Friday, March 23, 2012

Review of Joey's Bar and Grille, Chandler St. Worcester, MA..or Death of Diet by Chicken Frangleio

“A Gastronomical Crescendo”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 16, 2012
Initial impressions mean a lot to me. It's that "make or break" first few minutes that can set the pace. So after a seating snafu, which was promptly corrected once it was "pointed out" to the Hostess...Joey's would need to really impress to earn any stars (or return visit) in my book.
And IMPRESS is exactly what happened.
Our waitress , Angela, was respectful, professional and friendly. Sometimes a tough role on a busy night. Her skillful representation of the restaurant and it's offerings were exact.
Since this was a "break the diet full calorie ahead" night, we placed drink orders and appetizer order for the steamed mussels and a bowl of Southwest Chicken Soup.
My partners' cocktail was served exactly to his preference. My wine , selected from a well thought out wine list, was a generous serving in a sparkling glass.
Steamed Mussel appetizer was a satisfying tease. A creamy broth, yet light and delicate, accented the true flavor of the succulent fresh mussels.
Southwest Chicken soup with it's thick, chili like presentation, zinged with spices and flavor.
A carefully orchestrated staff led us along our dining symphony. Our meal was served smoothly and promptly. Attention to detail , fresh silverware, prompt removal of used dishes, fresh drinks, created an atmosphere of sharp but not haunting, attention .
The menu offered a nice concise variety. Well written with "tease the taste-buds" descriptions. Chicken Frangelio grabbed my attention and would not let go. My partner decided to go with a tried and true Fish and Chips.
The Chicken Frangelio is a concert for all senses. A type of meal I robustly applause.
Tender breast of chicken peeking from beneath a generous portion of butternut ravioli, topped with a delicate hazelnut cream sauce, garnished with chopped candied pecans.
Notes of spices and sweetness tingled the tongue. A lacy scent of hazelnut tantalized.
Tender and smooth..this was a meal to be savored.
My partner's fish and chips were served with a generous portion of sweet potato fries and a small side of tartar sauce. Batter was golden and crisp .Fish was flaky with a distinct flavor of freshness. Sweet potato fries were the right blend of crunch and tenderness. The dish was served with a "grease catcher" liner on the dish. A nice touch, until the paper started to break apart, adhering to parts of the meal. The food was crisply fried, with no residue nor blend of "what else was in the fryolator today" flavor.
A side of Asian Slaw was a crunchy soft blend of cabbages, hint of a dressing mingled the textures.
Spying a dessert tray float by, we stopped our waitress and were dazzled with an array of delights. Pecan Square, Chocolate upon chocolate cake, Brown Sugar Creme Brulee, Carrot cake, Lemon cake and a tempting square of Chocolate chip banana bread pudding. Although this was the presentation tray, all offerings looked freshly sliced and enticing.
We selected the Lemon Cake. A generous portion perfect for sharing. Served pleasingly with a side twist of whipped cream and strawberry slices.
This layer cake was a blend of delights. Cake was dense, moist with a hint of lemon. A mousse like center layer was sharp with the tang of lemon yet a melt in your mouth texture. And the frosting. A thick "birthday cake" style butter cream, hard to resist, lick the spoon, not to sweet , eat it all cymbal crash ending to our symphony for the senses.
Decor is a comfortable blend of metal accents, wood, soft earthy colors and a star like sparkle set on moon rise blue sky. Tables for two, booths for four or more. Bathrooms were "office park" style, yet clean and well stocked.
The check total for the evenings' presentation of cocktails, wine, appetizers, entrees and dessert and a cup of coffee was just over $100.00 .
Our dining adventure that started off with hesitancy, settled into a comfortable satisfaction and a finale of impression.
Visited March 2012