Dishing With Dale: Unlocking New Flavors at LOCK 50 in Worcester

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Dale LePage, GoLocalWorcester Food Critic

On a hot and steamy Saturday evening we arrived at the newest restaurant to hit the Canal district of Worcester LOCK 50, located at 50 Water Street in Worcester.
We were greeted by a smiling hostess (Renee) who asked if we would prefer to sit inside or on the patio where they had live music, I choose the air conditioned inside since I could already feel the plastic in my face start to melt and had to escape the heat before I started to look like Donatella Versace. We were lead to a table near a large window.

Renee then asked if we had dined here before. When she was told we had not, she began to tell us about the menu and that the small plates which are perfectly designed for sharing and can give you a great combination of flavors as a meal. The room is painted in interesting cool tones and lit with artistic ambient lighting with fresh roses ornamenting every table.

We were then approached by our waiter (Matt) who turned out to be a fantastic server. At the end of the evening, I asked Matt how long he had been working at LOCK 50, we were surprised to find out he had only been there for 3 days. Great job Matt!

Photo from Lock 50

We Ate - and Drank!

We started with Sauvignon Blanc and after inquiring about the fish and finding out it was served with the head, we opted to share 4 of the smaller plates.

* Assorted Breadbasket | Whipped Cultured Butter | Evoo – (Yummy)

* Crisped Fontina Cheese | Herb Salad | Fresh Crostino - (Yummier)

* Grilled Beets | Creamy Goat Cheese | Baby Kale | Blood Orange - (Yummiest)

* Potato Gnocchi | Bleu Cheese | Crispy Sweet Potato | Fresh Scallion –(Yumamazing)

Each dish was unique and very tasty, and it was nice to know the produce was local.

We ended the evening with Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding | Caramelized Orange | Whipped Ricotta. If you are a fan of bread pudding try this, it is an interesting variation, not your average bread pudding and it is best washed down with a cocktail called Bear and The Bee, which is Baronjager, Bourbon, Lemon-GingerVanilla Syrup, Mead, and Pollen.

As our dining experience ended, we exited the crowded restaurant and waited for the valet. I looked out over the busy patio full of diners who seemed to have found a little oasis in the city. Truly a distinctive and welcome addition to the Canal District.