Reviews

Table Hoppin': VIA Open For Lunch
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
By Barbara M. Houle
March, 2009

Dished with Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist the other day at Via Italian Table, 89 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.

The couple owns Worcester Restaurant Group, which consists of VIA and the Sole Proprietor and One Eleven Chop House, all popular dining spots in the city.

VIA, which opened last April, has gone through its share of growing pains. The menu and the staff have been tweaked, and the owners are happy with the positive response from diners.

VIA only recently opened for lunch.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sundays. The outside patio will open when warmer weather arrives.

I was a little wishy washy when it came to ordering when I was there. I just couldn't make up my mind. I even asked for a staff recommendation, but decided to go for seafood. No complaints about the dish, but when I saw the Ravioli topped with Braised Short Rib Ragu, $9.99, I had second thoughts. The waiter had recommended the dish as his personal favorite. I've known Robb Ahlquist for years, but I wasn't about to ask to eat off his plate. If this hearty dish were on the summer menu, I would order it in a heartbeat. If the owner cleans his plate then you know the kitchen is humming.

I won't go into all of the "what we ate" thing, but I will tell you the luncheon menu at VIA has lots of choices. You can order soup and sandwich, fresh pasta, house and seafood favorites, panini, grilled pizza, salads and sides.

The owners have traveled to Italy many times to research regional Italian cuisine. Some dishes introduced at VIA worked, while others didn't make the cut. The important thing is that the owners listened to your comments.

Don't forget to check out the wine list at VIA. There are some great affordable wines to try.

In this economy, restaurateurs continue to adjust menu options and costs. You will find new seasonal menus in all three of the Ahlquists' restaurants.

And, on weekends, I would recommend a dinner reservation!

An added note: Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist's daughter, Caitlyn, is in the front of the house and part of the management team at VIA. She will be married to Keith Carolan in the fall. Best wishes are in order.