Dining Out

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Good news about the Worcester restaurant scene is Center Stage

  • Posted by Dining Out December 7, 2020 - Filed in Food & Dining - #Worcester  #Theatre Cafe  #Center Stage Bistro  #Main Street  #Bill Aldrich  #Jeanette Harmsen  - 5,381 views

    Center Stage Bistro opens inside sister restaurant

    The Worcester restaurant scene has suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Good news has been hard to come by.

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    For Chef Bill Aldrich and Jeanette Harmsen, co-owners of Theatre Cafe, 539 Main St., Worcester, the pandemic delayed their plans to open a sister restaurant down the block, directly across from the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

    But Aldrich, Harmsen and chef Jason Sheldon have forged on, launching a portion of the menu for Center Stage Bistro within the recently expanded kitchen of Theatre Cafe.

    Among the items on the Center Stage Bistro menu are entrees such as Brisket Bourgogne, Duck Pastrami and Atlantic Salmon, and sandwiches including Brisket French Dip and a Thanksgiving Wrap.

    Aldrich and Harmsen have co-owned Theatre Cafe since 2010. 

    Theatre Cafe is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year

    Aldrich previously had his own catering business, working out of his home. He also served as Executive Chef for East End of London Pub for 2 years and served as Boy Scout Camp Director at JN Webster Scout Reservation, where he also oversaw food operations, serving 3 meals per day to 350 people. 

    Harmsen has been responsible for front of the house operations, including wait staff supervision, reservations, catering, billing as well as being the lead server to the devoted clientele of the Café.

    Sheldon most recently was Chef de Cuisine at Aquataine Restaurant (fine French Cuisine) in Dedham, a position he held for 10. During his career, Sheldon has worked for renowned chefs Todd English, Emeril Lagasse, Lydia Shire, and Jay Murray.

    Center Stage Bistro also has launched a Holiday Menu that includes Beef Wellington, Stuffed Quail and Roast Duck.

    Center Stage Bistro is also offering 20% off gift cards during the holiday season.

    The slow-braised lamb shank with cauliflower risotto and cranberry gremolata (Center Stage Bistro)

    It will be nice to see Center Stage Bistro with its full menu and in its permanent location when the pandemic subsides. Until then, bon appetit.

    What else is happening in and around Worcester? Click here or keep scrolling ⤵️

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