Hidden just north and west of Worcester, MA is one of the gems of the wine world: The Castle Restaurant in Leicester, MA. http://www.castlerestaurant.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My friend Nick and his wife Lorraine met my wife and I for a great meal and evening.
(disclaimer: I’ve enjoyed a friendship with the Nicas family for nearly 20 years now through their restaurant)
Chef Nicas was formally trained by Le Cordon Bleu (the real, original one in Paris) half a century ago and his family has run this terrific establishment impeccably ever since. Yester-year prices on wine, plus incredible meals, make this a “must visit” destination for any winos/foodies. Amazing “old school” service from the tuxedo-wearing staff to the rose for the wives.
For appetizers, a dozen fresh oysters from the Cape, one dish of escargot, one dish of mussels, one dish of scallops.
For entrees, one filet mignon, one sweetbreads of veal, and two antelope plates.
For dessert, two seriously decadent chocolate cake, one tiramisu, and one cheesecake.
Here was my antelope plate:
And these were the wines we decided to drink:
1990 Demoiselle Brut ($110?)
1981 Negri Sfursat ($80?)
1985 Ch Palmer ($220?)
1967 Feist Vintage Port ($30/glass? and I forgot to take a picture, sorry!)
Four people for $750, all in.
I don’t know how they do it!
Highlights from the cellar:
Storage is basically under the water-line of the abutting lake and has been being filled for half a century with wines to match the cuisine. Not all the wines are listed as Jim Nicas tends to only allow “ready” wines to appear in print.
No First Growth is priced over $650 and the '76 Yquem 750s are $424. It’s crazy!