Table Hoppin

TABLE HOPPIN’ Peppers returns to roots with gourmet takeout

BARBARA M. HOULE

Peppers Artful Events in Northboro offers a great new takeout option that provides food lovers with seasonally inspired dinners created by Peppers’ award-winning culinary team.

The “Prepared by Peppers” menu is a go-to start to any weekend. The takeout dinners available on Friday and Saturday definitely are something to look forward to.

Susan Lawrence, co-owner of Peppers with her husband, John Lawrence, said the takeout program was developed to meet the increased needs in the community for takeout options. The company took the opportunity to offer its delicious meals made from fresh in-season ingredients, opting to do it on a smaller scale, she said, adding the new service has brought the owners back to the roots of their business.

In 1987, Peppers started out as a gourmet café offering a weekly menu to people in the community. Providing this service again is a bit nostalgic for the husband-and-wife team, she said.

The takeout dinners are a perfect fit for busy families or for anyone celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday. Home cooks who want a night off surely will appreciate the decadent dishes on the menu. Apple Cider Chicken with Wild Mushrooms and Kale, Slow Braised Red Wine Short Ribs and Vegetarian Impossible Meatloaf were previously available. There are small bites and desserts, too.

Peppers’ culinary team has long been recognized for its food creativity. With a decline in catered events as a result of COVID-19, Lawrence said the new takeout meals allow chefs to continue with what they love to do, including testing new recipes weekly.

About meal ordering: Dinners must be pre-ordered by 1 p.m. Thursday, with pickup from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Peppers Artful Events, 43 Hudson St., Northboro. Visit www.peppersartfulevents.com for menus and to place an order. A new menu is posted every Sunday. Note: All the meals are provided with simple reheating instructions. Also, check out the company’s online ordering portal: https://www.toasttab.com/peppersartful-events-43-hudson-st/v3. Follow Peppers Artful Events on social media: Telephone: (508) 393-6844.

Marketing Manager Sarah Barrett said information about the company’s Thanksgiving and Christmas catering for pickup would be posted on the website.

On another note, John and Susan Lawrence have operated Farmer and the Fork Café at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston since 2018. The café, which has been closed during the pandemic, will reopen for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for “eat in” dining, beginning Oct. 23, according to Barrett, who said there would be limited seating and social distancing in the café dining area.

Tower Hill’s guests previously preordered box lunches from the café, said Barrett, but now can order food and beverages to enjoy indoors or to go. The café promotes fresh, healthy, sustainable, innovative food. Visit www.towerhillbg.org for information about the café and events and programs at Tower Hill.

Great news all around.

Arturo’s moves to indoor-only dining

Arturo’s Ristorante in Westboro no longer has dining in its outdoor tent.

The restaurant, however, continues with curbside pickup and indoor dining.

Owner Domenico Fabiano also announced that the restaurant has installed plexiglass in some areas of the restaurant in order to keep guests and staff safe. Also, bar seats will no longer be “first come, first served.” Guests are encouraged to call the restaurant, (508) 366-1881, to reserve a barstool. Seating options are for parties of one or two. The restaurant will not seat three or more guests at the bar, according to Fabiano. Walk-ins may be accommodated earlier or later in the evening depending on volume, he said.

Also, dine-in guests now enter the restaurant through a new door located in the middle of the building

Catering chef Bobby Ryan preps a meal at Pepper’s Artful Events, located at 43 Hudson St. in Northboro.

ASHLEY GREEN

located at 54 East Main St., Westboro. The double doors to the right of the building are reserved for curbside pickup and gift card sales.

Arturo’s is currently open for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays. Visit http://www.arturosristorante. com or social media for updates on online ordering and curbside pickup. Call the restaurant for information about private events limited to 25 guests or less.

Fabiano said he and staff are “so grateful” to guests for their continued support as the business continues to navigate through COVID-19. Curbside pickup and the outdoor seating this summer was a huge help to the business, he said.

Prepared meals at deadhorse hill

Last week, owners of deadhorse hill on Main Street in Worcester announced that indoor dining would be put on hold and the eatery would shift focus to more high-quality takeout food and prepared meals to enjoy at home. The restaurant will continue with its wine shop, including expansion.

Co-owner/executive chef Jared Forman last week told Kim Ring of the Telegram & Gazette that deadhorse is “definitely not closing.” The dining area will be open (social distancing) to guests who walk in and order from the menu, he said. People also can opt for food to go.

The restaurant’s signature specialty drinks made by co-owner Sean Woods will be available, in addition to food and wine. Co-owner and GM Julie Auger will be on premise to help guests select and learn about wine to enjoy at the restaurant or take home.

Follow deadhorse on social media for hours and updates.

Lock 50, Gin Lane 1751 join in fight against breast cancer

Cocktails for a cause: Lock 50 in Worcester and Gin Lane 1751 team up for breast cancer research.

This month, Lock 50 offers “The Pink Victoria,” featuring the Gin Lane 1751 Victoria Pink Gin, to help raise awareness and money for the

Breast Cancer Research Founda-

tion.

Since its inception, Gin Lane 1751 has participated in numerous events, walks and fundraisers. “With many 2020 events and walks canceled due to the pandemic, the brand is stepping up its efforts with retailers and bar/restaurant partners to really make an impact,” according to a company spokesman. In its efforts, the brand offers unique cocktail recipes, virtual tastings, signage and more to help maximize the amount of money raised, he said.

The company this month will donate 50% of the brand’s profits of all gin sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, according to the spokesman.

The cause reportedly is “very near and dear” to Geoff Curley, founder of Gin Lane 1751 and a native of Massachusetts. Curley has felt the impact of the disease, having lost his mother, aunt and cousin.

Enjoy the Pink Victoria cocktail on Lock 50’s outside patio, 50 Water St., Worcester.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.