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PULSE MAGAZINE: MAY 2021 COVER STORY Worcester 6 Welcomes WooSox
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE Veronia Fish: Creating Comic Book Dreams
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NowStreaming: 11 Rob Zombie The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy Entertainmant Listings
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PulseShots 13
DINING REVIEW Dining Review: Davis BBQ
10 LIFESTYLE 420 in 508
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Style Savvy
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Out and About
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Hot & Now 17
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PulseBrew 18 New in the Woo: 19 Wormtown Brewery Worcester Taproom Paul Giorgio, Publisher pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Kevin La, Art Director kla@pagioinc.com Josh Lyford, Editior jlyford@pagioinc.com David Simone, Vice President, Sales dsimone@pagioinc.com
READ PULSE ONLINE: THEPULSEMAG.COM
16 Bernie Whitemore, Ryan Cashmen, Maria Connors, Josh Lyford, Travis Duda, Jason Savio, Paul Giorgio, Rachel Shuster, Giuliano D’Orazio, and Victoriahope McAuliffe 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 2021 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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WELCOMES RACHEL SHUSTER Get ready and get excited Worcester, the WooSox are coming to town! With big plans for the city with a big heart, the WooSox are a sign of growth, enthusiasm and pride in our beloved city.
“It was Supposed to be a One-Month Internship…” President of the WooSox, Dr Charles Steinberg, was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. His career in baseball began at the age of 17 when he received a one-month internship with the Baltimore Orioles in the last month of his senior year of high school at the Gilman School. “It was a senior project of sorts,” Steinberg says. “It was something that, I didn’t know at the time, made a dream come true that I never even knew I could dream.” That internship extended through the summer, and then the Orioles asked him to come back the next summer. “That was a repeated experience all through college at the University of Maryland,” Steinberg says. “Then, all through dental school at the University of Maryland. For nine summers that internship extended, and then I became the Orioles team dentist. I found myself in an unusual dual role with that and then working in the Public Relations department, going on to start their production department and worked for them for 19 years.” Steinberg and Larry Lucchino, President of the Orioles for many years, cultivated a great business relationship and friendship, that when Lucchino took over the San Diego Padres, he asked Steinberg to go with him. “I had 7 wonderful years there – we built Petco park,” Steinberg says. From there, they moved to Boston and joined the Red Sox in 2002, with Steinberg as Executive Vice President. “The saving of Fenway Park was a priority and so was winning the World Series, which we did in 2004 and then in 2007,” he says. After Boston, Steinberg left to return to the west coast to join the Dodgers as Chief Marketing Officer, and then went to the Office of Commissioner of Baseball in Milwaukee. The Red Sox invited him back in 2012, until Lucchino took on the role of Chairman of the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2015, and once again, brought Steinberg along with him, naming him President of the PawSox. After moving the franchise to Worcester, Steinberg, Lucchino and the team haven’t looked back.
Larry Lucchino (on the left} and Dr Charles Steinberg (on the right)
A Passionate Community Welcomes a New Neighbor “We are excited about the civic self-esteem that we see soaring in a compassionate, passionate and loving city,” Steinberg says. For Steinberg and team, being a good new neighbor in the neighborhood means a lot. “It’s important to us to be a good neighbor to these people who have committed to the resurgence of the Canal District,” he says. “We are huge fans of the Worcester Public Market, gotten haircuts at Michaelangelo’s Barber Shop on Green Street, dined at The Banner, etc. This is such a wonderful neighborhood that’s already successful, and we are joining as the big and boisterous new neighbor.”
Boston Red Sox Legend, Pedro Martinez, with Mayor Joe Petty speaking at City Hall in 2018 during the announcement of the Red Sox Triple A team moving to Worcester. 6 MAY 2 0 21
Steinberg is excited to feature some favorite local spots in the ballpark. “We are incorporating various restaurants and businesses in and around the Worcester area into the ballpark through a rotation called A Taste of Worcester,” Steinberg says. “These restaurants will provide food and beverage at Polar Park this year.” Some of the local restaurants you’ll find at the park include Coney Island hot dogs, BT’s Smokehouse barbeque, Wonder Bar pizza, Akra Eatery’s West African eats, Table Talk Pies and more.
Community at the Core Immersing into the community has been at the core of the WooSox from its infancy. From the start, Steinberg and team wanted the WooSox to be the community’s team. “In October of 2018, we had 21 fan planning meetings throughout the community,” Steinberg says. “We had these at Worcester State University, Fallon Health, and many more locations. We met with anyone who would have us and came away with 877 ideas for the team’s brand, identity and story.” Common themes from these meetings included a great sense of pride in the city, Worcester’s identity, Worcester’s jubilation as the birthplace of the smiley face and the commercial valentine, Robert H. Goddard’s achievement in aerospace and rocket industry, and much more. “The more you listen, the more you learn,” Steinberg adds. “As we held these meetings, the more Worcester’s pride became clear. The smiley face is a sign of pride, so we converted that into our WooSox mascot, Smiley Ball. He’s close friends with Wally the Green Monster,” Steinberg adds.
Dr Charles Steinberg at the Canal District Fan Plan in 2018, listening to locals input for the future of Worcester and the WooSox.
A Vision of Hope Amidst a Pandemic Steinberg, Lucchino and team began to see the WooSox take shape with the help of the community. Looking at the park meant looking at a representation of what they were bringing to the city. “My perspective is of a fan; Larry’s is an urban visionary,” Steinberg says. When COVID-19 hit, it brought on challenges for so many, but also provided bright spots in a rather dark period.
The first steel beam being placed in Polar Park.
“On March 16 of last year Polar Park was a vision and a pancake – a flat piece of land that has been a parking lot,” Steinberg says. “On that day, we erected the first piece of steel. One year later through a pandemic, Polar Park was a shining, gleaming testament to community collaboration. To see how many people from various backgrounds and neighborhoods we were able to employ and have bring home wages that paid for dinner, rent, mortgages and tuition, while so many projects were put on hold – it’s a story that we will understand better when grandchildren are taught about this ballpark. We will say to them, ‘See this ballpark? Your grandmother was an ironworker, your grandfather built this park and put food on this table during a pandemic.’ It’s very much an illustration of the Worcester story – a multicultural community that comes together to achieve great things.”
The WooSox are also giving back to the community in more ways with The WooSox Foundation. “We want the WooSox to be more than a baseball team and Polar Park to be more than a ballpark,” Steinberg says. “We are going to figure out how to say yes to every accredited non-profit that needs our help. If we can highlight good deeds that so many nonprofits are doing in Worcester and Central MA, we can help raise awareness. That is a benefit the community receives by having a ball club.” The WooSox Foundation focuses on three pillars – education, investing in the future of the city by supporting youth education, Recreation, celebrating baseball in the Commonwealth and Conquering Cancer, supporting the research, treatment and care of those fighting the battle. “We operate our own programs and are in the Worcester public school systems,” Steinberg says. “Four students in the eighth grade are given college scholarships each year and are named WooSox Scholars.” The Foundation partners with organizations and people who align with the three pillars and share the common goal of creating a better future for the people of Worcester. “We are looking at those who are taking action to promote diversity and inclusion to ensure we are all playing on a level playing field, partnering with Umass Memorial when it comes to conquering cancer, and promoting diamond sports – baseball, softball, kickball, streetball, etc. – all fun, safe, healthy sports that promote teamwork and important life lessons. These three pillars are the blueprint for the focus of The WooSox Foundation.”
The WooSox Foundation Team helping out Abby Kelley Foster Charter High School planting their gardens while students are on their spring break,
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PLAY BALL! The WooSox’s season kicks off in May. “We have 60 home games this year,” Steinberg says. The WooSox will compete against the Buffalo Bisons, Syracuse Mets, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Rochester Red Wings and more, all Triple A-affiliate teams. As for tickets, there is a full season ticket option, as well as a half season package. This option is a great way to enjoy the WooSox and be a part of the development of the city and Canal District for those who can’t or do not want to commit to full season tickets. There are two half-season plans to work around your schedule.
Mets vs Red Sox Taxi Squad playing at Polar Park
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A Home Run for the City Looking back, Steinberg never thought that taking on that internship in high school would lead him to where he is today. “It was supposed to be a one-month internship…but it lasted 46 years, and I am so grateful for that,” he says. When it comes to what Steinberg and the team are most excited about, it’s rooted in so much more than a park and a baseball game. “We are most excited to fulfill the vision of being more than a ballpark,” he says. “We want this to be a community gathering spot in or off season, a magnet that can draw nearly 10,000 people to a part of the city in a post-COVID resurgence that can flourish with restaurants, bars and shops. We seek to see the Canal District, Shrewsbury Street and the entire city of Worcester be a completely livable, walkable and entertaining place to be, thriving like never before. With Vernon Hill, The College of the Holy Cross and more surrounding us, it’s beautiful to see what a centerpiece this will be, one that showcases the incredible livelihood that is this city.” For more information, visit MILB.COM/WORCESTER. .
Players wearing “Los Wepas de Worcester” jerseys at Polar Park against the Mets
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ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE
VERONICA FISH: CREATING COMIC BOOK DREAMS VICTORIAHOPE MCAULIFFE
Veronica Fish has impacted the comic book world as an illustrator for notable publishers Archie Comics, MARVEL, Boom! Studios and others who have taken notice of her artistic versatility and ability to invoke a mélange of emotions with her use of bold colors and abstract imagery.
“To do this as a career means not every piece of art has to be a form of therapeutic expression, nor is it an extension of the self. I hope they also learned that an artist will do thousands of terrible drawings before hitting their stride. Again, it’s about endurance.”
A Central Massachusetts native, Veronica began her journey towards visual artistry at a young age and credits her community for impacting her artistic development, “I was fortunate to have many wonderful art teachers in my life, starting from sixth grade in Auburn through high school and weekend classes at the Worcester Art Museum. My teachers pushed me to do better and that made all the difference.”
Endurance is critical for artists throughout their career, it helps them remain flexible, bending through the tumultuous storms the industry may send their way. Artists of every medium were pounded with an unexpected gale when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit and changed how art was created, viewed, and accessed.
Unsurprisingly the draw to comic art for Veronica over others is, “that it’s fun getting to basically draw a movie. While painting and photography certainly tell stories, this is a bit more literal for me.” The definition of a comic book according to the Oxford Dictionary is, “a magazine that presents a serialized story in the form of a comic strip, typically featuring the adventures of a superhero.” How many times have we sat through a MARVEL film, amazed at the acting and special effects, yet forgetting the artistry that came before the films? Veronica saw the power of this artistic medium, and that is what pulled her into the world of comic art. Bill Eisner’s, “The Dreamer” awoke her desire to commit to comic art more seriously, followed by, “the work of Alex Toth, Marc Hempel, Mike Allred, Paul Grist and other comic artists.” Emerging artists often struggle to attain financial stability through their craft, hence the term “starving artist”, and many hold tight to dreams or determination to get them through. During this phase of Veronica’s career, the biggest obstacle she had to overcome was, “The mental aspect of it is always the biggest hurdle. Not giving up or getting beat down is key. Endurance is the most important part, I think… I’ve been lucky that editors approach me now, but that was after five or six of sending in many packets of sample art, emails and cold calling. Once I got my first professional gig at Archie Comics in 2016, I tried to focus on being punctual to gain a reputation amongst the editors as being dependable.” Veronica taught at the Worcester Art Museum for seven years, where she shared her passion for art and experience about the realities of pursuing a career as an artist in any medium. Upon reflection, Veronica said, “I hope my students felt the enthusiasm I have for art, I certainly was inspired by theirs. I also hope they do not see being an artist as a job on a pedestal.” Although she no longer serves as an art instructor, Veronica still has sage advice up her sleeve for her former students wishing to pursue a career as an artist.
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The impact that the pandemic had on Veronica and her team has been tangible, “First, Covid shut down our supply chain, so we were furloughed from working on comics for a long time, then the convention circuit shut down. It was a real downer because our publisher Dark Horse Comics was set to really promote the heck out of our creator owned book called “Blackwood” and that was put on hold so it kind of got lost in the shuffle. Hopefully, it’ll come back.” Veronica offered parting advice for aspiring creatives, “Putting in tons of time grinding away to hone your craft, eventually someone will take notice, and the ball will start rolling. Then you spend a few years just trying to meet deadlines, sometimes the quality suffers. At that point, the quality must become the focus again, but the editors have worked with you long enough to trust the end result will be good.” In “The Dreamer” the fortune teller emphatically tells Billy, “In times like these, what counts is dreams…I sell DREAMS!” What Veronica has achieved is the dream of every artist, as she said herself, “It’s a struggle balancing being creative and commercial sometimes, but the important thing is to stay with it. When it works it’s the most amazing feeling.” If you are interested in learning more about Veronica and her work you can follow her on Instagram @itsveronicafish or visit her website Veronicafish.portfoliobox.net. Visit her shop as well for prints on veronicafish.bigcartel.com.
Twin Peaks comic
NOW STREAMING: JASON SAVIO
ROB ZOMBIE THE LUNAR INJECTION
Oh, Rob Zombie. Look at what you’ve done now. Did you think about what you were going to do before you did it, or did you just spit it out in the spur of the moment? That’s probably what I would ask Mr. Zombie if I saw him in person to talk about his new album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy. But honestly? No. I’d be sucking up to him and asking for his autograph. And that’s the weird thing (or one of many) about Rob Zombie and his music: you love it even when you know you probably shouldn’t. Lunar Injection (let’s keep it short) and its absurdly long song titles are just as bloated as many of the songs on it. Zombie not only throws in the kitchen sink; he adds the pots and pans for good measure. But what you’re left with feels somehow less, almost like biting into a jelly filled donut that doesn’t have any jelly in it. For all of the long song titles and lengthy 17-track playlist (almost every other song is a short instrumental), Lunar Injection goes by quite fast, making one feel as though they’ve been tricked by a carnival worker into thinking they were going to end up with some great prize, only to end up with sticker instead (Rob Zombie stickers are in fact included in the boxed version of the CD). Of course, this isn’t to say there aren’t any good songs on Lunar Injection (sign right here, please, Mr. Zombie). Rob Zombie has always had a knack for concocting wild and dark imagery that is plenty fun and dirty, and he continues his streak here. “My name is sleazy rider, man/ High above the earth in a garbage can/My name is sleazy rider, man/ An outer space (expletive) boogie man,” he sings in “The Ballad of Sleazy Rider,” a tune in which you can almost see the grime coming out from your speakers when you listen to it. “The Eternal Struggles of the Howling Man’’ breaks down into ‘70s porn funk before Zombie shouts repeatedly at the end, “Knievel kicked it, now he’s dead!” If all of this sounds tasteless, it’s because it is (looking at you “Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass”). But it’s all in good fun, right? Still, it feels like by the time you’re done listening to Lunar Injection that something is somehow missing. Catchy single? Check: “The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition).” The dark and menacing Rob Zombie of old? Check and check: “Boom-Boom-Boom” and “Crow Killer Blues.” Perhaps the best way to understand this Rob Zombie mystery is to listen to “18th Century Cannibals, Morlocks and a One-way Ticket on the Ghost Train.” In it, Zombie shows more of his increasingly prevalent down-home and country swamp side, with an unsuspecting bluegrass guitar line that you’d expect to hear coming from an old pickup truck. The song then blasts into a pummeling static wall of electric guitar and yelling before eventually going back and forth between the two. It’s probably the most honest song on Lunar Injection: a look inside the mind of an artist who is conflicted to keep making the same songs over and over despite wanting the freedom to venture out into something new. The result leaves us--the fans—with a collection of songs that feel more like work than inspired. Lunar Injection just comes off like more of the same, and because of that, it’s lacking. For more, visit: Robzombie.com.
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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS
As COVID restrictions begin to ease and live music returns to the area’s bars and restaurants, we are excited to bring entertainment listings back to Pulse. If you’d like to be included in future listings, please email Jlyford@pagioinc.com.
PULSE MAGAZINE ENTERTAINMENT LISTING NOTE
Boynton Restaurant & Spirits 508-756-8458 117 Highland St., Worcester
One Eyed Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill 508-459-0089 433 Park Ave., Worcester
For years, Pulse has been your go-to publication for all things entertainment. Whether that is by reading our writers’ excellent stories, or flipping back here to the entertainment listings to plan your weekend or night on the town. Things have been tough for the amazing bars, restaurants, venues and public spaces throughout Central Massachusetts since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Many businesses have already closed and more may close in the future.
Compass Tavern 508-304-6044 90 Harding St., Worcester
Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern 508-752-7711 455 Park Ave., Worcester
Chashu Ramen + Izakaya 508-304-7183 38 Franklin St., Worcester
Purgatory Beer Co. 508-596-2194 670 Linwood Ave. Building C, Whitinsville Friday 5/21 Heather Deary
Regulations for spaces have changed several times and it has become increasingly difficult to plan our entertainment listings accordingly. Regulations and guidelines are evolving as new information regarding the pandemic is discovered and the numbers of sick and dying increase. Naturally, making sure dates and times of things like live music events are far from the top of the list for businesses struggling to stay afloat. As we can’t be sure of event information accuracy a month in advance, we are not publishing our usual entertainment listings. We hope Pulse is a publication you trust and if we can’t be positive that our entertainment information is correct, we will not include it. We hope that you understand. Rest assured that we will continue to be your go-to magazine for all things entertainment as we as a community make strides toward a happy and healthy future.
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Firefly’s BBQ 508-357-8883 350 E. Main St., Marlborough The Backyard at Firefly’s BBQ Outdoor Acoustic shows Friday and Saturday nights. 5/1 Jesse B 5/7 John Copeland 5/8 Chris Wagner 5/14 Jodee Frawlee 5/15 Jesse B 5/21 Kerry Maher 5/22 David Hoffman 5/28 Bill McGoldrick 5/29 Jared Hanrahan Flying Rhino 508-757-1450 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester
Reunion Tap & Table 774-293-5501 198 Worcester St., North Grafton River Styx 978-696-5176 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg Live on the Patio 5/7 Bruce Andrews and the No Street Band 5/14 Jae Mannion 5/21 Lane Torosian 5/28 Paul Courchaine Rock Bar 774-243-7000 81 Water St., Worcester
Greendale’s Pub 508-853-1350 404 W Boylston St. North, Worcester
The Comedy Attic Upstairs at Park Grill 508-756-7995 257 Park Ave.
Indian Ranch 508-943-3871 200 Gore Rd., Webster
Worcester Beer Garden 774-530-9000 64 Franklin St., Worcester Vinecnt’s 49 Suffolk St, Worcester, MA 01604 5/22 Giuliano Antonio
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DINING DINING REVIEW REVIEW DAVIS BBQ 145 REDSTONE HILL RD, STERLING PHONE: (978) 286-8888 EATDAVISBBQ.COM BERNIE WHITMORE
The Davis family farm is located in the rolling hills of Sterling; an area of country roads and gentle climbs that are great for bicycle touring. Each time I coast past signs for Davis Farm I think, ‘this looks like a neat place to explore, it’s home of the mega corn maze.’ Just minutes away from us, a genuine Great American Roadside Attraction!
They also have bar service and a respectable selection of draft beers.
of flavor that accented the pit master’s tasty rub. But really, these ribs held their own without any assist.
After making our selections we headed up to a counter to place our orders; then returned to the booth with a number so they could find us when our meals were ready.
Then, year after year pass by and I never follow up on making that visit. That is, until the day I heard they have BBQ. Finally, a compelling reason to make the trip to Davis Farm by car. With friends. For dinner.
In the time it took Journey to power though ‘Faithfully’ (the soundtrack is softish-rock) servers were approaching with our meals. Food comes on large plastic trays lined with waxed paper; plasticware is sealed with napkins and little packets of salt and pepper (sorry, no Wet-Naps!). Another tray arrived with eight different sauces; in a nice gesture our waiter had Sharpied each of their names.
Taking a time-out from my ribs, I snagged a burnt end from my friend’s platter (he had plenty of them). This was a true-blue burnt end! The point-end of smoked beef brisket, where the spice rub caramelized with the fatty meat, had become totally crusty-delicious with a blackened layer of char contrasting with the soft brisket meat within.
First, though, some pandemic dining considerations: With warmer weather upon us, Davis BBQ is ready with plenty of outdoor seating and lots of space to spread apart. Inside there’s a dazzlingly spotless dining room set up with rows of booths, each separated by clear plexiglass walls that preserve the feeling of bright airy space. The Davis ancestors who started the farm so many generations ago managed to find a huge parcel of land that overlooks miles of countryside. After parking the car, I took some time to do a full 360-degree scan of the assortment of barns and sheds, visitor attractions and rustic farm remains. Amongst all this, Davis BBQ is a new building; its perfume of hardwood smoke was a friendly welcome. Once inside, we each grabbed a menu, found an open booth and plotted our meal. Davis’s menu features the basic BBQ meat items: St. Louis ribs, brisket and burnt ends, pulled pork and chicken and smoked turkey. Each of which you can get by the pound or halfpound; order as combo platters, in sandwiches or combo-bowls.
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Initial reaction: Davis’s portion sizes are generous; we’d each ordered the Platter meal format and our trays arrived laden with meat nestled over large slabs of Texas toast; coleslaw, BBQ sauce, pickles and our two sides. My platter of six ribs, the half-rack, was a beauty. Half the tray was loaded up with them, bone ends just poking beyond their shroud of meat crusted ruddy brown by a tasty spice rub and glistening with a drizzle of Davis’s own Thick ‘N Bold sauce. I picked one up to admire the bright red smoke ring that penetrated into the meat. A gentle tug was enough to free meat from bone; the flavors of mouthwatering spices, salt and smoke expertly merged with the moist pork. I’d matched my meal with a glass of Wachusett Brewery’s ‘Larry’, an imperial IPA. Its hoppy bitter flavor and 8.5% alcohol cut cleanly through the smoky goodness of my ribs. When it came to sauce, I found mixing their hottest (Fire!, a spicy mustard accelerant) with smoky-sweet Thick ‘N Bold provided a spark
Which takes us to Davis’s beef brisket, which both of my friends had spec’d for their platters. Each tray came loaded with two large slabs of brisket that draped way-beyond the slice of Texas toast. Marbled through with fat to assure tasty-juiciness, they were coated with spice rub and edged with that bright-red smoke ring. They reported; “Moist!” and “More than enough!” Our votes for favorite sides: Gouda Mac ‘N’ Cheese; luxuriously creamy with a tasty yellow cheese sauce coating elbow macaroni. Grilled Vegetables; glistening chunks of red and green peppers, zucchini and summer squash; soft and rich-flavored. Hickory Pit Beans; a big cup of smoky-sweet baked beans. When it comes to BBQ in New England, it’s not easy to get all stars in alignment. Davis BBQ is as close as I’ve found to the “Southern Experience”; maybe they could turn the lighting down a bit and let the walls attain the patina that comes with time and grease. But leave the food just as it is! Davis BBQ is rightly proud of their pit master Josh Freda. A poster proclaiming him ‘The Man Behind the Meat’ pictures him with a cowboy hat, green sunglasses and a huge smile. After such tasty BBQ we all departed with big smiles.
HOT & NOW What’s hot and happening now in the restaurant scene PAUL GIORGIO
FROM BURGERS TO CHICKEN PARM. It looks like the old Wild Willy’s Burgers on Worcester’s West Boylston Street will become an Italian Restaurant. No word on the opening date or the name. A THOUSAND THANK YOU’S. Worcester’s O’Connor’s Restaurant is Massachusetts’ favorite Irish Restaurant & Bar. It was chosen in a Taste of Massachusetts online poll with votes from over 25 percent of the 4,000 votes cast. IF IT’S NOT A BUBBLE BATH IT MUST BE BUBBLE TEA. The Bubble Tea craze continues in Worcester with the recent opening of a tea house at 24 Southbridge St., adjacent to the Hanover Theatre. Owned by Jason and Hannah Vuong, the Gong Cha franchise is anxiously awaiting the re-opening of the theater. THAT WAS A SHORT REIGN. Reign Cafe, a coffee place that partnered with Glazy Susan donuts will be moving out of the DCU Center. With the DCU closed, business was obviously lacking. NEW AFRICAN RESTAURANT OPENS IN WEBSTER SQUARE. Anokye Krom, recently opened its doors in the Cow Plaza on Park Ave. This is their second location in Worcester, the first being on Millbury Street. They specialize in Ghanaian food. NUESTRA CLOSES TEMPORARILY. Nuestra, a restaurant serving Puerto Rican cuisine in Worcester, announced in April it would be temporarily closing due to COVID-19. Owner Natalie Rodriguez said, ‘We can’t keep continuing to lose money each week.” AN IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY. Taqueria Del Pueblo, a popular vendor at the Worcester Public Market, is expanding to a second location. The Mexican restaurant will be opening at 57 Highland St. The new space will be larger than its area in the Worcester Public Market and includes sit-down dining. The restaurant was opened by Raquel Zelayandia and her parents, who came to the United States from El Salvador about 30 years ago. She and her brother were born in Worcester MORE MEXICAN. Torito Mexican Restaurant will soon open in Worcester’s Lincoln Plaza, which has become a mini food hub in the city, with several eateries located there. OPENING A THIRD PLACE. Roger Bachour who owns Whiskey on Main and the Boardroom in the Canal District is planning on opening a dessert bar on Worcester’s Shrewsbury Street. Café Merki has plans to take over the space that most recently housed the Dark Rose Saloon and formerly was home to Jeff’s. CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP. After more than four decades running three of Worcester’s best-known restaurants —The Sole Proprietor, Via Italian Table and One Eleven Chop House — Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist are ready to pass management of the group to the next generation. Their daughter, Caitlyn Carolan, and her husband, Keith, are taking over the Worcester Restaurant Group. MORE OF FRANKIE IN THE OFFERING. I love Frankie’s Pizza Owner Frank Abbatecola has seemingly mastered the hand-tossed New York-style 24-inch pizza. The small pizza shop on Vernon Hill has barely had a moment to breathe since opening its doors in January. Now Frankie is talking about opening more locations. While we hear he makes a great pizza-he has trouble getting it to customers, which may be an issue. t h epu ls emag.com
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PULSEBREW RYAN CASHMAN Back to beer this month with Rushford and Sons (RAS) of Upton. There are not many microbreweries that truly live up to the term “micro” but RAS does so in terms of scale and flavor. This is not necessarily a bad thing. There are some among the beer drinking community - my wife being one of them - who enjoy beers that are subtle. I do enjoy a subtle beer, but RAS takes the subtlety to the point of subtext. If this seems harsh it’s only because I struggled, really struggled to find the levels of flavor advertised. Now, I only sampled two beers from RAS, so this review is not indicative of their entire line up. I am more than eager to give more of their beers a try, I truly am. But I must be honest, I was not wowed by the two that I sampled: the Bee’s Knees and Ol’ Blighty. Let’s start with the Bee’s Knees. As one may guess, there is honey in this beer. It’s a honey blonde that is very light, delicate, and easily sippable. The Mount Hood hops unfortunately overpower whatever honey flavors were added. The only semblance of honey flavor is the all to brief floral whisper one gets after a few sips. As light beers go, Bee’s Knees is on the lighter side. You get hit with the hops, but not much else. Ol’ Blighty is the RAS take on the classic English Bitter. Only, it isn’t. That’s not me criticizing, that’s quite literally what’s in the description: “Our Extra Special Bitter is anything but! This British style ale is sweet, malty, and features a hint of caramel with fruit.” The only thing “traditional” about Ol’ Blighty is the East Kent Goldings hops used to flavor it. Again, I struggled to find the flavors advertised. I got the malts, for sure, but no caramel or frutiness. It’s a mix of malt and hops, which certainly brings out the bitterness of this “not bitter” bitter. I spent a lot of time with these two beers, drinking several cans over several days in order to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. To my taste, I wasn’t. My wife, on the other hand, loved these two beers. “Some of us appreciate subtlety,” she teased me as I was writing this. Now, to be clear, these are not bad beers. No, Bee’s Knees and Ol’ Blighty are great beers for those who have more discerning palates. I sometimes feel like my palate has been destroyed rather than honed over these years of drinking and reviewing beer. RAS only opened its doors back in December and by all accounts it is an absolute labor of love. I am returning to try more and I truly think I will find something to my liking. They’ve a promising menu and a promising path. You should definitely check them out. Rushford and Sons: Rasbrewhouse.com. 18 M AY 2 0 21
NEW AROUND THE WOO: WORMTOWN BREWERY WORCESTER TAPROOM RACHEL SHUSTER Located at 72 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester, Wormtown Brewery has recently opened a new taproom for the Worcester community to enjoy their delicious beers.
our taproom each weekend. We are also now hosting Sunday brunch that has seen guest stars such as Miss Worcester and Peppercorn’s to date.”
“We opened March 17,” Katrina Shabo, Director of Marketing says. “We opened our first taproom on Shrewsbury Street on March 17, 2015. Coming from our original brewery space on Park Ave of less than 1000 sq ft., we thought it was HUGE! But when the brewing industry exploded, we began to feel like our taproom couldn’t contend or seat enough of our patrons comfortably, so we were trying to figure out how to improve our space. When Simjang closed its doors, it was definitely a sad occurrence, but it also opened up the opportunity for us to take over that space and build a taproom we were proud of… which we really are!”
When the taproom is not hosting a pop-up restaurant, guests are able to order an array of small plates and snacks from their own menu, they can order directly from Volturno from their seats and have it delivered, or patrons can BYOF!
Shabo has worked in the brewing industry for the last eight to nine years in an array of positions, and for the last five years specifically with Wormtown Brewery. “I was born and raised in the city of Worcester and although I have spent a good chunk of my adult life living away from the Worcester area, I love that my passion and career has brought me back home to work for a company that fully embraces where it’s from and its roots,” she says.
The taproom has plans to hold events and gatherings, but are being thoughtful and intentional as things open up with COVID. “We are carefully navigating COVID and the safety of our consumers,” Shabo says. “Therefore, although we haven’t started marketing that we are booking private parties, our customers are welcomed to call us and inquire about availability and offerings for any future events.”
The beer selection ranges quite a bit at the taproom. “We are widely known for our flagship Be Hoppy IPA but we are certainly not a onetrick pony,” Shabo says. “We are constantly brewing different styles and recipes for our taprooms including unique lagers, Dark styles such as porters and stouts, sours, New England IPAs, and now even including a line of gluten-free craft hard seltzers!” The taproom isn’t only slinging drinks. They’ve got food options too! “We are currently inviting different restaurants from all over the city of Worcester to host pop-ups in our kitchen usually from Thursday – Saturday,” Shabo says. “It is an exciting way for our city’s restaurants to showcase a menu that isn’t already established in their current space and get consumers excited to try something different in
As for pricing, they range but are pretty moderate. “Most pints are around $6-7 and you can get a small 6oz pour of any beer on tap for around $3-4,” Shabo says. “Food prices are created by our pop-up businesses except for our own small plates which are pretty affordable.”
While there are many places to get a beer, some food and gather with friends in the city, the Wormtown Brewery taproom is special. “We are Worcester’s first brewery after prohibition and are centrally located for all to enjoy,” Shabo says. “Working with an ownership group that is predominantly from the Worcester area, you feel the love and attention for our city every day. A huge part of Wormtown’s core DNA is giving back to our community and we work with many local charities to raise money, give back and keep people smiling. This includes being the home base for the Black Ale Project. We choose a different local charity each month and also a different beer and donate $1 per pint sold of that beer for the chosen charity. You can find out more at Blackaleproject.com.” For more information on the taproom, visit Wormtown brewery.com, t h epu ls emag.com
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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
420 50 8 IN THE
TRAVIS DUDA
Well, hey there fellow stoners. Hope you had a fun and safe 4/20. Don’t forget to smoke one in honor of the 508 on May 8.
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Alright Everyone… Chill Did you see they’re making infused ice cream?! Cloud Creamery, based out of Framingham, plans to hit the dispensary shelves this summer. Having just received approval from the CCC, this first of its kind offering is a welcome change to the edible scene. MSRP is $9 for each 8oz of ice cream /5mg of THC serving, which puts it a little more expensive than the seltzers, but still within the affordable realm. It’s not that much more than Ben & Jerry’s and what I already would pay for an artisan ice cream like Mrs. Moriconi’s. But you already know I’m going to try the Cloud Creamery concoction as soon as I can. I think I’m most excited to sample the Tanzanian Vanilla flavor that has vanilla sourced from Bukoba, Tanzania. But truthfully, I’m really hoping that this opens the doors for boutique bake shops and other food purveyors. I would love to have access to a wide variety of food options that calms as well as it tastes. Until then, I’ll just have to chill. Let’s Hear it for NY If you’ve never felt the joy of walking down Broadway Ave in Manhattan while smoking a joint, you’re seriously missing out. What was a fairly illegal activity at the time is now perfectly acceptable behaviour with New York becoming the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis. No longer will you need a friend to remind you that you’re “only as sketchy as you think you are” while conducting a streetside sesh. Now, anywhere you can smoke a cigarette, you can smoke a joint. I don’t have the space in this column to discuss the intricacies of their new rules and the oddly convenient timing of Cuomo distracting people by passing this. Essentially, they have similar rules to Massachusetts, except you can have up to 3 oz on you at a time, which would be a brave amount regardless of the environment, but especially in NYC. For me, it’s going to be a great day when I can snag some PRJs, pack up the PAX and head to a stoner metal show at Saint Vitus. OH! Or maybe I’ll break out the old apple pipe trick and enjoy myself on the streets of The Big Apple. Who knows? The sky’s the limit. More Welcomed Change Vanessa Jean-Baptiste recently made history with the opening of her dispensary, Legal Greens, in Brockton, MA. It is the first Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary on the East Coast and the first Haitian American-owned dispensary in the country. In a scene that is dominated by rich, white guys, it’s refreshing to read stories about people like Jean-Baptiste and New Dia owner Ross Bradshaw succeeding in the space. We, consumers, need to be mindful of who we are supporting with our purchases, and where the money is going. Like most things, I feel better when my dollars go to support locally started and supported endeavors. More big money players keep entering the scene. Chicago based Cresco Labs acquired Cultivate and is now a top three share position in the State. Simply stated, with this kind of competition, if we don’t support the smaller shops, we’ll be stuck with only corporate cannabis options after they’ve gobbled up or priced out everyone else. So, congratulations Vanessa Jean-Baptiste. I hope to make a trip to Brockton in the very near future. If any readers beat me there, let me know what you think! Thanks for reading and happy trails! -Travis (@hunchbacktravis)
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STYLE Savvy STYLE SAVVY APRIL GODDARD Summer is upon us and there is no better time to lighten up. Be it clothes, or makeup, the warmer weather is the time to shed the extra layers and go for a more minimal approach to daily life. One of my favorite parts of warmer weather is ditching the heavy-duty makeup routine in favor of something more simple. What should we not be lightening up on? Skincare! Skincare is just as important in the summer months as in the winter and this is one routine that we should not forget. Especially in the age of masks, keeping our skin healthy and clear is more important (and challenging) than ever! Read on for some helpful tips and tricks for keeping skin clear and healthy this season! LIGHTEN UP:
As previously mentioned, lightening up on the layers of cosmetics during the summer is essential for letting your skin breath and keeping it healthy. Especially in the age of masks, keeping a light skincare routine and putting on foundation only when you must will go far in improving skin texture and tone. The last thing that skin needs is layers of foundation in extreme heat covered with a mask. Just skip the foundation! MASK HYGIENE:
Just like it is important to take a shower and wash your clothes, it is immensely important to change your mask frequently to prevent the buildup of skincare, cosmetics, and bacteria. Change out disposable masks frequently, and if you wear a reusable mask, don’t forget to clean it regularly! PILLOW CASE:
Just like your mask, your clothes, and yourself, cleaning your pillow case is up there with one of the most important things that you can do in order to keep your skin healthy and clear. Think about it: it is the one thing that you put your face on daily, for multiple hours every day. Stock up on silk pillow cases if you’re feeling like going the extra mile, or any kind of pillowcase for that matter and make sure that it changes daily. SUNSCREEN:
I know that the theme of this article so far has been to lighten up, but this should never, EVER apply to sunscreen. Sunscreen is the one product that should be on your skin daily. It will help to prevent skin cancer, premature aging, and prevent the worsening of scars that might already be on the skin from past breakouts. Don’t forget to not only sunscreen your face, but also your ears, neck, decollete, and backs of the hands. Of course, if you are spending lots of time outside, you should sunscreen any skin that is not covered by clothing and reapply as per the instructions on the bottle.
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OUT AND ABOUT THE STATE OF PRIDE, 2021 GIULIANO D’OR AZIO Sunny skies, longer days, patio hangs and baseball games… spring is in the air, and it may be more welcome than ever. After a year-plus enduring quarantine, isolation, loss and all the various tribulations of a once-in-a-century pandemic, collective feelings of elated anticipation and revelry are palpable in every restaurant and community space, as we begin to shed a season of hibernation like no other. I know I can’t wait to get back to spontaneous social gatherings, random run-ins, and late nights with friends old and new. For the LGBTQ+ community, one of the highly-anticipated events this time of year is Pride, traditionally observed in June. For several reasons, our very own Pride here in Worcester will no doubt look quite a bit different in 2021. How do you envision it? What would you like to see? As many will note, Worcester has traditionally held Pride in September, the weekend after Labor Day, and while most Prides were cancelled last year solely due to the pandemic, Worcester Pride saw a disbanding of the long-standing organization. The changing of the guard was not a clean-cut handover from one organizational party to another, but moreso, folks in the community have stepped up and taken a by-us-for-us approach to reimagining Worcester Pride. I outlined some of this process in my September 2020 article: What’s Next For Worcester Pride?. I mentioned the open letter that Shades (formerly a QTPOC-lead branch of Worcester Pride) penned to Worcester Pride, wherein they called out a culture of inequity and white supremacy, as evidenced by the homogeneity of voices who were able to effect change and influence over the organization’s vision. Worcester Pride Remix, the community cohort that immediately stepped in to fill the void and rebuild, has evolved into 508Pride, the current entity behind reimagining and planning what Pride in Worcester will look like in 2020 and beyond. The Worcester Queer Coalition, a collective of various LGBTQ+ serving organizations in the city, have also been involved in conversations around reimagining Pride. I have listened in on several of these meetings, and while no concrete plans have been announced, I think we can look forward to some positive developments. Pride, as I’ve said in the past, should be about more than a flashy parade, a fun festival, and a raging party. I love that stuff as much as the next gay, but as a community, it’s important we focus our major efforts around initiatives that uplift and include everyone in our community, especially BIPOC and Trans folks, who continue to face high instances of marginalization and violence, from without and within our own spaces. I’m happy to say that I hear these sentiments echoed in every conversation I’ve had or heard when it comes to reshaping our Pride. Focusing efforts not only on revelry, but centering the celebration around activism-minded action. While there are some stellar members of the community who are already hard at work on these efforts, 508Pride is looking for invested community members to lend a hand. According to a post by Rush Frazier, 508Pride board President, the team is looking for action-oriented folks who not only have ideas to voice, but are willing to dedicate a bit of time and effort to pushing them forward. If you are interested in throwing your hat in the ring, check out 508Pride on facebook. Shoot them a DM or an email at 508@gmail.com. How would you reimagine an inclusive, equity and action-centered Pride in our city? Bio 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. Follow him on instagram @musicbygiuliano 22 MAY 20 21
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Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.