Restaurant Reviews
03/19/10:
Picadilly Pub
‘The place the place to meet...the place to eat’
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - What began as a single restaurant in Westborough nearly 40 years ago is now a chain of 12 restaurants across Massachusetts. Now owned by Terra Nova Pub Group, the Picadilly Pub restaurants – including those in Westborough and Marlborough – have been undergoing some changes to keep customers coming back.
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03/12/10:
25 on the Common
… for great casual and child-friendly dining
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Grafton - As relative newcomers to Massachusetts, we hadn’t had a chance to dine at the Grafton Inn in the past when John and Laurie Pardee ran it.
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03/05/10:
Bistro Limoncello
Fine food and a distinguished dining pedigree
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough – The first face you’ll see at Bistro Limoncello Ristorante and Bar is likely to be that of owner Marc Turo, and you can be fairly sure he’ll be smiling.
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02/26/10:
Stephen Anthony’s Restaurant
Excellent food, service and ambiance
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - When I have something special to celebrate or I just want a great meal, Stephen Anthony’s is at the top of my list. Owned by chef Anthony Scerra, everything about the dining experience is a pleasure.
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02/12/10:
JJ’s Sports Bar and Grill
New owner, new menu, new attitude
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - Looking to get back into the restaurant business last year, Peter Sarro had made up his mind to build his own place from the ground up. Then his realtor said he had a friend who might be willing to sell. Had he ever been to JJ’s? Sarro said he laughed at the question.
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01/29/10:
Steakloft
serving ‘only the best’ - you and good food
By K.A. Esposito
Northborough - Going out for lunch becomes a pleasure when your destination is C.J.’s Steakloft, where for a reasonable price, you get terrific food in a cozy setting.
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01/15/10:
Wayside Inn
Innkeeper brings new menu, activities to oldest inn
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - Running the oldest operating inn in the United States doesn’t stifle John J. Cowden Jr.’s creativity. Since taking over as innkeeper at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Cowden has been adding menu items, events and improvements to the historic site, but all with an eye toward honoring tradition while attracting new visitors.
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01/01/10:
The Post Office Pub
delivers with great food, terrific service
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - With the holiday rush already in full swing, my family and I took a break for dinner at the Olde Post Offic e Pu b in Grafton. Though it was a Friday night, we were lucky enough to get one of the roomy and slightly rustic booths in the dining room that sits between a more formal room and the comfortable, open bar area.
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12/18/09:
Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant
…spicy or sweet, it’s sure to please
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - Going to Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant is a family aff air: my son and husband love the food and the ambiance, and I wouldn’t let them go without me. A recent meal did nothing to dispel our family’s aff ection for the menu.
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12/04/09:
Dino’s Trattoria
…keeps serving up great food
By. K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Some restaurants are reliable, and some are good. And some are reliably outstanding. Dino’s Trattoria is one of those. Every time I enter Dino’s, it’s a little like stopping in at my mother-in-law’s dining room. I get a warm welcome, and plenty of great food in a comfortable, relaxing setting.
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11/20/09:
Sully’s First Edition Pub
A winner for food and atmosphere
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter
Marlborough - Set behind the city center of Marlborough, on Florence Street, Sully’s First Edition Pub off ers the ideal ambiance for a leisurely Sunday lunch with the family or regular spot for friends to knock back appetizers and beers and watch the game.
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10/23/09:
Checkerboards Restaurant & Bar
Meeting every standard
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Hudson - Everyone has diff erent priorities for eating, and I find that Checkerboards Restaurant and Bar surpasses every demand. The menu is extensive, the food high quality and delicious, the setting comfortable, with three diff erent seating options, and the staff is friendly and skilled.
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10/09/09:
Café Mayan
Coffee and food that’s a world apart
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - Café Mayan is the kind of hidden gem you want to bring out into the sunshine. First, there’s the rich Guatemalan coff ee, and then, there is the food! Breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch and the occasional dinners are guaranteed to please the most demanding diner.
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09/25/09:
Lazy Dog
The perfect place for a terrific meal
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Try introducing a Marlborough native to a new place, and feel the love - especially when that place is the Lazy Dog.
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09/11/09:
Stephen Anthony's Restaurant
A winner with great food, great setting, great service
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Mention Stephen Anthony's Restaurant and Sausage Company to someone who knows area restaurants, and you will hear about their fantastic breakfasts. But Stephen Anthony's off ers far more than breakfast. On a recent kid-free night, my husband and I decided on a late dinner out.
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08/28/09:
Steakloft
For the best steak, seafood and more
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - Wanting a nice place for that rare work day when I can share lunch with my husband, we headed to CJ's Steakloft on the Boston Post Road in Northborough. Tucked behind a shopping plaza, the Steakloft is cool, comfortable and welcoming. We were seated immediately in one of the rest...
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08/14/09:
Longfellow's Wayside Inn
Memorable food at a historic site
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - We have Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Henry Ford to thank for memorializing and preserving the beautiful historic inn at the Marlborough-Sudbury border. But we have the current staff of Longfellow's Wayside Inn for the wonderful ambiance and the terrific food.
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07/31/09:
The Olde Post Office Pub
offers great food, service and atmosphere
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - After my son hosted two sleepovers in three days, I needed a break from the house, so I took him to the Olde Post Offic e Pub for lunch. It was our first visit, but it won't be our last. We were greeted almost immediately and off ered a table in the pub, whose bright, clean atmosphere ...
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07/17/09:
Yoong Tong
An oasis with it all: great food, relaxing setting
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - After days of bailing out our basement, we felt we deserved a real treat, so we headed to one of our favorite restaurants, Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant, and it was just what we needed: great food in a relaxing, beautiful setting.
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07/03/09:
Dino's Trattoria
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - I can never decide what I like more, the terrific food or the calming yet colorful ambiance at Dino's Trattoria. With a striking mural and elegant décor, I always feel as if I have stepped out of the ordinary. The friendly staff adds to the appeal; always attentive, the server...
06/19/09:
Sully's First Edition Pub
A place where great friends and great food meet
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Tucked away on tiny Florence Street, Sully's First Edition Pub is a little bit "Cheers" and a little bit Mel's Diner from "Alice," the perfect place to meet friends for a terrifi c meal. You are bound to find something on the menu that appeals to you, from burgers to seafood to ch...
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06/05/09:
Harry's Restaurant
Diner food that's a cut above
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Westborough - It has the stools, the friendly servers rushing around, the customers coming and going, and the regulars chatting with the staff. But try one of the specials or any of Harry's classics, and "average diner" flies out the window. The food is anything but average.
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05/22/09:
Checkerboards Restaurant and Bar
With great food: seafood, pizza and more!
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Hudson - Facing an exam and too many distractions, I took my notes and appetite to a restaurant I've always found pleasant, with plenty of good food: Checkerboards Restaurant and Bar. When I came in for a late lunch, I found the restaurant still busy, with guests regularly greeted by friendly smi...
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05/08/09:
Cardoos Gourmet Caterers
Off ering flexibility, aff ordability and high quality for any event
By K. A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - Chef Omar Sagastume has served Hillary Clinton and Sting, Tony Bennett and the Rolling Stones, but he's also happy to cater any event, from a small family party to a large wedding. "We're very flexible. We'll work with any budget," Sagastume said. "You can call me for a party of 10 up ...
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04/24/09:
John Henry Tavern
Great food with a view
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - The road to Highfields Golf and Country Club, home to the John Henry Tavern, winds up a hill to a dramatic, mansionlike clubhouse with an equally dramatic view of the surrounding countryside. On my first trip to the tavern, I was too busy looking out the window to the deep green golf c...
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04/10/09:
Lazy Dog
Anything but lazy when it comes to good food
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Our first dining experience in the area was at the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Sports Bar three years ago, and that was such a pleasant experience that we haven't stopped coming back. Every trip since then has been equally delicious.
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03/27/09:
Mulligan's Taverne and Restaurant
A friendly pub with food that satisfies
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Westborough - After a long day of yard work and housework, I was in no shape to cook, so my son and I headed out to one of our favorite restaurants, Mulligan's Taverne on the Green. With a varied menu and a terrific kitchen, Mulligan's is a reliable pleasure.
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03/13/09:
CJ's Steakloft
Great food in a cozy atmosphere
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - It was time for girl talk and lunch, so a friend and I went to CJ's Steakloft recently. Tucked in the back of a shopping plaza, this gem of a restaurant offers more than terrific food. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect for some heart-to-heart and giggles...
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02/27/09:
Yoong Tong Authentic Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Comfort food with a Thai twist
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Northborough - After a long drive and suff ering from a cold, all my husband wanted was hot soup. I wanted good food that I didn't have to cook. We both got our wish at Yoong Tong Authentic Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar. We arrived early, and the quiet dining room was just right to calm our roa...
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02/13/09:
Halfway Café
Going all the way with service and great food
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Looking for a little break from a weekend of traipsing to soccer, basketball and hockey games, my friend and I decided to have lunch at the Halfway Café, and it was everything we'd hoped.
01/30/09:
Sully's First Edition Pub
Classic food in a neighborhood restaurant
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - If you are looking for the classic burger or fish fry, served up with a laugh and good will, take a trip to Sully's First Edition Pub. In fact, if you are looking for any classic, stop in at Sully's. You're sure to find a wellprepared meal in a comfortable setting.
01/16/09:
Dino's Trattoria
Variety, quality and service that brings patrons back
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Going to Dino's Trattoria is like going back to your favorite hometown restaurant. On my last visit, I introduced a friend to Dino's, and just walking in the door, she was impressed by the warm décor. The restaurant maintains a bright dining room highlighted by calm, elegant ...
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01/02/09:
The Grafton Inn
Where gourmet meals meet elegance
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - The pleasure of a meal at the Grafton Inn always begins for me when I walk into the foyer, a warm room furnished with classic furniture, old photographs in frames on the walls and someone smiling to welcome me.
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12/19/08:
Café Mayan
Delicious, affordable Sunday brunch
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Region - The season's first snowflakes were falling as my family and I settled at a table in front of a window for Sunday brunch at Café Mayan. With Christmas music playing softly, a fire burning in the open brick oven, and subtle decorations, the café set a holiday ambiance no Scrooge...
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12/05/08:
Harry's Diner
The home of comfort food
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Westborough - It was one of those long days, with no time to plan dinner, never mind prepare it. And winter had made an early appearance with a vengeance, in the form of freezing temperatures. So what did we do? We sought out comfort foods at Harry's Restaurant.
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11/21/08:
Checkerboards
A full-service family restaurant that has it all
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Hudson - Need a quick meal before a movie? Have a taste for a leisurely meal and a glass of wine? Is it time to take the family out for a reasonably priced meal? Do you want to watch a football or basketball game while you have a beer and munchies?
11/07/08:
Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill
Delivers great food, congenial atmosphere
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - I needed some "girl time," and chose the Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill for lunch with two friends. It was a terrific choice. Sitting on tall stools in the sunny dining room, we took our time on our selections, but I recommended the onion rings ($4.95) for starters.
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10/24/08:
Mulligan's Taverne on the Green
Great food, great service great site
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Westborough - A day off from school for my son turned into a little holiday for me, too, as we headed to Mulligan's Taverne on the Green at Westborough Golf Course. Open to the non-golfing public, this little gem sits on West Main Street, but the views from the tavern seem as removed from traffi...
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10/10/08:
Mueng Thai Restaurant
For authentic and delicious Thai food
By K.A. Esposito Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Who knew that a few little green strands atop a plate spelled the diff erence between authentic, careful Thai cooking and run-of-the mill food? I didn't, but I invited a friend to lunch who knows that and more about Thai food. The little green strands were fresh kaffi r leaves , sh...
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09/26/08:
Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant
For delicious dishes in a serene setting
By Margaret Locher Contributing Writer
Northborough - A few friends and I were in the mood for something spicy the night we decided to stop in at Yoong Tong Thai Restaurant. The friendly hostess seated us in a comfortable booth. Yoong Tong has a sushi bar where you can order many combinations of sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, but w...
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03/14/08:
CJ's Steakloft
For variety and value in a comfortable setting
By Margaret Locher Contributing Writer
Northborough - The Steakloft restaurant is family-owned and run by the mother-and-son team of Carolyn and Mark Johnson. Tucked away off Route 20 West, the Steakloft is the perfect place for a memorable, and affordable, meal.
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