3 minute read
Table Hoppin
Root & Press mixes things up with ‘gourmet’ milkshakes
BARBARA M. HOULE
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An extremely popular small and cozy breakfast and lunch spot is Root & Press on Chandler Street in Worcester. It’s also an independent bookstore.
Most days, you can see owner Rich Collins behind the counter, making Panini, omelettes, salads, sandwiches and specials such as Pain de Chevre, Iggy’s wheat bread with goat cheese, cinnamon pear jam and fresh raspberry compote.
This summer, Collins started putting his own spin on milkshakes, vamping up a plain shake into “20ish” different flavors. “Gourmet” milkshakes are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday when the café is closed for food service.
Collins and wife Nicole Cote have proven that milkshake makeovers can be just as satisfying as American classics — chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. “Root & Press serves the best milkshakes around,” according to a regular customer, who with his wife enjoy choosing novel versions. “It’s a great little café,” he said.
Collins’ milkshakes are made with a premium vanilla ice cream from a local dairy, milk and add-ins. The milkshake bar menu has something for everyone, even vegan options.
His unique twist on a classic milkshake include Oreo Crumble, PB Blizzard, M&M Blast, Chippy (chocolate chip cookie), Campfire Shake (mocha, toasted marshmallows, oak barrel flavoring and graham crackers), B-A-N-A-N-A-S, (banana split shake, cherries, chocolate chips and mocha swirl). Also, Blueberry Crumbler, Cotton Candy (kids’ favorite) Key Lime Pie, Maple Butter Pecan, Raspberry Crumble Shark Bite (a blue-raspberry shake with gummies, sprinkles and a cherry on top), and more! All 16-ounce milkshakes are served with whipped cream and toppings. Prices start at $7.50.
Why milkshakes?
Simple answer from the owners, “Why not?”
Residents in the Tatnuck area of the city where Root & Press is located often walk to the shop with their kids, said Collins. “Milkshakes are fun and families enjoy time together in
Nicole Cote, who owns Root & Press with her husband, Rich Collins, shows off the blueberry crumbler milkshake at the bookstore.
ASHLEY GREEN
the evenings. We’re a neighborhood café, and we’re always thinking of ways to branch out, especially during coronavirus,” he said. “The kitchen is small, and we couldn’t possibly offer a milkshake menu during the hours we serve food. Customers choose coffee, tea or smoothies instead.”
Roots & Press, 623 Chandler St., Worcester is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Visit https:// rootandpress.com or Facebook for information about specials, online menu, ordering, books, etc. Telephone: (978) 870-5429. Note: Currently, there’s limited indoor seating with social distancing. Customers can enjoy food and drinks at outdoor tables.
Collins is originally from Worcester and worked most of his 20 years in the food service industry at Barber’s Crossing Restaurant in Sterling, starting as a teenager washing dishes and working his way through the kitchen line, leaving the restaurant as front house general manager.
Collins, who has a master’s degree in history, and Cote, a teacher at Chandler Magnet School in Worcester, opened the café/bookstore with the idea it would fill a niche. Cote works in the business when she’s not in the classroom.
At the opening last May, Collins said about Root & Press, “Customers have a comfortable space to study, peruse the shelves, or grab a coffee, espresso, salad, Panini or anything else off the small, seasonal and largely locally-sourced menu.”
The couple said they love what they do and are adapting to business changes amid COVID-19. “We have fewer seats inside the café and right now rely mostly on outdoor tables and take-out when it comes to food,” said Collins. “We’re already planning ahead for fall and winter.” Community is very supportive of the business, he said,
Keeping the history of milkshakes short and sweet, it appears the milkshake’s origin dates back to the late 19th century, when an 1885 newspaper described the milkshake as a sturdy drink with milk,
