For one night each year, Shrewsbury Street transforms into the city’s largest outdoor dining room.
The event usually takes place on a Tuesday, but this year, fans have a couple more days to plan for the feasting. Thousands of people are expected to descend on Worcester’s “Restaurant Row” on Thursday, June 18, for the annual Taste of Shrewsbury Street, an event that turns one of the region’s best-known dining destinations into a mile-long culinary crawl featuring samples from more than 30 restaurants, live music and neighborhood block parties.
The event runs from 5-11 p.m., with food sampling from 6-9 p.m.
For $25, attendees receive a wristband granting access to unlimited samples from participating restaurants, offering a chance to try everything from steakhouse favorites and Italian classics to Thai cuisine, Mexican dishes, pizza, burgers, desserts and craft beer.
Among the participating businesses are 111 Chop House, Flying Rhino, La Scala, Leo’s Ristorante, Meze Estiatorio, Nuovo, Pepe’s, Piccolo’s, Via Italian Table, Volturno, Wormtown Brewery, Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood, Wonder Bar and dozens more.
The annual event has become one of Worcester’s signature summer traditions and one of the largest food-focused gatherings of the year, drawing visitors from across Central Massachusetts and beyond.
Part of the appeal is the variety. Instead of committing to a single restaurant, attendees can spend the evening strolling the corridor and sampling dishes from a wide range of establishments, many of which offer signature menu items designed specifically to impress visitors. It’s key for participants to pace themselves properly and not load the tummy too early on, as you’ll run into everything from bowls of macaroni and cheese to sliders to grilled swordfish. That way, it’s easier to make it to the end without having to hit the vomitorium at the finish line.
The event also includes a friendly competition among participating restaurants.
A panel of judges sample offerings throughout the evening and select winners, with first place receiving a $500 prize and second place earning $300.
One judge already announced is Jacqueline Cain, a Worcester County native and newsletter editor at America’s Test Kitchen. Cain previously served as food editor at Boston magazine, Time Out Boston and The Food Lens, and her work has appeared in publications including The Boston Globe, Edible Worcester and Wine Enthusiast.
For longtime attendees, Taste of Shrewsbury Street is as much about the atmosphere as the food. The event regularly fills sidewalks and patios with visitors moving from restaurant to restaurant, creating a festival-like environment that serves as an unofficial kickoff to summer.
Organizers note that the event’s footprint stretches more than two miles if visitors walk both sides of the street from end to end. While dogs generally are not permitted inside restaurants, many participating businesses serve samples outdoors, making the event a popular outing for people bringing four-legged companions along for the walk.
Discounted wristbands are available online through the event website. Beginning June 1, wristbands can also be purchased or picked up in person at Vintage Grille, Sonoma Restaurant at the Beechwood and Wormtown Brewery.
Additional information, including a complete list of participating restaurants, is available at tasteofshrewsburystreet.com.
Have a story tip, community concern, or insight to share? Email Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
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