Rota Spring Ice Cream

I definitely do my part to keep New England at the top of the list when it comes to statistics on per capita annual ice cream consumption. I particularly appreciate places that offer homemade ice cream, and it's an added bonus if there are cows on-site. So I was completely shocked that I had never heard of Rota Spring Ice Cream (located at 117 Chace Hill Road in Sterling) until I stumbled upon it en route to check out a place in Clinton I saw advertised in Fitchburg Pride. (As a side note, a visit to Gallery at 56 is a great opportunity to see a gorgeous renovated mill space.)

Rota Spring is located down a winding country road in a setting that hearkens back to a simpler, more authentically New England life. The owner makes all of the ice cream using milk from his own herd of cows. There are many outstanding flavors to choose from, including lowfat, sherbert, and frozen yogurt options. The ice cream is truly the richest, creamiest ice cream I've ever tasted. Picnic tables overlook a picturesque farm, complete with rolling green fields, a stream, pond, and stone walls. A calf and some playful goats were even on display to keep children entertained.

Before moving to Fitchburg, I lived near a fabulous ice cream stand called Uhlman's. The cow fields surrounding Uhlman's gave way to a massive subdivision, and they began trucking in their ice cream, but I kept returning because I hadn't found anything better. But now I can save myself the trip! Rota Spring offers up perfect ice cream in a great setting...here's hoping for a long summer so I can make the most of this wonderful new discovery!

Independent Restaurant Collaborative

Today's Telegram & Gazette features an article outlining a newly-formed collaborative among independent restaurants in the area to jointly market some of the non-chain dining options available in our region. What a great idea! I was particularly struck by the statistic that these restaurants donate approximately $250,000 to local causes, which I'd imagine is a lot more than places like Appleby's do for our area...

The article cites the following as members of the group:

In Fitchburg - Slattery’s

In Leominster - The Border Grille & Bar, Cristina’s Restaurant, The Cornerstone Restaurant, Gondola Restaurant (located at 428 Lancaster Street), and The Monument Grill (my prior review can be found here)

In Lunenburg - Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant and The Bootlegger Restaurant

In Westminster - Old Mill Restaurant (my prior review can be found here), Joseph’s Bistro (located at 97 Main Street), and Wachusett Village Inn/Wachusett Mountain

In Gardner - Carmela’s Restaurant and Southside Grille & Margarita Factory

In Ashburnham - The Victorian House Restaurant

In Princeton - Sonoma Restaurant

I've had the pleasure of trying quite a few of these places and have returned for many enjoyable meals. The Border Grille & Bar, for example, is the restaurant my husband has deemed as his choice for "if you could eat at only one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?" Yet I'm struck by the number I've NOT yet tried! Unfortunately, my budget isn't such that I can race out and try a new one every night, but I definitely intend to gradually work my way through the list and will report back here. Anyone out there have any recommendations for where I might want to start?