The well known Worcester, Mass. landmark restaurant, the El Morocco has just completed a major facelift. The El sits high on a hill overlooking the city of Worcester. Under new ownership, the El has retained all 65 employees many of whom have been there for 3-4 decades. It is still a Lebanese/Mid-East cuisine restaurant but has also added a 2nd Head Chef for nouvelle cuisine. Now owned by a friend of mine, John Gallagher, I recently had dinner there and was extremely impressed by both the quality of the food and the decor...very relaxing, micro-brews on tap; new cocktail lounge done in cherry wood; friendly staff. I tried the Taratoor appetizer (haddock in cooked onions) which was outstanding. I had the sirloin sauteed in spices and mushrooms which was also excellent. The El prides itself on a very good selection of wines priced under $ 20 per bottle. If you like Mid-East food, this place is THE best. Now with nouvelle cuisine, the El reaches out to the majority of diners. Prices moderate...much lower than typical fare in Boston. Very highly recommended. Mark Consoli/Newburyport
Massachusetts