Tribeca
Upscale dining in the heart of Worcester

By Becki Harrington-Davis Contributing Writer

PHOTO/BECKI HARRINGTON-DAVIS Head Chef Ian Hickey at Tribeca

Region - I was impressed the minute I pulled up to Tribeca, where the complimentary valet attendant parked my car and I met my friend, who was waiting at the bar. She was enjoying a glass of pinot grigio ($9) as recommended by the bartender.

 

Tribeca offers diners three distinct options - the more casual bistro/grille, the dessert and piano lounge, and the formal restaurant area. The host escorted us to our table in the bistro section, explaining that a wedding was taking place upstairs. Our waiter promptly arrived, and we each ordered coffee ($2.50) and some water with lemon. The cream came in a small, decorative carafe, and our courteous waiter also brought us some warm rolls in a basket.

We looked over the menu and considered the artichoke dip ($8.95) but decided on fried ravioli ($7.95) as an appetizer, which came with marinara sauce on the side, and was garnished with baby spinach and parmesan cheese. We ate all eight of the toasty, bite-sized raviolis, and eagerly chose our entrées.

I was pleased to see several vegetarian options, such as both Greek and Margherita pizza (both $10.95). I opted for the Greek, while my friend considered the pecan chicken ($15.95) and stuff ed meatloaf roll ($13.95) before choosing the Cajun blackened swordfish ($24.95).

While we waited for our meals, we admired the modern décor, sections of exposed brick, colorful framed paintings, black paneled ceilings and small floral centerpieces. The setting was intimate, with cozy lighting provided by low-hanging lamps and tiny oil lamps on the tables. We chatted and caught up on each other's lives as we enjoyed the live piano music coming from another room.

Our meals arrived quickly. The individual-sized Greek pizza was decadent, piled with spinach, olives and feta. The dough was dense and flavorful, and so filling I was only able to finish half. My friend's swordfish came with a zesty lemon sauce, wild rice with tomatoes, green beans and a medley of squash. She said it was excellent and also quite filling, and we asked our waiter to package the remainder of our meals to take home.

Although stuffed, we asked to see the dessert tray. Our waiter described each treat, and warned us that the Chocolate Madness Cake ($7.99) was even larger than the sample. The tiramisu ($6.99) and chocolate mousse parfait ($5.99) also looked amazing, but we opted for the créme brulée ($7.99).

Our dessert was generously sized and perfect for sharing, topped with a strawberry and powdered sugar. We cracked the caramelized topping and appreciated every bite before ending our evening and parting ways.

Tribeca is located at 92 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester. The restaurant opens Tuesday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and dinner, Monday and Saturday at 4 p.m. for dinner only, and is open on select Sundays. Reservations can be made online at www.tribeca92.com.