On the Other Side of the Fence

I always have plenty to say when it comes to complaints about my job.  But there's a lot to point out from the other side of the table when I'm the guest.

I've eaten at a LOT of restaurants and I've learned that good servers and restaurants come in all shapes and sizes.

The best server I ever had was at a Friendlies on Lincoln St. in Worcester.  She was an older woman with brown hair cut in a mullet and she was absolutely fantastic, genuine, pleasant, nice helpful, perfect.  

It'd be too difficult to name a favorite restaurant, but just to name a few...

Fugakyu in Brookline, Massachusetts ~ [Japanese] Incredible cuisine with a picture book to help make decisions along with a large specialty drink menu.  A lot of the seating is in the floor and tables are enclosed by sliding screens with seating up to the hundreds per party.

Texas de Brazil in Orlando, Florida ~ [Brazilian] It starts with an amply supplied salad bar (with way more than just salad) after which the real event begins.  Each person is given a coaster, red on one side, green on the other.  People with huge skewers of meats from lamb to steak to chicken come by and skewer you off whatever and how much ever you want.

The Sole Proprietor and One Eleven Chop House both in Worcester, Massachusetts ~ [Seafood/Steakhouse] Owned by the same company, they are great in their own specialities, seafood and steak.  The Chop House has great lamb as well. 

While there are many other restaurants that I like, many of which I can't immediately recall, these are some that make it to the top of the list.

Some recent and old favorites of mine (absolutely not exclusive):

Best appetizers ~ Mussels Roma at the Boynton in Worcester, Panko Fried Brie Cheese at Cobblestones in Lowell, MA Cracklin' Bread at Fireflies in Framingham/Marlboro

Best dinner ~  Gorgonzola Rack of Lamb at the Block Five in Worcester, MA (before they changed it) there's something fantastic everywhere though.

Best dessert ~ Banana Caramel Xangos at the Boynton in Worcester, MA

Best drink ~ Pear martinis at Jae's Grill in Brookline, MA and Flirtinis at The Sole in Worcester, MA and Heavens to Margatroid at Margaritas in Waltham, MA...okay I drink a lot, there's no way to name a favorite drink.

Best ambience ~ Fugakyu, The Melting Pot

Interestingly enough, these are all places that I've never worked, which is perhaps why I still enjoy them so much.