One Eleven Chophouse - Worcester, MA - Ian

by Ian

Posh. Upscale. These are a couple of words that come to mind when you walk into the browns and reds of the One Eleven Chop House. As you make your way into the main dining room, (which is where Sheri and I sat) you walk by a table for two with big, brown, leather wing chairs. Nice.

This was a trip we've been meaning to take for some time. Actually, I've been waiting since about 1999 when I received a $100 gift certificate to the One Eleven and the Sole Proprietor. Now it was time to whip that baby out for a night on the town.




Location and Ambiance
Well, we touched on it a bit already but comfortable, indulgent and luxurious are a few more words that come to mind when thinking of the atmosphere. It was a bit noisy, but it was also Friday night and very busy. I was pleased with our surroundings.

Located right in the heart of Worcester's cultural district, Shrewsbury Street, it couldn't be more accessible. It's minutes from downtown and seconds off route I-290, exit 15.

Service
The service was what should be expected of such an establishment. Respectful, courteous and attentive. I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars. Our waiter was knowledgable regarding wine (he recommended a great red for my filet), he offered us more bread when we finished and he let us take our time to find what we wanted and then enjoy it.

The Food
OK, wow. That's one way to start. I got the mixed grill platter, which was comprised of filet mignon over a bed of garlic-mashed, duck confie over a bed of this amazing onion and fig jelly and then two grilled jumbo shrimp over some great tomato salsa mix. The flavors were diverse and all their own. I have to say that my favorite single thing on the plate was the onion and fig jelly. I could have eaten an entire bowl of it. OK, no, that would be gross. Two thumbs way, way up, though, for the mixed grill.

I forgot to mention the Caesar salad: The presentation was interesting: just whole romaine leaves draped across the plate with all the fixings on top. I had to cut up the lettuce myself, but I didn't mind. I must say, it's a great way to add a little something to a classic dish and cut down on preparation time all at once. Nice move, 111.

As I mentioned before, the waiter suggested a glass of Pinot that was perfect for my mixed grill. Mmm, mmm, good.

I guess I was so excited about my mixed grill that I forgot not only to mention the salad, but the appetizers. I got the Vidalia onion soup (as they call it). It was excellent. Many french onion soups locally are much too dark and rich. This was the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity. Oh and with that swiss cheese draped over the top of the crock...yeah, that's good stuff.

And for dessert, Sheri and I split the apple brown Betty crepes. We were so stuffed we opted not to get our own desserts. A 9.2 out of 10: The crepes were a little dry, but that didn't affect the wonderful taste.

The One Eleven Chop House is, without a doubt, one of Worcester's top three restaurants. It is truly fine cuisine. The prices aren't so bad either. If you stick with an entree, you can stay in the $25 range and still get sides and salads. When you go for the steak cuts is when it becomes a la carte and can get expensive. But everything that the chop house has to offer is well worth the money--the craftsmen there are delightfully skilled in their craft.

Here's the scorecard:

// Menu Selection: 9
// Taste: 9.7
// Presentation: 9.4
// Ambiance/Atmosphere: 9.1
// Service: 9.9

http://www.111chophouse.com/