Ask a Bartender: If Worcester Were a Drink, What Drink Would It Be?
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Saturday, March 07, 2015
Jamie Chapman - GoLocal Worcester Ask Your Bartender Columnist
The ones that call Worcester home love this city for everything it's not; making it everything we love, crave and come home for. This is a community that’s classic, but edgy; progressive, yet timeless; unforgiving, yet full of heart. Worcester is a multifaceted (dirty) little diamond; a city that is a puzzle within itself. Settled by many different immigrant communities starting in the 1770’s, the different neighborhoods were home to many diverse groups. This helped turn Worcester into a small melting pot, joining the neighborhoods, but creating their own vibes with their own unique cultures, foods and essence.
Since Worcester is home to over 500 restaurants we offer a little something for everyone and we don’t skimp on the vibe, uniqueness, or flavor. From a beautiful three course meal to a hole in the wall, we have a little something for everyone. Just make it taste amazing, and make it local.
Explaining Worcester in one drink is a difficult task. There is too much diversity in this city to pick just one drink!
BUT, if Worcester were a drink it would be strong (just like the residents), Full of flavor (just like all amazing restaurants that flank this city), and it would be served on the rocks to show how cool and edgy we are. It might taste slightly bitter at first, but would leave you with a sweet finish and of course would be affordable. And because we are the heart of the commonwealth, the Worcester drink would be made with love by your bartender.
Jamie Chapman
Here a few different drinks in my view that could possibly represent Worcester as a drink; an old fashioned, a Mai tai, and last not a cocktail at all but a good cold local brew.
The old fashioned classic cocktail represents a Worcester drink because lets face it, this city is old and classic. Start with a good strong whiskey of your choice, add a dash of bitters, some sugar, and muddled fruits to end with a sweet aftertaste. The drink takes some skill and know how so typically you will be paying a little more. So find a cool place in the city, put yourself at ease, enjoy a cigar or live music and transport yourself to a whole other place.
If you want to experience the more affordable side of Worcester, try a Mai Tai. Strength is definitely one of this cities strong points of its people and in its history. With that being said, don't be afraid to make my drink nice and strong. The Mai Tai cocktail is sweet, but don’t be fooled: it will kick your ass.
- Be Hoppy IPA from Wormtown Brewery
If you want to taste Worcester as a beer there is no better place to go then the new Wormtown Brewery on Shrewsbury Street. Try their “Be Hoppy” brew. It's full of body and full of flavor. This brewery truly has a love for Worcester and will show you the new vibe this city can offer.
Jamie Chapman bartends at the Marine Corps League at 181 Lake Ave (MCL) Monday and Thursday nights, and will be bartending at the new Wormtown Brewery on Shrewsbury Street.
Related Slideshow: Worcester County’s Ten Best Mai Tais
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1. Dragon 88
Swing on down Route 140 to Dragon 88 in Boylston. Ask for Dave. Let him mix you up the most potent of Mai Tais.
Address: 260 Shrewsbury Street, Boylston
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2. Red Lantern
On the corner of Shrewsbury and Casco Streets, the Red Lantern is known for its excellent food. More importantly, it's known for strong Absolut Mai Tai. It's pink and it's refreshing.
Address: 235 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
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3. Kenichi Bistro
At Kenichi Bistro, Jimmy will serve you up their famous Mai Tai with a smile. Rum or Vodka, they both taste great. While you're there, order some sushi from Kenny.
Address: 270 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
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4. Ho Toy
Ho Toy's trademark is crushed ice in it's Mai Tai. A local favorite for college kids, Ho Toy's Mai Tai is nothing to play around with.
Address: 401 Park Avenue, Worcester
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5. Wong Dynasty
Known by Holden folk as the 'best ever,' the Wong Dynasty Mai Tai packs the place every weekend. Come for the Mai Tai, stay for the Mai Tai and excellent food.
Address: 176 Reservoir Street, Holden
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6. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
It's a great place for a first date. Enjoy a Mai Tai while you watch their grill masters cook your dinner at the hibachi. Flip an egg even! And watch out for the little man (it's sake!).
Address: 535 Lincoln Street, Worcester
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7. Jasmine
Over the last few years, Jasmine in Auburn has become a local hit. It's a great place for a lot of guests, and even a better place for a little one-on-one with a Mai Tai at the bar.
Address: 711 Southbridge Street, Auburn
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8. Sakura Tokyo
Sakura Tokyo has live music that rocks the house every weekend. Sakura Tokyo also has unbelievably good Mai Tais that will rock you every weekend.
Address: 640 Park Avenue, Worcester
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9. Yong Shing
Yong Shing's Karaoke is the stuff of legends. Have a few of their Mai Tais and you can be part of it too.
Address: 90 Auburn Street, Auburn
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10. Mai Thai
If you aren't ordering a Mai Tai from a placed called Mai Tai, you're wasting your time. Have Tommy mix you up their popular Mango Mai Tai.
Address: 69 Green Street, Worcester
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