chamomile and includes Montmorency cherries and French oak for tartness and character. There are so many flavorful options (with some very creative names), so break the routine and try something new! Craft beer is about taking in life’s little moments. Local communities have embraced the addition of breweries to their towns. Keith Sullivan, of Medusa Brewing in Hudson, said that the brewery has “felt nothing but love since the day we announced our plans, and we could not be prouder of our town.” Worcester’s own Wormtown Brewery (Wormtown being an old nickname for Worcester) is thrilled to be creating a community, said Katrina Shabo. “All of our founders and the majority of our staff are from the Worcester area, so we’re proud to be here and help drive tourism to our beloved city … we have a lot of positive support from our community and they support us by drinking our beer. They want more of our beer, and we’re working as hard as we can to expand our capacity so we can give them what they want. I see people wearing our logoed gear out there all the time, and it makes me smile.”

Local establishments, including bars, liquor stores, local events and beer festivals, have been key in supporting these breweries and getting people to try their products. You can find many of these breweries’ beers on taps all around Central Massachusetts, and if they bottle and can their beers, you likely can purchase them at local stores. By the way, if a store doesn’t carry it, sometimes you can special order – just ask – and special requests are great for local brewers. Some breweries, such as Tree House in Monson, only sell beer on draft and in cans at their location, and it sells out quickly. Tree House’s website updates each day, throughout the day, letting you know what, if anything, is available at that time. It’s definitely worth the trip, but always check, so you don’t end up leaving with an empty growler. Tree House, along with Jack’s Abby and Trillium, recently ranked in the Top 10 of the World’s Top Breweries at RateBeer Fest. If you want a true feel for everything the brewery stands for and the opportunity to speak with those who conceptualize and make the beer, make it a point to visit the taproom. River Styx and Craft Roots Brewing are both opening taprooms soon, and some others are expanding. Wormtown is adding 14,000 square feet this year, and Keith Sullivan said Medusa is “looking forward to our first major expansion project to be kicked off this spring … for now, we can say that it will include an official oak cellar and some very comfortable seating.” Meanwhile, Tree House is expanding to a location in Charlton. In addition to being very excited about a new saison, Rick Walton, of Gardner Ale House, said the brewery’s biggest recent news is its distribution. “We have been a brewpub for over 10 years and our beer has never been sold outside our doors. When we decided to make the move to distribution last year, it was like a start-up company all over again. We are so glad to be doing this. Get ready to see our distinctive Moon Hill logo on a tap handle near you!” It is an exciting time for breweries and beer lovers here in this part of the state. Maybe it’s time for a recognized attraction called the Massachusetts Beer Trail.

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Check out Central Mass’s local (beer) flavors

T – Tours M – Music F – Food Wormtown Brewing Co. T 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester 774-239-1555 wormtownbrewery.com Wormtown offers four year-round brews, including the renowned Be Hoppy IPA. The brewery also has four seasonal beers and an underground series. Wormtown proudly uses local ingredients, and its beers can be found on tap in hundreds of bars across Massachusetts. Flying Dreams Brewing 455 Park Ave., Worcester 508-926-8251 flyingdreamsbrewing.com Flying Dreams can be found at several local establishments. It boasts five beers over 8% ABV, including the delicious Belzacca, a Double IPA with smooth malt, punchy hop and tropical fruit flavor notes. 3cross Brewing Co. M 26 Cambridge St., Worcester 508-615-8195 3crossbrewing.com 3cross has a great mix of beers that it offers in tasters, full pours and growlers. There is also house-made kombucha and soda. In addition to providing some of the area’s best local music entertainment, 3cross allows you to bring in food to eat along with its brews. Stone Cow Brewery M F 500 West St., Barre 978-257-8600 stonecow.com Instead of farm to table, this is a farm to glass brewery that is on Carter & Stevens Farm. The farm opens for the season in April and offers delicious food. The brewery offers tastings, pints and growlers, as well as live music. Our favorite beer: Cows Out Milk Stout. Nashoba Valley Winery & Brewery T F 100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton 978-779-5521 nashobawinery.com You may not have realized that this winery, famous for its delicious fruit wines, has an alter ego called Bolton Beer Works. Ingredients are grown on site, and with more than a dozen beers to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. We recommend the Wattaquadock Wheat for traditionalists and the Rhodium, which fuses beer and wine together, for the adventurous. Tree House Brewing Co. 160 East Hill Road, Monson 413-523-2367 treehousebrew.com Tree House has hit true status, selling out of its beers quickly due to their popularity and deliciousness. With a focus on true freshness, the beer is only available on tap and as draught cans at its location. The availability and buy limits change constantly. Always check the website before visiting. We love the Haze and the Julius.

Homefield Brewing M F 3 Arnold Road, Sturbridge (Fiskdale) 774-242-6365 homefieldbrewing.com Farm to table food and farm to glass beers, along with other drink choices like wine, cider and sodas, Homefield has the slogan “A taste of Massachusetts in every glass.” Homefield offer six beers, simply named Homefield 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The company has collaborated with several other breweries, but the brews are all Homefield’s own. Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company Sturbridge greatergoodimperials.com @greatergoodimperials Greater Good brews only Imperials that range from 8%14% ABV. It currently has five beer offerings: a five-hopped IPA, a farmhouse ale, a cherry sour, a milk porter and an American IPA. These can be purchased at 20 locations in and around Worcester, including The Fix burger bar. Kretschmann Brewing Co. (KBC) M 9 Frederick St., Webster 508-671-7711 kbcbrewing.com KBC’s community-style taproom offers an interactive Surface table. You can bring your own food in to enjoy with the beers and take in some local music. Ingredients are locally sourced from farms in the area, and there’s an outdoor beer garden for the warmer months. We recommend the Hefeweizen, an award-winning wheat with banana and clove notes. Cold Harbor Brewing 108 Milk St., Westborough 508-871-0919 coldharborbrewing.com This draft-only brewery loves to experiment with taking beers to the next level. In addition to the taproom, you can find Cold Harbor beers at several Worcester establishments, including Via, The Hangover Pub and The Muse. These beers offer great flavor, so try Salty Kay’s Peaches (gose) and the Hot Smoke (porter). Wachusett Brewing Co. T 175 State Road E., Westminster 978-874-9965 wachusettbrew.com Wachusett has definitely made a name for itself with its widely loved Blueberry Ale, but it offers so many other options we insist you try. The Green Monsta IPA is another great year-round brew, and the brewery’s autumn seasonals, like the Imperial Pumpkin and the Octoberfest, are top-notch. Wachusett is hosting a beer dinner at Great Wolf Lodge on March 17.

Medusa Brewing Co. 111 Main St., Hudson 978-310-1933 medusabrewing.com Medusa offers tasters and pours, as well as growlers. The brewers are able to get intense flavors in their beers, and Medusa boasts brews in almost every style, including the Varlet (a sour) and our favorite, Involontaire, which has notes of raisin and toffee. Medusa recently donated more than $7,000 to a veterans’ home, too. Craft Roots Brewing 4 Industrial Road, Milford 508-381-1920 craftrootsbrewing.com Opening soon is the Craft Roots Brewing taproom in Milford. The brewery has seven beers which have sold well, our recommendation being the Red IPA. Before the taproom opens, try the beers out at Depot St. Tavern or pick up some at Hickey’s Wine & Spirits. These brewers believe strongly in using locally sourced ingredients for the beers. Bentley Brewing Co. 12 Crane St., Southbridge 508-263-0116 @BentleyBrewing This brewery resides in an old factory, which gives it a great industrial feel. There is a rotating selection in the tasting room. If you’re palette is pronounced and you’re a fan of sour beers, Bentley Brewing’s Farmhand is a great choice. Spencer Brewery 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer 508-885-8700 spencerbrewery.com America’s first Trappist brewery (yes, monks in an abbey make this beer), Spencer Brewing has succeeded at making classic ales and craft beers. The Trappist Ale is honestly one of the best beers on the market. Unfiltered, it has notes of fruit and light hops. As is tradition, the proceeds from these beers are used to help others in need. Rapscallion Brewing Co. T M 195 Arnold Road, Sturbridge 508-347-7500 drinkrapscallion.com With this brewery in Sturbridge and a restaurant and taproom in Acton, Rapscallion is causing people to take notice. The flagship beer, Honey, is brewed with local wildflower honey, but isn’t too sweet. There are free tours on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., and becoming a member of the Mug Club allows for discounts at Rapscallion locations.

River Styx Brewing 166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg @RiverStyxBrewing We are patiently waiting for this new 100-seat taproom to open this summer, but while we do, start getting your palette ready for the Poseidon Double Trident. Jack’s Abby T F 100 Clinton St., Framingham 774-777-5085 jacksabby.com Jack’s Abby brews lagers and only lagers, the most well-known being the Hoponius Union and the Smoke & Dagger. Using local ingredients and traditional German brewing standards, the company strives to create distinctive brews. The seasonal Saxony Lager is available now. John Harvard’s Brew House F 1 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham 508-875-2337 johnharvards.com This fully functioning restaurant/brewery is a favorite stop for locals and travelers alike, offering delicious American fare such as burgers, steaks and our favorite, the Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. The award-winning beers, such as the Oktoberfest and Nut Brown Ale (both of which took home a gold medal), are must-trys. Exhibit A Brewing 81 Morton St., Framingham 508-202-9297 exhibit-a-brewing.com Exhibit A offers its signature “Demo Tape” beers, what the brewery calls its test batches. Exhibit A doesn’t make food itself; however, it does have food trucks come in on weekends. The brewery can be booked for private events, too. Moon Hill Brewing (Gardner Ale House) M F 74 Parker St., Gardner (978) 669-0122 gardnerale.com The brewery offers at least six distinctive, house-made brews at all times and continues to develop new recipes. There is tons of musical entertainment and a full menu. Themed nights throughout the week include Blue Monday (blues music), Italian Tuesday and Prime Rib Wednesday. There is also a live jazz lunch buffet on Saturdays. Harvard Cider Company 325 Ayer Road, Harvard 978-391-1329 harvardcider.com If you like a break from the hops from time to time, or just want something sweet, tart and refreshing, cider is the perfect drink. Harvard Cider is moving to Boston this year, but it will be worth the trip for its amazing Paradise cider, which is steeped with orange peel. If you can’t make it out, many local stores carry Harvard Cider products.

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entertainment

St. Patrick’s Day Events

lifestyle

Guinness Celtic 5K Road Race

11 a.m. Sunday, March 12 Elm Park, Worcester Register online until March 11 for $30. tourdeworcester.com

Worcester gears up for St. Patrick’s Day By Audra Brackett A whistle blown by the parade mayor kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year. This year, the special honor will go to Tim Quinn. Quinn is one of the owners of Quinn’s Irish Pub on West Boylston Street in Worcester. Quinn was born in Worcester and grew up in the Greendale neighborhood, where he still lives today. Quinn said he was honored to be this year’s mayor and looks forward to sharing this experience with his family, friends and patrons. The one person who won’t be at the celebration is his brother Ryan, who died a few years ago. Quinn said his brother, who “was a bit of a smart aleck,” would probably tell him “not to trip and fall on Park Ave.” After the parade, Quinn will head to his own Quinn’s for corned beef and cabbage and to catch the McInerney Irish Step Dancers. Following him in the parade procession will be retired teacher Mary Ann Dube, who has the “privilege of being the Grand Marshal after being a member of the parade committee for over 30 years.” In this 35th year of the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade, Dube said it is an “incredible honor” to be in the same company as the past marshals who have done so much for Worcester and the Irish community. She, too, was born and raised in Worcester and taught in the Worcester and Millbury public schools for more than 35 years. She is currently

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Irish Festival

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on the staff of Anna Maria College, where she shares her passion for education with student teachers. Proudly carrying the banner of the Grand Marshal will be Dube’s four grandsons – Jamieson, Brendan, Jon and Liam – who will be part of Dube’s large group of family and friends at the parade. They will join spectators from the city and the region in enjoying the celebration of Irish culture, history and the role of the Irish in America. Dube said her favorite part of the parade is “watching the thousands of people along the side of the street” and sharing in their excitement and anticipation of the things to come. She enjoys the bands, which make the whole event so very festive, along with all the creativity and effort that goes into the decorating of the floats. She is also very proud of all the groups that will be walking the entire parade route. After the parade, she will be heading to the Irish Club to listen to some music and perhaps dance a jig or two. St. Patrick’s Day has always been a day of celebration and enjoyment, no matter what your nationality. “Everyone goes by the saying that everyone is Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day, Quinn said. The parade traditionally consists of bands, floats, marchers and dignitaries, including politicians and representatives of city and state organizations. For more than 30 years, vice president of operations and past

Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, March 4 St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral 102 Russell St., Worcester aohworcester.com/festival

Shrewsbury Street Pub Crawl

2 p.m. Saturday, March 11 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester $20 shrewsburystreetpubcrawl.com

St. Patrick’s Parade Downtown Worcester 12 p.m. Sunday, March 12 Free stpatsparade.com

marshal, Leo Quinn, has been responsible “for hiring the bands, sending the invites and deciding who will return to participate in the following years.” Planning for the parade begins with meetings in August and then continues over the course of the year with a golf tournament, an Irish breakfast, the Grand Marshal Banquet and a political roast. The committee is always looking for new members, sponsors and donations to help put on the best event possible. Parade Chairman Mary Ellen Murphy said that everyone lends a hand to make this labor of love possible, because she and everyone who attends the parade recognize the honor and duty placed on them.

St. Patrick's Parade Map

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How to recognize an Irish pub worthy of the name By Chris Reddy As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the Irish bar experience. There are, however, real differences when one is asked to define a genuine Irish pub. Having just returned from a trip to Savannah, Ga., where there is a large Irish Catholic population, I was able to experience a few of the more popular Irish pubs. The trip reinforced my own set of criteria for what I consider a real Irish pub. Savannah is home to three Irish bars – Kevin Barry’s, O’Connell’s and Six Pence Pub – which I would consider excellent candidates for comparison. I left out McDonough’s and Molly MacPherson’s, as the latter is a Scottish bar and McDonough’s was less pub and more restaurant. Six Pence Pub, to be fair, is more British than Irish, so I would not categorize it as a true Irish pub. However, it did have many of the attributes one would associate with an honest pub experience. Rule No. 1: It is not a true Irish bar if there is no Guinness. Guinness is the quintessential common denominator when it comes to Irish libations, second only to Irish whiskey. Rule No. 2: It is not an Irish bar if the only whiskey offered is Canadian or Old Grandad. Preferably, there should be more than one Irish whiskey. Most good Irish bars offer several Irish whiskies. If the pub has a diverse selection – i.e., Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Red Breast, Powers, etc. – you’re in the right place. Rule No. 3: The bar should have character. O’Connell’s reminds me of some the finest Irish pubs in Ireland. It’s especially reminiscent of a bar called Connolly’s in Kinvara, with it’s cozy bar and bench seating. Connolly’s also boasted regular

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Irish music sessions. Irish music is not a prerequisite for being considered a true Irish pub, but it doesn’t hurt. Irish music never hurts when one is looking to get that Irish pub experience. Kevin Barry’s was recommended to my wife and me due to the nightly Irish entertainment, and we opted for dinner there after our first full day in Savannah. We were not disappointed, and the Irish stews and corned beef were fantastic, as was the Irish music. Rule No. 4: Not all real Irish pubs have food, but if they do, some sort of Irish fare should be on the menu. There are plenty of Irish pubs here in our neck of the woods, all with their own credibility. It might be the owner’s lineage, the incredibly poured Guinness, the music or the character of the bar.

Some of my favorites around the area are O’Connor’s, The Press Box, Quinn’s, Funky Murphy’s, Patsie Dugan’s, Smitty’s, Breen’s, Fiddler’s Green and The Banner. Moynagh’s Tavern is considered by some the oldest Irish bar in Worcester, although Moynihan’s has had some disputes with the claim and is another true Irish bar with decades of service on Main Street. No matter what your criteria, Worcester has a good number of Irish pubs worth visiting all year long.

pulsebooks: These books will get you pumped By Kimberly Dunbar Ever wonder why doctors always say that exercise is the best medicine? In his new book, Dr. Jordan Metzl explains why exercise, and high intensity interval training (HIIT) in particular, is just what the doctor ordered. While Dr. Jordan Metzl’s Workout Prescription (Rodale Books) includes 10-, 20- and 30-minute HIIT workouts to get you moving at home, he also spends pages discussing things like motivation, focusing on the bigger picture (it’s not just about looking good in a bikini, you know), and how to identify and treat the injuries that are ailing or will ail you. Strength-training at the gym has always intimidated me, and HIIT was something that never appealed to me (read: scared me like CrossFit does). However, Dr. Metzl is able to break down the workouts to fit any time frame and fitness level, leaving you no excuses not to do it (just read the “It’s not about Weight Loss” chapter for a reality check). Metzl breaks down each workout by body section (total body, lower body and core) and time (start with 10 minutes and go from there), and because it’s a book – not a crazy-toned trainer yelling at you to keep going – the workouts are not only much more approachable but manageable and – dare I say? – fun! Whether you’re a runner training for your next big race or a couch potato looking for a place to start, Metzl’s HIIT workouts will give you the tools you need to strengthen your muscles and improve your life. If I had to give an award to the most disturbing – yet oddly addicting – book of 2017, I’d have to give it to Amy Engel’s latest release, The Roanoke Girls (Crown Publishing). In her first venture into adult fiction, Engel hits a homerun with this “gothic suspense novel” that tells the story of the Roanoke family, a prominent and very private Kansas family. Everyone in the small, destitute town of Osage Flats envies the large Roanoke estate, but what they don’t know is that the large house is filled with horrifying secrets. Engel’s story picks up in present day, when Lane Roanoke is called back to Kansas to help search for her missing cousin, Allegra. Lane dreads her return to Roanoke, having fled the estate for Los Angeles more than a decade earlier, when she was sent to live with her grandparents after her mother’s suicide. Allegra’s disappearance is one in a long line of Roanoke women who have either died or run away (Allegra’s mother fled right after she was born), and Lane must solve the mystery of what happened to her cousin before it’s too late. The story, which weaves between the present-day search for Allegra and Lane’s lone summer at Roanoke when she was 15 years old, takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through a dark family history and the one devastating family secret that threatens to swallow Lane whole, but hopefully not before she manages to find Allegra.

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The Harlem Globetrotters Don’t miss your chance to see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters when they bring their breathtaking ball-handling skills to Worcester. For two days only, they’ll display their legendary athletic abilities and interact with fans. An event no sports fan wants to miss. 1 p.m. March 10 and 7 p.m. March 11; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; $26.50-$125.50; dcucenter.com.

Shen Yun An event for history buffs, art enthusiasts and just about anyone interested in drinking in China’s culture, Shen Yun offers the opportunity to discover the beauty of ancient China. Complete with historic music, dancing and stories, this performance celebrates 5,000 years of eastern culture and history. 7:30 p.m. March 11 and 2 p.m. March 12; Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester; $70-$120; thehanovertheatre.org.

Worcester Collaborative Collegiate Jazz Festival No jazz fan wants to miss out on this amazing event. Surround yourself with the finest music that the greater Worcester area colleges and high schools have to offer. This is a free event and an amazing way to spend the afternoon. Come listen to, meet and converse with these fellow jazz-lovers. 2 p.m. March 19; Assumption College, Hagan

Campus

Center,

500

Salisbury

St.,

Worcester;

free;

assumption.edu/events.

Pub Crawl Are you a fan of beer, food and anything Irish? If so, come on down to Shrewsbury Street for the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl the day before Worcester’s annual parade. Don’t forget to come dressed as a leprechaun, since prizes will be given out for the best themed costume or outfit. This event includes snacks and food samples at each venue. 2 p.m. March 11; Shrewsbury Street, Worcester; $20; shrewsburystreetpubcrawl.com.

Brew Woo Enjoy the craft beers of more than 70 breweries at Brew Woo. With live music and unique vendors, you’ll want to get tickets to Worcester’s original craft beer festival now. Admission includes 30 drink tickets and a souvenir glass. 1-4 p.m. or 4-9 p.m. April 1; DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester; $35-$60; brewwoo.com.

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Club+Pub+GRUB Listings

Entertainment at clubs, bars, pubs & other select venues 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc. thebannerbar.com Barber’s Crossing Road House 861 Main St., Leicester barberscrossingrestaurant.com March 17: P.E. James Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling barberscrossingrestaurant.com Thursdays: Open Mic Fridays: Bill McCarthy Beatnik’s 433 Park Ave., Worc. beatniksbeyou.com March 3: Ghost Guest, Jack Swing & The Bird Hour March 4: Felowship of the King March 7: Tuesday Talent Showcase March 8: Wednesday Night Mayhem March 9: Ukulele Night March 10: Gladstone March 11: Northbound Train March 12: Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade March 15: Beatniks Open Mic Night March 16: Funklopian Tubes March 17: Charlie Johnson & More March 18: Secret Sage March 22: Wednesday Night Mayhem March 23: Afterlife Garage, Sparkeater & Shannon Pittsinger March 24: Infinite Groove March 25: Back in Blues March 25: Jennifer Lee Band March 29: Beatniks Open Mic Night March 30: Bob Moon & Friends March31: Eric Fournier Beemer’s Pub & Grill 310 Main St., Fitchburg beemerspub.com March 24: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Billy’s Pub 81 Clinton St., Shrewsbury

Laboratory Bolton Street Tavern 587 Bolton St., Marlborough boltonstreettavern.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton Brew City 104 Shrewsbury St., Worc. brew-city.com Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley bullrunrestaurant.com March 4: Christine Lavin and Don White March 5: Duke Robillard March 8: Tab Benoit March 10: Adam Ezra Band March 11: Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters March 16: Marc Cohn March 17: The Kelly Girls - St. Patrick’s Day March 18: David Lindley March 19: Dan Baird & Homemade Sin March 23: The Weight Band March 24: John Sebastian March 25: Rod Picott (Ballroom) March 25: Invisible Sun (The Police tribute) March 30: Nick Moss Band Cafe Destare 320 Main St., Fitchburg destare.com Canal Restaurant & Bar 65 Water St., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: DJ (21+) March 3: Lisa Marie & Johnny Juxo March 4: Mychael David & Howie Swett March 10: Live music March 11: Amanda Cote March 17: Round Midnight March 18: New England Weather March 23: Paint Nite Chopstick’s Restaurant & Lounge 21 Commercial Road, Leominster chopsticksleominster.com Christopher’s Pub 7 Pleasant St., Leominster Cicero’s Cafe 17 Suffolk St., Worc. 508-767-9728

Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling blacksheeptavernsterline.com March 17: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash with Chris Reddy

Classic’s Pub 285 Central St., Leominster classicspub.net Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke with Royal Crown

Blackstone Tap 81 Water St., Worc. blackstonetap.com

Club KasBar 234 Southwest Cutoff, Worc. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: Karaoke

Blue Plate Lounge 661 Main St., Holden Thursdays: Open Mic March 5: Sunday Jam with Trigger March 12: Sunday Jam with The Gear March 19: Sunday Jam with Twisted Dawg March 26: Sunday Jam with Ravin Blue Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster March 16: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell March 23: Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops

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The Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc. thecompasstavern.com Fridays, Saturdays: DJs March 3: Chad Clements March 3: College Night - 18+ every other Thursday March 10: Chris Reddy - Irish Acoustic Night March 17: The Sage Project

March 24: Brian Richard March 31: Jay Graham

March 25: Soup March 31: Neon Alley

Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St., Worc.

Funky Murphy’s Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc. funkyandjosemurphys.com

The Cove Music Hall 89 Green St., Worc. thecovemusichall.com Thursdays: Subterra March 3: Punk party March 4: Give Winter the Boot – Punk & Metal Spring Kickoff March 10: Aquanett March 11: Gorilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine tribute) March 15: Nytro: Industrial, Goth, Dark Techno March 17: Secondhand Smoke (Sublime tribute) March 18: Deep 6/Code Blue 30th Anniversary March 25: Niki Luparelli & The Gold Diggers March 31: Studio Two (Beatles tribute) Dance Ranch & Saloon 70 James St., Worc. danceranchandsaloon.com Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford daysendtavern.com March 4: Spaceout Band Devens Grill 4 Ryans Way, Devens devensgrill.com Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc. Sundays: Almost Acoustic Sundays Mondays: Open Mic Tuesdays: Twister Tuesday March 3: The Mallet Brothers March 4: Diabolic and Block McClouds Album Release March 9: Bellas Bartok with Jahman Brahman March 10: Flock of Assholes March 11: United New England Junglists March 16: Strange Creek Battle of the Bands March 17: Airspray Queer Dance Party March 18: Fennario March 23: Strange Creek Battle of the Bands March 24: Nicholas Earl Davis with Dead Stick and Hambone Album Release Jamboree March 30: Strange Creek Final Battle of the Bands March 31: Don’t Let Go Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc. aohworcester.com Firefly’s / Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough fireflysbbq.com Flip Flops 680 Main St., Holden flipflopsma.com Flying Rhino Cafe 278 Shrewsbury St., Worc. flyingrhinocafe.com Frank’s 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc. March 3: Dezi Garcia March 4: Girls on Girls March 10: Guiliano D’Orazio March 11: Clamdigger March 18: Brumbletones

Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner gardnerale.com Mondays: Blue Mondays Thursdays: Audio Wasabi Fridays, Saturdays: Live music The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com March 3: Left Right March 4: Jim Weeks March 10: Kevin Shields March 11: Brian & Captain March 17: Heather Ralston & Joe Macey March 18: Amanda Cote March 24: Hitchcock Blondes March 25: Justin Brideau March 31: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell GD Lounge Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worc. facebook.com/GDloungeandtapas Greendale’s Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc. greendalespub.com Tuesdays: Open Mic with Bill McCarthy; Local Musicians Showcase March 3: Ed & Da ve March 4: Jokers Wild March 5: Sunday Jam with Brad Faucher March 11: The Rails March 12: Sunday Jam with Tony Soul March 18: Clam Digger March 19: Sunday Jam with Reid Tre March 24: Windfall March 26: Sunday Jam with Mike Lynch Trio March 31: Desolate Highway Halligan’s Sports Bar and More 889 Southbridge St., Auburn halliganssportsbarandmore.com Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster March 3: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell March 4: Alan Goodrich March 10: Amanda Cote March 11: Dave Harrington March 17: Dave Andrews March 18: Johnny Girouard March 24: Zack Slik March 25: Ken Macy March 31: Topher Brew Hotel Vernon - The Ship Room/Kelley Square Yacht Club 1 Millbury St., Worc. Industry Bar Room 109 Water St., Worc. industrybarroom.com Ixtapa Cantina 308 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg ixtapacantina2.com JC Fenwick’s 37 Mechanic St., Leominster Jillian’s - Worcester 315 Grove St., Worc. jilliansworcester.com Continued on Page 21

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Continued from Page 18 JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northborough jbag.biz March 3: Dirty Deeds March 4: 9-Teen March 10: Boombox March 11: Windfall March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Bash with Six to Midnight March 18: Groove Street Band March 24: The Great Escape March 25: Heavy Horses March 31: Brit Wits Legends Airport Road, Fitchburg Leitrim’s Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc. leitrimspub.com Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc. loft266.com Mahoney’s Pub 413 Park Ave., Worc. Marty’s Pub 225 Cantebury St., Worc. martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc. mblounge.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc. michaelscigar.com Sundays: Live music March 3: Navy Train March 4: Abraxas March 8: Mike Melendez March 9: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell March 10: Neon Alley March 11: Blue Light Bandits March 16: Jim Devlin March 17: Bittersuite March 18: Spaceout March 22: Brett Brumby March 23: Guliano D'Orazio March 24: Heartland Radio March 25: Tequila Bonfire March 29: Jim Devlin March 30: Allston Police March 31: Hoodoo Revelator Mickey Sheas 324 Electric Ave., Lunenburg The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston themill185.com March 3: Kelly & Tribe March 4: Twisted Dawg March 9: Amanda Cote March 10: Jay Graham March 11: Chris Reddy - Irish Acoustic March 16: Mike Melendez March 17: Scott Babineau March 18: Sam James March 23: Chad Clements March 24: Belit March 25: Bill McCarthy March 30: Jodee Frawleee March 31: Josh Briggs Band Mill Street Brews (@ The Artist Development Complex) 18 Mill St., Southbridge millstreetbrews.com Moynihan’s Pub 897 Main St., Worc. The Muse 536 Main St., Worc.

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc. March 12: St. Patrick’s Day with The O’Dinosaurs

March 22: Kevin Shields March 23: Brian Twohey March 29: Brian Twohey March 30: John Brazile

The Nines Neighborhood Bar 136 Millbury St., Worc.

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc. ralphsrockdiner.com Mondays: Dirty Gerund Poetry Show

Oak Barrel Tavern 229 Grove Ave., Worc. oakbarreltavernworcester.com Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton March 3: Windfall March 9: Joe Macey March 11: Tony Soul Project March 16: Chad Clements March 18: Brogue March 25: She’s Busy March 30: Sean Fullerton and his Mad Loops Laboratory March 31: Three of a Kind On The Rocks Sports Bar & Grill 96 Lakefront Ave., Lunenburg Oxford Tavern 314 Main St., Oxford Padavano’s Place 358 Shrewsbury St., Worc. padavanosplace.com Paisanos Pizza & Spirits 450 Lancaster St., Leominster The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc. thepalladium.net Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc. Fridays, Saturdays: Dick’s Beantown Comedy Escape March 3: Dan Kirouac Partner’s Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg partnerspub.com Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Karaoke March 4: Back in Time March 11: One50One March 18: Sean Daley & The Hooligans March 25: Lost Artifacts Patsie Dugan’s 49 Millbury St., Worc. patsiedugans.com Pho Dakao 593 Park Ave., Worc. The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc. Wednesdays: Open Mic Rocky’s 139 Water St., Worc. Rumors 371 Park Ave., Worc. clubuniverseworcester.com Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster ryeandthyme.com March 3: City Boys March 4: Doctor Robert March 9: Zack Slik March 10: Dan Cormier & Ethan Caouette March 11: Ken Macy Band March 16: Jay Graham March 17: The Two Timers March 18: Keithe McClinden Band March 23: Dan Cormier March 24: Brian Chaffee March 25: L & M Rythym Kings March 30: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell March 31: Scott Babineau Sakura Tokyo 640 Park Ave., Worc. sakura-tokyo.com Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant 494 Electric Ave., Lunenburg seanpatricksrestaurant.com South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner southsidemargaritafactory.com March 3: Danny Leblanc March 4: Laquerhead March 10: Zack Slik March 11: Oak & Ash March 17: Mike Livingston March 18: Mighty King Snakes March 24: Dave Andrews March 31: Amanda Cote Speakers Night Club 19 Weed St., Marlborough speakersnightclub.net Saturdays: Live bands Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton sprucestreettavern.com

Stagecoach Inn and Tavern 128 Main St., Groton grotonstagecoachinn.com Sunset Tiki Bar/The Outlook 79 Powers Road, Westford The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham thetavernoncentral.com Three G’s Sports Bar 152 Millbury St., Worc. 3gs-sportsbar.com Union Tavern 65 Green St., Worc. Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grille 377 Stetson Road, Barre upperdecksportsbarandgrille.com Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc. victorycigarbar.com Vincent’s Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc. Tuesdays: Boogie Chillin’ March 4: Hip Swayers Deluxe Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc. Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc. whiskeyonwater.com Sundays, Wednesdays: DJ Soup Thursdays: DJ Cuzn Kev Fridays, Saturdays: DJ Tec Threat March 3: Hoodoo Revelator March 10: Sam James March 11: Travelling Wanna B’s March 17: Adam Judd with Special Guests March 18: Hip Shot Band March 24: Hit the Bus March 25: Mike Melendez March 31: Souled Out Show Band Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 85 Main St., Oxford StopByTheWhistle.com White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc Wednesdays: Karaoke with DJ M Thursdays: DJ M William’s Restaurant & Tavern 184 Pearson Blvd., Gardner williamsrestaurantandtavern.com Wonder Bar Restaurant 121 Shrewsbury St., Worc. Ye Olde Tavern 7 E. Main St., W. Brookfield westbrookfieldtavern.com

Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc. March 3: Rare Ould Times March 11: Meat Raffle March 12: St. Patrick’s Post Parade Party with Chris Reddy Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc. quinnsirishpub.com March 3: Sam James March 4: The Brennan Brothers March 8: Chris Reddy March 9: Brian Twohey March 10: Lizzy Marquis March 11: Sam James March 15: Brian Twohey March 16: John Brazile

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ballot box – worcester

By Justin perry

whiskey on water – worcester

el basha (park ave.) – worcester

the pint – worcester

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the fix burger bar – worcester

compass tavern – worcester

piccolo's – worcester

michael's cigar bar – worcester

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lifestyle

The steps you need to take to

get out of debt

By Simone Milasas

Stop ignoring your finances

Is money a source of frustration for you? Does it seem like you have more bills to pay than money coming in to pay them? Are there things you want to do and don’t do because you can’t afford to? What if I told you that you could have an entirely different possibility with money?

How were you with money, growing up? Were you educated about money? Was money talked about? Or was it hidden? Ignored? A topic that was avoided?

Not so long ago, I was $187,000 in debt, and I really had nothing to show for it. Within two years of using the simple pragmatic tools I learned from Access Consciousness, I completely turned my money situation around. Here are a few of the simple tools I used that took me from debt to millions. Want to know the best part? It can fun and not nearly as hard as you might think.

Change your perspective on money How many points of view do you have about money? Your point of view creates your reality. If you desire to have a different reality, be willing to change your points of view. If you have decided that you have to work hard for money, guess what? You will work hard for every dollar that comes in. What if money could come to you easily? What if you were able to receive money from many places? What points of view about money would you have to lose in order to create that with ease? To change your points of view about money, use this tool. For every point of view that you notice, say, “Interesting point of view. I have that point of view.” As you say this, you will notice that all of those points of view that you have made real, true and significant become simply interesting. And when they are simply interesting, you are free to let them go and choose another perspective.

If you came from a family that avoided the topic of money, you may find that you have carried that over into adulthood. The problem with this is that ignoring your finances does nothing to change them. If you would like something different, you have to be willing to take a look at where you are today. Not from a place of judging you. Rather from the place of, “Here’s where I am. What’s it going to take to change this?” Once you are clear on how much debt you have, work out how much extra you would need to pay each month towards your credit card debt to be out of debt in 12-24 months. If you have more than one credit card to pay off, what are the possibilities of consolidating your debt?

Start a 10 percent account Take 10 percent of every dollar that comes in and set it aside. Never spend it. You can keep it in cash; you can keep it in a bank account – do whichever is fun for you. They key thing is – never spend it. I know, you’re probably thinking, “Why would I set aside money to never spend when I have all this debt? I’ll wait till my credit card debt is paid off and then I’ll set aside 10 percent.” Don’t wait till you have cleared your credit card debt to start using this tool. Start today. Watching this money grow will serve as a reminder that you are valuable and you always have the ability to generate more money. Having money not only gives you a sense of peace, it is a huge contribution to every area of your life. It doesn’t have to take years to get out of debt. Each day, commit to your life. Each day, choose to take action. A new reality with money is possible.

Simone Milasas is the founder and creator of Joy of Business, as well as the worldwide coordinator of Access Consciousness, which operates in more than 170 countries. Milasas is the author of Joy of Business (currently available in 11 languages) and her new book, Getting Out of Debt – Joyfully. For more information, visit gettingoutofdebtjoyfully.com.

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the luxe list

New wallets offer style and protection

By Merilee Kern As recently as January 2016, the FTC announced the escalating incidence of identity theft, revealing that it had received nearly 500,000 consumer complaints about identity theft, “representing a 47 percent increase over the prior year.” The report also cited the ominous Department of Justice estimate that “17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014” – with almost 90 percent experiencing “the misuse of an existing credit card or bank account,” according to BJS.gov. Given its inconceivable ease, one huge area of concern is “electronic pick-pocketing,” whereby thieves use RFID and NFC wireless communication to stealthily pirate credit card numbers and other personal data. And everyone is seemingly at risk. One particularly enlightening news report exposed just how easily hackers can steal credit card numbers in mere seconds while you’re still holding them in your hand. Amid this unfortunate sign of the times, designers and technologists are aptly joining forces to bring to market functional fashion accessories that not only uphold stringent style standards, but that also effectively mitigate – if not entirely eliminate – identity theft risk to the extent possible.

One newly-emerging brand of note is The Pagalli Project, which recently introduced a new line of handcrafted fine leather accessories – two wallet styles and a passport holder – that offer leading-edge security in fashion-forward form. So secure is the Pagalli collection, it’s reportedly one of the few brands in the world (as certified by an independent body) to block 100 percent of all known RFID/NFC frequencies, thanks to its built-in application of “Cryptalloy,” the industry’s leading tech security defense against data theft. This ensures your information – and, thus, your identity – will be protected in any country, anywhere in the world.

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“There are 10 current frequencies that consumers need to be shielded from in order to have peace of mind that personal identification and financial information will not be lifted by high-tech thieves,” said Pagalli founder Mauro Beck. “Conventional RFID blockers only address a portion of these frequencies. For instance, some examples of items in different frequencies include access key cards at 125 kHZ, electronic passports or credit cards at 13.56 MHz, and personnel ID cards at 2.54 GHz. However, ours is one of the few brands in the world independently certified to provide the most expansive frequency blocking for data theft protection on the market.” Beyond the impressive security features, Pagalli wallets are a marvel of old-world craftsmanship. Inspired by Vincente Pagalli – an entrepreneur and leather artisan who, 50 years ago, upheld the strictest quality standards – the entrepreneur-driven line seeks to prove that it is entirely possible to proffer a handcrafted quality product at a fair price. “Our wallets are distinguished by their soft, yet tough, texture with a characteristic leather grain and distinctive fragrance that exudes luxury,” notes Beck. “The finishing touch is the upcycled packaging that is closed with a wax seal to protect the wallets through delivery. And unlike other wallets that fail to stand the test of time, ours also come with a lifetime warranty.” The three flagship Pagalli designs – the Leonardo and Moderno wallets and the Vincente passport holder – range in price from $49-$79, with name imprint personalization available for an additional $10. But, given the extent to which these wallets can help you avoid a slight identity breach at best and complete financial devastation at worst, I would assert they are pretty well priceless. The Luxe List Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter @LuxeListEditor and Facebook at TheLuxeList.

N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g

N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G

N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • E N T E R TA I N M E N T • N I G H T L I F E • S H O P P I N G • N O R T H C O U N T Y • D I N I N G • s h o p p i n g

food+drink

new around the woo

Whisk has settled into new digs By Rachel Shuster Whisk, a kitchen specialty shop at 1114 Pleasant Street in Worcester, is the spot to find and stock up on your kitchen essentials. The shop carries a wide variety of products, with new products arriving every week. Owner and Fitchburg native Kerrie Johnson opened the shop in October 2011, and it’s been going strong ever since, relocating from Paxton to its current shop in Tatnuck Square about eight months ago. “I’ve known ever since I was a teen I wanted to do something with food,” Johnson said. “As a kid, I would cook with my dad three times a week. We would watch Julia Child and travel to Scotland to visit my grandmother, and we’d go visit food trucks. But then life gets in the way, and I ended up working in marketing and sales for 25 years, then that job ended.” Having worked since she was 15, Johnson wasn’t sure what her next step would be until her husband asked a very important question. “My husband said, ‘What have you always wanted to do? What’s your dream? You have the time now,’ he said. It was then that I knew,” she said. It took Johnson two months to even consider actually pursuing her dream, but within six months, after much research, finding a location and products, Whisk was born and her dream came to life. “It’s been a great adventure. I learn something new every day,” Johnson said. At Whisk, you can find all of your kitchen needs. Essentials like cutlery sets, shears, cutting boards, sharpeners, can openers, colanders, barware and more are all offered. Looking for cookware and bakeware? Whisk has you covered.

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You can find such items as pizza stones, tart and quiche pans, muffin and cake pans, griddles, fry pans, double broilers, French ovens and more! Whisk also has a wide variety of coffee and tea essentials like espresso machines, kettles, teas and tea sugars. Some other great additions to your kitchen include a selection of Whisk’s provisions such as spices, extracts, spreads, dipping oils, relishes, chocolate and popcorn. Be sure to also check out Whisk’s specialty gift baskets, bridal gift registry and a specialized children’s section! On Whisk’s website, be sure to visit the “What’s Cookin’” section to read about the latest news, information and discounts the shop has to offer. Here you can also find recipes of the month, a photo gallery and product spotlights! As for what’s in store for the future of Whisk, Johnson has a lot planned. “We used to do a cookbook club, and I would like to bring that back. We would meet once a month, and we’d bring in items we made from the cookbook!” she said. Johnson also plans to expand the shop and add a cooking area. “We would have a chef here to lead cooking classes. We have so many customers that come in and ask things like ‘How do I prepare this?’ or ‘What does this mean?’ It would be an opportunity to learn from a chef, feel confident about cooking and learn basic skills with others who feel similarly,” Johnson said Johnson is very proud of Whisk and seeing her childhood dream flourish. “I think what makes Whisk special is the personalized attention our customers get. We are a small shop and there is a sense of intimacy, which customers love,” she said. Be sure to visit Whisk, 1114 Pleasant St., Worcester, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or visit whiskkitchenshop.com.

pulsebrew: Beers of Ireland

By kerry CYGANIEWICZ In past March articles, I have written about where to go for St Patrick’s Day, as well as what beers to drink on the most Irish of days. What if you find yourself in Ireland? What beer are you going to drink? You are going to find Budweiser, Heineken and many other familiar names, but I’m sure you are going to want to try some things that you cannot try at home. Here are a few options that are either not available here in Massachusetts or might look familiar but are subtle riffs on what you find here. Enjoy yourself, and remember, don’t ask for green beer; that’s not a thing across the pond.

Guinness LTD You are probably thinking that you can get Guinness, Harp Lager and Smithwick’s right here at home, and you are correct. I have been assured that the recipes are the same for the regular beers; however, they will taste different in Ireland. Is it the slight variation in the sourcing of the ingredients? Is the freshness? Is it different water chemistry? Who knows, but the closer you can get to St. James Gates, the flagship brewery in Dublin, the better. In addition, there are many variations that are not available stateside, so try them if you have the opportunity. The more on nitro, the better. Dungarvan Brewing Company This is a small, 7-year-old craft brewery from southeast Ireland. While some breweries brew one or two excellent beers, Dungarvan brews a wide variety of great beers, which is why it made this list. Looking for something pale and light? The Helvick Gold Irish Blonde Ale delivers. The company also brews an Irish red ale, a traditional Irish stout and – if you are missing home – an American-style pale ale called Mine Head. You don’t have to visit the brewery. These beers are in numerous pubs. Franciscan Well BrewPub 14b North Mall in Cork is the address for this must-visit

historical destination. It was, in a prior life, the Guinness bottling center for all of Cork County and, prior to that, an ancient Franciscan monastery. The well still flows with water today, but more importantly, the beer flows, as well. The brewery offers its own award-winning beers, beers from other brewers, food seven days a week and authentic, live Irish music. Come to think of it, you’re in Ireland, of course its authentic. If you want to see what a beer garden looks like, go no farther than just past the door. This brewpub has the No. 1-selling craft beer in Ireland, Rebel Red, and with everything else it offers, this is a must-visit.

Carlow Brewing Company You have probably never heard of Carlow Brewing

Company, but O’Hara’s Stout pops up now and again in the area. While in Ireland, do give this one a try. I find it to have a lighter body than most stouts, so this might please those that have an automatic adversity to dark beers. Just like Guinness, Carlow has a wide variety of beers exclusively available in its home country. An Irish red ale on nitro, various barrel-aged offerings and even some versions of an American IPA are available.

Beamish & Crawford Beamish Irish Stout is the only product that I am aware of from

this brewery. I have included it because I remember from my review of a variety of Irish stouts that I found this one to be the sweetest, with some coffee and cocoa notes. I can only imagine that it would be all the better to have it closer to the source. If you wish your Irish stout was just a touch less bitter on the finish, give this one a go.

Galway Bay Brewery This brewery has the largest variety of beers of any brewery listed,

and I bet you have never heard of them. Galway Bay also has about a dozen bars, with The Oslo on Upper Salthill in County Galway being the home of the brewery and the original microbrewery. In addition to serving some of its own beer and food, The Oslo has various international beers, ciders and wine. I’ve heard that it even has Stone and Sierra Nevada beers in stock if you are feeling homesick. This will surely have something to please anyone.

Trouble Brewing I love websites with maps that help you locate where to find craft beer. It not only helps you find a specific brand in an unfamiliar environment, but it helps you find the good craft beer and food places. Trouble brewing went to the trouble, pun intended, to put one of these maps on its website. Go to troublebrewing.ie and click on “Where.” Trouble brews a wide variety of beer, so I am sure you will find something you like.

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dining review

One bite of Dacosta’s pizza is all you need to become a fan

By Bernie Whitmore Among the scores of new restaurant openings in Worcester over the past year, there’s one that really stands out. Dacosta’s Pizza is one of those rare events when a family opens its doors and welcomes the public to its passion. Not a passion for making a quick fortune. Nor to become the hottest venue in town. Dacosta’s mission appears a bit more humble: making the tastiest, most authentic Neapolitan pizzas possible. This is an aspiration that anyone who’s made the pilgrimage to Napoli should find bold and exciting. Because just one slice of a margarita pizza at just about any pizzeria on any side street in Naples is sufficient to change forever the way one enjoys flavors and textures, craft and tradition … perhaps life itself. Yeah, I guess it’s pretty exciting. Dacosta’s has proven its commitment to all that with the investment in an authentic Stefano Ferrara pizza oven. It looks like a kiln and burns just about as hot; the owner went to Italy to learn how to make pizza using Neapolitan methods. The first weeks of operation were unadvertised and informal; anyone fortunate enough to stop by at that time was likely to have a family member to probe with nearly unlimited questions. I took full advantage. The results? Let’s put it this way: Every time I go to Dacosta’s, I share a margarita pizza. Unfailingly, I walk out wishing I’d had the entire pie to myself. The tomato topping is crushed and bright-flavored, and the

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mozzarella is creamy. Initially, we had to recommend more fresh basil leaves. But that’s just the supporting cast. The real event is the crusty base. That ripping-hot oven bakes these pies top and bottom so fast they come out with just the right charry points of burnt-in richness, chewy texture and nutty flavor. At Dacosta’s, it’s all about ingredients – the restaurant is even decorated with #10 cans of tomatoes and sacks of flour.

Dacosta’s Pizza Bakery 40 Millbrook St., Worcester (774) 530-6166 dacostaspizzabakery.com At last week’s trip to Dacosta’s, my neighbors shared and Uncle Tony’s Roni’s pizza. It featured crushed tomatoes, fresh scamorza cheese, pepperoni slices and was spiced with oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Always fussy about the quality and greasiness of pepperoni on her pizza, one neighbor claimed this is some of the best. One of these days, I’ll explore the menu a bit further and order the Go Fig Yourself, a pizza that features gorgonzola, prosciutto, homemade fig jam, fried rosemary and hot honey drizzle. Or maybe we should share one for dessert.

There’s more than pizza at Dacosta’s. We’ve also tried the sandwiches: Eggplant and Meatball, to name a couple. They’re huge and come served with hand-cut french fries so tasty that everyone at the table will want some. Appetizers we’ve sampled include Arancini Rice Balls. If we’ve found a weak point, it would be the Fried Calamari; it was drier and tougher than I prefer. In contrast, the Wood-Fired Brussels Sprouts + Bacon appetizer was an instant hit at the table. They were sweet and firm with just a faint memory of tasty bitterness and tossed with chewy bacon chunks in a red wine reduction that tasted very much like a balsamic reduction. Ask for bread; you’ll want to dab up every last bit of this dish. Prices are so reasonable at Dacosta’s, you might want to splurge with the Zeppole dessert. These are freshlyfried Italian donut balls dusted with powdered sugar. They come with little tins of Nutella spread and creamy mascarpone cheese for dipping. Getting those last bits of sticky toppings is a schmear-fest of sticky fingers. For another flavor dimension, you might try to coax your waiter into bringing some of Mike’s Hot Honey to drizzle over these piping hot confections. Dacosta’s Pizza Bakery is located in converted warehouse space on Millbrook Street. If you want beer or wine with your meal, you are welcome to bring your own. For those not familiar with the area, it’s easy to drive right past, so watch for the yellow awnings and the Boost Fitness sign at the corner of the parking lot. Be assured, though, one pizza, and you’ll be back for more.

hotandnow: What’s hot and what’s happening now in the restaurant scene By Paul Giorgio park it over here. The Park Grill on Worcester’s Park Avenue was sold recently. The new owners are no strangers to the restaurant business. Eric Pearson, who formerly owned Pinecroft Dairy and the 1790 House in Westborough, is the new owner. New on Shrewsbury Street. It looks like, after several years of being vacant, the spot once occupied by Café Dolce on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street will have a new tenant. Valentino’s Café, Deli & Market will open soon. Café Dolce was a Shrewsbury Street mainstay, serving up espresso, cappuccino, deserts and after-diner drinks for years. Making lemonade out of lemons. When the pipes burst in the space next to Café Manzi on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street, the popular breakfast and lunch spot was forced to close. Well, Brian Manzi will be doing breakfast at the Vintage Grille a few doors down from his place. He will also be adding some of his best-selling lunch items to the menu. I guess that’s the Shrewsbury Street way – helping each other out. Not just for the upper crust. The owners of Crust Bakeshop in Worcester recently announced they have sold their downtown bakery to one of their employees. Owners Alec Lopez and Sherri Sadowski sold their bakery to Alexis Kelleher, Crust’s lead baker and store manager since spring 2016. As of right now, Kelleher plans to keep things as they are. Lopez and Sadowski also own the Dive Bar on Green Street and Armsby Abbey, which is just a stone’s throw away from Crust on Main Street. BTW, Kelleher’s family has a long history in the restaurant business. They own Coney Island – a Worcester landmark. The Queen of Hearts baked more than tarts. Worcester residents will have one more option to get their dessert fix this summer. The Queen’s Cups, a Millbury-based gourmet cupcake shop, is moving to the Canal District. Owner Renee King is rehabbing the old Bucky’s Garage at 56 Water St. Not Alice’s Restaurant, but close. Alicia’s Homemade will open by the beginning of March, creating a whole new future for the Plantation Street neighborhood, according to its press release. “Our new space on 12 Aitchison St. is going to offer up a little bit of everything and really embrace the homemade style,” said Alicia Haddad, co-owner of Alicia’s Homemade. “Everything we are selling will be part of the ‘shop small’ concept. We will have granola and coffee from local sellers, alongside brands like Elk Creek Maple Syrup and, of course, Alicia’s Homemade.” On A wing and a prayer. A new wing chain, Native Grill & Wings, a Midwest franchise, is moving east with its first location at 111 Sutton Ave. in Oxford. Interestingly enough, the franchise has been around since 1979. It will serve pizza also. How can you beat a chicken wing pizza? Pizza on the Corner. It looks like the reported demise of the much loved Corner Grille on Worcester’s West Side may be wrong. Workers have been working overtime to get the place ready to re-open after it was damaged during the fall flooding. According to Facebook, an early March reopening is planned.

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sports+fitness

Go a round (or nine) at Worcester’s

newest gym

By Kimberly Dunbar March: the month when your New Year’s resolutions have pretty much been buried among, and melted away with, the winter snow. If you’re someone whose resolutions disappear as the weather gets colder and trips to the gym get boring, Worcester’s newest gym will keep you on your toes. “We are a 30-minute, full-body, kickboxing center,” said Sheri Barrett, owner of the newest 9Round franchise, located at 65 James St., Worcester. (There are also 9Round gyms in Millbury and Westminster.) “It’s like Curves, but on steroids.” Like Curves – the women-only, 30-minute circuit workout – 9Round relies on circuit training to give its co-ed members a complete workout. 9Round is comprised of nine rounds with a new round starting every three minutes at a new station. Each station consists of a fast-moving and intense exercise for 2½ minutes followed by 30 seconds of rest and is equipped with a trainer to help members along the way. Rounds one and two will get your heart rate up with some strengthening exercises; rounds three through eight focus on kickboxing fitness and bag work; and round nine is reserved for ab work.

“It’s quick, fun and exciting,” said Barrett, adding that the workouts change daily to keep members engaged. “You learn a little bit of martial arts, a little bit of boxing."

Barrett said that members shouldn’t feel intimidated, as the bags are the only things that get hit and working by yourself at each station allows you to go at your own pace. In fact, 9Round was founded by World Champion Kickboxer Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson in 2008 as a way for the average person to experience and

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enjoy the benefits of boxing and kickboxing without getting hit. What resulted was 9Round’s kickboxing-themed, proprietary fitness program. Hudson began franchising gyms in 2009. There are 456 locations across nine countries, and that number continues to grow, thanks to entrepreneurs like Barrett. Barrett, who is studying for her second-degree black belt in Krav Maga, attended her first class in Westminster and was immediately hooked. “I was amazed by how many people in such a small town were there having such a good time,” she said. After two months, she decided to open her own franchise in Worcester. “I’m not the only person who lives here and whose time in limited,” Barrett said, as to why she chose Worcester. “One thing that makes 9Round great is that you can just show up and jump right in. You don’t have to worry about being late and missing the start time of a class.” Barrett’s decision to open a franchise in Worcester was quickly validated when more than 100 people signed up for memberships before the gym’s February opening. “It’s a great place to let go for 30 minutes,” she said, adding that cell phones aren’t allowed in the gym so members can unplug during their workout. “Come down and try it. You will be addicted! Just bring water and an open mind.” For more information, visit 9round.com/fitness/Worcester-MA-x9829.

findingbalance: Restorative yoga By Jennifer Russo At a time of year when we have just about had it with winter cold, dark afternoons and bulky wool jackets, there is a glimmer of spring on the horizon. We are much like the flowers under the ground, just waiting for our chance to wear our bright colors and say

hello to the sun. It is important to remember, though, that with the new season comes another wave of busy activity. Though we are looking forward to the relief of getting out of our walls, we should take this time to restore and rejuvenate.

Restorative yoga is amazing. It is about connecting your body, breath and mind. While

the poses are not as strenuous as other yoga styles, you will hold the pose longer and

just breathe, twisting out all of the toxins that your body has built up with the tension of cold and stress, negativity and perhaps some carryover from our holiday eating

choices. You can use props such as bolsters, blocks and blankets to allow yourself to fully relax into your poses.

I invite you to try the three restorative poses below this month. Throw some nature

sounds on your phone or some soft music. Dim the lights or turn them off and use

a candle or a nightlight. Hold each pose five to 10 minutes with your eyes closed, breathing in to a count of 4 or 5, and breathing out for the same count.

Legs up the Wall: Sit facing a wall and scoot up close to it. Lie down and put

your legs up the wall, getting as close to the wall as possible, so that you are shaped

like the letter “L”. Release all of your muscles. This pose reverses the blood flow in the body, which is excellent for the internal organs.

Extended Child’s Pose: Kneel with your feet touching and your knees out wide. Fold over yourself, so that your forehead is on the ground and reach your hands out in front of you and push on them slightly so your hips go back to your heels. This is a great back and hip stretch and also benefits you by encouraging stronger breathing.

Butterfly Pose: Lie on your back, bend your knees and touch the soles of your

feet together. If you have trouble falling into this pose, place pillows or blocks under your knees. Your arms can be at your sides, palms up, or you can have them on your belly or hips. This pose is a huge stress reliever, a great groin stretch and is also great for the kidneys.

Doing these poses a few times a week will help you feel more relaxed and balanced. You will find yourself more grounded and able to concentrate throughout your busy

day. Once winter has finally said goodbye, you will have renewed energy, a rejuvenated spirit and be ready to take on all the beauty and fun of the warmer weather. The pure light in me honors and respects the same in you. Namaste.

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Lights, magic and naked Aussies!

art+CULTURE

By Sloane M. Perron Most people have nightmares about being naked in front of an audience, but for Australians Christopher Wayne and Mike Tyler, performing magic au natural is not only their passion but their career. On March 2, the Naked Magicians will perform for an 18-plus audience at the Hanover Theatre. Growing up in Brisbane, Wayne and Tyler have been best friends since they were young boys. Wayne described how the duo created this unique, and now internationally famous, show. Wayne said he has been a performer for 11 years. “I have always been doing magic and comedy. Those are my two loves.” Wayne and Tyler were already successful comedians, performing at shows and on television throughout Australia. However, four years ago, the two men added a major twist to their show. Inspired by the newly released Magic Mike movie, Wayne and Tyler were consistently teased by audiences to perform naked. What first was a joke became a serious idea when the duo realized, “No one had ever done naughty magic before.” Wayne described the first night performing magic naked as the scariest thing he has ever done. “I almost threw up,” he said. The first show was a hit, and Wayne and Tyler realized, “There is nothing more fun than standing naked in front of a thousand people listening to them go nuts. Pun intended.” Cheeky humor and amazing eye candy makes this show fun for audiences. However, Wayne said, the Naked Magicians are not just a “skin show.” Instead, the intricate tricks and talent of the two men also make this one of the best magic shows around. Distraction is key to any magic trick. Without clothes to mask their tricks, Wayne and Tyler had to relearn magic in a way that demonstrates their talents as magicians. Although Wayne said he and Tyler like to think that their bodies serve as the best distraction for audience members, he added, “Good magicians don’t need sleeves, but great magicians don’t wear pants.” While the before, they they first comedy club.

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“We owe

Naked Magicians have never been to Worcester have toured the world, including Boston, where tested the concept for the Naked Magicians at a a lot to Boston,” Wayne said. Originally, Wayne and Tyler performed in audiences comprised of a few hundred people, but today, their audiences range from 500 to 2,000 people a night. From the United States and Canada to Asia and Australia, Wayne and Tyler have been able to accomplish their life dream of traveling the world while doing what they love most – performing comedy and magic routines for audiences. At first, the two men were worried about how their risqué act would be perceived in other countries, but they soon realized that comedy and sex are universal. “Everyone has that cheeky side of them,” Wayne said. Audience interaction and participation is key for the Naked Magicians, especially during the huge finale. At the end of each show, Wayne and Tyler do a meet and greet with the audience. The audience usually consists of various ages and both men and women. Wayne said of the meet and greet, “If I had a dollar for every person who pinched me on the ass, I would be a wealthy, wealthy man.” He recalled one his personal favorite show moments. An 85-year-old woman was brought on stage, where Wayne was wearing nothing but a top hat that covered his “magic wand.” Wayne proceeded to flash the woman, at which point the woman literally fell to her knees laughing. Because of the focus on audience participation and individual reactions, no two Naked Magicians shows are the same.

A night of pure escapism, flirty fun and spectacular magic tricks are the goals of every show. Wayne said he and Tyler are looking forward to coming to Worcester. “We’re just a couple of boys from Brisbane, Australia, who just wanted to take their pants off and do card tricks.”

style+beauty

Is there a right way to exfoliate? Yes, there is Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. While some people believe that this improves the appearance of their skin, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say it’s not for everyone and – if not done properly – could do more harm than good. “For some people, exfoliation can actually make their skin worse – with increased redness or acne breakouts,” said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Clare Tung, MD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at Loyola University Medical Center. “If you choose to exfoliate, it’s important to do so safely so that it does not damage your skin.” Since every type of exfoliation may not work for every skin type, Tung said it’s important to consider your skin type before choosing an exfoliation method: Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use. Normal skin is clear and not sensitive. Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough. Oily skin is shiny and greasy. Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. “Understanding your skin type will help you choose an exfoliation method that best suits your skin,” said Dr. Tung. Dr. Tung said there are two main methods for at-home exfoliation – mechanical and chemical – and the method you choose should be guided by your skin type. Mechanical exfoliation uses a tool, such as a brush or a scrub, to physically remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

To prevent skin damage while exfoliating: Consider the skin care products you already use. Some medications and even over-the-counter products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel,

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such as prescription retinoid creams or products containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts. Select an exfoliation method that suits your skin type. Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer just a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for this skin type. Those with oily, thicker skin may want to use stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation. However, avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or notice dark spots on your skin after burns, bug bites or acne breakouts. For some people, especially those with darker skin tones, more aggressive forms of exfoliation may result in dark spots on the skin. Be gentle to your skin. If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently, using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm – not hot – water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned. Follow with moisturizer. Exfoliating can be drying to the skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Find the right schedule for you. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation method. Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated. “If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, or if you have questions about exfoliating your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist,” said Dr. Tung. “A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and help you decide if exfoliation is beneficial for you.” These tips are demonstrated in “How to Exfoliate at Home,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s Video of the Month series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the aad.org and YouTube channel each month.

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