Hot & Now

What’s hot and happening now in the restaurant scene PAUL GIORGIO

IT’S PRETTY STEAMY. The Steam Café located at the Ice Center in the Canal District has new managers. Niche Hospitality is no longer running the place and the ice center owners have taken over. IT HITS THE SPOT. The Taco Spot opened recently at 264 Grafton St. It is owned by husband-and-wife Angel Ortiz and Stephanie Sanchez Ortiz. Each left their career to pursue this opportunity. THE END OF AN ERA. Maury’s Deli located in Worcester’s Webster Square recently turned off the stove. They first opened in 1947. That marks the second deli closing in Worcester in a little over a year. Weintraub’s on Water Street is now a French Creperie. IT’S FRENCH TO ME. A food website recently announced what every person who steps into the Miss Worcester Diner knew. According to the website-Eat This, Not That, there’s not a better place in Massachusetts to order French toast. They have about 30 options. The website Eat This, Not That! recently compiled a list of the top places in each state to start the day off with French Toast. Miss Worcester Diner at 300 Southbridge St. in Worcester earned the title for Massachusetts.

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. The Blue Moon Diner, an iconic Gardner landmark, is up for sale. It has been owned and operated by Jamie Floyd for two decades. She says she wants to spend more time with her family. No details on the price. A PLACE FOR THE JERSEY BOYS. It’s not the Jersey Shore but, Jersey Mikes is set to open in the-White City Plaza in Shrewsbury. The-sub shop will bring us New Jersey style grinders. THEY TOOK THE CASTLE. The Castle Restaurant buyer has announced the new name. The Castle Restaurant in Leicester recently changed hands after being owned by the Nicas Family for 71 years. It will be owned by the Quinones family, who are changing the concept to a Spanish style eatery. IT’ S PHOLICIOUS. Pholicious recently opened its doors in Holden Center. The Vietnamese pho place is owned by Thien Phan and wife. It’s located at the site of the old Friendly’s. Pham also owns Kyoto in Worcester’s Lincoln Plaza., ROVEZZI REDUX. Villahia recently opened its doors in Brimfield. The Italian restaurant is owned by Chris Rovezzi- who formerly owned Rovezzi’s Ristorante in Sturbridge LET THEM EAT CAKE. Taste Great Cakes is set to open at the old Lee’s Bakery on Worcester’s Hamilton Street. It will be owned by Erica and Jay Diaz IN WORCESTER, THERE IS NO BEER. The Beer Garden in downtown Worcester has decided to shut its taps until the springtime. They closed their doors on October 30. Hopefully we will see them come spring. NOT SO LUCKY. It looks like Lucky’s on Worcester’s Grove Street has lost its lease and is looking around the area for a new spot. They will close or move in December. ROCCO’S COMES TO THE WOO. It looks like Rocco’s Donuts-the first gourmet donut shop in the area will be opening in Worcester soon. No location has been announced but we can’t wait, or is that weight?