Pulse Magazine: March 2020

MARCH

WORCESTER'S TRANSPORTATION IS...

TAKING OFF! union station

union station photo by chelsea ouellet courtesy of discover central ma

woorides

unique transp

worcester regional airport photos (inside) courtesy of discover central ma

ortation

worcester regi

onal airport

www.thepulsemag.com March, 2020

Let’s Party!

It’s our 10th birthday!

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March 14 12 11 March 14 - 12 - 11

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Artwork

Don’t delete the 281 (background) colored parallelograms.

They can be turned off or on to create new arrangements of windows.

PULSE MAGAZINE: MARCH 2020 COVER STORY

FOOD + DRINK

Worcester’s Transportation 10 is Taking Off!

Dining Review:

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Craft Table & Bar: Worcester’s Creative Cuisine

ENTERTAINMENT Celtic Woman Brings Irish Music to Life

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Central Scene

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NowStreaming: 16 Halsey/Waiver Wire

WORCESTER'S TRANSPORTATION IS...

TAKING OFF!

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Game On:

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Pulse Shots

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Entertainment Listings

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Most Anticipated Games of 2020

Hot & Now

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New Around the Woo:

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The Woo Bar and Grill

Pulse Brew:

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Mead

SPORTS + FITNESS Finding Balance:

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Authentic and Unapologetic

Luxe List:

LIFESTYLE WORCESTER'S CREATIVE CUISINE

READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM

& Fitness Solutions

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420 in the 508:

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Cannabis Drinks and CCC Disarray

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5 Smart Digital Health

Out and About:

Queer AF Returns!

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STYLE + BEAUTY Style Savvy:

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Natural Spring Makeup Guide

Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Sloane M. Perron, Editor sperron@pagioinc.com Clover Graphics in this issue Carl Marzolini, Art Director cmarzolini@pagioinc.com courtesy of freepik.om Matt McNickles, Events & Marketing mmcnickles@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com Anthony Pellegrino, Maria Connors, Rachel Goldman, Chris Reddy, Sales chrisreddy515@gmail.com Mike Wood, Jason Savio, Giuliano D’Orazio, Elliot Mercier, Zoi Traiforos, Design Intern Bernie Whitmore, Paul Giorgio, Rachel Shuster, Ryan Cashman, Jennifer Russo, Merilee Kern and April Goddard. Writers

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: TWITTER @WORCESTERPULSE • INSTAGRAM @WORCESTERPULSE • FACEBOOK.COM/THEPULSEMAGAZINE PULSE Magazine is produced 12 times a year by Pagio Inc., 134 Gold St., Worcester, MA 01608. (508) 756-5006. Copyright 2020 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

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WORCESTER'S TRANSPORTATION IS...

TAKING OFF! by: anthony pellegrino

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In the past, the city of Worcester conjured an image of an old mill town in decline but today the city is experiencing a Renaissance. What was once a flyover city in the heart of Massachusetts is now becoming a tourist destination and business hot spot thanks to improvements such as Polar Park, the Worcester Public Marketplace and the Kelley Square redesign. In this issue of Pulse Magazine, we will explore the modes of transportation that help make Worcester accessible to all!

It is projected that Worcester’s population will grow by tens of thousands in the next decade.

Many of these new residents will be young, working professionals who will be looking for new ways to commute. Fortunately, Worcester has several transportation options to suit the needs of its citizens, notably the Worcester Airport, the WRTA bus system, and the Amtrak commuter rail out of Union Station.

TRAINS New residents are attracted to Worcester because of the more affordable cost of housing, especially compared to cities like Boston and Providence.

Many professionals who reside in Worcester still have careers in cities like Boston. Luckily for them, commuting to work is as easy as purchasing an Amtrak ticket at Union Station and riding the Framingham/Worcester line into South Station in downtown Boston. The distance between Worcester and Boston is approximately 38 miles, and it takes roughly 1 hour and 15 mins to travel between the two cities.

If they were to go the opposite direction on the Amtrak line, Worcester residents can travel into Springfield in only 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Springfield, it is possible for Worcester residents to ride the line 120 miles into New York City for an additional 3 hours and from there they can access trains to bring them anywhere else in the United States! This is something that many new movers may not realize: with the help of the MBTA and

Amtrak, the entire United States is connected to Worcester via Union Station. Worcester residents can get wherever they need to with the Amtrak lines that run throughout the city.

Worcester residents can take advantage of the various rates that the MBTA offers for their train fares: $2.40 - $13.25 for one-way trips based on distance traveled, $10.00 weekend passes, and monthly passes for as low as $90 per month.

Worcester residents who commute into work might be interested in the MBTA Perq Pass. This monthly program allows commuters to get their pass directly through their employer, at tax-advantaged rates. Amtrak trips can get pricey, so if you’re planning on riding the train often you’d be wisest to invest in the MBTA monthly pass, which gives you unlimited travel for the month. The pass isn’t limited to the commuter rail either, the unlimited travel extends towards the subway, buses, and ferries, as well!

union station commuter rail courtesy of discover central ma by chelsea ouellet

BUS SERVICES Worcester residents can take advantage of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) buses, whose routes run all throughout the cityfrom Blackstone Valley, to Tatnuck Square, to Lincoln Plaza, Worcester State University, and more. Fares for the WRTA are $1.25 per ride but are reduced for elderly or disabled riders at $0.85. However, the WRTA also offers monthly passes for $57 per month, or $28.50 reduced.

One notable idea being pushed forward is making the WRTA bus service fare-free. That means residents would no longer have to dish out $1.25 per bus ride. The Worcester City Council was largely supportive of the idea when City Councilor Gary Rosen suggested it during a City Council meeting. During the meeting, the council heard from transportation advocates who have long said that public transportation needs to be more accessible in Worcester.

Worcester residents can ride the Greyhound and Peter Pan buses stationed at Union Station if they need transport somewhere out of the city. Recently, the city of Providence has been added as a destination from Union Station for both Greyhound and Peter Pan buses, with the average Peter Pan trip only taking 55 minutes to make the journey for only $20 per ticket!

wrta bus, courtesy of discover central ma

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UNIQUE TRANSPORTATION Worcester is a changing city and some new and unique forms of intra-city transport are emerging with the city’s growth. Two local startups in particular have been making headlines: WooRides, a neon-colored pedicab (cycle rickshaw) service, and Ride the Woo, an app-based trolley service.

WooRides is a local, worker-owned pedicab service that fields a fleet of neon-colored rickshaws throughout the city. The company was founded in the midst of the Worcester downtown renewal and specifically caters to the ever-developing nightlife in the city. WooRides was also founded with environmental concerns in mind, as their pedicabs have an extremely low carbon footprint. The company states: “We are concerned for our ecology, of which humans are a part, and believe that greening our transportation is key to creating a resilient community.” A WooRide costs at least $5 and may increase with distance. You can find them riding around downtown Worcester or can give them a call at 508-WOO-8439.

Ride the Woo is an upcoming app-based trolley service set to begin service in 2021 following the opening of Polar Park.

The company just purchased its first trolley this January. Like WooRides, Ride the Woo was founded in the midst of Worcester’s on-going downtown Renaissance and will soon connect Worcester residents to the new restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues around the city.

trolley, coutesy of ride the woo

WORCESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT Once a quaint airport with just a small number of flight destinations, the Worcester Regional Airport has been making big moves to connect the City of Worcester to the rest of the United States and the World! For the first time, residents can fly throughout the country from the Worcester Regional Airport and can even make a connection to some international destinations. This means no more long drives to Logan International Airport in Boston!

worcester regional airport courtesy of discover central ma

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Q&A Andy Davis is the Airport Director for the Worcester Regional Airport. He worked with American Airlines for 26 years before being appointed to the director position in 2009.

Q: NOW WITH THE NEW FLIGHTS INTO WORCESTER FROM DETROIT HAVE YOU SEEN AN INCREASING TREND IN ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR THE WORCESTER COMMUNITY? A: “Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) is an economic engine for Central Massachusetts and is poised to serve a critical role for the transportation needs of the New England region. Massport has made improving ORH a priority. Since 2010, Massport has invested heavily in upgrades and capital improvements at Worcester Regional Airport. The investments that Massport has made since 2010 are paying off. The economic impact of the airport has doubled from $50 million to $100 million in recent years. Passengers that use Worcester Regional have five daily flights to choose from on three major airlines. Three of those destinations are airline hubs, therefore our passengers can easily connect and get anywhere in the world. This is the best airport for those looking for a great experience and still be close to home, and not fighting Boston traffic.”

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gional airpo

worcester re

Q: ARE THERE OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES LOOKING TO SET UP SHOP IN WORCESTER?

courtesy of disc

over central m

a

A: “With five daily flights by three major airlines, we think ORH is headed in the right direction, and the elected officials and community leaders have worked with us to get us to where we are today. Passengers using Worcester Regional are just one stop away from more than 120 destinations and essentially anywhere in the world. Plus, investments being made at the airport, including the recently installed Category III system that allows for landings in low visibility weather conditions, continue to make ORH more attractive to airlines.”

Q: WHAT OTHER DESTINATIONS ARE PLANNED IN THE FUTURE FOR THE AIRPORT? A: “Our staff is constantly talking with airlines about serving Worcester Regional, and we hope to have more announcements about new service in the near future.”

courtesy of

tral ma

discover cen

From trains and planes to pedicabs and trolleys, the city of Worcester is innovating transportation to keep up with its growing population and expanding economy. In the past, the city was just a location that existed between Boston and Spring field.

However, today it has established itself as an up and coming city that welcomes diversity, success, and enrichment. Rather than just another city to fly over, Worcester is now the destination stop!

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ENTERTAINMENT

CELTIC WOMAN BRINGS IRISH MUSIC TO LIFE MARIA CONNORS Irish folk music might be considered a cultural item of the past, but you wouldn’t know that from a Celtic Woman concert – this all-female musical ensemble is deeply invested in honoring Irish culture through music that ranges from traditional Celtic tunes to modern songs. Founded in 2004 by David Kavanaugh, Sharon Browne and David Downe, Celtic Woman has embarked on fifteen world tours and won Billboard World Album of the Year a total of six times. Now, they celebrate 15 years of stardom with their Celebration Tour. On March 29th, they will be performing at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Massachusetts.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Máiréad Carlin, a lifelong musician and member of Celtic Woman for the past seven years. Carlin cites her childhood as an important period for developing her love of music, and since completing her studies at Trinity College of Music in London has performed for the President of Ireland, sung the Irish Anthem for the England-Ireland Rugby International to millions of viewers on television and toured the UK and Ireland with American singer-songwriter Don McLean. In addition to Songbook, her debut album released in 2013, she has recorded five albums as a member of Celtic Woman.

Carlin describes the group as being “incredibly grateful” to their loyal fans, who allow the group to “sing and travel the world together.” What to expect from a Celtic Woman concert? Carlin characterizes the group’s music as “a mix of lots of different genres” that stands out through the “harmonies and blend of our

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voices.” She states that group’s ultimate goal is to deliver a performance that leaves people “feeling moved, changed in some way.” As artists who have been stunning audiences for fifteen years, and have cultivated such a loyal fan base, they refer to their audience as the 5th members of Celtic Woman: “their experience is so important to us.”

Celtic Woman is always looking for ways to keep their music original and offer new experiences to their listeners while honoring tradition. Carlin cites The Staves, an indie folk group based in Hertfordshire, England, as one of her primary musical influences. Listening to calming, string-laden songs of The Staves, it is easy to see where Carlin draws her inspiration. She raves; “All I have to do is put on their music and songs just pour out of me.” Her “heightened inspiration” allows Celtic Woman to stand apart from many of their contemporaries in the strength of each individual instrument and vocal qualities, their songs taking on a mythical quality, wrought with whimsy. The vocal harmonies meld seamlessly with their assembly of instruments, both components of their songs standing out as distinctly unique while working alongside the other. Carlin asserts that her favorite songs to perform live are, “either ‘Newgrange’ or ‘Dulaman’” because “I get to be very dramatic in both of those songs, and I totally buzz off that.” This sentiment reaffirms Celtic Woman’s dedication to delivering both an auditory and visual experience to their audience – it is through vocals, accompaniment and an ethereal, captivating visual performance that they have achieved and maintained such a level of success for so long. Their concerts are theatrical, with folk narratives and tropes

often woven into their performances that tell a story through the music.

Celtic Woman received a nomination at the 59th Grammy Awards in 2017 for the Best World Music Album category, an experience which Carlin expresses will be hard to beat. Despite their worldwide success, Celtic Woman still views their achievements as something that can never be taken for granted. “So many people out there are incredibly talented but just don’t get the break,” Carlin muses, reflecting on how luck factors into the creation of successful artists. With the odds stacked against artists in a constantly evolving landscape of art and media, Celtic Woman is keenly aware of the necessity in creating music that is fresh but remains honest to their style, and never letting their fans forget how important they are to the success of their group. This is evident even in the ensemble’s performances – videos of the group’s concerts often show the audience positioned in a circle around the stage, as if to include them in the music, or show the singers walking through the audience to greet their fans and dance with young children. The intimate connections they form with their audience allows Celtic Woman to remain true to the folk roots of their music, a tradition which values community within the arts.

Art is so heavily commercialized in 2020 that it is easy for creatives to remain distant from their audience, crafting themselves into untouchable celebrities. Celtic Woman has married celebrity status with a palpable passion for both their art and their audience, using their platform to elevate the musical traditions that raised them.

THE

CENTRAL SCENE

SAT. 03.28.20 THE PEACHEATERS

Events happening in Central Mass.

DINE! DANCE! PARTY! 20 / Person ( 21+ Only )

RACHEL GOLDMAN

$

Worcester County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Full Dinner Menu also available ROCKIN’ AWESOME BBQ ‘N SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD

Come and partake in the 38th annual St Patrick’s Day Parade March. Whether you are looking for a chance to honor members of the community, watch engaging dance performances or have a family-friendly outing with the kids, the Worcester St Patrick’s Day Parade March is an event you cannot miss. 12 - 3 p.m.,

March 15; Park Ave., Worcester; open to the public; https://stpatsparade.com.

Worcester Irish Festival

Enjoy a wonderful day of celebrating Worcester’s Irish heritage! Treat yourself to a great lineup of entertainment with performances from The Joshua Tree and the McInerney School of Irish Dance. Feast on classic Irish cuisine of corned-beef and cabbage, hot dogs and chips and other great selections all day. End the day with a commemorative “cheers” with a complimentary drink from special beer and wine stands. 12 - 9 p.m., March 7; Saint Spyridon Orthodox Church, Worcester;

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT!

+

FI R EFLYS B B Q . C O M

+

21 + ONLY

(508) 357-8883 350 E . MA I N STR EET, MARLBO RO U G H

$6 - $7.

Annual Irish Pre-Parade Party

Chris Reddy playing Irish classic and contemporary during the Irish Pre-Parade Party. Starting at 7:30 p.m., March 14; The Mill 185, 185 West Boylston Street, West Boylston.

St. Patty’s Day Crawl at Vibrations Night Club and Three G’s

Top of the afternoon to you! Dance the night away at the Vibrations Nightclub with live DJs spinning your favorite tracks, complimentary corned beef & cabbage dinner, green beer, and horse and carriage rides with Rob the Leprechaun!

You’re not going to want to miss this! 2 p.m., March 15;

109 Water St, Worcester.

Canal District Irish Parade Day

Festivities abound in the Canal District with many establishments opening early featuring live entertainment and Irish fare! Along with the Vibrations pub crawl, The Nines on Millbury Street will feature live music by Junk Puppets. Patsey Dugans will serve Corned Beef specials all day. Moonshiners on Water Street will open early and feature live music in the afternoon. Rock Bar will also be open early and will feature an afternoon DJ. Compass Tavern will have corned beef dinner specials and Irish fare with Irish entertainment by Mark Renburke and Tipperary Road at 2pm. March 15; Various Locations, Canal District.

Join Join us us for for the St Patrick’s Parade

Sunday, March 15 Party Starts at 11!

Devlin Band at Noon!

Best Costume Contest!

Loft266 266 •• Proud Proud Sponsor Sponsor St Patrick’s Parade Loft

Get Funky on Parade Day

Funky Murphys, Shrewsbury Street’s most notable Irish bar restaurant, will feature corned beef and cabbage dinners and corned beef sandwiches with live entertainment from 5pm till 8pm followed by Terry Brennan playing all of your Irish favorites at 9pm! Terry and the Brennan Brothers return on St Patrick’s Day playing Irish music from 6pm till 11pm. Starting at 5pm, March 14 and 15; Funky Murphy’s, 305 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester.

Loft 266 • Food, Sports & Entertainment • Open at 4:30 • 266 Park Ave • 508-796-5177 • loft266.com

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NOW

STREAMING

HALSEY/MANIC MIKE WOOD If you like some depth and self-discovery with your pop, Halsey’s third album will deliver the goods. There’s hip hop, country and folk thrown in for good measure, but it’s less about the genre and more about the message. Halsey offers some perspective on loneliness, self-awareness, self-loathing, and of course, love. But, make no mistake, when Ashley Frangipane (Halsey’s given name) sings, she preaches to remind listeners not to feel sorry for themselves: a breakup is not a reason to wallow, it’s a reason to rise above and grow.

So this may not be the album to listen to if you want to whine with your wine. There’s sympathy present, but Manic is more about hard lessons and hard truths and taking responsibility for both. So if you don’t mind self-reflection, let Manic be that mirror—for you and an entire generation. Halsey’s 16-song set is all about this self-reflection and the aforementioned self-discovery, to find a reason behind, well, everything.

If you are ready to navigate your own personal crises, this album shall be your roadmap. If not, be aware: it’s not all cutesy pop, but rather a daring, young artist ready to tell you—us—to take some responsibility for our lives. Twenty-something angst is different in 2020 than it was a decade ago, but the album’s themes will resonate with anyone who has ever been afraid, lost, in love, in a rage, alone, uncertain, or any number of other human maladies. You’d be remiss not to see the lingering influences of artists like Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette or even P!nk.

The album’s opener, simply titled “Ashley” holds that mirror up high and in her face (and ours): “I don’t wanna be somebody in America just fighting the hysteria.”

Manic serves as an autobiography in its raw portrayal of a young woman trying to find her way in an increasingly hostile world. And, as she suggests, no matter our age, aren’t we all?

For more information visit: manicthealbum.com.

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WAIVER WIRE/HOLD YOUR APPLAUSE JASON SAVIO Worcester has a hot new group on its radar. Blinking brightly with a flashy debut EP entitled Hold Your Applause, is Woo Town’s own punk-pop group Waiver Wire.

Waiver Wire’s first release is a bright and tight foursong collection. There’s nothing totally earth shattering here, and the band’s influences are apparent, but it’s a good listen nevertheless. “The Corner and the Cap” starts with a big, catchy guitar hook and right away Waiver Wire has your attention. Like other bands in the genre that have come before, Waiver Wire knows the bread and butter is all in the melody and there’s a strong effort to find it and make the most of it in these songs.

The rhythm of the music is upbeat and steadily fast, but the lyrics aren’t always as cheery. When guitarist and vocalist Josh McKelvie sings, “Every day’s a sequel/a remake of a reboot” in “Money’s Worth,” it comes with a hefty load of disappointment, making for a perfect juxtaposition.

The best song - if you’re from Massachusetts - is “Mass Transit,” a tune that takes the woes of traveling our great state in crappy weather and puts them to more beneficial use as a thoughtful analogy for a relationship on the rocks. McKelvie sings, “When the snow melts it gets better/Rise and fall with the weather/Patch the holes/It’s worse than ever before,” over an anthemic and memorable melody. It’s the perfect ode to traversing state number six and fixing a broken heart.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/ waiverwireband/

MOST ANTICIPATED GAMES OF 2020 JASON SAVIO This year is shaping up to be a big one for the world of video games. With new XBOX and Playstation consoles on the horizon in late 2020, this year will likely go down as a benchmark in gaming history. But, before that, there will be plenty of great titles hitting the shelves to keep us busy while we wait. What’s old is new again in this fresh decade while another game or two is likely to push the envelope and take us to the next level.

DOOM ETERNAL:

It’s time to do some more ripping and tearing in the follow up to 2016’s DOOM. In this sequel, Earth has been taken over by demons who don’t have plans on leaving anytime soon. You’ll be playing once again as the one and only “Doomguy,” but this time around our hero is going by the moniker “DOOM Slayer” following the seismic events that transpired in the previous game. If you’re not up to speed on the story, don’t worry. Like every other DOOM game, the main attraction is kicking as much demon butt as possible to the sound of badass metal music. New weapons—including a gnarly looking sword—are sure to make DOOM Eternal a blast. An added bonus if you pre-order DOOM Eternal is a digital copy of DOOM 64 for all you old school gamers. Release Date: March 20.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE:

One of the most popular video games of all time is getting a 2020 makeover (no, we’re not talking about Resident Evil 3, although that is, too). Final Fantasy VII, which was originally released in 1994 for the very first Playstation console and gained world-wide success, is returning. The story is staying true to the original for the most part with some twists and turns, but you’ll once again have a chance to play as Cloud and try to save the world. Classic Final Fantasy mechanics will be featured in the gameplay, such as the command-based Final Fantasy combat that we already know so well. But there will be some changes as well, including advanced character customization. Conjuring up some magic to bring in otherworld beasts to help in the fight should look awesome in this updated version.

Release Date: April 10.

THE LAST OF US PART II:

The highly anticipated sequel to 2013’s The Last of Us is finally here. Taking place five years after the events in the first entry in the series, The Last of Us Part II sees an older Ellie living in peace until a violent event sends her on a journey back across a post-apocalyptic United States, according to a description on the game’s website, where she runs into some shady characters who she refuses to back down to. It sounds like a revenge story if there ever was one, and judging by the trailer and images we’ve seen so far, it looks like the intensity and action in The Last of Us Part II is going to be off the charts. If you like the Walking Dead but never played The Last of Us, then you should give this a try. It has the same tone and similar approach to storytelling that the popular zombie show has. Release Date:

May 29.

MARVEL’S AVENGERS:

It feels like it has been a long time coming for a proper Avengers console game to hit the scene. You’d figure with the success of the movies, Disney would’ve pushed one in our hands sooner, but all we’ve been getting is Lego games of Iron Man and his friends. Thankfully this year we’ll be getting one that doesn’t involve bricks and is instead closer to an actual Avengers movie. Featuring an original story, Marvel’s Avengers captures our heroes in a not-so-good place. Captain America has apparently been killed, and the Avengers have disbanded following a terrible accident that they were (unfairly?) blamed for, resulting in super heroes becoming outlawed. When the world later finds itself in a dire situation, the group must--you guessed it--reassemble. Marvel’s Avengers looks like it will give us a chance to play as each member of the super hero team and also promises an online multiplayer option that allows you to assemble your own four-person team for clobberin’ time. Release Date: September 4. t h epu ls emag.com

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PULSE SHOTS PHOTOS BY JUSTIN PERRY

"Feel the beat of the city."

MICHAELS- WORCESTER

COMPASS- WORCESTER

MEXICALI- WORCESTER

LOFT 266- WORCESTER

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LAKESIDE GRILL- SHREWSBURY

THE PINT- WORCESTER

MEZE- WORCESTER

THE MILL- WEST BOYLSTON

WHITE EAGLE- WORCESTER

QUINNS- WORCESTER

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE 435 Bar & Grill 435 Lancaster St., Leominster Mar 6: Sean Daley Mar 7: Ethan & Ashley Caouette Mar 13: Brian Chaffee Mar 14: Mike Melendez Mar 20: Fred Ellsworth Mar 21: Matt Soper Mar 27: James Keyes Mar 28: Amanda Cote American Graffiti 113 Summer St., Lunenburg 978-345-1010 Art’s Diner 541 W. Boylston St., Worc.

774-530-6120 Wednesday: Live Acoustic 6 pm B-Man’s 140 Tavern 348 Redemption Rock Trail, Sterling 978-422-9763 140pub.com The Banner Bar & Grille 112 Green St., Worc.

508-755-0879 thebannerbar.com Barbers Crossing (North) 175 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8438 barberscrossingrestaurant.com Friday: Bill McCarthy Beer Garden Pavilion 64 Franklin St., Worc.

774-530-9000 beergardenma.com Mar 6: World Premier Mar 7: Abraxas – Santana Tribute Mar 13: Aquanett Mar 14: Decades by Dezyne Mar 20: Blackstone Soul Mar 21: XS Band Mar 27: Fever Mar 28: LoveSexy – Prince Tribute Black Sheep Tavern 261 Leominster Road, Sterling 978-422-8484 Blueprint New American Bar & Grill 9 Village Square, Westminster 978-668-5580 Mar 5: Scott Babineau Mar 6: Dan Kirouac Mar 12: Ken Macy Mar 13: Mike Melendez Mar 14: Tim & Lou Mar 19: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Mar 20: Rite Tolman Mar 21: Evan Foisy Mar 26: Fred Ellsworth Mar 27: Scott Babineau Duo Mar 28: Brian Chaffee Boardroom 139 Water St., Worc.

508-757-6259 boardroomwoo.com Boulder Cafe 880 Main St., Fitchburg 978-345-0008

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Breakaway Billiards 104 Sterling St., Clinton 978-365-6105 Mar 14: Synergy Mar 21: Certain Tremble Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road, Shirley 978-425-4311, 877-536-7190 bullrunrestaurant.com Cedar Box Lounge 15 Hamilton St., Worc.

508-373-2314 Chuck’s Steak House and Margarita Grill 10 Prospect St., Auburn 508-832-2553 chucks.com Mar 7: Pete Towler Mar 14: Liam Coleman Mar 21: Rick Hamel Mar 28: Alley Kings Civic Kitchen & Drink 121 West Main St., Westborough 508-329-5179 /www.civickitchenanddrink.com Classic's Pub 285 Central St., Leominster 978-537-7750 classicspub.net Columbia Tavern 28 Manning Ave., Leominster 978-751-8962 Compass Tavern 90 Harding St., Worc.

508-304-6044 thecompasstavern.com Thursday: DJs Friday: Live Acoustic 7-10 pm - DJs 10pm Saturday: DJs Mar 6: John Sage Mar 15: Post Parade Party with Tipperary Road Dark Rose Saloon 274 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-926-8780 Mar 6: Dwayne Haggins Mar 7: Your Mother Mar 20: Aaron Finnean Mar 21: Soul Syndication Days End Tavern 287 Main St., Oxford 508-987-1006 Mar 6: Wheeler Smith Mar 7: Windfall Mar 13: Drunken Uncles Mar 14: Easily Amused Mar 20: Kevin Shield Mar 21: Brumbletones Mar 27: JKRak & Cairo Mar 28: Teter Todders Electric Haze 26 Millbury St, Worc.

508-799-0629 Fiddlers’ Green Pub & Restaurant 19 Temple St., Worc, 508-792-3700 Mar 7: Worcester Irish Festival Mar 13: Young Wolftones Mar 15: Post Parade Party Mar 17: St. Patrick’s Day Party Firefly's/Dante’s 350 E. Main St., Marlborough 508-357-8883 fireflysbbq.com Mar 6: VinylEcho Mar 7: Rumour Hazit

Mar 13: Eclipse Mar 14: Bone City Mar 20: True North Mar 21: Starr Faithfull Mar 27: Boston Rock & Soul Revue Mar 28: The Peacheaters Forty’s 1030 Central St., Leominster 978-534-7026 Funky Murphy's Bar & Grill 305 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-753-2995 funkymurphys.com Sunday: Live Music Monday: Live Music Wednesday: Live Music Thursday: Live Music Mar 15: St Patrick's Day Post Parade Party with Terry Brennan Mar 17: St Patrick's Day with Terry Brennan 4-6pm Mar 17: Brennan Brothers 6-11pm Gardner Ale House 74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com Thursday: Big Music Nights & Audio Wasabi Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music Sunday: Jazz Brunch Monday: Blue Mondays - Live Blues!

The GazBar Sports Grill 1045 Central St., Leominster thegazbar.com Mar 5: Dan Cormier Mar 6: Me Maniac Loves You Mar 7: Randy McGravey Mar 12: Victoria Kelly Mar 13: Hitchcock Blondes Mar 14: Lizzy Marquis Mar 19: Joe Macey Mar 20: Jae Mannion Mar 21: Ashley & Ethan Mar 26: Rick Hamel Mar 27: Amanda Cote Mar 28: Mike Melendez Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. 55 Millbrook St., Worcester ggimperials.com Greendale's Pub 404 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-853-1350 greendalespub.com Mar 6: Petty Larceny Mar 7: She's Busy Mar 8: Greendale's Sunday Jam featuring Tony Soul & Mike K Mar 13: Pete Towler Band Mar 14: Clam Digger Mar 15: Greendales Sunday Jam featuring Arny Spielberg Mar 20: Riff Raff Mar 22: Sunday Jam hosted by Mike G featuring Mike Lynch Mar 27: Tony Soul Project Mar 28: Come dance with the Road Owls Mar 28: Road Owls Mar 29: Greendales Sunday Jam featuring Jodee Frawlee Halligan's Bar and Function Hall 889 Southbridge St., Auburn 508-832-6793 halligansbar.com Thursday: Mike G & Vi Duo Mar 5: Whiskey Night Mar 7: Tigerlily Mar 13: Brumbletones Mar 14: St Patrick's Day Party with The Verge

Mar 20: Til Dawn Mar 21: Boombox Mar 27: XS Band Mar 28: Olympics Fundraiser - 12 Bands, Food & Raffles Happy Jack’s 785 North Main St., Leominster 978-466-3433 Hotel Vernon 1 Millbury St., Worc.

Indian Ranch 200 Gore Road, Webster 508-943-3871 indianranch.com

Legends Airport Rd., Fitchburg 978-342-6500 www.facebook.com/centericebar Leitrim's Pub 265 Park Ave., Worc.

508-798-2447 leitrimspub.com The Local Tavern 680 Main St., Holden 508-829-3008 Loft 266 Bar & Lounge 266 Park Ave., Worc.

508-796-5177 loft266.com Thursday: DJ X Kaliber Friday: DJ Joe T Saturday: DJ Joe T Mar 5: DJ Joe T Mar 15: Jim Devlin - St. Patrick's Day Parade Mar 21: Jay Graham Marty's Pub 225 Canterbury St., Worc.

508-754-0033 martyspub.com MB Lounge 40 Grafton St., Worc.

508-799-4521 mblounge.com Wednesday: Karaoke with Mikey Mic’s Thursday: Throw Back Thursdays Friday: Dance Night with Guest and House DJs Saturday: Dance Night with Guest and House DJ’s Sunday: Game Night Sundays Mar 14: White Party Mar 24: Paint & Sip Mar 26: Throwback to the 80s with Giuliano Medusa Brewing Company 111 Main St., Hudson 978-310-1933 medusabrewing.com Meze Estiatorio 116 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-556-4242 mezeestiatorio.com Michael’s Cigar Bar 1 Exchange Place, Worc.

508-459-9035 michaelscigar.com Mar 4: Dezi Garcia Mar 5: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Mar 6: Inside Out Band Mar 7: Hit the Bus Mar 8: Sam Nitsch Mar 11: Dan Decristofaro Mar 12: Jodee & Brian

@worcesterpulse

Mar 14: Blue Light Bandits Mar 15: Mike Melendez Mar 18: Dezi Garcia Mar 20: Abraxas Mar 21: Neon Alley Mar 22: Sam Nitsch Mar 25: Dan Decristofaro Mar 26: Brett Brumby Mar 27: Doctor Robert Mar 28: Real Cool Cats The Mill 185 185 W. Boylston St., W. Boylston 774-261-8585 themill185.com Mar 5: Amanda Cote Mar 6: Joe Macey Mar 7: James Keyes Mar 12: Night Train Mar 13: Jay Graham Mar 14: Chris Reddy - Irish Parade Party Mar 19: Dan Cormier Mar 20: Midnight Riders Mar 21: Giulianno D'Orazio Mar 26: Tim Leavitt Mar 27: Chad Clements Mar 28: Bill McCarthy Mill City Pub 19 Airport Rd., Fitchburg 978-342-2134 Thursday: Live Music Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music Mar 7: Auntie Trainwreck: Twin Cities Soiree Mill Street BBQ Company 242 Mill Street Worcester, MA 508-762-9990 The Monument Tap 13 Central St., Leominster 978-798-4653 monumenttap.com Moonshiners 105 Water St., Worc. www.facebook.com/pg/moonshinerscountrybarworcester Thursday: Throwback Thursdays - DJs Mar 6: Eric Grant Band Mar 7: Whiskey-6 Mar 14: Tailgates Down Mar 15: Parade Day Open 11am Live Music Mar 20: Roadhouse Mar 21: Andrew McManus Band Mar 27: Pete Towler Band Mar 28: Monkeykat The Muse 536 Main St., Worc.

508-756-6873 Nick's Bar and Restaurant 124 Millbury St., Worc.

508-753-4030 Olde Post Office Pub 1 Ray St., N. Grafton 508-839-6106 The Palladium 261 Main St., Worc.

508-797-9696 thepalladium.net Mar 4: Silent Planet: Trilogy 2020 Mar 14: Cody Jinks Mar 14: Insomnium Mar 19: Sanction Mar 20: Dragonforce - USA 2020 LEVEL 2 Mar 20: Tiny Moving Parts Mar 21: JAM'N Presents: Method Man & Redman Mar 28: Emo Night Brooklyn

/thepulsemagazine

Park Grill and Spirits 257 Park Ave., Worc.

Friday: Live Music Saturday: Live Music Mar 15: Parade Day with Flock of Assholes Partner's Pub 970 South St., Fitchburg 978-345-5051 partnerspub.com Sunday: Karaoke Wednesday: Karaoke Friday: Karaoke Mar 7: Whiskey Johnson Mar 14: Immortal Jellyfish Mar 17: St Patrick's Day with Matt & Marty 4pm Mar 21: Dave Harrington Patsie Dugan's 49 Millbury St., Worc.

508-755-4155 patsiedugans.com The Pint 58 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-414-1314 Point Breeze On the Lake 114 Point Breeze Road, Webster 508-943-0404 pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com Press Box 536 Lincoln St., Worc.

508-856-9255 Saturday: Karaoke Mar 15: Parade Day with Chris Reddy 2pm Purgatory Beer Company 670 Linwood Ave, Whitinsville 508-596-2194 Quinn’s Irish Pub 715 W. Boylston St., Worc.

508-459-2025 quinnsirishpub.com Mar 4: Cara Brindisi Mar 5: John Brazile Mar 6: Sam James Mar 7: Brennan Brothers Mar 8: Kevin Shields Mar 11: Ken Macy Mar 12: Sam James Mar 13: Jennifer Tefft Mar 14: Terry Brennan Mar 15: St Patrick's Parade Day Mar 18: Josh Briggs Mar 19: John Brazile Mar 20: Chad Clements Mar 21: Lyssa & Chelsea Mar 22: Tim Pacific Mar 25: Mike Melendez Mar 26: Sam James Mar 27: Graham Brown Mar 28: Lizzy Marquis Ralph's Chadwick Square Diner 148 Grove St., Worc.

508-753-9543 ralphsrockdiner.com Rascals 70 James St., Worc.

508-757-6977 www.danceranchandsaloon.com Wednesday: Line Dancing Thursday: Line Dancing Friday: Line Dancing Mar 7: How Bizarre - The Reunion Show!

Mar 14: Dock 10 Mar 21: Shot of Poison with opener Burning Sky Mar 28: Flock of Assholes

The Raven 258 Pleasant St., Worc.

508-304-8133 Wednesday: Open Mic/Open Jam River Styx Brewing 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg http:www.riverstyxbrewing.com Thursday: Thursday Night Trivia Mar 6: Jon - Arianna & Martin Mar 7: The Highway Kind Mar 13: Charlie Marie Mar 14: Sean Daley Mar 17: St Patrick's Day with Garold Amadon Mar 20: Yappy Hour Fundraiser with Ian Wilkens Mar 27: 77 Suspects Mar 28: Jon Francis Rock Bar 81 Water St., Worcester 774-243-7000 Wednesday: Karaoke Mar 6: Chris Houston Mar 6: Double Shot Boston Mar 7: Everybody Wants Some - VH Tribute Mar 8: Wicked Betty & Bad Habits Mar 12: Sunset Strippers Mar 13: Doctor Robert Mar 14: War on Alexandria & Wicked Daughter Mar 15: Post Parade Party - DJ Mar 20: The Sickness - Disturbed Tribute Mar 21: Windfall Mar 22: Brian Martin Mar 22: Max Boris Mar 26: Sunset Strippers Mar 27: The Brumbletones with Opener Booty & The Jette Mar 28: Brett Brumby Mar 28: Audiojam Mar 29: Mile 57 Rye & Thyme 14 Monument Square, Leominster 978-534-5900 ryeandthyme.com Mar 20: Doctor Robert Mar 26: Chris Reddy Acoustic Loops from Hell Singapore Restaurant 170 Whalon St., Fitchburg 978-345-0132 Mar 6 & 7: Doctor Robert South Side Grille & Margarita Factory 242 W. Broadway, Gardner 978-632-1057 Mar 6: Redbridge Duo Mar 7: Booty & The Jette Mar 13: Lizzy Marquis Mar 14: Cheers Forever Mar 20: Ken Macy Mar 21: Phineas Gage Mar 27: Big Dave & The Captain Mar 28: Tony Soul Project Spruce Street Tavern 68 Spruce St., Clinton 978-368-1255

Mar 21: The Ash Boys Mar 27: Dan Cormier Mar 28: ME Strickland Tryst Lounge 320 Main St., Fitchburg 978-400-7906 www.thetrystlounge.com Vibrations 109 Water St., Worc. www.facebook.com/pg/VibrationsNightclub Friday: Latin Nights Saturday: Saturday Night Dance Partys Victory Bar & Cigar 56 Shrewsbury St., Worc.

508-756-4747 victorycigarbar.com Vincent's Bar 49 Suffolk St., Worc.

508-752-9439 Tuesday: Boogie Chillin' Tuesdays Wachusett Brew Yard 175 State Rd. E, Westminster 978-874-9965 http:www.wachusettbrewingcompany.com Mar 6: Hot Mess Mar 7: Boothill Express Mar 8: Scott Babineau Mar 13: The Mighty King Snakes Mar 14: St Patrick's Day Party Mar 20: Ha Ha -Chusett Showcase Mar 21: Darren Bessette Band Mar 22: Rich Laurencelle Mar 27: Bruce Jacques Mar 28: Haywire Mar 29: Kyle & Matt Black Whiskey Hookah Lounge 316 Main St., Worc.

Whiskey on Water 97 Water St., Worc.

774-578-8829 Thursday: DJ Cuz'n Kev Friday: DJ Tec Threat Mar 7: Feel Good Drift Mar 14: Hit the Bus Mar 21: He Said She Said Mar 28: The Flat 5 White Eagle Polish Club 112 Green St., Worc.

774-245-1991 Thursday: Musical Bingo Friday: DJs Saturday: DJs Mar 15: Post Parade Party with The Bubbleheads Mar 21: The Flock of Assholes Mar 28: Jeff Anderson Solo Acoustic Mar 29: Sunday Funday with Wise Guy Trivia

The Sunset Tiki Bar 79 Powers Rd., Westford 978-692-5700 sunset-tiki.com

William's Restaurant & Tavern

The Tavern on Central 3 Central St., Ashburnham 978-827-1272 thetavernoncentral.com Mar 6: The Middlemen Mar 7: Ton of Blues Mar 13: Scott Babineau Mar 14: Brian Chaffee Mar 20: Jacqueline Burns

50 Franklin St., Worc. /thewoohaha.com

184 Pearson Blvd, Gardner 978-632-7794

WooHaHa Comedy Club

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23

OUT & ABOUT QUEER AF RETURNS!

GIULIANO D’ORAZIO Following two years of growing and vibrant events, Queer AF, presented by HIV Advocates, an initiative of Healthcare Advocates International, is back for its third year. Queer AF III focuses on celebrating beauty in all forms. The event represents identities across gender, sexuality, body diversity, disability, race, ethnicity, and more. Queer AF will take place at the AC Marriott Hotel on Saturday, April 18, 2020. The show serves as the main fundraising event for Love Your Labels, a nonprofit organization with a vision of a world free of bias, stigma and shame.

Founded in February 2018 in Worcester, Love Your Labels mission is to support LGBTQIA+ young people’s mental, emotional and physical health through programs that facilitate identity development, social-emotional learning, and economic mobility pathways. In the fall of 2019, thanks to funds raised at last year’s Queer AF, Love Your Labels launched the first class of Threads: Woven Together, a groundbreaking youth program which uses fashion and design as a lens to discuss identity, stigma, and navigating the world as a young queer person.

In addition to Threads, Love Your Labels runs a bi-monthly Drag Queen Story Time at Redemption Rock Brewing Co. on Shrewsbury Street. The next story time takes place on Sunday, April 26 from 11:00AM - 12:00PM. These events are free and a great opportunity to strengthen the networks of queer and ally families looking for safe community spaces — and it’s a ton of fun for folks of all ages!

Moving into year three, Love Your Labels aims to use funds raised at Queer AF III to enrich current programs like Threads and Drag Queen Story Time, reach a wider audience of queer youth and families, and launch new programs which further the mission of helping LGBTQ+ youth live healthy and fulfilling lives. In addition to helping support the mission and important advocacy work of Love Your Labels, Queer AF has historically been an extraordinarily exciting and fun nightlife experience for the audience — and this year, the team behind the event plans to deliver their most engaging and immersive show yet. After last year’s event, which sold out four weeks in advance, the team set their sights on a larger venue to accommodate greater capacity, a larger runway, more accessibility, and state-of-the-art audio/ visual reinforcement. Previous years have included guests like Project Runway All Star Sam Donovan, drag star Joslyn Fox (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Cory Wade (America’s Next Top Model), Pretty Snake (Project Runway), and queer social media icon Rain Dove. The event, true to its inclusive vision, has also highlighted and given a platform to local artists, drag queens and musicians.

Trust me when I say that this event is unlike anything Central Mass has to offer.

The intersection of its strong vision for social impact with a through-the-roof, exhilarating experience makes Queer AF (and its fierce after party!) a staple event for Worcester nightlife. Tickets for Queer AF III are on sale now at QueerAF. org. Premium runway seating and general admission tickets are available — but get them fast before they sell out! Also, if you or someone you know is interested in participating in the show as a model, performer, or volunteer, hop on over to QueerAF.org for an application to get involved!

Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him pronouns) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, active member of the local LGBTQ+ community, and a board member of Love Your Labels.

Email him at: giulianodoraz@gmail.com — Instagram: @musicbygiuliano

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420 IN THE 508:

CANNABIS DRINKS AND CCC DISARRAY ELLIOT MERCIER Oh how times can change within the short span of a year. Once lauded as a step in the right direction, The Cannabis Control Commission is now often seen by consumers and business owners as a tedious, unsatisfactory and ultimately frustrating institution that never seems to do enough to improve or innovate. In other words, green advocates and sellers now have their own personal version of the DMV: a place of necessity in the big picture but filled to the brim with annoyances and is about as pleasant to negotiate with as a person who doesn’t listen to anything you say and periodically dumps hot tea on your thigh. At the time of writing, a few of the Commission’s public meetings have been disrupted by protesters accusing the institution of devolving into favoritism and only allowing big businesses to have access to necessary information.

Neighborhoods relying on dispensaries to relieve the effects of drug crime are understandably furious at the lack of proper guidance, leading to the high possibility of their humble shops never being made or being launched on faulty grounds that will inevitably collapse. A lack of faith in upcoming businesses and new entrepreneurs is likely to instill further distrust in the government facility than was already present. Perhaps the lack of communication can be blamed on the overwhelming amount of requests the CCC gets for aspiring green sellers as the years go on, but ambiguity is frustrating for any venture and infuriating to participants.

In other, much more optimistic ventures, it seems that those who would like to experience the effects of THC and CBD without having to smoke it will finally have an option outside of pot brownies. Ever thought about just simply drinking something infused with THC to get the desired high? No? Well now that’s an option that might very well become commonplace in 2020. A cannabis beverage shop called TINC has already opened in Georgetown and several big alcohol companies are vying to get in on the cannabis pie.

There could be a surplus of these niche shops showing up within the latter half of the year. Most of these stores would likely have to go through extensive licensing procedures if they were to sell alcohol alongside the purely THC based products.

The licenses for alcohol and marijuana require separate processes and might incentivize a different screening method. For example, if someone consumes too much of a drink containing both substances, what should they be charged with if the individual is operating a motor vehicle? Alcohol and THC being within the same beverage will likely be heavily discouraged. Improper sign postage in those situations could lead to a green-out, an occurrence in which the effects of marijuana are too strong for the brain to handle, leading to hypermanic activity or paranoia.

If the CCC can provide businesses with transparency, productivity in the market will undoubtedly soar, but long term survival will be the ultimate test for entrepreneurs. t h epu ls emag.com

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FOOD + DR I N K

DINING REVIEW

WORCESTER'S CREATIVE CUISINE

BERNIE WHITMORE

As we walked to a meeting at City Hall, my neighbor expressed disappointment that after a recent encounter with a friend there was no place downtown to get a cup of coffee. That was cue for me to shift into Worcester Booster mode and point out the several new coffee houses within seconds of the Common.

Unlike so many others, she is relatively new to town and still catching up with what’s going on. Far more common are the ‘natives’ who just assume nothing will ever happen in Worcester. To those people I say, “Open your eyes and pay attention! You’re missing out!”

A prime example of the expanding growth in the city’s center came on my recent evening at Craft Table and Bar. On the half-flight of steps down from Franklin Street, I still wasn’t ready for the total overhaul of this ancient space. It’s a long room, arrayed on the right with a full bar; plenty of beer taps and wine on display. Facing that, a row of high-top tables divides a dining room that is anchored in front by a semi-private dining space.

Weirdly enough, what really converted me into a believer was the bathroom. It’s huge, cutting-edge and pristine. Whoever recovered this space from the rundown wreck it once was left no stone unturned; the place is totally transformed to urban-chic with a welcome shine.

I met my friend at Craft Table on a Tuesday evening; we were initially crestfallen to learn that they only offered the bar menu that night. Undeterred, I scanned

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it and found a narrow range of intriguing options. So, we stayed. It helped that the waiter was so friendly and engaging; she was generous with information, advice and her time.

We started with a couple appetizers. First, their charcuterie and cheese board; sticks of sharp cheese teamed up with razor-thin slices of serrano ham that we loaded onto crumbly shards of toasted bread.

Flavor contrasts came in the form of sticky pumpkin seed brittle, stone-ground mustard and spicy-sweet pepper jam.

Then we turned our attention to the Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos. Very exciting! This exceeded any tuna poke I’ve encountered. Chunks of red ahi tuna were crusted with sesame and then tossed with creamy avocado, hot jalapeno slices and furikaka, spiced with sriracha andn finally cooled with umami wasabi mayonnaise. These nachos were served over a bed of crispy wonton ‘nachos’; visually attractive with delightful flavor and textural contrasts.

crammed with a couple inches of soft-braised, short rib meat blended with sweet red onion marmalade.

The result? Irresistible, meaty candy with a profoundly beefy flavor, moist and sweet. One half of my sandwich went home for tomorrow’s lunch. Cutting through the meaty richness was my glass of Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company’s Cat’s Meow IPA was a perfect match with its crisp, hoppy bitter flavor. Cat’s Meow has been appearing in several restaurants – it’s a solid choice on its own or with any dish.

My friend’s Craft Burger extended the winning streak. Served on a glistening pretzel bun, the handformed patty was topped with black peppered bacon strips, pickled red onion and curly leaves of arugula.

It was cooked exactly as ordered, red in the middle.

This burger packed yet another beefy blast of flavor.

Both meals came with shoe-string fries drizzled with truffle oil and tossed with shreds of parmesan cheese.

If “Craft Cuisine” implies meals conceived with imagination, made by hand using local ingredients, then Craft Table seems to be living up to its name. I’d soon discover what happens when ‘craft’ meets the mundane grilled cheese sandwich.

By now, we all know what craft brewing is and the excitement it’s brought to the beer experience. To underscore that point, Craft Table and Bar has plenty of local craft brews on tap. If they can bring that same artisanal sensibility to hamburgers and grilled cheese; I can’t wait to return on a night with the full entrée menu.

My entrée, Short Rib Grilled Cheese, was two fistfuls of meaty devastating decadence. Rich, sour dough bread was sliced thick and then grilled until its texture was toasted buttery golden brown. The sandwich was then layered with melty, gouda cheese and

50 Franklin St, Worcester (774) 530-9030 www.crafttableandbar.com

HOT & NOW What’s hot and happening now in the restaurant scene

PAUL GIORGIO

KING OF THE CASTLE. The iconic Castle Restaurant in Leicester, a mainstay

in the area's restaurant scene for decades is up for sale. The Castle was an epicurean’s delight serving classical cuisine. It has been owned by the Nicas family for two generations. Stanley Nicas, the godfather of Worcester’s dining scene, opened it over 50 years ago. It will remain open until it sells.

IT LEFT A BAD TASTE. Taste Of Mediterranean on Worcester’s Franklin

Street has closed. This marks the second restaurant bordering Worcester’s common to close in two months.

THE FIX IS IN. The Fix Burger Bar owned by Worcester based Niche Hospitality opened its second location at the beginning of February in Marlborough.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Worcester’s Public Market located in Kelly Square opened the first week of February and has been mobbed ever since. The numerous food stalls sell everything from bagels to sushi. Wachusett Brewery’s tap room anchors the 20,000 sq. foot marketplace.

IF IT’S MARCH, IT’S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME. The local Girl Scouts announced its Fork It Over fundraising event at a new location, Mechanics Hall in Worcester on March 12, 2020. The annual Girl Scout Cookie culinary competition features some of the region’s top chefs creating both sweet and savory dishes using favorites like Thin Mints®, Samoa’s® and Do-si-dos® and presenting their creations to attendees and a distinguished panel of judges. This year’s chefs include those from: Bay Path Tech. Voc. High School, Bushel N’ Peck, D&D Taste of Puerto Rico, JPs Twisted BBQ & Grille, Karol’s Corner Take Out, Milk & Sugar, Mill St. BBQ Company, NOMS Eatery, Nuestra, Old Sturbridge Village, Pepe’s Italian Restaurant, and Publick House.

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE IS BARBEQUE. Sources tell us that Sturbridge’s award-winning BT’s Smokehouse will be opening a Worcester location at the corner of Park Ave and Chandler Streets in the old D’Angelo’s. We don’t have an opening date yet, but you will smell the smoke.

THEY’RE MOVING EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE KITCHEN SINK. LaCucina on Worcester’s Hamilton Street is expanding and moving. This family owned eatery, which serves classic Italian American food at very reasonable prices is packing up and moving to Worcester’s Grafton Street. They will be moving into the space that for years was home to Mrs. Mack’s bakery. In addition to a larger space, they will have much more parking. Watch for a springtime opening.

EXPANDING THEIR EMPIRE. Richard Romaine of Romaine’s in North-

borough and his business partner Peter Rano of Worcester’s Smokestack BBQ will soon be opening a third eatery. They will be taking over the space formerly occupied by DaCosta Pizza across the street from Worcester’s Greater Good Brewery on Millbrook Street. DaCosta’s had great Neapolitan pizza but a bad attitude. t h epu ls emag.com

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NEW AROUND THE WOO

NEW AROUND THE WOO:

THE WOO BAR AND GRILL RACHEL SHUSTER Located at 358 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, The Woo Bar and Grill is bringing the city delicious eats and drinks with some flair.

Co-owners Jon Pittsley and Edinei Rocco opened the spot in December of 2019, and it’s been non-stop ever since. “We took over the building on October 31, opened on December 26 and it’s been crazy since then,” Pittsley says. “We thought, ‘Oh, it’s going to be nice and business will trickle in, but as soon as we opened it’s been BAM!” Pittsley adds.

Prior to The Woo Bar and Grill, Pittsley, who has lived in Worcester for 30 years, worked in Natick at Dolphins for 23 years, as well as some time working in nursing home in Northbridge and a pizza place. “My dream was to open a small, pub-style bar,” he says.

Two years prior to opening, Pittsley and Rocco talked about opening a place together. “We tried to lock this location in for over a year,” Pittsley says. “My partner [Rocco] fell in love with this location. He loved that it was small enough, but big enough.” The perfect space size called for the perfect staff size – small! There is parking in front but additional parking in the back.

“We have a small staff of about 3-4 people working at a time who share everything including service for the whole space,” Pittsley says. “Our servers/mixologists just nail the service. I couldn’t be happier with the staff we have. They take the time to listen and see what guests want.”

As for the menu, The Woo Bar and Grill offers great pub-style food and drinks with a Brazilian flair, made from the best quality products. “My partner is originally from Brazil, so we have some Brazilian dishes,” Pittsley says. “We can’t keep the yuka soup on the menu!” Menu items include appetizers like Brazlian

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favorites chicken coxinha and yuka fries, soups, salads, pizza, sandwiches and “Woo Plates.” “These are our smaller versions of entrees like pasta and meatballs, chicken marsala and check stir-fry,” Pittsley says. They also have specials, including some Brazlian dishes.

As for pricing, they try to cater to everyone’s budget.

“The reason why we don’t do full entrees is that we try to keep food local and reasonable priced,” Pittsley says. The beef tenderloin is the most expensive at $15.99. The bar also offers a great menu. “Our servers/mixologists come up with craft cocktails,” Pittsley says. “We have a huge list of craft beers as well and keep it all local. We are hooked up with Redemption Rock Brewing Company across the street,” he adds.

The bar is a horseshoe shape and fits around 20-25 people. Cocktails are made with house-made simple syrups, fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice, and fresh ginger. Some of these delicious cocktails include a smoked whiskey sour and a Woo Caipirinha.

Beyond the bar, the space has nine tables and holds about 42 people inside and then the outdoor space holds 24 people. “The space caters to everyone and is very neighborhood friendly,” Pittsley says. “It’s simple, not overwhelming.”

As for events, there is acoustic guitar on Friday nights and trivia on Tuesday nights. The Woo Bar and Grill is open Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30am – 11pm and closed on Monday.

For more information visit: https://thewoobar.com/ or find them on Facebook.

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PULSE BREW MEAD

RYAN CASHMAN I need to start this month with an apology. For the second time in this series on new beers from local brewers, I’m writing about a beer you can no longer purchase. I’m sorry! But look at it from this perspective: I can’t have it again either.

That is my penance, because what follows is a profile of the best beer I’ve had in a long time.

We begin in the 13th century, for that is when braggots first began appearing in the monastic hills of medieval Europe. Braggot - not to be confused with braggarts, who were as afoot in the Dark Ages as they are today in Washington D.C. - is part mead/part beer. For the unaware, mead is fermented honey and has been a popular alcoholic drink throughout history. In my nerdy head, mead conjures images of Sir John Falstaff causing drunken mischief across Shakespearean London.

This is not a common thought, since Falstaff preferred sherry.

Anyway …

In modern America, mead sits in a niche market. It’s not produced in mass quantities chiefly because its main ingredient, honey, is expensive. And that is exactly the conundrum we find ourselves in with the 3Cross Balance Bike #3 - The Braggot.

Now reopened after a hiatus in which they renovated their taproom and dreamed up ideas for new beers, 3Cross Fermentation Cooperative of Worcester is brewing some of the city’s best, and most flavorful, beer. The Balance Bike Series is 3Cross’ experimentation list. Brewed specifically in small batches and tweaked until they become the beer the brewer wants it to be, you’re bound to encounter something curious, like the #1 - a cherry sour, or the #4 - a dark Belgian strong ale with a 9.2% abv. Then comes #5 - 3, sir! - #3!

3Cross’ braggot looks unassuming on first pour, though the closer you look the liquid begins to take on mild notes of crimson. This tint is due to the fact that the drink in your hand is 49% cranberry blossom honey and 51% beer. The first sip is a revelation of taste: cranberry notes combining with the light wort of the beer, and then the bite of the alcohol emerging from the sugars. It’s not a strong bite, like you’d find with an IPA. It’s mild. Everything about this beer is mild, except the flavor that comes through in the honey. The cranberry blossom emerges as the leading flavor. It’s floral, tart, crisp, and sweet without being overbearing. Balance Bike #3 is everything a honey beer should bee - pun and spelling intended.

It’s flavorful, light, and lets the honey sing, which is the whole point. It’s just a shame that beer like this is not economically feasible for a small brewing operation to make en masse. So, it’s with fleeting sadness that we bid a fond farewell to Balance Bike #3, with the hope that it makes its way into our glasses again someday.

Next month I promise I’ll write about a beer you can actually drink!

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FINDING BALANCE AUTHENTIC AND UNAPOLOGETIC

JENNIFER RUSSO We all grow up with a desire to be liked by other people. Part of being human is wanting meaningful connection with others. When we are children, we want our parent’s approval. When we are school-aged, some may desire to be “popular”, but really, we just want to have good friends around us. Even as adults, after we have experienced life a little more, we thrive on interactions with people in our various communities. This is all well and good, but it’s critical to check in with ourselves from time to time. Are we being 100% our authentic selves around the people we care about or the people we meet? Do we freely look the way we want to, share our true opinions, express what we are passionate about, and wear our thoughts and emotions on our sleeves? And if we aren’t…why?

Whether or not you believe in a higher power or have a more scientific perspective, you are the only you…entirely unique in your look, your thoughts, your interests, your talents, your ideas, and your view of what makes the world beautiful.

No one else has the exact combination that is everything you are…so why alter any of those things to please another person? There must be a point of realization here. Will everyone agree with everything you think? No. Will everyone be attracted to how you look? No. Will everyone like you? No. And if you live your life embracing entirely your one-of-a-kind awesomeness, you will recognize that it’s all perfectly fine.

Live unapologetically. You have so much YOU to offer the world.

POSE OF THE MONTH: LOW LUNGE Go into a plank or upward dog position and step your right foot so that it is between your hands on the floor. With your knee at a 90-degree angle, slide your other leg back so that you are stretching out your hip, with the top of your foot on the floor. You can stay here or steady yourself and raise your chest up straight and raise your arms up to the sky, turning your pinky fingers in toward each other slightly. Repeat on the other side.

This powerful, strength building pose is great for your hips and core, and promotes balance and confidence too.

example of the low lunge.

Photo Credits: www.wetravel.com

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LUXE LIST: 5 SMART DIGITAL HEALTH & FITNESS SOLUTIONS Merilee Kern With every Spring season comes a glut of diet and fitness-focused trends. With this understanding, throngs of tech companies are finding innovative ways to keep people engaged and motivated as they endeavor to get fit and healthy...and stay that way. With that in mind, here are five savvy digital diet and fitness solutions that are sure to help you shed those stubborn pounds.

TONAL INTELLIGENT HOME GYM Created by former Apple, Nest and GoPro engineers and designers, Tonal is the world’s first machine learning-powered strength training system. This intelligent home gym pairs on-demand workouts and personal coaching with a first-of-its-kind, athome, wall-mounted fitness system that you really do need to see to fully understand and appreciate. It’s like having a personal trainer plus an entire gym in the convenience of your home— but one that is super-sleek, taking up very little space and boasting a “wow” factor unlike any other all-in-one I’ve seen. It features digital weights to help you achieve your goal, whatever that may be: to lose weight, gain strength, build muscle, boost energy, improve your performance or maintain your fitness. Virtual coaches will guide you step by step. Tonal supports hundreds of moves and 200 pounds of resistance so you can skip the gym without compromising your workout. This device actually learns from your body and adapts guidance in real-time, so you see results faster. Service-wise, similar to Spotify music’s family plan, with Tonal, you can have unlimited users per household so everyone from mom and dad, to teens and even visiting friends and grandparents can strength train. tonal.com.

AMAZFIT GTS SMARTWATCH BY HUAMI Huami recently announced the launch of its newest smartwatch, the Amazfit GTS. This device is powered by Huami’s Bio Tracker optical sensor, which enables 24 hours of uninterrupted, high-precision heart rate monitoring with detailed data and abnormal value detection warnings. With the app, users can also customize the classification of their heart rate and receive an alarm when the bpm values are out of range. All recordings are saved and can be seen in the app and can be shared. The device also integrates multiple health management features such as sedentary reminder, calorie consumption, sleep analysis and more. All these features, if used as an integral way to manage the user’s health, can surely help people to maintain a healthier lifestyle and improve their overall well-being. us.amazfit.com.

HEALTHYWAGE APP WEIGHT-LOSS CASH INCENTIVES No matter what kind of fitness or diet regime—or technology facilitators—you choose, the HealthyWage app actually PAYS you for losing weight! With the HealthyWage app, you determine how much weight you want to lose, how long you want to take to lose it and how much you want to wager each month. If you successfully reach your goal by the end date of your challenge, you win your prize. The average HealthyWager prize is over $1,200! You can also join team, jackpot and step challenges through the app. Multiple studies show that monetary incentives serve to enhance the effectiveness of, and duly complement, weight-loss programs of any and all sorts—especially when paid out quickly like HealthyWage’s various programs. In fact, according to a company spokesperson, the average HealthyWager participant “more than doubles their investment if they are successful at achieving their goal,” so the financial upside potential is impressive. Since the company’s inception, over $20,000,000 has been paid to HealthyWager winners. healthywage.com.

H20N SMART SCALE BY INBODY InBody has developed the H20N Smart Scale that measures your whole body, providing accurate and personalized results in the comfort of your home.

The product provides essential health metrics including body fat percentage, BMI, skeletal muscle mass, and weight. Test data automatically uploads to a mobile app that allows you to record test history and track trends. The InBody H20N comes with handlebar electrodes as well as footplate electrodes, so your entire body composition is measured, not estimated.

Testing your body composition on the InBody H20N is quick and easy. Just step on the scale, pick up the handle and get your results in 10 seconds. All your data is automatically recorded and synched to an app installed directly on your smartphone. inbodyusa.com.

BINGE NETWORKS’ FITNESS CHANNEL BINGE is a broadcasting platform offering a convenient way to find all of a variety of fitness classes all in one place. They feature an array of fitness, health and life coaching shows allowing you to do yoga, pilates, weight training and even get your mind in shape. With BINGE Networks, you can work out where and when you want with expert-driven programs that you can do at home, and that also travel with you. Users can stream the content from a SmartTV, tablet, smartphone or laptop from over 90 premium platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Play, Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Tivo, Philips, Sanyo, Panasonic, JVC and Toshiba. The first week of access to the BINGE Fitness platform is free using code “FIT” and then access to the service and its content thereafter costs $24.95 per year. bingenetworks.tv.

As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist. Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves. These products are spotlighted in her exclusive cross-media platform that reaches multi-millions each month through several syndication channels: print and online publications as well as broadcast TV and terrestrial radio. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor / Facebook www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern. t h epu ls emag.com

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STYLESAVVY:

NATURAL SPRING MAKEUP GUIDE APRIL GODDARD One of my favorite things about the transition from winter into spring is that we all get to lighten up a little bit - literally. We shed pounds of snow and ice, layers of clothing and maybe best of all - makeup.

Now I’m not knocking the cosmetics scene, I love full glam looks as much as the next person. But, there is something wonderful to be said for the five minute face; the “I woke up late but I still look bomb” phenomenon, the “I don’t have to try that hard and I still look fresh” ideal. Now I am not saying that all of that goes without some serious skincare game and attention to detail, but what I am saying is that as the weather heats up, the last thing that we all want is melty makeup. “But how do I really get this look?” you may be wondering. Read on for more details on how you can shed the unnecessary layers of makeup to formulate an easy and effortless spring vibe.

FOUNDATION:

Optional. No really, you don’t need it. Here’s what you actually should invest in: quality skincare products and skincare regimen that help your skin to look beautiful and healthy all by itself. Foundation has its place, but it doesn’t have to be there every day to get a great look. Don’t think you can live without it?

Try a tinted moisturizer or light coverage foundation and use a very minimal amount by applying with your hands like you would a moisturizer and taking off the excess with a dampened sponge.

CONCEALER:

This is where you don’t want to skimp, especially if you are going sans - foundation, but still have a thing or two you’d like to cover. Choose a medium-full coverage that is heavily pigmented. A little will go a long way, and you will find that you will only have to use a little bit of product to cover what you need to. Blend out with your fingers and dab off excess with a beauty sponge.

BLUSH:

This is where you can have a lot of fun. Blush will give you a healthy glow and is a romantic choice for Spring. Pick a pretty pink for a fresh look, and swipe across cheeks, nose, and forehead for a sunkissed glow. Try to find a blush that has pigmented pearls that will allow it to double as a highlighter for a more natural finish.

LIP BALM/GLOSS:

Pick a sheer lip balm/gloss for an effortless finish to your look that you won’t have to worry about touching up throughout the day!

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2020 People of Courage Awards: PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Sharon McQueen YOUTH AWARD Joss Bracero

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CORPORATE AWARD Unum

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SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY AND ACTION AWARD Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020 6 -10pm VIP Reception 5:00pm AC Marriott 125 Front Street, Worcester, MA Silent Auction and Fund-A-Need

YOUNG ADULT AWARD Adam Stone

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