Barbara M. Houle
| Special to the Telegram & Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK
In March, eight students representing the Culinary Arts and Hospitality programs at Worcester Technical High School will travel to France in an exchange program with a French vocational school.
Kevin Layton, Chef Instructor/Head of Culinary Arts at the school and Chef Instructor Kimberly Youkstetter will accompany students, who are “very excited about the trip and looking forward to learning more about French cuisine.”
While in France, the students will participate in workshops with French peers, and experience the culture, said Youkstetter. Vocational students from France have visited Worcester and the technical school in similar exchange programs. Students fundraised to help pay for their Paris trip.
Skyline Bistro guests may see a French dish (special of the day) featured on its spring menu.
Speaking of the culinary arts program, the Skyline Bistro on Feb. 12 held a sold-out Valentine’s Day Dinner.
The event reminded me of local vocational high schools that operate student-run, full-service restaurants. The professionally supervised programs help students gain skills in cooking, baking, front-of-house service and management.
At Worcester Technical High School, culinary and hospitality students with instructors served more than 100 Valentine’s Day dinners. The menu included Petite Filet with demi-glace and Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, $15.95. Table Side Caesar Salad for 2, $5.95, was optional. A Sweetheart Chocolate Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream for 2, $4.95, was the special, pre-ordered dessert.
The tableside Caesar salad experience was a first at Skyline Bistro, according to one of the school’s culinary arts instructors, who referred to the Valentine’s Day event as “elevated,” supported by both culinary and hospitality staff.
While several local restaurants are known for their Caesar salad or Caesar dressing, the classic tableside Caesar is less common in the immediate area. It’s typically ordered as an appetizer in high-end, classic Italian, or steakhouse restaurants. More than just food, it’s a dining experience.
Following February school vacation, check social media and websites for information about local vocational school restaurants open to the public for lunch. Quality meals are freshly prepared and affordable. FYI: Skyline Bistro at Worcester Technical High School reopens Feb. 24.
Worcester Restaurant Week
Worcester Restaurant Week, Feb. 23-March 7, offers the opportunity to dine at local establishments for a fixed, discounted price. Think of it as a culinary journey for discovering new, diverse local spots.
Participants in the winter edition of Worcester Restaurant Week will offer chef-selected 3-course, prix-fixe menus, $29.26, with several restaurants featuring “premium” menu options at $34.26. Prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity. Expect a higher bill if you include beverages.
The event showcases a wide range of the local restaurant scene, from downtown to surrounding communities. The WRW promotion helps drive business during slower winter months, making fine dining accessible to a wider audience. FYI: In summer, the WRW not only will focus on chefs and specialties, but also diners get to enjoy outdoor seating. Can’t wait!
The National Restaurant Association 2026 forecast highlights a restaurant industry that continues to adapt to changing tastes and economic realities. Local chefs no doubt will bring creativity to classic favorites during Worcester Restaurant Week.
The list of Winter WRW participants to date; asterisk indicates the restaurant’s fixed menu price is $34.26. For updates on restaurants, visit worcesterrestaurantsweek.com.
Worcester participants: Armsby Abbey, 144 Main St.; 1885 Worcester, 48 Green St.; 2 Chefs Italian Restaurant & Bar, 317 West Boylston St.; *BirchTree Bread Company 138 Green St.; *Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, 82 Winter St.; *Chashu Ramen + Izakaya, 38 Franklin St.; *Churrascaria Tropeiro’s Grill, 480 Shrewsbury St.; Dino’s Ristorante, 13 Lord St.; Eddy’s Pub & Sports Bar, 120 Stafford St.; El Basha restaurant locations at 256 Park Ave. and 424 Belmont St.; *Green Island Oyster, 90 Harding St.; Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company, 55 Millbrook St.; Joey’s Bar & Grill, 344 Chandler St.; La Scala Ristorante, 183 Shrewsbury St.; Leo’s Ristorante, 11 Leo Turo Way; *The Fix Burger Bar, 108 Grove St.; Mare E Monti, 19 Wall St.; *Mezcal Tequila Cantina, 11 East Central St.; *Nancy Chang, 372 Chandler St.; Nuovo, 92 Shrewsbury St.; O’Connor’s Restaurant & Bar, 1160 West Boylston St.; Off The Rails, 90 Commercial St.; *One Eleven Chop House, 111 Shrewsbury St.; Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern, 455 Park Ave.; Pepe’s Italian Restaurant, 179 Shrewsbury St.; Piccolo’s, 157 Shrewsbury St.; *Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant & Bar, 1269 Main St.; *TapaVino, Worcester Public Market, 160 Green St.; *The Sole Proprietor, 118 Highland St.; *VIA Italian Table, 89 Shrewsbury St.
Also, A.J. Tomaiolo’s Restaurant, 411 West Main St., Northborough; Amici Trattoria and Bar, 582 Main St., Shrewsbury; *Black and White Grille, 206 North Spencer Road, Spencer; Table Twelve Kitchen & Bar, 175 West Boylston St., West Boylston; *Harry’s Restaurant, 149 Turnpike Road, Westborough; The Neighborhood Kitchen, 125 Church St., Whitinsville.
Event sponsors include Middlesex Savings Bank, Pepsi-Worcester, Discover Central Mass, Pulse Magazine, Central Massachusetts Pride and Radio Worcester.
Bon Appetit!
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
Dining and Cooking