Coffee and confections at Gerardo’s
It’s free coffee every day at the new Gerardo’s Italian Bakery, 339 W. Boylston St., West Boylston.
Many of you probably already know that. But did you know that the offer is good year-round?
That’s the word from owner Gerardo Sarli of Shrewsbury, who opened the bakery in January in a new strip mall he owns.
Sarli closed Gerardo’s Italian Bakery at 307 W. Boylston St., which he operated for 18 years. Sarli also owns Gerardo’s Italian Bakeries in Westboro, Sterling and Bolton.
The new bakery showcases more than 100 pastries, according to Sarli, who said his business has tripled since he made the move next door. All the baking for Sarli’s bakeries is done at the new location.
Expanded space also means more Italian specialty pastries, such as yummy ricotta cakes and squares.
When I interviewed Sarli for an article that appears in the spring issue of Worcester Living magazine, he said he considered his new business to be a “wedding emporium.” The focus, he said, is on wedding and special occasion cakes, but the bakery also is a place with consultants who can offer recommendations for local florists, photographers and places that can accommodate special functions. Sarli continues to consult with customers and design cakes whenever he can.
The bakery café, which seats about 24, is very popular, according to Sarli, who said customers especially like the variety of pastries.
And, “the larger portion sizes.”
Order early for Easter items such as ricotta pies, rice pies and Easter breads.
The bakery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Telephone: (508) 835-2200.
Sarli is the son of Assunta Sarli of Auburn and the late Giambattista Sarli. He is one of seven children.
His mother, 87, is often in Gerardo’s Italian Bakery. She also visits Giovanni’s Italian Bakery in Worcester, which is owned by her son, John Sarli.
Gerardo Sarli and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Brianna, 14, and Markos, 10.
Sarli said a new business, Shower of Roses, will open May 1 in the strip mall. The store will sell party supplies for events such as graduations, christenings, First Communions, weddings, etc.
A spa also is expected to open soon, according to Sarli.
The blockbuster is that the Tom Oliveri family will open a restaurant, Oli’s Italian Eatery, in July in space next to Gerardo’s Italian Bakery.
The Oliveris own Peppercorn’s Grille and Tavern and Wormtown Brewing Company, both in Worcester, Elsa’s Eatery in Shrewsbury and Prezo Grille & Bar in Milford.
A wall that now separates the restaurant from the bakery will be knocked down, according to Tom Oliveri Sr. An archway will connect the two businesses, he said.
The menu at Oli’s will feature some of the Italian dishes that are popular at the Oliveris’ other restaurants, including thin-crust pizza. A new calzone menu also will be introduced at the restaurant.
Oli’s will be opened daily for lunch and dinner, said Oliveri. It will seat 60 to 70. The owner plans to apply for a beer and wine license.
“We are really excited about opening Oli’s,” said Oliveri. “There will be a European look when the restaurant and bakery connect.”
Sounds like a winning combo!
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Robb Ahlquist of Worcester Restaurant Group recently announced the appointment of Brian Flagg of Andover as executive chef of The Sole Proprietor in Worcester, joining executive chef Joseph Wong.
About the chef: He’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., where he was the 1991 class valedictorian. He also graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
His culinary career has included preparing dinner for Julia Child on her 80th birthday and being named Providence’s best new chef in 1994. He was chosen by former Gov. Mitt Romney to represent Massachusetts at the 2006 Great American Seafood Cook-Off.
He previously worked as executive chef of the Millennium Boston Hotel.
Also, he was regional executive chef for Jasper White’s Summer Shack restaurants in the Boston area, served as executive chef at the Lyceum Bar & Grille in Salem, Harvest in Cambridge and Union Station Brewery in Providence.
The Worcester Restaurant Group also includes One Eleven Chop House and VIA Italian Table, both in Worcester.
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The parishioners of St. Hedwig’s Church, 29 Summer St., Southbridge, will have a Lenten fundraiser that will benefit the nonprofit “Be Like Brit” organization that was established in the memory of Britney Gengel of Rutland, who died in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
The mission of “Be Like Brit” is to serve the children of Haiti by establishing an orphanage in an environment where “children can grow, learn and thrive.”
On April 16 and April 17 (Palm Sunday), St. Hedwig parishioners will sell specialty and rye breads made by Rose32 Bread in Gilbertville in the church hall following Masses. There also will be pansies for remembrance. Local retailers have donated gift certificates.
Monetary donations received at the event will go to Britney Gengel’s Poorest of the Poor Fund.
Church services are 4 and 6 p.m. April 16; 8 and 10 a.m. April 17.
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Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St., Worcester, will have a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 16 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17 in the church hall.
There also will be a pancake breakfast served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 17.
Home-baked goods will include Polish specialties. Homemade kielbasa will be sold. Easter flower and Easter items, too.
From the kitchen: Cabbage stew, kielbasa sandwiches and hot dogs. You can eat in, or order take-out.
Bring a camera. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around!
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The Vin Bin, 27 S. Bolton St., Marlboro, will have its “Spring Cleaning Sale” through April 17.
In-stock wines will be 20 percent off with the purchase of at least six bottles. Exceptions include sale priced wines and special orders.
Check it out.
The Marlboro High School’s fundraiser with wine and cheese will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. April 30.
More info: (508) 480-9463.
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Spring Grand Tasting is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 16 at Sutton Wines & Liquors, 160 Worcester Providence Turnpike, Sutton.
There will be a 20 percent discount on wines that are included in the tasting. All microbrews and liquor tasted will be discounted 10 percent.
Telephone: (508) 865-3507.
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Manischewitz Company has introduced 25 new products for Passover.
Among them: Moroccan Fish Meatballs (original and spicy), Macaroon Pie Shells (coconut and chocolate), Magic Max Cupcake Fun Kit, Chocolate Covered Cherries, Cappuccino Crème and Mint Crème Candies, Chocolate Covered Biscotti, Chocolate Covered Matzo Crackers and Drizzled Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate Covered Citrus Peels and Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows With Nuts.
There also are baking mixes and breakfast and ready to serve freezer items such as new blintzes and sweet potato pancakes.
The company will integrate a Manischewitz health and wellness icon into its product line.
The icon indicates that the product is all natural, contains no MSG and no artificial ingredients.
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Tomasso Trattoria in Southboro will celebrate Earth Day with Earth Dinners, April 21 through 23.
Menus will be based around local ingredients.
The restaurant also will have an Easter Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 23.
For more information, visit www.tomassotrattoria.com or call (508) 481-8484.
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June’s Bakeshop, 135 Pierce Road, New Braintree, will have an Easter Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 16 and April 17.
The business specializes in decorative sugar cookies and decorated cupcakes and cakes.
Custom-made cookie cutters also are made by the business. Visit www.junesbakeshop.com.
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A head’s up: Construction of Zorba’s Taverna Restaurant and Bar in the spot occupied by the former Christo’s Restaurant on Stafford Street in Worcester is moving along.
I took a tour of the place last week. A June opening is planned.
Zorba’s sign is expected to go up any day. The stone wall in front of the restaurant will surround a patio area.
The owners of Zorba’s in Charlton are opening the new digs.
If you have a tidbit for this column, call (508) 868-5282. Send e-mail to bhoulefood@gmail.com.