The Cellar Bar & Grille pleases with unique takes on Mediterranean and American cuisine

The Cellar Bar & Grille in Northborough is a place to be year-round, whether sitting down to dinner or enjoying an app and handcrafted cocktail in the cozy all-season room.

Husband and wife team Niko and Evis Agora of Northborough with their cousin Edvin Hasani of Auburn own and operate the restaurant most often described as a “hidden gem” by loyal followers. It’s known for its unique takes on Mediterranean and American cuisine, with chef Mark Johnson helping to put forth a menu that offers “a little bit of everything,’ according to Hasani, who said Johnson has spent 40 years in the industry.

The Cellar’s owners in 2022 officially opened the business after a redesign and significant renovation of the space formerly occupied by the Steakloft Tavern and Grille. Niko and Evis Agora owned Monti’s Pizza, 369 W. Main St., Northborough for 25 years before selling the business to their employees. Niko Agora also is a former Worcester businessman.

Agora said when the Steakloft became available it didn’t take very long for the owners’ decision “to go for it.” The Steakloft was on property beneath Monti’s, he said, and they knew the Steakloft’s owner. “We had good insight on how to make our new restaurant a success,” said Agora. “These days, opening a restaurant is challenging, but we’re following our instincts and listening to our customers.”

We should note that The Cellar and Monti’s Pizza both use 369 W. Main St. as their address. The pizza business is in a plaza and the restaurant is a standalone building, with street signage leading to it.

About the menu: Specials are offered on Friday and Saturday, occasionally on a weekday. The owners said they continue to serve two Steakloft favorites, prime rib and French onion soup. The Cellar’s scratch kitchen’s homemade fettuccine and ziti are featured with dishes such as Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Piccata, Scallops Rockefeller, Tuscan Garlic Chicken and Shrimp Scampi, to name a few.

Customers like variety and will appreciate the creativity in many of the menu options. As an appetizer, Grilled Spanish Octopus (potatoes, capers, Kalamata olives, smoked Spanish paprika) is a house favorite. “It’s the best,” said Hasani.

Owners take pride in seafood dishes, such as Sauvignon Blanc-Steamed Mussels (Prince Edward Island Mussels, grape tomatoes, leeks, grated Parmesan cheese); Lemon Dill Salmon; Portuguese Pan-Seared Haddock; Seared Ahi Tuna; Baked Stuffed Shrimp: Atlantic Salmon; Baked Stuffed Haddock; Sea Scallop Casserole. Chef’s menu selections include Kabob; Lamb Rack; Portabella Filet. There’s variety in appetizers, soups and salads, Burgers & More, Entrees, Sides, etc. Note: Fries are the real thing, house cut on premise. Bread also is house made.

“No fast food, nothing frozen, so it’s all done from scratch,” said Evis Agora about the food served at the restaurant. “We grew up in Albania, where the cuisine is delicious and varied, with influences from the Mediterranean and Balkan regions,” she said. “We were taught to cook with fresh ingredients grown locally.” Note: All three restaurant owners are originally from Albania.

Hasani, “a food junkie who loves to experiment with new flavors and tastes,” has worked at Bocado Tapas Wine Bar in Worcester. For the most part, he’s in the back of the house at the Northborough restaurant and helps create new dishes, one of the most exciting parts of being a chef, he said.

The restaurant has plenty of space for private events. The all-season patio off the main dining area is one of them. Warm and welcoming, it accommodates about 30 guests. A special feature of the room is a retractable roof, according to Niko Agora, who said customers love the idea of both indoor and outdoor dining. The patio is an inviting place in the summer and in winter it’s cozy and sometimes you get to watch snowflakes fall while enjoying your meal, he said. “Of course, I’m talking about a light dusting of snow,” added Agora, with a grin.

More Table Hoppin': Chester P. Tuttle Post 279 in Auburn welcomes Timothy Haywood as chef/caterer

More Table Hoppin': Openings, closings and labor shortages made 2023 a big year for Worcester-area restaurants

The restaurant currently is open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Telephone: (508) 393-8134 for information about private and corporate events and catering. FYI: Prime rib and veal and lamb racks are included on the catering menu. Owners said the restaurant would open on Sunday for private events. The restaurant has a good selection of wines, signature drinks and more.

Owners are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, with plans for several specials that include appetizers, entrees and desserts. The menu will be on The Cellar’s website at https://cellarbargrille.com and posted on social media closer to the holiday. Reservations are highly recommended. Looking ahead to March and St. Patrick’s Day, the chef at The Cellar reportedly makes the “best homemade corned beef and cabbage around.”

The Cellar’s owners are involved in the day to day operations at the restaurant, both in the front and back of the house.

Memorable experiences through good food and service no doubt have contributed to the success of The Cellar Bar & Grille, where diners will find a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

Check it out!

One Eleven Chop House turns 25

One Eleven Chop House in Worcester celebrates 25 years in business on Jan. 29. As part of the celebration, the restaurant will offer guests a unique dining experience that commemorates the occasion. All entrees on the menu will be specially priced at $25.

The $25 is better pricing than when One Eleven Chop House opened in 1999, according to Caitlyn Carolan, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Keith Carolan. One Eleven Chop House is part of Worcester Restaurant Group, founded by Caitlyn Carolan’s parents, Robb and Madeleine Ahlquist, who moved to an advisory role in 2021, handing the business off to their daughter (WRG President) and her husband. The Sole Proprietor on Highland Street in Worcester and VIA Italian Table on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, are other Worcester Restaurant Group restaurants.

“Doesn’t everyone need a break once in a while,” said Carolan about the anniversary pricing. “The offer is just one way of showing appreciation to our customers. The celebration is a happy occasion and we want people to enjoy themselves and have fun when they dine with us.”

The beloved Chop House is offering the special deal for one day only (Jan. 29) from 4 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. It will be first-come, first serve policy for walk ins. The restaurant is opening earlier than usual and extending closing time.

On the Chop House anniversary date, Patty Newton will celebrate 25 years as a member of the wait staff and Aaron Francisco, 25 years as GM. The Ahlquists opened the restaurant in 1999.

Carolan said WRG is grateful to its wholesalers for their strong support in helping make the Chop House anniversary deal possible. “I think our guests will be happy not only with the price, but also the idea of ordering a favorite dish or trying something new. We are so looking forward to the anniversary.” In 2022, Carolan and her husband unveiled new renovations at the Chop House.

The restaurant remains constantly busy and continues to host sold-out wine and whiskey dinners throughout the year. Carolan said a whiskey dinner is planned for Leap Day which falls on Feb. 29. More information to be announced next month. FYI: The Chop House has a “whiskey group,” with monthly events posted on the restaurant website, https://111chophouse.com.

One Eleven Chop House, 111 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, is open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Telephone: (508) 799-4111.

The dish at The Sole Proprietor and VIA Italian Table is all about the $10 lunch specials offered through Jan. 31 during lunch hours, ending at 4 p.m. Dine-in only, no take out.

According to Carolan, the $10 lunch is one of the most successful promotions WRG has ever held. Both restaurants are straight out and diners have posted only positive reviews, she said, adding that only five of the most popular of dishes at each restaurant were chosen for the promotion. “We didn’t want to put on new items because sometimes diners are a little hesitant to try new and different,” she said. “We know the specials are among our guests’ favorites.” FYI: The restaurant didn’t cut back on the portion size of meals.

On the $10 menu at The Sole Proprietor: Ahi Tuna Bowl; Shrimp Scampi; California Shrimp Roll; Fish & Chips; Fish Tacos.

VIA Italian Table features Chicken Marsala; Shrimp Scampi; VIA Meatball Sandwich; Shrimp & Bean Salad; Lunch Pasta & Sauce.

Carolan said despite industry challenges, WRG has maintained staff and a loyal customer base. The update on her parents is that they are enjoying spending their free time with grandchildren, family and friends. Carolan said both parents continue to play an advisory role in WRG.

One Eleven Chop House is ready to celebrate!

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.

,

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': The Cellar Bar & Grille a hidden gem in Northborough