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PULSE MAGAZINE: OCTOBER 2021 COVER STORY WORCESTER 6 RAILERS RETURNS TO THE ICE
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE
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NowStreaming: 14 Tashaki Miyaki Castaway Entertainmant Listings
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PulseShots 17
DINING REVIEW Dining Review: Taqueria Del Pueblo
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Cradling 12 American Heritage in Massachusetts B. Thom 13 LIFESTYLE Stevenon’s Paradise Gallery
Halloween 24 Costume Ideas New in the Woo: Cookies Come to the East Coast
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420 in 508
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Out and About
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Style Savvy
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SPORT AND FITNESS
Hot & Now 22
Finding Balance
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PulseBrew 23
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
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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WORCESTER RAILERS RETURN TO THE ICE JASON SAVIO
It has been a long time coming but professional hockey is finally coming back to Woo Town. On October 23 the Worcester Railers hockey club will make its return to the DCU Center for its home opening game of the 2021-2022 season against the Maine Mariners. After a false start last season and a season cut short a year prior, it certainly hasn’t been easy for the Railers to get back on the ice. When speaking to those in charge of getting the team back in front of its fans, you can sense a collective nervous anticipation and excitement. A lot of work has gone into putting this Railers team together, and not only is the expectation level high for the club to perform well, there is an expectation to just see the club simply skate again.
False Start The Railers’ 2019-2020 season ended the same way it did for a lot of other sports teams that year: a screeching halt. Because of COVID, the Railers 2019-2020 season was cut seven games short, ending on March 7, 2020. The Railers players haven’t hit the ice together since. The team tried to get things going for the 2020-2021 season, but eventually had to back out because of numerous challenges posed by COVID, including state mandates not allowing fans in the DCU Center building and the team not being able to play the two Canadian clubs in the ECHL because of the borders still being closed. “We were hoping to get a 25 percent capacity, if we could’ve gotten 25 percent capacity, we could’ve opened our doors and made things work,” says Railers Head Coach and General Manager David Cunniff. “Everything is attendance driven. We don’t have T.V. deals, so without fans being allowed to come into the building, we weren’t going to (be able to) pay our players and pay the staff.” The Railers club wasn’t the only one that had to opt out of last season, others like Cincinnati and Toledo did as well, according to Cunniff. Railers President Stephanie Ramey says that between fans not being allowed inside and the travel roadblocks with the Canadian teams, it was just a “recipe for disaster.” “And beyond that, the DCU center became a field hospital, so that presented a whole other set of challenges right there,” she adds. “The idea with minor league sports is that we’re a business that really depends on our fanbase.”
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Making it through the Storm The Railers might have been down but the players and those leading the organization weren’t. Instead of disappearing into the blue until the DCU Center’s doors opened again, the team made good on its dedication to the community and stayed actively involved in helping the people of Worcester. “Our mission for (that) year was to keep our community initiative intact and create ones that were unique to answer some of the needs of the pandemic,” says Railers COO Michael Myers. For the third consecutive year, the Railers were named the recipient of the East Coast Hockey League Community Service Award thanks to its many efforts. When the team was shut down, it organized a drive-thru food pantry in partnership with Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, worked with youth hockey programs to help replenish food pantries as part of Hockey Checks Hunger, and also organized a drive-thru teddy bear toss to benefit Friendly House in Worcester. “We really haven’t missed a beat or slowed down it seems,” says Ramey. “We were very creative during that time and it helps keep us very visible and reinforce the idea that the Worcester Railers is a community first organization.”
Back to Business The Railers’ new season will officially start on October 22 when they play the Maine Mariners at Cross Insurance Arena in Maine, and that date cannot come soon enough for the team’s leadership. As the 2021-2022 season begins to take shape, there are still awkward details because of COVID. The team won’t actually be together for the first time until October 10 when the players have their physicals taken and then skate together. The first Railers team practice will be the following day on October 11, and there will be two exhibition games against Maine on October 15 and 16. For Cunniff, he cannot wait to see the team he has organized on paper finally come together for real. “I’ve waited a long time to be a GM and coach and I did a lot of work last summer building the team and putting the team in place and the reward is getting to watch the guys play,” says Cunniff, who will be entering his first full season as a head coach after previously holding an assistant coach position with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Ramey is in a similar boat. She joined the team as president in May of 2020 and hasn’t seen a puck drop once since then. “It has been sort of funny to lead this team through this very tumultuous time and still haven’t seen them on the ice,” she says. “There is no one more excited for this team to play than me. I’m so happy that it is happening now.”
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A live pre-event party will be held on Commercial Street the day of the home opener in conjunction with Off The Rails and will feature live music before the game to help hype everyone up, as if they need anymore hyping. The Railers aren’t just coming back for the sake of coming back, though. The team is coming back to win games. Although a winning season has eluded the Railers, Cunniff has faith in his team and is looking forward to guiding his players onto a successful run. “As a GM and head coach we’re not just looking for the best individuals or players, we’re looking to put the best team together,” Cunniff says. “So the culture that we develop--the team camaraderie--I think we have a really good group of guys that are selfless, they don’t have egos, they’re going to play for each other, they’re going to play for the logo on the front of their shirt. I can’t wait to just get them together and watch them gel and blend and turn into the team that I think they can be.” “We’re really excited with the group of talent that we have and that Cunniff has been able to put together,” says Myers. He points to “really good local talent” like “Southie kid” Liam Coughlin at forward, forward Jordan Smotherman of Westboro, defenseman Nick Albano of Beverly, and more.
Cunniff expects a full house at the home opener barring any other state changes to attendance mandates concerning COVID between now and then. As for the fans, Ramey says they can expect an increase in access to things like hand sanitizer at the DCU Center and can expect the Railers organization to “stay in tune with CDC guidance, the state of Massachusetts, and the city of Worcester.” There will also of course be “all of the exciting elements of minor league sports,” like interactive entertainment, giveaways and more. “Families have had so much added stress on them, and its opportunities like sporting events that allow the general public to take a breath and celebrate together. That’s the beauty of sports,” Ramey says. “It’s the little kid in their glory seeing Trax the mascot, the parents doing the chicken dance, and the excitement of cheering on your team when they score a goal. These are all things that make you feel good. This team really matters here, and I know people are excited for their return.” For more, visit: https://railershc.com/
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ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS & CULTURE
CRADLING AMERICAN HERITAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS VICTORIAHOPE MCAULIFFE
The American Heritage Museum was created by the Collings Foundation in 2013, when the Foundation was gifted with Jacques Littlefield’s collection of tanks, armored trucks, and military artifacts. Located in Stowe on the grounds of the Collings Foundation’s headquarters, the American Heritage Museum is housed in a 65,000 + sq. ft. building. Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing and Communications was able to share his experience as a seasoned Collings Foundation employee as well as his passion for the work of the American Heritage Museum and its mission. Mr. Chaney has worked for the Collings Foundation for over a decade and shares a deep connection with their organization’s programming and the impact of the American Heritage Museum. Hunter shared, “I have been working with the Collings Foundation for 15 years, we are an extraordinary educational non-profit foundation that restores and exhibits some of the world’s most rare major historical artifacts. Since the early 80’s, our primary programs have focused on the restoration and operation of historic aircraft. When we received the world’s largest collection of tanks and armor from the late Jacques Littlefield in 2013, our trajectory changed. Working on developing and maintaining the American Heritage Museum has been one of the most interesting projects in my lifetime. The way the museum is laid out, the narrative and the jaw-dropping collection of tanks, armored vehicles and aircraft make this museum one-of-a-kind.” “Massachusetts is the cradle of American history,” shared Mr. Chaney. In his opinion, “To have the American Heritage Museum here in Central Massachusetts offers the public and schools a captivating glimpse into military and world history. We share the stories and legacies of our local and national veterans in a way that brings all of us closer to a sense of appreciation and understanding. There is a well-known saying: “Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.” The American Heritage Museum serves as that reminder.” When asked which exhibits he felt most passionate about, or considered to be most impactful, Mr. Chaney responded thoughtfully, “There are several exhibits within the American Heritage Museum that are truly moving. One of the most impactful is our WWI Trench Experience. This is the museum’s fully immersive exhibit. Moving from the Orientation Theater into the WWI Trench, you walk into the war-torn and dire landscape of WWI trench warfare along the eastern front in 1917. A scenario plays out where the viewer is transformed into a young soldier who must navigate through this dangerous place. It is a dynamic experience that brings you closer to understanding what WWI must have been like. The quality of media and design of this exhibit is world-class.”
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If you visit the American Heritage Museum’s website, you will see vibrant pictures and expressive descriptions of interactive exhibits and opportunities to ride, and drive military tanks. The museum has done everything possible to create an atmosphere that ensures visitors leave with a newfound respect for American history, and those who fought to preserve the freedoms we enjoy thanks to their sacrifices. Recently, we acknowledged the solemn anniversary of 9/11 and the bombing of the twin towers – it’s 20th anniversary. Those of us who are old enough, remember exactly where we were when each tower fell. For Millenials, it was the John F. Kennedy assassination of our generation. Considering this information, I asked Mr. Chaney if the 20th anniversary impacted the museum’s drive to highlight that piece of America’s history, and the ongoing fight against terrorism? He shared that, “High school aged children who visit our 9/11 – War of Terror exhibit were not alive when we were attacked on September 11, 2001. In most cases, it is hard for them to relate to the attack itself or the long aftermath of events and war that ensued. Watching our video presentation on the 9/11 attacks and the pilots who were scrambled to intercept flight 93, then turn around and see a piece of twisted and mangled steel from one of the World Trade Center buildings, makes a lasting impression. So much of our society and the way our country operates have been molded around this one terrorist event. This compelling exhibit helps all of us better understand that fateful day and why it is so important to remember.” For more information regarding the American Heritage Museum, you can visit their website www.americanheritagemuseum.org or contact Hunter Chaney at hchaney@ collingsfoundation.com. How do you feel the anniversary of 9/11 impacted the museum’s drive to highlight the history of America and now the ongoing fight against terrorism? High school aged children who visit our 9/11 – War of Terror exhibit were not alive when we were attacked on September 11, 2001. In most cases, it is hard for them to relate to the attack itself or the long aftermath of events and war that ensued. Watching our video presentation on the 9/11 attacks and the pilots who were scrambled to intercept flight 93, then turn around and see a piece of twisted and mangled steel from one of the World Trade Center buildings, makes a lasting impression. So much of our society and the way our country operates have been molded around this one terrorist event. This compelling exhibit helps all of us better understand that fateful day and why it is so important to remember.
B. THOM STEVENSON’S PARADISE GALLERY JENNIFER RUSSO
When you think of paradise, visions of palm trees and splashing in the sea may come to mind. For those in the know however, Paradise is an art lover’s dive into others’ unique perspectives of the world around them. Being surrounded by tangible visions of someone’s deepest thoughts, fears, and interpretations of beauty. An art gallery for the people. And this land of the art spectator’s nirvana resides within an old 19th century Baptist church located in nearby Sutton. Let us back up. B. Thom Stevenson was a hyperactive child who had a difficult time sitting still…unless he was painting or drawing. Art was a means of focus for this otherwise rambunctious boy who would otherwise be using furniture as a playground or, as he shares with us, “flushing clean laundry down a toilet.” His family encouraged him to embrace his creativity (and in fact, his father later restored the previously mentioned church by hand for this gallery). Instead of taking notes in high school, he took what he calls “informed doodles,” which got him through to graduation. Then came art school, where he could really excel and shine. He quickly found growth in translating his creative voice into something people could see and touch. When I asked him about how he determined his current art style, he shared that a lot of it was creative experimenting, and credits Kurt Vargo, a teacher he had at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design), for inspiring him with the idea that an artist’s style decides on them, not the other way around.
He tells us that his dream project would be creating multifunctional public art, art that serves a range of purposes and encourages public participation. Artwork that are also “structures where children can play, peddlers can peddle, picnickers can eat, skateboarders can do their thing and the weary can just sit and rest…where the human element acts as an extension of the work itself,” he says. That evolution of conversation and community is also what inspired Paradise Gallery. Through his own art and the space, Stevenson’s hope is for the community to take part in that exchange of thought and communication. “I exhibit a range of artists from local, emerging talent to internationally established artists. For most opening receptions the artist is present, and visitors are encouraged to view and interpret the works, ask questions, and expand their perspectives on what art is and what it can be. I hope Paradise Gallery can be a space for kids hoping to pursue a career in the arts to find encouragement and network with other creatives and strengthen the creative community of central Massachusetts,” he says. Paradise Gallery is located at 439 Putnam Hill Road in Sutton and is open for art openings and by appointment. Stevenson announces openings on his personal Instagram account, @bthomstevenson and on the gallery account @A_gallery_ Called_Paradise.
“I believe the search for one’s visual voice or aesthetic is what provides one with the tools to wield said voice when it smacks you in the face,” Stevenson shares. “That said, my current aesthetic came to me in a fever dream.” And his aesthetic truly is something that inspires thought. In addition to creating original images, he will also repaint them, photocopy them and rework them into something that is both a version of itself and yet entirely different at the same time. He tells Pulse that this is based on the idea of the language of communication. “The idea that the same 26 characters can be rearranged to form an alphabetical listing of every word in the English language with no emotion resonance, and then knock the wind out of you with just three letters. It’s the shortest words that carry the biggest ideas. I repaint the same images and rework them in an effort to simplify their forms and create my own type of visual alphabet. I paint and redraw these motifs the way a child learns their letters, through repetition,” he states. The pandemic also had an influence on his subject matter, changing his own perspective of his art. As the art created in this time will, as it has throughout history, showcase content and interpretations of current events, Stevenson has owned this idea. “I started viewing my work through the eyes of my future self. I realized for the first time since 9/11, that we are living in an immensely important time in the world…I keep thinking about the art history term “Post-War” and how the bleak period that was WWII birthed some of the most brilliant artworks of the modern world and how, someday there will be term to describe this period of art being made…I am pushing myself and my craft in hopes to be part of that future conversation,” he shares.
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NOW STREAMING: JASON SAVIO
TASHAKI MIYAKI CASTAWAY
Hey, are you feeling stressed or like you’ve had enough? Try listening to Tashaki Miyaki’s sophomore album Castaway, an elevating dream-pop slumber that will help you escape to a different reality. Castaway is filled with atmospheric tunes tied together with catchy melodies and hooks that gently tug at your ears in the best way possible. Based out of L.A., Tashaki Miyaki has some of those familiar laid-back west coast vibes, but the three piece-band is certainly much more than just a geographical sound. Singer/drummer Paige Stark’s enchanting voice, with her long, silky smooth emotional delivery--sometimes barely a whisper--is at the forefront, making lines like “You’re gonna miss me/I’m not coming back” in “Gone” feel all the more heartachingly real. Neatly placed guitar tremolo on top of acoustic strumming helps and lush synths add to the airy and spacious grooves in a lot of the songs here, especially in the mellow country twang of “Comedown.” A distorted guitar solo finds its way into the middle of the song, punctuating an innocent melody with a spark of envy. Tashaki Miyaki flip their formula on its head a bit with “Baby Don’t.” Stark’s tone changes with a hint of malice laced into it, and when paired up with an underlying guitar drone that sounds just as menacing, you have a whole other animal. No longer does she sound welcoming and alluring; she now comes across as haunting and flat out up to no good when she sings “Baby don’t give up on me/It’s going to get better/Believe in me/I’m doing things you can’t see.” It just goes to show how a simple shift in tone and delivery can have a major impact on the way a band can sound from one track to the next. “Forget Me,” the album’s closer, is probably the best song here, incorporating all the ingredients used throughout the album to create one last memorable treat. “Wasting Time” is the most upbeat number here in terms of its tempo and turns in melody. It’s not a bad thing, but it just sticks out from the rest of the album and feels a bit like it was thrown in for the sake of something different. This listener would have preferred a constant dreamscape of flourishing sounds from beginning to end to get lost in without being woken from what is otherwise a great escape. If Castaway sounds moody, it’s because it is, but it’s not moody in a whiny way that will turn you off. Instead, it’s suave, it has character, and it fills the room with just the right amount of atmosphere that isn’t cold or alienating. For more, visit: https://tashakimiyaki.bandcamp.com/album/castaway 14 O CTOBER 20 21
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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PULSE OCTOBER 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. ---Black and White Grille 508-885-5018 Blackandwhitegrille.com 206 North Spencer Rd., Spencer Blueprint New American Bar & Grille 978-668-5580 10 Village Sq. Westminster Boynton Restaurant & Spirits 508-756-8458 117 Highland St., Worcester Cafe Neo 774-253-6139 97 Millbury St. Worcester Chuck’s Steakhouse (508) 832-2553 10 Prospect Street, Auburn 1-Oct Voxx88 2-Oct TBD 8-Oct Tequila Bonfire 9-Oct Jim Perry 15-Oct Josh Briggs 16-Oct Alley Kings 22-Oct Bad Tickers 23-Oct TBD 29-Oct Drunken Uncles 30-Oct TBD
Firefly’s BBQ 508-357-8883 350 E. Main St., Marlborough DANTE’S at FIREFLY’S BBQ October 1 George McCann October 2 Aquanett October 8 Vinyl Junkies October 9 Freeballin Oct.15 Way Up South Oct. 16 Synergy Oct. 22 Road Dawgs Oct. 23 Carolyn Rae & the Rumors Oct. 29 Ghost Train Oct. 30 Bone City Flying Rhino 508-757-1450 278 Shrewsbury St., Worcester Gardner Ale House (978) 669-0122 74 Parker St., Gardner Greater Good Imperial Brewing 508-926-8736 55 Millbrook St., Worcester Greendale’s Pub 508-853-1350 404 W Boylston St. North, Worcester Grill on the Hill 508-854-1704 1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester Halligan’s 508-832-6739 889 Southbridge St., Auburn Thursday Bike Nights Happy Jack’s (978) 466-3433 785 N Main St., Leominster
Classic’s Pub 978-227-5258 285 Central St., Leominster
Indian Ranch 508-943-3871 Indianranch.com 200 Gore Rd., Webster
Compass Tavern 508-304-6044 90 Harding St., Worcester
Legends Bar and Grille (978) 342-6500 68 Airport Rd, Fitchburg
Chashu Ramen + Izakaya 508-304-7183 38 Franklin St., Worcester
MB Lounge 508-799-4521 40 Grafton St., Worcester
Electric Haze 26 Millbury St., Worcester
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Wednesdays - Karaoke at 9 Thursdays - Guest Bartender Fridays - Dance Party starting at 10 Saturdays - Dance Party starting at 10 Sundays - Drinks with Matty October 30 - Annual Halloween Party 9:30 pm
MCL Club 508-797-0141 Worcestermcl.org 181 Lake Ave., Worcester
River Styx 978-696-5176 166 Boulder Dr., Fitchburg Live Music on the Patio
Michael’s Cigar Bar (508) 459-9035 1 Exchange St, Worcester
Rock Bar 774-243-7000 81 Water St., Worcester
Nick’s 508-753-4030 12 Millbury St.
Southside Grille 978-632-1057 242 West Broadway, Gardner Sept. 17-Chris Reddy
Nola Cajun Kitchen 774-261-8008 340 W. Boylston St., West Boylston One Eyed Jack’s Tiki Bar & Grill 508-459-0089 433 Park Ave., Worcester Park Grille 508-756-7995 257 Park Avenue, Worcester Tuesdays-Rock Open Jam Thursdays-Office Party Partner’s Pub 978-345-5051 970 South St., Fitchburg Patsie Duggans (508) 755-4155 49 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610 Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern 508-752-7711 455 Park Ave., Worcester Purgatory Beer Co. 508-596-2194 670 Linwood Ave. Building C, Whitinsville Ralph’s Diner Ralphsrockdiner.com 148 Grove St., Worcester Rascal’s Rascalsworcester.com 70 James St., Worcester 10/9 Leicester Christmas Lights Comedy Show 10/16 Kickboxing Regionals 10/23 He Said/She Said Cover band 10/27 Survivor Viewing party with special guest Jonny Fairplay 10/29 Ladies for The Night Drag Show 10/30 Halloween dance party with guest DJ Jonny FairPlay from Survivor. Reunion Tap & Table 774-293-5501 198 Worcester St., North Grafton
The Bull Run 978-425-4311 215 Great Road, Shirley The Comedy Attic Upstairs at Park Grill 508-756-7995 257 Park Ave. The GazBar (978) 534-6600 1045 Central St, Leominster The Mill at 185 Themill185.com 774-261-8585 185 W Boylston St., West Boylston Tryst Lounge (978) 400-7906 320 Main St, Fitchburg Vincent’s Worcester 508-752-9439 49 Suffolk St. Wachusett Brew Yard 978-874-9965 175 State Rd. E, Westminster Whiskey on Water 774-578-8829 97 Water St. White Eagle 508-753-9612 Whiteeagleworcester.com 116-120 Green St., Worcester Woo Bar & Grill 774-243-6130 358 Shrewsbury St., Worcester WooHaha Thewoohaha.com 50 Franklin St. Worcester Beer Garden 774-530-9000 64 Franklin St., Worcester
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DINING DINING REVIEW REVIEW
TAQUERIA DEL PUEBLO 57 HIGHLAND STREET, WORCESTER (508) 304-7778 (TO-GO MENU AVAILABLE AT THEIR WORCESTER PUBLIC MARKET LOCATION) BERNIE WHITMORE First impressions are often what sticks to a place. Don’t let that happen at the Taqueria; we arrived on a dark rainy evening and, after parking the car, ran up to the door to find it locked tight. Peering in through the dark glass I could see people, so I knew they were open for business. Finally, a waiter appeared and motioned us to the back door. A sign near the door would have made things easier. On entering, though, all that drama instantly vanished. The place was rocking to Charly Blacks’ Party Animal as we merged into their week-night crowd. Murals of bold voodoo themes in vibrant colors have displaced the heroic Greek statuary of the room’s prior incarnations. Not quite banished, the gods are now relegated to the shadows. Taqueria Del Pueblo’s menu is conveniently compact; appetizers of quesadillas, nachos, frijole dip and elote; entrées of tacos (sold by the each), fajitas, tortas and burritos. Vegetarians will find niches within all this, but the primary focus is meat. Vegans: enjoy your basket of crunchy chips and salsa, from there the ride gets a bit bumpy. If the food menu tends basic, their margaritas show inventive flair. Having attended enough restaurant expos, I’ve become a bit jaded when I see phrases like ‘our own homemade syrups’. But I didn’t let that stop me from ordering the Toxica margarita. Wise decision.
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La Toxica came in a wide margarita glass garnished with a few slices of fresh jalapeno peppers, crisp and green. This was not glass of slush, there was just enough crushed ice to keep things chill and when I took my first sip I knew that this would be the best margarita I’d ever had; the essence of hot peppers blended with the lush sweetness of Cointreau liquor and a fresh background note of lime. Whoever blended these ingredients is master at flavor balance. I loved the delicious burn on the tongue after each sip. We moved straight to our entrée’s: my friend had chosen their featured burrito, the Clasico. It was layered with guacamole, sour cream, molten white cheese, black beans and rice and wrapped in a large flour tortilla. He ordered his with carne asada, strips of grilled beef steak that were tender and flavorful. Opting for ‘medium-level spiciness’, they served the burrito with a cup green pepper sauce on the side. Medium proved to be tepidly low on the Scoville scale, so he made full use of the extra sauce. I went with one of the Taqueria’s tortas; a grilled sandwich of softened onions, a schmear of mayonnaise, bits of cilantro and plenty of stretchy mozzarella cheese. I ordered mine with al pastor; richly seasoned marinated pork. On paper, the torta appealed to me as a Mexican-styled panini. What made it exceptional was the bread; a bolillo they’d sliced open and flattened; soft inside and grilled to a crusty gold-
en-brown exterior. The portion size was perfect, and flavors melded into delicious unity. I’d love to get some of that bread for my own panini press. Having bypassed appetizers, we decided to share one of Taqueria’s Caramel Chocolate Lava Cakes. Again, I was doubtful but willing to take the risk that this wasn’t some industrially produced backof-the-freezer commodity. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. Whereas our sandwiches had been served on austere white plates with no attractive garnish, someone in the kitchen went baroque with dessert presentation. At the center stood a cylindrical cake of warm fudgy-dense dark chocolate topped with crushed nuts and a dab of whipped cream. On either side of it, grids of thick caramel sauce had been piped onto the dish. A couple chocolate covered strawberries stood opposite a floret of fresh strawberry slices. Anywhere else, this delicious dessert would have cost triple what the Taqueria del Pueblo charged for it. In fact, located at the edge of the WPI campus, it’s a place where students meet for a casual meal at very reasonable prices while having fun in a friendly space. It’s time for the rest of Worcester to discover the Taqueria.
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HANGING ON THE CORNER. The Corner Lunch Diner on the corner of Lamartine and Lafayette Streets in Worcester will have a new owner, after it was sold for $250,000 to Joshua Plahm, the former owner of Boston-based Joshua’s Deli. PUBLIC MARKET EXPANDS. Pacha Mama will serve Peruvian food and Namaste Woo will serve Indian-inspired cuisine. The owner of Namaste Woo already sells to-go food for home preparation at the Market Pantry. They will occupy spaces near George’s bakery, which serves Middle eastern food. The addition of the three new spots now expands the market’s international flavors to include West African, Japanese, Jamaican, Venezuelan, Indian, Peruvian, Mexican, Asian-inspired dumplings, Mediterranean, Italian and American. A new oyster bar was set to open by the end of September. It will be managed by Jason Midwood, the owner of Pasta Mani. THEY ENDED THEIR SEASON BEFORE THE WOOSOX. Auburn’s Ronnie’s Seafood shut down early this year due to staffing issues brought on by the pandemic. They closed in September ahead of their usual Columbus Day weekend closing. IT’S A GRAND SALE. Worcester’s Guertin’s Café on Grand Street is for sale. The neighborhood bar is off of Southbridge Street and is iconic in the city. KING OF THE CASTLE. It looks like the Castle on Route 9 in Leicester has been sold. Owned by the Nicas family for two generations, the Castle was the epitome of fine European style dining. No word on the new owner of what is going to happen with the business. We hear that it will become a Spanish Restaurant. IT’S NOT QUITE FOOD. Craft beer lovers in Central Massachusetts searching for one of the best American sour ales in America, just need to go to Millbrook Street. GREATER GOOD IMPERIAL BREWING CO. left the GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL last weekend with a silver medal in the American Sour Ale category. The Worcester brewery’s sour ale called “Funk Daddy” finished second in the category behind Wild Barrel Brewing Co. of California. SPEAKING OF BEER. Wachusett Brewing Company, located in Worcester’s Public market has a new kitchen turning out food to accompany that beer. CLOSING ON MONDAYS? I never understood why Coney Island was closed only Tuesdays. Now it appears that they will also be closed on Mondays for the foreseeable future. Everyone needs a couple of days off.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY! 155 SHREWSBURY STREET • WORCESTER, MA • 508-791-4535 22 OC TO BE R 20 21
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PEPE. Pepe’s Italian Restaurant on Franklin Street in Worcester is set to move into their new digs on Worcester’s Restaurant Row-Shrewsbury Street by the middle of the month. The building at 179 Shrewsbury St. has undergone a complete renovation. The brick pizza oven was installed at the end of September.
PULSEBREW RYAN CASHMAN I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t had much time to go out to breweries lately. Between selling my house, moving in with my in-laws, taking a woodworking course up in Maine, and house hunting with my wife every weekend, beer has come served to me in the form of a bottle or can fresh from the refrigerator. So, what might a renowned beer columnist such as myself drink when he’s too tired to go out in search of something new? Whatever my father-in-law, Keary, has on hand. I’m at an advantage here. Keary is a great lover of beer and someone whose tastes and preferences have been mentioned many times in this column. Most often, the beverages that emerge from his fridge are of the IPA variety. However, there are different IPA’s for different occasions. Coming back from a long day of work, Keary’s IPA of choice is Be Hoppy. Affordable and reliable, it’s just the sort of crisp hoppyness one needs after a day on their feet. The pack is exhausted in about two to three evenings. Be Hoppy has, for me, become associated with what the majority of Americans know as the “Budweiser Phenomenon.” That is, dissecting the go-to beer of the working man. Bud has held that mantle for a very long time. But, in the residence of Keary Naughton, Budwieser is replaced with Wormtown. It’s an improvement on the phenomenon at the very least. Then there are the days he gets to go sailing. His boat, moored in North Kingstown, RI, is in very close proximity to Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter, RI. I often wonder if that’s why he moors his boat where he does … Anyway, on the days Keary goes sailing, more often than not, he will arrive home in the afternoon with a selection. He’ll have something for me: Exeter Farmhouse Pale Ale, a refreshing, herbal pale ale whose flavors are in no way masked by the hops in use. He’ll have something for my wife: Sunrise Over Sea (Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry) Sour. As someone who is not the biggest fan of sours, I can tell you that this one fits the mold perfectly. It is TART. And, of course, Keary will have something for himself. His favorite beer from Tilted Barn flip flops between Summit American Pale Ale and Violet (The Original Farm Girl) IPA. Summit is a straightforward IPA without a lot of fuss. It’s pretty pale, with notes of malts and hops, but nothing at all overpowering. It’s brilliant on a warm day. Violet is a little more citrusy, though she maintains her smoothness and drinkability without sacrificing flavor on the altar of hops. I certainly haven’t been in want of beer these last few months. I’ve certainly needed an end-of-day brew on more than one occasion. Still, with its proximity to the Bay State, I hope you’ll check out Tilted Barn. They’re brewing up some really good stuff down there. My father-in-law is no fool.
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LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS APRIL GODDARD Happy Spooky month everyone! There are few holidays that I personally love more than Halloween. With the crisp scent of fall in the decor and spirit in full swing, this is one that proves not to be just for the kids. Whether you are a parent or a kid yourself, this Halloween will be a little extra special as we can celebrate a bit more than we did last year. So why not make your costume this year extra special or extra creative? Read on to discover my simple and easy costumes that are sure to be a spooky season hit! Pumpkin Spice Flare: Why not dress up with attire inspired by your favorite weekly morning beverage? (Or, let’s be honest, any morning for that matter!) The Pumpkin Spice Latte is such a fall icon, why not pay homage to it via a cute homemade costume. Here’s the deal: Everything Pumpkin Shade Hues and Golden Sparkles. A quick and easy way to get your point across is with a classic fall outfit: Try crisp denim, a pumpkin-hued shirt (bonus points if you get/make a tee with pumpkin spice on it) and add a very obvious pumpkin spice coffee cup as a prop to drive your message home. Voila! You not only love pumpkin spice, but you are pumpkin spice. The 90’s Cartoon Character: There was really no tv like the 90’s, especially when it pertains to those famous saturday morning (and night) cartoons. Have a TV character that resonated with you at that time? Create your own costume out of it, and give super brownie points to your friends and fam who can read exactly who you are. 90’s tv nostalgia hits differently, and you will be sure to get creativity points for thinking outside the box. (Hint: an obvious logo or a name tag if you are picking a really obscure character wouldn’t hurt.) The Band Tee Look: Do you have a favorite band or artist? Like, haven’t missed a concert in the last decade enthusiastic? Grab that favorite band tee from the last concert that you went to and rock that for All Hallow’s Eve. Here’s the way to do it: wear some coordinating pants or leggings (usually black would be a good choice) and pick your makeup and/or accessories to coordinate as well. You could even go a step further and try to style your hair or accessorize in the same way that members of the band commonly would. Be creative and think about the best way to communicate the overall feel of your band of choice. Pick a Decade: This is one of my favorites. I think that this is a fun way to travel back in time to iconic points in history, if only for an evening. Some favorites that come to mind are: The Roaring 20’s (seems appropropriate exactly a century later), the 70’s (think outrageous bell bottoms and popped collars), or the 80’s (the wildest time for makeup and hair on record). Pick a time that resonates with you or that you will have the most fun dressing up as. Don’t forget to be creative and go all out! Pick a Sport: This is a fairly easy one, especially if you are a last-minute costume getter, and especially easy if you already play a sport. Dress up as your favorite athlete, or go more generally and just pick a sport that you enthusiastically watch or are interested in playing. You never know, it may just inspire you to finally go and book those lessons! Coordinate with your Favorite Furry Friend: Okay, now this is my all time favorite for real! Who can resist taking your fluffy friend along with you on Halloween, especially if they are rocking coordinating attire? Certainly not me. If you have a tiny friend, a little costume or vest to match your theme will be adorable. If your friend is a bit on the bigger size, why not try a matching collar or bandana? Everyone will surely ooo and ahh at the sight of your fab partner in crime, and they are sure to be a hit at any spooky gathering. Even try a matching leash-especially if you’re going to an unfamiliar outdoor place or your little friend will be walking around someplace where there will be unknown children or people! It’s a surefire way to be festive, and keep everyone safe too! So readers, I hope that you have enjoyed reading these quick and easy costume ideas- and that you all have a spooky and safe Halloween!
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NEW IN THE WOO: COOKIES COMES TO THE EAST COAST TRAVIS DUDA
Through a partnership with New Día, LLC, the popular international cannabis brand, Cookies recently expanded their operations to the East Coast for the first time. They’ve taken over and transformed the storefront at 118 Cambridge St. and have created a cool spot for travelling stoners and local potheads alike. One of the best parts of this new deal is that the partnership included the existing New Día staff and provided resources for an additional 23 new and locally hired staff members. New Dia Owner, Ross Bradshaw, sees this as an opportunity to both expand their impact on the local economy as well as expand its mission as one of the first Massachusetts economic empowerment applicants. I learned about Cookies halfway through POW! WOW! Worcester 2021. A group of us were standing at Jason Naylor’s mural on Jackson Street when a car full of Cookies employees pulled up and handed us free swag bags. Inside the branded drawstring bags were stickers, a lighter, and info about their opening. Due to the mural festival, I wasn’t able to attend the opening, but it looked like a heck of a party. They even set up the first few customers with branded folding chairs and other gear. I also saw a photo of their CEO, Berner, holding up a sign showing Cookies “Worscester” which made me a little skeptical. But any doubts faded after seeing their interior design and large, correctly spelled, Worcester postcard poster.
I was already familiar with their location, having been to New Dia a couple times, but now the dispensary is dripping with Cookies branding. The shelves are loaded with the available Cookies strains. They feature a mix of edibles, topicals, and other products from local cannabis brands, as well as exclusive, New England themed clothing. Between the neon lights and the bumping hip hop, the environment feels exciting and fun to explore. During my first trip, I was escorted through their showroom by one of their budtenders who was eager to tell me about all the different strains, as well as show me the differences using their magnified display table. This space age serving tray is loaded with buds from all of the available strains in containers that resemble the fifty cent prize machines at the grocery store. Each of the eggs has a built-in magnifying glass, allowing easy viewing of the frosted nugs. Don’t get handsy though, the eggs are to be touched by staff only, and are secured down with a wire, similarly to a cell phone display. I really enjoyed how knowledgeable their budtenders are and the way they create a personal shopping experience for every customer. This causes a little bit of a slow down when trying to get into the facility, but once I got through the front door, the experience was worth the wait. I left with some Collins Ave and Sticky Buns which were both really nice for different reasons. Collins Ave was a nice working herb while Sticky Buns ended up being the evening hang. But that’s just my experience. Find a reason to head to Cambridge St and check out New Dia’s new look. I think it’s pretty sweet.
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420 50 8 IN THE
TRAVIS DUDA
BILLIONS. WITH A B.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission released a report showing that gross sales of recreational marijuana topped $2B in August 2021. It’s been about three years since the opening of the first recreational dispensaries and we’re really just seeing this money making machine getting into motion. The industry doubled their sales in less than a year, and with more dispensaries opening up every week, sales might cross the $3B mark by March/April 2022. But let’s be honest, this should surprise no one. We all knew how quickly this industry would grow. Multistate operators are clamoring to get a piece, acquiring licenses and companies alike, just to get skin in our game. And of course there’s studies showing that cannabis purchases increased more during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the previous years. So if you have some investment capital laying around and you haven’t invested in a local cannabis company yet...here’s your sign. It’s probably not too late. BLUNTS, BONGS, PRETZELS?
If you’re on stoner TikTok you’ve probably come across the user rawkandrolling, better known as Josh Kesselman, the founder of RAW Natural Rolling Papers. If you haven’t, and you happen to be a lover of funny, pot-related things, go find him. He’s hilariously animated in every video and loves showing off all the creative and innovative products that RAW is making. However, there’s a slight problem. Cannabis use is strictly against TikTok policy, and users have had their accounts banned for smoking on camera or even showing buds. So, Kesselman brilliantly skirts the rules by showing off their products using pretzels. Pretzel sticks to be more specific. Notable inventions include a hands-free pretzel snacking device, a frisbee that can hold a pretzel while being thrown to your friends, or an extra long lighter made to prevent thumb burning while lighting pretzels. I personally don’t use a lot of their products but I always get a laugh when his account comes across my FYP. It’s great to see all of their devices get a fun secondary use. Now if only I had a pretzel that found lost lighters. POUCH OUT
There’s a trend in the cannabis industry of selling flower and edibles in plastic pouches with zip tops. The problem is, in an attempt to make these childproof they’ve inadvertently made them stoner proof as well. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, picture a Ziploc bag on steroids. Recently, I was trying to open a package of Incredibles gummies for my wife and it turned into an entire chore. Wanting to do it correctly, I searched for an instructional video with secret tips, but they said to use my nails. No luck, those got clipped the night before. I struggled so much that I ended up grabbing a pair of scissors and cutting the thing open. I’ve since been told there is a special way to press and slide the two sides of the bag between your thumb and index finger. Unless the packaging comes with grip areas, I have a hard time with this method. So now I’m whining to my fellow stoners. Do any of you know a trick I don’t? What’s your opinion on the pouch? Hit me up on social media. Thanks for reading and happy trails! -Travis (@hunchbacktravis)
OUT AND ABOUT HAPPY LGBTQIA+ HISTORY MONTH!
GIULIANO D’OR AZIO October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, so I thought I’d take a moment to look back at Worcester’s own queer history. My space here is limited, and the history of Queer Worcester is rich, so as a nightlife and events column, I’m going to focus on the local history of queer nightlife and gay spaces. As queer folks, our history has not traditionally been accurately recorded alongside the mainstream, and so often young people in our community are largely unexposed to the people, places and events that shaped the culture they now inhabit. That’s why I think initiatives like the Worcester Historical Museum’s For The Record: LGBTQ+ Worcester are so vital. The project compiled historical records that had previously only existed in various, hard-to-find places, and created an exhibit which ran at the museum through most of 2019. A beautiful and comprehensive full-color catalogue accompanied the exhibit, and if you missed it in person, you can still get a copy through the Historical Museum. The catalog was compiled by Joseph F. Cullon (WPI), Robert Tobin (Clark) and Stephanie E. Yuhl (Holy Cross, Harvard Graduate School of Design), and I’ve used it as a reference for this article. One of the recurring themes I hear in Queer Worcester amongst my millennial peers and those younger, is the need for more queer spaces in our city. One might be surprised to learn that there were actually more nightlife spaces specifically catering to gays and lesbians in decades past. Throughout the mid twentieth century, bars like The New Yorker, Ports O’ Call, Exit II, and the Mailbox (from which today’s MB Lounge descended), all served Worcester’s then mostly underground gay community. Further into the 70s and 80s, the popularity of disco music and dance clubs lead to the rise of Club 241 (opening in 1987), which was described as a center of gay life for the better part of a decade. The Floating Dancefloor was a biweekly lesbian dance party which took place at a local VFW, offering a social gathering for queer women outside of the local bar scene. Sadly, the decline in explicitly gay, lesbian or more broadly queer spaces is not unique to Worcester, and has been an unfortunate trend of the past several decades. Many point to the increased mainstream acceptance of queer folks as a reason for this decline. As the need to hide our identities decreased, the need for sheltered space decreased -- at least for gay men and lesbian women. The most marginalized members of our community, sadly still face high levels of descrimination and violence, making the need for safe and affirming queer space as in-demand as ever. As we all know, when it comes to opening businesses, money talks and economics is a game of supply and demand. I hope that in the coming years, as a younger more diverse generation of queer folks come of age, we’ll band together to invest in all members of our community by building a demand for spaces that are truly inclusive of all. Worcester loves to talk of “renaissance”, so how about a queer one? If anyone is interested in contributing their story to the record, email David Conner at davidconner@worcesterhistory.net Bio Giuliano D’Orazio (he/him) is a Worcester native, musician, music educator, member of the queer community, and a board member of Love Your Labels. Email: giulianodoraz@gmail.com Instagram: @musicbygiuliano
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STYLE Savvy APRIL GODDARD
Hello, and welcome Pulse readers to the most fall time of the year (in my opinion). October is here, which means that sweaters are out, the weather is crisp, and pumpkin spice is abundant. Ah, fall-the perfect time to cozy up to a fresh new change in wardrobe and trends tomake the season all the more festive. So what is going on for fashion fall 2021? Read on for all of the trendiest pieces that you will want to get your hands on asap! LOW RISE JEANS- I’ve said it before (like three times), and I’m going to need to say it again...the low rise denim trend is not going anywhere. For millennials looking to relive their youth in denim, this may be cause for celebration with a tinge of nostalgia. If you are in fact in the opposite camp and have been rocking the high rise for the past 10 years, well the good news is that that’s not quite going away either. But if you want to try the trend for the sake of trying, here are my suggestions: Try a slim bootcut or straight leg jean. I find that this is a good way to ease into the trend without going headfirst, and I generally find these styles a lot more comfortable. BLACKED OUT SHADES-This is by far my favorite trend of the fall. Cool pair of blacked out shades is the way to do it, as it screams chic, simplistic elegance with a hint of cool person energy. Shades this cool are a great way to make athleisure look chic, or to put the finishing touch on a more formal outfit. Size and shape don’t matter so much, but if you wanted to be a little more bold, I would go for an oversized pair! PUFFER VEST- This trend has been away for a while, but last year’s resurgence of the 1980’s-esque puffer jacket has made way for the pair down version: The puffer vest. Perfect for cooler but no jacket-required weather, the puffer vest looks great with a sweater or long sleeved shirt, paired with some relaxed denim or even leggings and some sneakers for a sportier feel. OVERSIZED TOTE- No, this trend from spring/summer 2021 will not be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Large totes have gone in and out as the “main” or “prime” bag on trend since the early 2000’s, but it has never truly gone all the way out, meaning that investing in a quality tote is generally a safe bet. For this fall, think: A tote with rich and warm tones of brown or beige, and something that is versatile enough to hold everything that you need while still being simple in design enough to go with every outfit, whether you are heading into the office or going to brunch. Don’t love love totes because you feel like your stuff always gets lost in a tornado at the bottom of your bag? The perfect solution is a bag organizer, which you can pick out to cater to your specific needs. Mine has a holder especially for my laptop.
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FINDING BALANCE: TO SNACK OR NOT TO SNACK JENNIFER RUSSO We hear conflicting messages constantly about snacking. Snack less, fast for 16 hours, snack more often, only snack in the afternoon, only eat fruit when you snack, instead of having a snack, have a shake or 2 bottles of water…the list goes on and on. How confusing it is getting this influx of instruction on what and when to eat or not eat. Often one of two things happen as a result – we try not to have any snacks or feel guilty about it when we do, or we just throw our hands in the air and have what we want.
SPORTAND AND SPORT FITNESS FITNESS
The question isn’t really whether we can or can’t have a snack when we are feeling a little hungry. Of course you should, your body is telling you it needs a little something. It’s more about doing it in a smarter way. Understanding how our bodies function is critical to giving it what it needs at any given time. WHEN: Everyone is different, but usually a person starts feeling a little twinge of hunger somewhere between 2-4 hours after they have had their most recent meal. So, if you’ve had breakfast at 8 AM, you will probably start feeling a little hungry (not anywhere near famished) around 11 AM. Depending on when you eat lunch, you could wait. If you really feel like you are low on energy and focus though, have something small, yet relatively filling. Post-dinner, nighttime snacking is often a problem for many people, but a lot of it is not because our body is hungry – it’s because we are bored. After being active most of the day, it’s time to take it easy and slow it down, and we don’t actually require food then. WHAT: Typically, when we start feeling a little hungry during the day it is because we need a boost of energy or focus. What the body actually needs is protein and fiber, which will provide a more sustained energy until your next meal. We are going to think we want carbs, but that isn’t what our body is really asking for. Things like granola bars, nuts, apples, grapes, avocados, hummus and peppers or celery, yogurt with berries, a hard boiled egg…will give you a sense of fullness and satisfy the body of its craving, while providing you with that energy you need. HOW: It is important to be mindful about your snacking. Don’t just grab any old thing and don’t just take the whole package of something to your seat. Take a portion that is just enough and put it in a small bowl. Don’t eat snacks as a routine. Just because you have a morning snack one day doesn’t mean you need one the next. Don’t have it if you don’t really feel hungry for it. It’s important to listen to your body. So yes – snack…when you really need to and in a thoughtful way. Ohm Shanti.
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pulse magazine...
WANTS YOU! Pulse Magazine is looking for nominees for our:
We are looking for the next generation of leaders. Do you know anyone in Central Massachusetts who is a successful entrepreneur, a community leader, a talented artist, or a mover and a shaker?
@worcesterpulse
/thepulsemagazine
IF SO, CONTACT:
Paul Giorgio • pgiorgio@pagioinc.com Requirements: Nominees must be under the age of 40 Nominees must be from the Central Massachusetts area
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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.
