Looking for upscale dining with class and style? Looking for a restaurant that takes pride in both the quality of its food and also its presentation? If delicious, distinctive meals combined with professional, courteous, warm service is what you are looking for in a restaurant, then look no further than the brand new 110 Grill that opened last night here in the North Quabbin Commons.
My wife Anne, my son Josh, and I were honored to be the first official customers in this newest entry into the restaurant scene in Central/North Central Massachusetts. Josh and I arrived just after 3:30 (for a 4:00 reservation)--plenty of time for a few photographs of both the exterior and (due to the kindness of the staff) the interior as well. Anne joined us shortly after 4:00, just after we had been welcomed by our server, Desiree Terrien. The official website describes the restaurant as "Modern American Cuisine in a Trendy Casual Atmosphere." It truly lives up to both that description and its excellent reputation, earned through its first dozen restaurants here in New England. This "lucky" thirteenth restaurant follows nine others in Massachusetts and three in New Hampshire. Eight additional restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Albany (NY) are "coming soon."
Our first introduction to the 110 Grill was our appetizer: a very flavorful spinach dip bread bowl (a blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichokes). I am a fan of this particular "starter," and this was one of the very best I have ever been served, and it was more than enough to satisfy all three of us. Our entries were served hot, fresh, and made to order (with no added salt). Anne had the 110 Seasonal (Artisan greens and arugula, diced gala apples, red grapes and candied walnuts tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, topped with feta and applewood smoked bacon). Anne chose to stay low-salt by substituting cheddar for feta, and omitting the bacon. Josh had the Pappardelle Bolognese (Pappardelle pasta tossed in a savory Bolognese sauce that features a blend of beef, pork, and veal, topped with parmesan and fresh basil). My entree was the Chicken Pesto Pasta (pan-seared chicken, roasted tomatoes, artichokes and ca atapi pasta, tossed in a creamy pesto sauce and finished with shaved Reggiano." Each of us thought our meals were absolutely delectable, and the portion size was large enough that two of us took some home for lunch today.
As wonderful as the meal was, the service was just as perfect. Great service combined with great food is what makes a restaurant memorable and one that becomes a favorite destination for dining. A warm and comfortable ambiance--a special atmosphere--is an added bonus. Athol's 110 Grill brings all of these attributes to its diners. Our server, Desiree, was fantastic. She was warm, friendly and very professional. She served the food in a very timely manner, and checked in with us at just the right time, refilling our water and Diet Coke glasses when necessary. We also received a gracious visit from the general manager, Michael Boulger, whom I had met earlier. He--like his entire staff--seemed to be absolutely delighted to be here in Athol and made us feel both welcomed and appreciated.
I am confident that the 110 Grill is going to be a real success here in Athol. Whether it's a weekday and you want a beautiful night out and a delightful meal, or it's a weekend and you are celebrating a truly special occasion, the 110 Grill will just right. I expect that it will not only draw people from Athol and Orange, but also from Erving. Greenfield Keene, Royalston, Gardner, Templeton, Westminster, Petersham, and Barre and many other Quabbin and North Quabbin communities--and beyond. When our eight-screen cinema opens in just a few months, dinner and a movie will take on a new meaning here in Athol with the opening of the 110 Grill. I really encourage you to make it your destination for a special night out with friends or family.
All photographs are courtesy of Mitchell Grosky of Mitchell R. Grosky Photography. read more