Ravens' Nest Restaurant Opens in Walpole, Mass.

The Raven's Nest , an Irish pub located in Walpole, Mass., opened to crowds of locals on Thursday, May 20, 2010.

The site of the former Barleycorn and Paddock bars, the Raven's Nest features a beautifully renovated, welcoming look from the hanging flower baskets on the outside to the high post-and-beam ceiling, and individually hand-painted bricks on the inside walls. The contemporary Irish-American cuisine includes old standbys like Shepherd's Pie and fish n' chips, and chef-created versions of wild mushroom ravioli, hand-tossed specialty pizzas and Creole Jambalaya with blackened chicken, shrimp, sausage, scallions, tomatoes and okra in a creole broth.  With 16 beers (many high quality on-tap offerings) and a handsome bar and dining room that recreate the look of an authentic Irish pub, the family-friendly Raven's Nest promises to be a dining staple in the southwest suburban Boston area.


The Raven's Nest owners also operate the Mad Raven Irish pub in Waltham, MA. For the full story on the Raven's Nest, please click the link above.

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Dining, Family-Style, in Westwood, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.
Several years ago, Vello's came to the rescue to the family dining-starved southwestern suburbs by opening a restaurant offering well-prepared food with flair at affordable prices and friendly service.

Owner Victor Servello worked his tail off, spending much of his time at Vello's (which he still does), enjoying his work and making sure he hired help that was interested and content working at his restaurant -- very much opposite to the detached, self-entitled, "How can I not help you?" staffs we have dealt with at other restaurants.

What's more, Servello made sure to create dishes that are well above than what you'd expect from a family restaurant. The menu consists of eclectic/New American dishes with a heavy dose - and homage to -- the best traditional American foods. The clam chowder special could give renowned seafood restaurants a run for the money for the best chowder in the area. The shrimp risotto rivals any dish you'll find in the North End. The same goes for the homemade Italian-style pizza with ample toppings! The tasty, ample chicken Caesar salad wrap and panini sandwiches belong in the "Sandwich Hall of Fame (a theory, as there is no Sandwich Hall of Fame, at this point)." The over-baked salmon is also a real winner, too, cooked perfectly to bring out a tender taste with just the right seasonings.

Vello's also serves amazing sweet potato fries, burgers, fajitas, burritos, fried clams and mixed greens salads for lunch and dinner. They serve breakfast on the weekend and have a "Kids Eat Free" night on Wednesdays! Formerly Bergson's Ice Cream, you can see the restaurant's ice cream parlor past, transforming a Friednly's template dining room into a casual but hip small dining room atmosphere. Thankfully, Vello's hung onto some of the dining room's storied past by offering a full service ice cream menu, yet another reason to call this the number one family restaurant in the region!

From the finicky urban diner to the family looking for a great bargain, Vello's is a terrific dining spot. If only every town had a restaurant like Vello's!

Vello's, 679 High St., Westwood, MA. Tel. (781) 461-2440

Read more dining reviews at VisitingNewEngland.com and HiddenBoston.com

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