264 Main Street
Great Barrington, MA
(behind Rubiner's Cheesemongers)
Rubi's is hard to resist. It has a warm atmosphere with its wooden floors - when I picture it in my mind, it seems to be a small-scale renovated barn. There is very limited seating with a counter that seats three next to the counter where you order, and a few small tables and one large communal farm table in an adjoining room. I have yet to be in there when it is not bustling. The menu is written on chalkboards behind the counter and the baked goods are arrayed in front of you under large bell jars. They serve a real macchiato - espresso with a bit of foam on top, not the latte-ish thing Starbucks makes. Today I enjoyed the Halloumi Toast sandwich - basically, an open-faced grilled cheese on a baguette, made with halloumi cheese (a greek cheese that's a cross between mozzarella and feta) and bits of preserved lemon. Delicious. I also took home a slice of hazelnut ricotta cake that was both chewy and delightfully moist.
Rubi's turns into more of a bar/cafe in the evening, featuring oysters and cheese plates and wine - I haven't been there yet in the evening but I look forward to it.
There is one downside of Rubi's. On the three occasions I have been there, the place is generally populated by two sorts of people. One sort - pretentious hipsters in flannel with dyed hair (girls) and long hair or really short hair - hair that has been very much paid attention to - (boys) and conspicuous eye wear. The other sort - loud New Yorkers who complain frequently, inform the entire line of their debate about what to order, and don't seem to mind stepping on your toes to get an extra napkin. Such is the price of irresistibility - even the obnoxious are drawn in.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Ben's Shop
68 Main Street
Lee MA
Ben's facade looks like something out of 1961 - the sign written in script, the window displays are simple and crowded with merchandise. It says "Clothes for Work and Play"- and the sign doesn't lie. One side of the shop has both men's and women's shoes - practical, comfortable shoes like Clark's and Dansco, and boots and slippers. The other side is all men's wear. In between is a selection of nicely chosen, adorable children's clothes. There is something comfortably jumbled about the inventory at Ben's. I found some great gifts for kids of friends of mine and if I weren't such an internet bargain shopper for dansco, I would give them my business for my once-every-four-year dansco replacement. And just like very place I've shopped in Lee, the proprietor and staff could not be more delightful. No pretense, no fancy or trendy presentation, just quality goods.
Lee MA
Ben's facade looks like something out of 1961 - the sign written in script, the window displays are simple and crowded with merchandise. It says "Clothes for Work and Play"- and the sign doesn't lie. One side of the shop has both men's and women's shoes - practical, comfortable shoes like Clark's and Dansco, and boots and slippers. The other side is all men's wear. In between is a selection of nicely chosen, adorable children's clothes. There is something comfortably jumbled about the inventory at Ben's. I found some great gifts for kids of friends of mine and if I weren't such an internet bargain shopper for dansco, I would give them my business for my once-every-four-year dansco replacement. And just like very place I've shopped in Lee, the proprietor and staff could not be more delightful. No pretense, no fancy or trendy presentation, just quality goods.
Morningside Bakery
283 Tyler Street
Pittsfield MA
http://www.morningside-bakery.com
I drove by this place three times before I found it. It's tucked into a small set of five store fronts, at the end next to a fence. I made the trek to Pittfield because I was trying to find a genuine German stollen for my dad for Christmas, and lo and behold, here was a place nearby! This place is a real old fashioned bakery with donuts and pies and cookies. I did notice some bread but didn't examine it closely - it looked to be rolls of the soft-crusted variety. Besides the stollen (which the helpful counter lady told me could keep up to a month after it's opened, and up to a year if frozen - !!), I bought a chocolate cake donut which looked and smelled delicious but was rather dry and uninspiring - a disappointment. I will report back on the stollen after Christmas!
Pittsfield MA
http://www.morningside-bakery.com
I drove by this place three times before I found it. It's tucked into a small set of five store fronts, at the end next to a fence. I made the trek to Pittfield because I was trying to find a genuine German stollen for my dad for Christmas, and lo and behold, here was a place nearby! This place is a real old fashioned bakery with donuts and pies and cookies. I did notice some bread but didn't examine it closely - it looked to be rolls of the soft-crusted variety. Besides the stollen (which the helpful counter lady told me could keep up to a month after it's opened, and up to a year if frozen - !!), I bought a chocolate cake donut which looked and smelled delicious but was rather dry and uninspiring - a disappointment. I will report back on the stollen after Christmas!
Hats and Jewels of the Berkshires
Hats and Jewels
83 West Center Street
Lee, MA
Next to Joe's Diner
I love this little store and the owner is completely down to earth, helpful, and friendly. The store is a treasure trove of vintage, consignment, and costume jewelry, purses, hats and other accessories. There is an especially impressive collection of necklaces - I bought three for my mom for Christmas today. The prices range from "steals" to "reasonable." There is a nice array of classic evening bags, vintage/on consignment, and I plan to buy one for an annual gala event I attend for work once I pick out the dress. There is something very appealing about carrying vintage Bergdorf. I bought a little fabric flower pin today - I had my eye on one I had seen in a web add from a place in Sheffield - $42. The H&J version was $8.
83 West Center Street
Lee, MA
Next to Joe's Diner
I love this little store and the owner is completely down to earth, helpful, and friendly. The store is a treasure trove of vintage, consignment, and costume jewelry, purses, hats and other accessories. There is an especially impressive collection of necklaces - I bought three for my mom for Christmas today. The prices range from "steals" to "reasonable." There is a nice array of classic evening bags, vintage/on consignment, and I plan to buy one for an annual gala event I attend for work once I pick out the dress. There is something very appealing about carrying vintage Bergdorf. I bought a little fabric flower pin today - I had my eye on one I had seen in a web add from a place in Sheffield - $42. The H&J version was $8.
Christmas Shopping 2009
Today I shopped in Lee, Pittsfield, Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington. And the winner is? Much to my surprise - the small but mighty Lee! I have to say that I underestimated the number and variety of Lee's shopping opportunities, even after being in town for eight months. Paperdilly came through with Christmas cards - and this is after I looked all over GB and Stockbridge. My favorite GB store, Seeds, did have some lovely cards, but they were of the sort that were handmade, in packs of five, and very pricey.
To be fair to Pittsfield, I only went there to look for a specific bakery to buy a stollen for my dad - so perhaps Pittsfield is a wealth of shopping opportunities?
To be fair to Pittsfield, I only went there to look for a specific bakery to buy a stollen for my dad - so perhaps Pittsfield is a wealth of shopping opportunities?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Moe's Tavern
Many thanks to Kevin and Martha E. for submitting this review of Moe's. I have been longing for Moe's since I moved there, but there hasn't been the right time to go with visitors yet (usually we trying one of the fancier places as I am trying to impress them so they return) and while there are some places I am fine going by myself, taverns at night are not among them. Maybe I should rethink this strategy and become a barfly at Moe's on the weekends? Oh if only they allowed in wheaten terriers...
Moe’s Tavern
10 Railroad St
Lee, MA 01238
Shortly before our second trip to Chez Julie West, I came across a review of Moe’s on the blog of Lenox’s Arcadian Shop. How could we pass up the opportunity to visit a place called Moe’s Tavern, especially on Halloween weekend?
So early on Friday evening Martha and I headed out and found Moe’s hidden off of the main drag in Lee. Moe’s is relatively small, but clean and modern. Most of the crowd the night we were there appeared to be friendly locals. For sports fans there are 4 big screen TVs. More importantly, for Bostonians Moe’s had plenty of Red Sox memorabilia in an area with a few too many Yankee fans.
The menu at Moe’s is fairly limited, and features fairly standard bar food. I had the TV Diner, which consisted of chicken strips and fries. Martha had the Krusty Burger and Sweet Potato Fries. The sweet potato fries were excellent, and the burger was a straight-forward double-patty affair—nothing spectacular, but a tasty fry-cook style staple.
The real draw at Moe’s though is not the food but the beer. They have 11 taps with various micro-brews, and 40-50 or so bottled selections. I had an Ommegang Abbey Ale for the first round, followed by one of my favorites, and Alligash White Ale. Martha ordered a Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA and stuck with it for the night.
One thing is for sure… there is plenty to visually appreciate about Moe’s. There are tchotchkes galore and entertaining posters covering the walls. And if you like TV’s Simpson’s, you’ll have fun finding the many do-dads and references that are tucked about the place.
Overall, it’s a friendly place with a great beer selection, good bar food, and a great place to watch a game or just hang out.
FYI, Moe’s doesn’t appear to have an official site, but you can get both beer and food menus here:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/205/1412631/restaurant/Massachusetts/Pittsfield/Moes-Tavern-Lee
Also, here are a couple of good reviews.
http://jbojangles.blogspot.com/2008/05/two-minute-guide-to-moes-tavern.html
http://arcadianshop.typepad.com/arcommunity/2009/10/review.html
Moe’s Tavern
10 Railroad St
Lee, MA 01238
Shortly before our second trip to Chez Julie West, I came across a review of Moe’s on the blog of Lenox’s Arcadian Shop. How could we pass up the opportunity to visit a place called Moe’s Tavern, especially on Halloween weekend?
So early on Friday evening Martha and I headed out and found Moe’s hidden off of the main drag in Lee. Moe’s is relatively small, but clean and modern. Most of the crowd the night we were there appeared to be friendly locals. For sports fans there are 4 big screen TVs. More importantly, for Bostonians Moe’s had plenty of Red Sox memorabilia in an area with a few too many Yankee fans.
The menu at Moe’s is fairly limited, and features fairly standard bar food. I had the TV Diner, which consisted of chicken strips and fries. Martha had the Krusty Burger and Sweet Potato Fries. The sweet potato fries were excellent, and the burger was a straight-forward double-patty affair—nothing spectacular, but a tasty fry-cook style staple.
The real draw at Moe’s though is not the food but the beer. They have 11 taps with various micro-brews, and 40-50 or so bottled selections. I had an Ommegang Abbey Ale for the first round, followed by one of my favorites, and Alligash White Ale. Martha ordered a Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA and stuck with it for the night.
One thing is for sure… there is plenty to visually appreciate about Moe’s. There are tchotchkes galore and entertaining posters covering the walls. And if you like TV’s Simpson’s, you’ll have fun finding the many do-dads and references that are tucked about the place.
Overall, it’s a friendly place with a great beer selection, good bar food, and a great place to watch a game or just hang out.
FYI, Moe’s doesn’t appear to have an official site, but you can get both beer and food menus here:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/205/1412631/restaurant/Massachusetts/Pittsfield/Moes-Tavern-Lee
Also, here are a couple of good reviews.
http://jbojangles.blogspot.com/2008/05/two-minute-guide-to-moes-tavern.html
http://arcadianshop.typepad.com/arcommunity/2009/10/review.html
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Guidos disappointment
Guidos Marketplace (in Lenox and Great Barrinton) is a Berkshires institution. A combination of gourmet and organic, it's sort of a Whole Foods and Dean and Deluca combined. When I had an afternoon to myself today, I thought I would go to Guidos to get ingredients to make a new recipe for dinner.
Problem 1 - The cashier left an item out of the bag and I didn't realize it until I got home. And it was ice cream. :( I paid for it, and it was a fifteen minute drive to go back. Poo.
Problem 2 - The garlic looked like it had been harvested during the Clinton administration - dry and brown with rotted spots.
Problem 3 - The local apples I bought were mealy.
I haven't given up on Guido's but I'm not sure how soon it will be before I return.
Problem 1 - The cashier left an item out of the bag and I didn't realize it until I got home. And it was ice cream. :( I paid for it, and it was a fifteen minute drive to go back. Poo.
Problem 2 - The garlic looked like it had been harvested during the Clinton administration - dry and brown with rotted spots.
Problem 3 - The local apples I bought were mealy.
I haven't given up on Guido's but I'm not sure how soon it will be before I return.
Haven Bakery and Cafe - Brunch
I took M. and C. to the Haven Cafe in Lenox to try their brunch. Keep in mind at the Haven the eggs come with greens, baguette, and roasted potatoes, so if you have a yen for hash and home fries, look elsewhere.
However, the eggs benedict, one of the most expensive items on the menu at $13 had a heavenly Hollendaise. I have been comparing every EB to the revelatory EBs I experienced two mornings in a row at Payard at Ceasar's Palace this past August and I can say that Haven made a light and lemony hollandaise that rivals the French. Instead of a flaky croissant, though, Haven puts its eggs on a ham-gruyere biscuit which is delicious but does become a little soggy. (The BG has a problem with sogginess, FYI - so this may be relevant only to me.) The greens were basically not dressed, which was a disappointment, and I can't say I have any recollection at all about the roasted potatoes, which is never a good sign. M. had the breakfast burrito and C had a frittata of the day - they both reported their meals as excellent. We all enjoyed the Haven Hot Chocolate, which I would recommend highly if you ae in the mood for a very rich and chocolatey experience.
I still find Haven a touch on the precious side - it definitely caters to weekenders like me with $5 bags of gourmet pretzels for sale - but brunch was undeniably tasty and the service was very efficient. Keep up that hollandaise, Haven - you can't not like a place that does a French sauce and hot chocolate so well.
However, the eggs benedict, one of the most expensive items on the menu at $13 had a heavenly Hollendaise. I have been comparing every EB to the revelatory EBs I experienced two mornings in a row at Payard at Ceasar's Palace this past August and I can say that Haven made a light and lemony hollandaise that rivals the French. Instead of a flaky croissant, though, Haven puts its eggs on a ham-gruyere biscuit which is delicious but does become a little soggy. (The BG has a problem with sogginess, FYI - so this may be relevant only to me.) The greens were basically not dressed, which was a disappointment, and I can't say I have any recollection at all about the roasted potatoes, which is never a good sign. M. had the breakfast burrito and C had a frittata of the day - they both reported their meals as excellent. We all enjoyed the Haven Hot Chocolate, which I would recommend highly if you ae in the mood for a very rich and chocolatey experience.
I still find Haven a touch on the precious side - it definitely caters to weekenders like me with $5 bags of gourmet pretzels for sale - but brunch was undeniably tasty and the service was very efficient. Keep up that hollandaise, Haven - you can't not like a place that does a French sauce and hot chocolate so well.
Route 7 Grill
999 Main Street (rte 7)
Grewat Barrington, MA 01230
www.route7grill.com
Don't always stop in the center of Great Barrington, although there are many alluring eating opportunities in town. Drive a little further south on Route 7 and you will come upon the charming Route 7 Grill, a restaurant built around an impressive two-sided open stone fireplace. They specialize in BBQ-d meats smoked in-house and all the items on the menu originate from local farms, all at a reasonable price.
The atmosphere is definitely cozy, simple and family friendly. This is all about comfort food, not about fine dining.
I went to the Rt 7 Grill last Saturday with my friends M and C. M is a vegetarian and when she simply wondered out loud what the pasta of the day might be, both the waitress and the host came over to point out all the vegetarian options on the menu. We started with freshly made chips and salsa - the chips were hot and crispy and the salsa was flavorful with a slight kick. Then they put down corn bread that was crumbly, corn-y, not too sweet. I started with the house salad which featured fresh greens (some of which looked like seaweed but weren't - we couldn't ID what variety of green it was), apples, cheddar, and almonds with a maple-bacon vinaigrette that had real chucks of bacon. Delicious. M. ended up ordering four sides - beets, mac and cheese, fresh homemade applesauce and... I can't remember. But there are fish options and there is always a pasta of the day.
I ordered the brisket with mac and cheese and onion strings - the meat was tender enough to cut with a fork but a tiny bit on the fatty side. C. ordered the pot roast cooked in Guinness, which was so rich and tender, I think I would opt for that over the brisket next time.
For you mac and cheese fans, the side is served in individual ramekins with crusty crispy cheese melted over the top. Gooey with a bit of cheddar sharpness - very satisfying. Sometimes I regret ordering onion rings/strings but these were thin and crunchy without being greasy.
For dessert, we had chocolate pecan pie with SoCo Creamery Dirty Chocolate ice cream. The pie was an excellent balance of pecans and chocolate.
The restaurant wasn't very full when we arrived early, about 5:30, but as we left around 7, it was filling up. I would suggest getting there early during the high season.
Grewat Barrington, MA 01230
www.route7grill.com
Don't always stop in the center of Great Barrington, although there are many alluring eating opportunities in town. Drive a little further south on Route 7 and you will come upon the charming Route 7 Grill, a restaurant built around an impressive two-sided open stone fireplace. They specialize in BBQ-d meats smoked in-house and all the items on the menu originate from local farms, all at a reasonable price.
The atmosphere is definitely cozy, simple and family friendly. This is all about comfort food, not about fine dining.
I went to the Rt 7 Grill last Saturday with my friends M and C. M is a vegetarian and when she simply wondered out loud what the pasta of the day might be, both the waitress and the host came over to point out all the vegetarian options on the menu. We started with freshly made chips and salsa - the chips were hot and crispy and the salsa was flavorful with a slight kick. Then they put down corn bread that was crumbly, corn-y, not too sweet. I started with the house salad which featured fresh greens (some of which looked like seaweed but weren't - we couldn't ID what variety of green it was), apples, cheddar, and almonds with a maple-bacon vinaigrette that had real chucks of bacon. Delicious. M. ended up ordering four sides - beets, mac and cheese, fresh homemade applesauce and... I can't remember. But there are fish options and there is always a pasta of the day.
I ordered the brisket with mac and cheese and onion strings - the meat was tender enough to cut with a fork but a tiny bit on the fatty side. C. ordered the pot roast cooked in Guinness, which was so rich and tender, I think I would opt for that over the brisket next time.
For you mac and cheese fans, the side is served in individual ramekins with crusty crispy cheese melted over the top. Gooey with a bit of cheddar sharpness - very satisfying. Sometimes I regret ordering onion rings/strings but these were thin and crunchy without being greasy.
For dessert, we had chocolate pecan pie with SoCo Creamery Dirty Chocolate ice cream. The pie was an excellent balance of pecans and chocolate.
The restaurant wasn't very full when we arrived early, about 5:30, but as we left around 7, it was filling up. I would suggest getting there early during the high season.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Berkshire Mountain Bakery
Route 183
Housatonic MA
www.berkshiremountainbakery.com
I love this bakery. I feel a little unfaithful to the Cakewalk, but they really are completely different animals. BMB supplies bread to farmer's markets and restaurants - the bakery itself it just a retail outlet, not the pleasant destination Cakewalk is.
However, their pain au chocolat (and I use that label specifically as they are related to their French cousins much more closely than those dense, powder sugar covered distant relatives sold in the US as chocolate croissants) is to die for (sorry, Cakewalk!). The baguette is also one of the finest - just the right balance of airiness and crispness. It also holds its own impressively for two days. Every single loaf I have tried has been excellent for what it is - chewy wheat bread, hearty rosemary potato (with real little soft potato chunks), and the fabulous ciabatta. The sourdour sandwich bread freezes wonderfully and is now makes my favorite toast in the world - there is something outstanding about the way it the hot crunchy bread absorbs the butter.
So run, don't walk, to the BMB. They are open seven days, so you have no excuse!
Housatonic MA
www.berkshiremountainbakery.com
I love this bakery. I feel a little unfaithful to the Cakewalk, but they really are completely different animals. BMB supplies bread to farmer's markets and restaurants - the bakery itself it just a retail outlet, not the pleasant destination Cakewalk is.
However, their pain au chocolat (and I use that label specifically as they are related to their French cousins much more closely than those dense, powder sugar covered distant relatives sold in the US as chocolate croissants) is to die for (sorry, Cakewalk!). The baguette is also one of the finest - just the right balance of airiness and crispness. It also holds its own impressively for two days. Every single loaf I have tried has been excellent for what it is - chewy wheat bread, hearty rosemary potato (with real little soft potato chunks), and the fabulous ciabatta. The sourdour sandwich bread freezes wonderfully and is now makes my favorite toast in the world - there is something outstanding about the way it the hot crunchy bread absorbs the butter.
So run, don't walk, to the BMB. They are open seven days, so you have no excuse!
Berkshire Green Grocer
42 Park Street
Lee, MA
www.berkshiregreengrocer.com
This little market is basically at the end of my street and I went in once right when I moved here and then promptly forgot about it. This is too bad! It is a charming little store (and I think the one issue is that it's small and thus limited) and I went in yesterday to pick up some eggs from a "real farm." I thought $4.25 was reasonable for a dozen eggs from a family farm. There is produce from local farms and a limited selection of fresh beef from Leahey Farm in Lee. Yesterday they only had some steaks on the large side, some lamb sausage, and for $8, a package of "real" hot dogs (which I'm sure is fabulous) - so it was nothing I was in the market for in the moment. They get Berkshire Mountain Bakery bread once a week (and I would say it would be Friday or Saturday as they still had some baguette left on Saturday). There is also an array of brands that will be familiar to anyone who has shopped at Whole Foods.
Claire's Cafe is attached to the store and it sells coffee, teas, and baked goods. Organic sandwiches and salads are served from 11:30-2:30. I haven't sampled anything from the cafe yet but I will report back when I have. Please stop in - I hope they are doing a good business but I don't see a lot of traffic going in and out.
Lee, MA
www.berkshiregreengrocer.com
This little market is basically at the end of my street and I went in once right when I moved here and then promptly forgot about it. This is too bad! It is a charming little store (and I think the one issue is that it's small and thus limited) and I went in yesterday to pick up some eggs from a "real farm." I thought $4.25 was reasonable for a dozen eggs from a family farm. There is produce from local farms and a limited selection of fresh beef from Leahey Farm in Lee. Yesterday they only had some steaks on the large side, some lamb sausage, and for $8, a package of "real" hot dogs (which I'm sure is fabulous) - so it was nothing I was in the market for in the moment. They get Berkshire Mountain Bakery bread once a week (and I would say it would be Friday or Saturday as they still had some baguette left on Saturday). There is also an array of brands that will be familiar to anyone who has shopped at Whole Foods.
Claire's Cafe is attached to the store and it sells coffee, teas, and baked goods. Organic sandwiches and salads are served from 11:30-2:30. I haven't sampled anything from the cafe yet but I will report back when I have. Please stop in - I hope they are doing a good business but I don't see a lot of traffic going in and out.
Angelina's
Locations in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, etc.
The menu I picked up from Angelina's in Pittsfield said it had a location at 95 Main Street in Lee, which is right in the middle of downtown. I don't know if this is a former location or one to come, but I am hoping Angelina's has a future in town.
I have been curious to try the old standby steak and cheese at Angelina's for a while and had the opportunity over the weekend. The sub store is pleasantly, genuinely retro in its no frills sign over the counter listing the sandwiches available, the rack of chips off to the side, the case of soda in the corner. When I grew up in Waltham, there seemed to be about five of these kind of sub shops within a ten minute drive of my house and I don't know if any of them still survive.
For 6 bucks, you can get a steak and cheese with your choice of onions, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, etc. I opted for just the tomatoes. It was ready in about five minutes and stayed well intact for the ride from Pittsfield to Lee, still warm when I unwrapped it. The cheese was American - such a excellently salty, melty cheese for such purposes. The steak was lean but juicy. The roll was fresh. Overall, very satisfying.
There were many other options on the menu I found tempting - a chicken caesar wrap, a taco sub. There are also all the classic options. I am hoping the Lee locale does open because this seems like the ideal option for getting into town at 7 on a Friday and wanting to pick up a meal that is quick, cheap and satisfying. I'll keep you posted!
The menu I picked up from Angelina's in Pittsfield said it had a location at 95 Main Street in Lee, which is right in the middle of downtown. I don't know if this is a former location or one to come, but I am hoping Angelina's has a future in town.
I have been curious to try the old standby steak and cheese at Angelina's for a while and had the opportunity over the weekend. The sub store is pleasantly, genuinely retro in its no frills sign over the counter listing the sandwiches available, the rack of chips off to the side, the case of soda in the corner. When I grew up in Waltham, there seemed to be about five of these kind of sub shops within a ten minute drive of my house and I don't know if any of them still survive.
For 6 bucks, you can get a steak and cheese with your choice of onions, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, etc. I opted for just the tomatoes. It was ready in about five minutes and stayed well intact for the ride from Pittsfield to Lee, still warm when I unwrapped it. The cheese was American - such a excellently salty, melty cheese for such purposes. The steak was lean but juicy. The roll was fresh. Overall, very satisfying.
There were many other options on the menu I found tempting - a chicken caesar wrap, a taco sub. There are also all the classic options. I am hoping the Lee locale does open because this seems like the ideal option for getting into town at 7 on a Friday and wanting to pick up a meal that is quick, cheap and satisfying. I'll keep you posted!
Panayiotis Grill and Pizzaria
54 Main Street
Lee MA
413-243-8220
Panayiotis has a pleasant, simple atmosphere with high ceilings and tables spaced far enough apart for privacy. The lighting could be a little more intimate, but it works. It has the feel of a mid-range restaurant but the menu is huge - really more like a diner. If any of you have seen Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, you know Gordon sees a wide range of offerings as a danger sign. However, the one time I ate in rather than picked up pizza, everyone was happy with what they ordered.
So, let's get to the pizza, because I had heard this is what they are known for, and if you like classic Greek pizza, this is about the best I've had in a long time. The crust is thick, pillowy, and buttery, with a crispy, crunchy edge. Toppings are placed between the sauce and a thick layer of cheese. The cheese is generous and seems to be more than mozzerella as it has a sharpness as well. Pizzas are baked until the cheese has a golden brown crispness.
As you may be able to tell, I am a fan of this pizza. However, it has a down side. Unlike my very favorite type of pie, the crisp thin crust, the first two pieces of Panayiotis's pizza is delicious and you want a third piece but a third piece is a mistake, a recipe for indigestion. I have not internalized this lesson yet, so once I eat that third piece, I am convinced that I do not want this kind of pizza again for another six months.
Lee has a pizza option shortage. Arizona Pizza is really not very good at all - there is nothing so disappointing as a mediocre pizza as there is no excuse for it. Baba Louie's in Great Barrington is outstanding, but that's twenty minutes away - not really convenient for a quick take out choice. The small Boston chain Hot Tomatoes opened a location in Pittsfield - hey guys, why not come over to Lee?
Lee MA
413-243-8220
Panayiotis has a pleasant, simple atmosphere with high ceilings and tables spaced far enough apart for privacy. The lighting could be a little more intimate, but it works. It has the feel of a mid-range restaurant but the menu is huge - really more like a diner. If any of you have seen Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, you know Gordon sees a wide range of offerings as a danger sign. However, the one time I ate in rather than picked up pizza, everyone was happy with what they ordered.
So, let's get to the pizza, because I had heard this is what they are known for, and if you like classic Greek pizza, this is about the best I've had in a long time. The crust is thick, pillowy, and buttery, with a crispy, crunchy edge. Toppings are placed between the sauce and a thick layer of cheese. The cheese is generous and seems to be more than mozzerella as it has a sharpness as well. Pizzas are baked until the cheese has a golden brown crispness.
As you may be able to tell, I am a fan of this pizza. However, it has a down side. Unlike my very favorite type of pie, the crisp thin crust, the first two pieces of Panayiotis's pizza is delicious and you want a third piece but a third piece is a mistake, a recipe for indigestion. I have not internalized this lesson yet, so once I eat that third piece, I am convinced that I do not want this kind of pizza again for another six months.
Lee has a pizza option shortage. Arizona Pizza is really not very good at all - there is nothing so disappointing as a mediocre pizza as there is no excuse for it. Baba Louie's in Great Barrington is outstanding, but that's twenty minutes away - not really convenient for a quick take out choice. The small Boston chain Hot Tomatoes opened a location in Pittsfield - hey guys, why not come over to Lee?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Jacks Grill
Main Street
Housatonic, MA
www.jacksgrill.com
Jacks (no apostrophe) Grill - I love the idea. It has a comfort food menu - pot roast, fried chicken, mac and cheese, chocolate pudding, Toll House cookies. It's decorated with old board games, toys, and lunchboxes. What is not amusing about dining next to Welcome Back Kotter lunch box? There are twinkly white lights on the walls and a model train circling overhead, with a real whistle kids can blow if they ask the waitstaff.
I love the idea. But the reality? Unfortunately, another mediocre story.
I went to Jacks several weeks ago with my friends J and D, who recently bought a house around the corner. Perfect! Wine and cheese at their new home and then a quick walk down the street in the crisp autumn air to the warm and welcoming restaurant. The atmosphere is pleasant, no question. The service was quite friendly. But the food is just like most home cooking - this side of serviceable. I had the house speciality pot roast, which was good. I had the open-faced sandwich for $9 and I was very full. I am not shy, retiring and ladylike about portion sizes, so it was hard to imagine just how much more food you would get in the $18 entree portion and not end up with a large amount of leftovers. The sweet potato steak-cut were actually less delicious than the thin shoestring variety served in my school's dining hall. They pride themselves on local produce, but they seemed frozen to me - maybe it was fresh but tasted like frozen - ? Category = fine.
However, J's ordered the crab melt and I have to say I could have produced it in ten minutes in my kitchen, and it would have looked the same on the plate - an English muffin with crab salad and melted cheese in between, some fries thrown on the side. Home cooking and not in the best sense. J reported that it tasted like it looked - like lame-ish overpriced homecooking. D had the chicken pot pie and for some reason, there is a trend in the Berks of not presenting an actual pot pie, but putting chicken a la king in a bowl and putting a piece of puff pastry on top (this was the same presentation my dad had at the Morgan House in Lee). She also reported it was fine but overpriced for what it was.
I will say, in Jacks(no apostrophe)'s favor, the chocolate pudding was delicious. Much better than the stuff from a can. It might, MIGHT, just lure me back again.
Jacks is seasonal and it about to close for the winter. You can enjoy the chocolate pudding again next spring.
Housatonic, MA
www.jacksgrill.com
Jacks (no apostrophe) Grill - I love the idea. It has a comfort food menu - pot roast, fried chicken, mac and cheese, chocolate pudding, Toll House cookies. It's decorated with old board games, toys, and lunchboxes. What is not amusing about dining next to Welcome Back Kotter lunch box? There are twinkly white lights on the walls and a model train circling overhead, with a real whistle kids can blow if they ask the waitstaff.
I love the idea. But the reality? Unfortunately, another mediocre story.
I went to Jacks several weeks ago with my friends J and D, who recently bought a house around the corner. Perfect! Wine and cheese at their new home and then a quick walk down the street in the crisp autumn air to the warm and welcoming restaurant. The atmosphere is pleasant, no question. The service was quite friendly. But the food is just like most home cooking - this side of serviceable. I had the house speciality pot roast, which was good. I had the open-faced sandwich for $9 and I was very full. I am not shy, retiring and ladylike about portion sizes, so it was hard to imagine just how much more food you would get in the $18 entree portion and not end up with a large amount of leftovers. The sweet potato steak-cut were actually less delicious than the thin shoestring variety served in my school's dining hall. They pride themselves on local produce, but they seemed frozen to me - maybe it was fresh but tasted like frozen - ? Category = fine.
However, J's ordered the crab melt and I have to say I could have produced it in ten minutes in my kitchen, and it would have looked the same on the plate - an English muffin with crab salad and melted cheese in between, some fries thrown on the side. Home cooking and not in the best sense. J reported that it tasted like it looked - like lame-ish overpriced homecooking. D had the chicken pot pie and for some reason, there is a trend in the Berks of not presenting an actual pot pie, but putting chicken a la king in a bowl and putting a piece of puff pastry on top (this was the same presentation my dad had at the Morgan House in Lee). She also reported it was fine but overpriced for what it was.
I will say, in Jacks(no apostrophe)'s favor, the chocolate pudding was delicious. Much better than the stuff from a can. It might, MIGHT, just lure me back again.
Jacks is seasonal and it about to close for the winter. You can enjoy the chocolate pudding again next spring.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Crystal Essence
39 Railroad Street
Great Barrington
Next door to the scary La Pace is the peace and love monger Crystal Essence. This is the kind of place where you can buy crystals and self-help books and nice smelling candles. They also have a very nice selection of jewelery. However, the best aspect of this store is how lovely the staff is. They seem to love working there and they are delighted you have stopped by whether or not you buy anything.
I think the owner of La Pace should spend some time over in this store.
Great Barrington
Next door to the scary La Pace is the peace and love monger Crystal Essence. This is the kind of place where you can buy crystals and self-help books and nice smelling candles. They also have a very nice selection of jewelery. However, the best aspect of this store is how lovely the staff is. They seem to love working there and they are delighted you have stopped by whether or not you buy anything.
I think the owner of La Pace should spend some time over in this store.
La Pace bed and bath
Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA
I went into La Pace today to see if they ahd a tub caddy for my clawfoot tub. They have just moved from Main Street to Railroad St, into the space formerly occupied by Gatsby's. Apparently, something happened so that either the store owner only ended up renting half the space because she wanted to, or the building owner only wanted to rent her half the space and the store owner isn't happy about it. So the store looks like it is only sorta kinda unpacked, and there is a window display with some statuary (I think a Buddha) and colorful fabrics and a for rent sign in one of the front windows.
I went in and said what I was looking for and I was directed to a corner, not very charmingly. And then an older couple comes in, looking for a store that would have the fabrics and buddha. They get in a conversation with the owner who tells them what a jerk the building owner is, and when the husband tried to make a helpful suggestion about setting up the space, she bit his head off: "Great. I'll set up a suggestion box and you come back tomorrow and write that one down."
By that time another store clerk had come over to help me and I was in no mood to give this owner my business. But I didn't want the owner to yell at me if I left either. It's so pleasant to feel terrorized by a proprietor. Luckily, they didn't have th tub caddy I had in stock so I could leave legitimately.
I will not be returning there anytime soon...
Great Barrington, MA
I went into La Pace today to see if they ahd a tub caddy for my clawfoot tub. They have just moved from Main Street to Railroad St, into the space formerly occupied by Gatsby's. Apparently, something happened so that either the store owner only ended up renting half the space because she wanted to, or the building owner only wanted to rent her half the space and the store owner isn't happy about it. So the store looks like it is only sorta kinda unpacked, and there is a window display with some statuary (I think a Buddha) and colorful fabrics and a for rent sign in one of the front windows.
I went in and said what I was looking for and I was directed to a corner, not very charmingly. And then an older couple comes in, looking for a store that would have the fabrics and buddha. They get in a conversation with the owner who tells them what a jerk the building owner is, and when the husband tried to make a helpful suggestion about setting up the space, she bit his head off: "Great. I'll set up a suggestion box and you come back tomorrow and write that one down."
By that time another store clerk had come over to help me and I was in no mood to give this owner my business. But I didn't want the owner to yell at me if I left either. It's so pleasant to feel terrorized by a proprietor. Luckily, they didn't have th tub caddy I had in stock so I could leave legitimately.
I will not be returning there anytime soon...
The best dog-walk in Lee
...at least that I have found so far.
I live towards the end of High Street near the corner of East Center Street. I take the Ness in the other direction down High to Franklin, take a left on Franklin, take Franklin until it comes to Lee High School at the top of the hill (a beautiful backdrop for a high school!), a left at the high school on Greylock Street until it intersects with East Center St. Then it's down East Center St towards home. It's a good 45 minutes, you have both beautiful homes and then beautiful hills and then the river to look at, plus there's always the treat of passing the very funkily decorate house (one detail - a giant smiley face) on Roberts St.
Gotta get me a giant smiley face...
I live towards the end of High Street near the corner of East Center Street. I take the Ness in the other direction down High to Franklin, take a left on Franklin, take Franklin until it comes to Lee High School at the top of the hill (a beautiful backdrop for a high school!), a left at the high school on Greylock Street until it intersects with East Center St. Then it's down East Center St towards home. It's a good 45 minutes, you have both beautiful homes and then beautiful hills and then the river to look at, plus there's always the treat of passing the very funkily decorate house (one detail - a giant smiley face) on Roberts St.
Gotta get me a giant smiley face...
Paperdilly stationer
Paperdilly
54 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.paperdilly.com
I drove by Paperdilly for years when on vacation here and never stopped in. I was missing out. This is a true old-fashioned stationer, just like the place I went when I was a kid where my mom bought typewriter ribbon and I got tickets to use for our annual Carnival for Muscular Dystrophy. Staples cannot even dimly simulate the same charm and sense of possibility - what will I write in this great notebook?
I don't think they sell typewriter ribbon (although I wouldn't be surprised if they did), but they have a beautiful assortment of note cards, any stationary supplies you could need (I bought pencils and a legal pad today), and also some pretty accessories such as little bags and pencil cases. They also have a lovely and affordable selection of journals. Another plus of Paperdilly is the proprietor - she is very friendly and we always have a pleasant chat when I stop in.
54 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.paperdilly.com
I drove by Paperdilly for years when on vacation here and never stopped in. I was missing out. This is a true old-fashioned stationer, just like the place I went when I was a kid where my mom bought typewriter ribbon and I got tickets to use for our annual Carnival for Muscular Dystrophy. Staples cannot even dimly simulate the same charm and sense of possibility - what will I write in this great notebook?
I don't think they sell typewriter ribbon (although I wouldn't be surprised if they did), but they have a beautiful assortment of note cards, any stationary supplies you could need (I bought pencils and a legal pad today), and also some pretty accessories such as little bags and pencil cases. They also have a lovely and affordable selection of journals. Another plus of Paperdilly is the proprietor - she is very friendly and we always have a pleasant chat when I stop in.
Cakewalk Bakery
56 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.cakewalkbakery.com
There is everything to like about the Cakewalk. When I first moved in, my neighbors (a tip of the hat to Shawnie and Bryan - may they be enjoying their new home in Ithaca!) said one of the best things about downtown Lee was the Cakewalk and they are correct. The vibe is much more funky-retro, using the original elements of the store such as the 50's linoleum and exposed radiators, than the hard wood/stainless steel bistro chic of the Haven Bakery in Lenox. (But then that's sort of Lee vs Lenox in a nutshell. There's another entry in there...) Another difference between the two is that the Cakewalk sells items like blondies and brownies and the Haven sells chocolate chiffon cake with double-whipped cream cheese frosting. You get the point - both are great, just different. There is also less risk of getting run over by a Donald J Pliner mule in the Cakewalk.
The croissants are quite good, buttery and flaky. I think the Berkshire Mountain Bakery's croissants may be a hair better (BMB's pan au chocolat are definitely superior - much more French than Cakewalk's more American packed-solid-with-chocolate version) but BMB is in Housantonic which is too long a drive first thing in the morning. The other baked goods are universally delicious and I am particularly fond of the cinnamon rose and the chocolate chip scone. Of course these are enormous, sweet, American scones - you won't be using lemon curd or jam on these. I have been less impressed with their baguette.
Get there early since as they sell out of various baked goods, that's it for the day. The staff is friendly and low-key. Overall, the biggest problem with the Cakewalk is that often it's hard to find a space to sit down!
Lee, MA
www.cakewalkbakery.com
There is everything to like about the Cakewalk. When I first moved in, my neighbors (a tip of the hat to Shawnie and Bryan - may they be enjoying their new home in Ithaca!) said one of the best things about downtown Lee was the Cakewalk and they are correct. The vibe is much more funky-retro, using the original elements of the store such as the 50's linoleum and exposed radiators, than the hard wood/stainless steel bistro chic of the Haven Bakery in Lenox. (But then that's sort of Lee vs Lenox in a nutshell. There's another entry in there...) Another difference between the two is that the Cakewalk sells items like blondies and brownies and the Haven sells chocolate chiffon cake with double-whipped cream cheese frosting. You get the point - both are great, just different. There is also less risk of getting run over by a Donald J Pliner mule in the Cakewalk.
The croissants are quite good, buttery and flaky. I think the Berkshire Mountain Bakery's croissants may be a hair better (BMB's pan au chocolat are definitely superior - much more French than Cakewalk's more American packed-solid-with-chocolate version) but BMB is in Housantonic which is too long a drive first thing in the morning. The other baked goods are universally delicious and I am particularly fond of the cinnamon rose and the chocolate chip scone. Of course these are enormous, sweet, American scones - you won't be using lemon curd or jam on these. I have been less impressed with their baguette.
Get there early since as they sell out of various baked goods, that's it for the day. The staff is friendly and low-key. Overall, the biggest problem with the Cakewalk is that often it's hard to find a space to sit down!
Friday, October 16, 2009
A website that makes me obsolete?
http://www.ruralintelligence.com/index.php/site/
This is a great source for info about the Berkshire hills area of MA/CT/NY.
I think they are sorta doing what I was dreaming of doing, but I will continue to bring one woman's opinion of food, shopping and dog walking locales in the Berkshires to the interwebs.
Besides, they seem to be a little NY/CT biased if you ask me... :)
This is a great source for info about the Berkshire hills area of MA/CT/NY.
I think they are sorta doing what I was dreaming of doing, but I will continue to bring one woman's opinion of food, shopping and dog walking locales in the Berkshires to the interwebs.
Besides, they seem to be a little NY/CT biased if you ask me... :)
New Berkshire Homeowner Tip #1
After the Berkshires has a frost, it could be unwise to turn your heat completely "off" when you leave the house for a week. You might return and find the thermostat reading 48 degrees.
You just might.
And it might take three or four hours to the house to get warmed up to 60.
So don't be cheap and keep the heat on at 55 in your absence.
You just might.
And it might take three or four hours to the house to get warmed up to 60.
So don't be cheap and keep the heat on at 55 in your absence.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Karen Allen Fiber Arts - great barrington
This store was featured on WCVB's Chronicle tonight and lo and behold, the proprietress is that Karen Allen of Raiders of the Lost Ark fame. I just wanted to put a plug in for the store because it has beautiful stuff - lots of cashmere and also gorgeous bags and other accessories. But if you want to buy, be prepared to spend some cash.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tanglewood - No dogs allowed?
Dear BSO:
I went to take my darling dog Nessa on a stroll around Tanglewood on this crisp October day, only to see a sign, looking as if it had been constructed around 1971, inviting people to enjoy the grounds but preventing ball playing and pets. Nearby was another sign that permits ball playing, Frisbee, etc, "in designated places."
Well, what about the dogs, I ask? I think this policy was created back in the day before we all carried little plastic poo bags everywhere we go. My dad never pooped our family dog's poop, that's for sure. We are now a community of poop-conscious, leash-addicted dog owners, addicted to PetSmart and the Dog Whisperer. I understand the concern for the grass and I can see why you don't want to create the Tanglewood DogPark, but why allow frisbee playing and no dogs on leashes?
BSO, I strong advise you rethink your position. Remember how canny you were on July 4th, creating a family-friendly day for all. Remember that you need an audience with less snow on the roof. Open your arms to visitors and in the off season and let us take our furry companions.
Keep in mind - isn't it usually the two legged visitors that cause the most damage?
Thank you for your consideration -
The BG and her canine companion, Nessa
I went to take my darling dog Nessa on a stroll around Tanglewood on this crisp October day, only to see a sign, looking as if it had been constructed around 1971, inviting people to enjoy the grounds but preventing ball playing and pets. Nearby was another sign that permits ball playing, Frisbee, etc, "in designated places."
Well, what about the dogs, I ask? I think this policy was created back in the day before we all carried little plastic poo bags everywhere we go. My dad never pooped our family dog's poop, that's for sure. We are now a community of poop-conscious, leash-addicted dog owners, addicted to PetSmart and the Dog Whisperer. I understand the concern for the grass and I can see why you don't want to create the Tanglewood DogPark, but why allow frisbee playing and no dogs on leashes?
BSO, I strong advise you rethink your position. Remember how canny you were on July 4th, creating a family-friendly day for all. Remember that you need an audience with less snow on the roof. Open your arms to visitors and in the off season and let us take our furry companions.
Keep in mind - isn't it usually the two legged visitors that cause the most damage?
Thank you for your consideration -
The BG and her canine companion, Nessa
Haven Bakery and Cafe 10-12-09
Haven Bakery and Cafe
8 Franklin Street
Lenox, MA
www.haven.berkshireculinary.com
I can't believe it took me this long to get to the Haven Bakery. I had walked by it many times, and even dropped laundry off right next door, but never wandered inside. The curb appeal is minimal and the menu looked a tad fussy. And often I walked by it with Nessa, another factor in not darkening its door.
I decided I would pick up some lunch after walking the Ness over in Lenox this morning and stopped in. The inside is far more charming than the outside - warm wood floors, comfortable lighting, an appetizing case of fresh delicious looking baked goods, wine bottle at the end of the counter just waiting to be poured into a glass for you. You order at the counter and your breakfast/brunch/lunch is delivered to your table. I can't wait to take guests here sometime soon.
There were a lot of fancy young families on this Columbus Day - the children's wardrobes looked to be worth close to my yearly salary, and I would speculate there was more than one set of Land Rover keys in the pockets of the diners. I will probably return again later in November when its a bit more peaceful.
I ordered a hot chocolate and the friendly counterwoman recommended the "Haven Hot Chocolate." It was excellent and I am extremely picky hot chocolate drinker - the top of the top is Burdick's in Cambridge with its shaved real chocolate mixture and I have to say this topped it. Whatever they use permeates the milk more fully and leaves minimal chocolate at the bottom.
For lunch, I ordered a chickem sandwich with ham and sage aioli. It turned out also to have cheese, I think some kind of gruyere, which was mysteriously (and sort of disturbingly) left off the menu. The challah bread roll was toasted, crunchy, rich and buttery. It was a nice sandwich although the aioli was super-garlicky. I also bought a peanut butter cookie which is still waiting for me to eat - I ate a piece of it and can report it to be very good. Next time I want to try a slice of chocolate chiffon cake.
There was one down side and that was that I ordered the sandwich to go, it tooks forever, and there was no where to wait where I did not feel I was in the way and in danger of getting stepped on by one or more pair of very expensive boots. I would not rush in there again to get a sandwich for takeout.
And wow - that aioli was garlicky...
8 Franklin Street
Lenox, MA
www.haven.berkshireculinary.com
I can't believe it took me this long to get to the Haven Bakery. I had walked by it many times, and even dropped laundry off right next door, but never wandered inside. The curb appeal is minimal and the menu looked a tad fussy. And often I walked by it with Nessa, another factor in not darkening its door.
I decided I would pick up some lunch after walking the Ness over in Lenox this morning and stopped in. The inside is far more charming than the outside - warm wood floors, comfortable lighting, an appetizing case of fresh delicious looking baked goods, wine bottle at the end of the counter just waiting to be poured into a glass for you. You order at the counter and your breakfast/brunch/lunch is delivered to your table. I can't wait to take guests here sometime soon.
There were a lot of fancy young families on this Columbus Day - the children's wardrobes looked to be worth close to my yearly salary, and I would speculate there was more than one set of Land Rover keys in the pockets of the diners. I will probably return again later in November when its a bit more peaceful.
I ordered a hot chocolate and the friendly counterwoman recommended the "Haven Hot Chocolate." It was excellent and I am extremely picky hot chocolate drinker - the top of the top is Burdick's in Cambridge with its shaved real chocolate mixture and I have to say this topped it. Whatever they use permeates the milk more fully and leaves minimal chocolate at the bottom.
For lunch, I ordered a chickem sandwich with ham and sage aioli. It turned out also to have cheese, I think some kind of gruyere, which was mysteriously (and sort of disturbingly) left off the menu. The challah bread roll was toasted, crunchy, rich and buttery. It was a nice sandwich although the aioli was super-garlicky. I also bought a peanut butter cookie which is still waiting for me to eat - I ate a piece of it and can report it to be very good. Next time I want to try a slice of chocolate chiffon cake.
There was one down side and that was that I ordered the sandwich to go, it tooks forever, and there was no where to wait where I did not feel I was in the way and in danger of getting stepped on by one or more pair of very expensive boots. I would not rush in there again to get a sandwich for takeout.
And wow - that aioli was garlicky...
Morgan House 10-11-09
Morgan House
33 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.morganhouseinn.com
Entrees: $10-20
The Morgan House is a Berkshire institution. My parents ate there on their honeymoon over 50 years ago. It has seen more and less prosperous times. The last time I ate there, several years ago, I had vowed never to return. It was the kind of place that was dark and you suspected no one wanted to turn the lights on as it would reveal just how dirty the carpet was. The food was middling at best with iceberg lettuce salads and boiled mixed vegetables as a side.
A few years make a difference. My new neighbors told me it had changed hands and been given a makeover. While the menu online did not look like it would be a revelatory experience (crab cakes, nachos, burgers, chicken BLT, Chicken pot pie), I was curious to see what the new owners had done.
I made my parents go there before they left on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend and I would pronounce the meal "fine." The dining room was brightened up, the furniture looked new, and flow seems to have been improved. The service was prompt and friendly. My dad said his chicken pot pie was good, although the "pie crust" was a piece of puff pastry floating ont he top, and the consistency was more like stew or thick soup. I had a nice side salad with balsamic dressing and a disappointing slice of quiche. Quiche crust is hard - it gets soggy to quickly - and this was no exception. I had a delicious mini-quiche at tea at a hotel in Boston last winter that was so buttery and flaky it melted in your mouth; this was not the case with this uninspired crust. However, the hand-cut fries on the side were good even if the portion was miniature. My mom had the chicken BLT which she reported she enjoyed, although it was a deconstructed BLT with the lettuce on the side, and it was on a bun. I like a BLT to embrace it's BLT-ness - this was more like a grilled chicken sandwich.
Overall, I would rate it "fine." Inexpensive, quick, pleasant atmosphere, close to my house, and I would likely order a burger or something along those lines next time - although I won't be hurrying back with so many better options around.
33 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.morganhouseinn.com
Entrees: $10-20
The Morgan House is a Berkshire institution. My parents ate there on their honeymoon over 50 years ago. It has seen more and less prosperous times. The last time I ate there, several years ago, I had vowed never to return. It was the kind of place that was dark and you suspected no one wanted to turn the lights on as it would reveal just how dirty the carpet was. The food was middling at best with iceberg lettuce salads and boiled mixed vegetables as a side.
A few years make a difference. My new neighbors told me it had changed hands and been given a makeover. While the menu online did not look like it would be a revelatory experience (crab cakes, nachos, burgers, chicken BLT, Chicken pot pie), I was curious to see what the new owners had done.
I made my parents go there before they left on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend and I would pronounce the meal "fine." The dining room was brightened up, the furniture looked new, and flow seems to have been improved. The service was prompt and friendly. My dad said his chicken pot pie was good, although the "pie crust" was a piece of puff pastry floating ont he top, and the consistency was more like stew or thick soup. I had a nice side salad with balsamic dressing and a disappointing slice of quiche. Quiche crust is hard - it gets soggy to quickly - and this was no exception. I had a delicious mini-quiche at tea at a hotel in Boston last winter that was so buttery and flaky it melted in your mouth; this was not the case with this uninspired crust. However, the hand-cut fries on the side were good even if the portion was miniature. My mom had the chicken BLT which she reported she enjoyed, although it was a deconstructed BLT with the lettuce on the side, and it was on a bun. I like a BLT to embrace it's BLT-ness - this was more like a grilled chicken sandwich.
Overall, I would rate it "fine." Inexpensive, quick, pleasant atmosphere, close to my house, and I would likely order a burger or something along those lines next time - although I won't be hurrying back with so many better options around.
John Andrews Restaurant 10-10-09
John Andrews Restuarant
Route 23
Egremont, MA
www.jarestaurant.com
Entrees: Mid-$20s
I hadn't been to John Andrews for several years but I had fond memories of enjoying a pleasant meal in their woodsy sculpture garden. When my parents and I drove down route 23 through Egremont Saturday night as the sun set, I kept thinking I must have passed the place - it seemed much closer towards the Taconic than I remembered. But we had not passed it. It was 6pm and already the place was doing a brisk business with several couples eating in the bar and the restuarant steadily filling. It is still charming although too cold to eat outside in October! It did become more difficult to see your food as the sun went down and the one tiny candle worked hard to illuminate our table.
The feeling at JA is slightly more upscale than at a place like Chez Nous, although I was perfectly comfortable wearing jeans. The crowd is a tiny bit chic-er; we sat near a couple who looked likely to spend their spare time investing in art and building a new section in their NY loft for their future Baby Upscale.
The service was excellent, always a pleasant event for the laid-back Berskhires, with a well-executed system with a waitress, food runners/bussers, and a "bread guy" (really a "bread teen") who came around with fresh bread.
I have to confess I think I ordered badly. The meal started off well with hot fresh onion/rosemary focaccia, and then I ordered the root vegetable salad. In retrospect, a root vegetable salad is probaly not a flavor-filled party in your mouth. The vegetable had a good crunch but they all tasted the same, as root vegetables tend to do. A few mouthfulls were plenty and then I wished I had ordered the pumpkin soup on special that night. My parents enjoyed their romaine salads.
I did very much enjoy a beautifully done pork chop with a sweet potato bacon hash. Unfortunately, it also included cabbage with cider vinegar for a sauerkraut-like side placed on top of the hash. It was just too tangy and I tried to extricae the hash from it, but without a great deal of success. My mom enjoyed a simple mushroom pasta dish and my dad had the organic chicken which he reported was excellent. For dessert, my mother had a pear in custard and I had the chocolate cheescake. The cheesecake was not as heavy as sometimes it can be, but was not quite as light and fluffy as I would have preferred - but satisfactory, if not trancendant.
This restaurant is a 30 minutes drive on very dark roads so while it is likely not a place I would go frequently, when there are equally good options closer to Lee, it has a very specific and romantic charm - a nice special occassion place for those of us in the middle of the county. And they have a great and interesting wine list.
Route 23
Egremont, MA
www.jarestaurant.com
Entrees: Mid-$20s
I hadn't been to John Andrews for several years but I had fond memories of enjoying a pleasant meal in their woodsy sculpture garden. When my parents and I drove down route 23 through Egremont Saturday night as the sun set, I kept thinking I must have passed the place - it seemed much closer towards the Taconic than I remembered. But we had not passed it. It was 6pm and already the place was doing a brisk business with several couples eating in the bar and the restuarant steadily filling. It is still charming although too cold to eat outside in October! It did become more difficult to see your food as the sun went down and the one tiny candle worked hard to illuminate our table.
The feeling at JA is slightly more upscale than at a place like Chez Nous, although I was perfectly comfortable wearing jeans. The crowd is a tiny bit chic-er; we sat near a couple who looked likely to spend their spare time investing in art and building a new section in their NY loft for their future Baby Upscale.
The service was excellent, always a pleasant event for the laid-back Berskhires, with a well-executed system with a waitress, food runners/bussers, and a "bread guy" (really a "bread teen") who came around with fresh bread.
I have to confess I think I ordered badly. The meal started off well with hot fresh onion/rosemary focaccia, and then I ordered the root vegetable salad. In retrospect, a root vegetable salad is probaly not a flavor-filled party in your mouth. The vegetable had a good crunch but they all tasted the same, as root vegetables tend to do. A few mouthfulls were plenty and then I wished I had ordered the pumpkin soup on special that night. My parents enjoyed their romaine salads.
I did very much enjoy a beautifully done pork chop with a sweet potato bacon hash. Unfortunately, it also included cabbage with cider vinegar for a sauerkraut-like side placed on top of the hash. It was just too tangy and I tried to extricae the hash from it, but without a great deal of success. My mom enjoyed a simple mushroom pasta dish and my dad had the organic chicken which he reported was excellent. For dessert, my mother had a pear in custard and I had the chocolate cheescake. The cheesecake was not as heavy as sometimes it can be, but was not quite as light and fluffy as I would have preferred - but satisfactory, if not trancendant.
This restaurant is a 30 minutes drive on very dark roads so while it is likely not a place I would go frequently, when there are equally good options closer to Lee, it has a very specific and romantic charm - a nice special occassion place for those of us in the middle of the county. And they have a great and interesting wine list.
Shirl's Gelato/Old Inn on the Green
The Old Inn on the Green is selling their handmade gelato. The Old Inn, in New Marlborough, is an extremely charming place, recommended to me by the owner of Alta in Lenox as they were closed when I wanted to make a reservation in March. There is no electricity in the dining rooms so it is supremely romantic and evokes the original days of the Inn in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Stopping into the Berkshire Coop to pick up some Berkshire Mountain Bakery projects, I picked up a pint on a wim, and nearly had a stroke when it rang up at $7.99.
It is good gelato - creamy, and the pistacio had more nuts in it than I have ever experience before. But worth $7.99? No. Get a scoop at SoHo Creamery and hope the guy at the counter is having a better day.
Stopping into the Berkshire Coop to pick up some Berkshire Mountain Bakery projects, I picked up a pint on a wim, and nearly had a stroke when it rang up at $7.99.
It is good gelato - creamy, and the pistacio had more nuts in it than I have ever experience before. But worth $7.99? No. Get a scoop at SoHo Creamery and hope the guy at the counter is having a better day.
Obnoxiousness at SoCo Creamery 10-11-09
SoCo Creamery
5 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA
www.sococreamery.com
I wasn't even going to write about this, but the service drove me to it. I stopped into SoCo last Sunday when wandering around Great Barrington, lured by a sign promising pumpkin chip ice cream. I went in and asked the young man at the counter was pumpkin ice cream with chocolate chips and his charming answer was, "What else would it be?"
Now, I realize that perhaps this young man may well be a future world-reknown painter, or could be earning his PhD in astrophysics, but for the time being he has agreed to scoop my ice cream. We have all been tricked by peanut butter cup ice cream that has no Reece's, or that evil phenomenon "cinnamon chip" - muffins, bagels, etc. What are cinnamon chips anyway? Was my question so ridiculous?
Anyway, I proceeded to order my kiddie scoop and enjoy a very delicious pumpkin ice cream, but while eating I was forced to contemplate the lack of civility. Ironic from an ice cream store that features a t-shirt of a Buddha with a scoop of ice cream.
5 Railroad Street
Great Barrington, MA
www.sococreamery.com
I wasn't even going to write about this, but the service drove me to it. I stopped into SoCo last Sunday when wandering around Great Barrington, lured by a sign promising pumpkin chip ice cream. I went in and asked the young man at the counter was pumpkin ice cream with chocolate chips and his charming answer was, "What else would it be?"
Now, I realize that perhaps this young man may well be a future world-reknown painter, or could be earning his PhD in astrophysics, but for the time being he has agreed to scoop my ice cream. We have all been tricked by peanut butter cup ice cream that has no Reece's, or that evil phenomenon "cinnamon chip" - muffins, bagels, etc. What are cinnamon chips anyway? Was my question so ridiculous?
Anyway, I proceeded to order my kiddie scoop and enjoy a very delicious pumpkin ice cream, but while eating I was forced to contemplate the lack of civility. Ironic from an ice cream store that features a t-shirt of a Buddha with a scoop of ice cream.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Chez Nous 10-09-09
Chez Nous
150 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.cheznousbistro.com
Entrees: $20-30
Chez Nous is just a few minutes from my house and it was one of the selling features. It has long been a favorite of my family. The restaurant is a warren of smallish rooms in a former residence, the tablecloths white, and tables themselves sometimes a bit cozy if you have a party larger than 3. The lighting is on the romantic side, but not so dim it is impossible to see your food. The place has a comfortable, homey feel and the staff are friendly and low-key. This is Lee, not Lenox, in a good way. The menu is French - I would describe it as "French-inspired" - I have had several dishes there, such as the butternut squash ravioli, that I would not categorize as classical French. This is not a criticism; just don't necessarily expect sole meuniere.
I was there with my parents and it was the end of a busy week for all of us; we were happy to be sitting down to a nice dinner. I started with a cocktail of St Germain (elderflower liquer), vodka, and pineapple juice. I'm not overly fond of sweet drinks but they were out of the Breton cider I ordered to begin with, and I was in the mood for something new. It was quite tasty. I will be getting a bottle of St Germain for my bar at home. I have to say that in the summer, the bar had been very slow - you could be well into your salad by the time the cocktails appeared - but this was not an issue during this visit.
We started with salads and a smoked salmon appetizer. The restaurant produces its own smoked salmon and it is excellent - smokiness pervades the fish without overwhelming it. It called to mind smoked salmon I had in Ireland. For entrees, I had scallops with butternut squash ravioli, my dad had salmon with a vegetable filled buckwheat crepe, and my mom had a burger with foie gras. The scallops were done perfectly and the ravioli had the right ratio of filling to pasta - all done well. My father enjoyed the salmon and the crepe, although I have to say the buckwheat crepe was not the most appetizing looking object in world - it was a strange brown color and laid like a lump on the plate. My mom enjoyed hers although she had never had the foie gras/burger combination and it was not to her liking.
My mom is the kind of eater who does not like large portions and she often asks about this when she orders. She finds it overwhelming to be presented with a heaping plate of food. I have eaten with other people like this - I was once with a colleague who burst into tears when confronted with a tall pile of shrimp tempura when she meant to order tempura sushi. Thus, my mom did not make much of a dent in the heaping pile of fries, discarded the foie gras, and did not eat the bun on the burger. After the table was cleared, the manager came over afterward because the chef was worried there was something wrong with her meal. While this made her uncomfortable, and that made me wish he hadn't said anything, I think it was the mark of a good chef to follow up and make sure there weren't any problems.
For dessert, I had a warm sticky toffee pudding and my dad had an apple tart - both delicious. Overall, a very pleasant, comfortable, relaxing dining experience.
150 Main Street
Lee, MA
www.cheznousbistro.com
Entrees: $20-30
Chez Nous is just a few minutes from my house and it was one of the selling features. It has long been a favorite of my family. The restaurant is a warren of smallish rooms in a former residence, the tablecloths white, and tables themselves sometimes a bit cozy if you have a party larger than 3. The lighting is on the romantic side, but not so dim it is impossible to see your food. The place has a comfortable, homey feel and the staff are friendly and low-key. This is Lee, not Lenox, in a good way. The menu is French - I would describe it as "French-inspired" - I have had several dishes there, such as the butternut squash ravioli, that I would not categorize as classical French. This is not a criticism; just don't necessarily expect sole meuniere.
I was there with my parents and it was the end of a busy week for all of us; we were happy to be sitting down to a nice dinner. I started with a cocktail of St Germain (elderflower liquer), vodka, and pineapple juice. I'm not overly fond of sweet drinks but they were out of the Breton cider I ordered to begin with, and I was in the mood for something new. It was quite tasty. I will be getting a bottle of St Germain for my bar at home. I have to say that in the summer, the bar had been very slow - you could be well into your salad by the time the cocktails appeared - but this was not an issue during this visit.
We started with salads and a smoked salmon appetizer. The restaurant produces its own smoked salmon and it is excellent - smokiness pervades the fish without overwhelming it. It called to mind smoked salmon I had in Ireland. For entrees, I had scallops with butternut squash ravioli, my dad had salmon with a vegetable filled buckwheat crepe, and my mom had a burger with foie gras. The scallops were done perfectly and the ravioli had the right ratio of filling to pasta - all done well. My father enjoyed the salmon and the crepe, although I have to say the buckwheat crepe was not the most appetizing looking object in world - it was a strange brown color and laid like a lump on the plate. My mom enjoyed hers although she had never had the foie gras/burger combination and it was not to her liking.
My mom is the kind of eater who does not like large portions and she often asks about this when she orders. She finds it overwhelming to be presented with a heaping plate of food. I have eaten with other people like this - I was once with a colleague who burst into tears when confronted with a tall pile of shrimp tempura when she meant to order tempura sushi. Thus, my mom did not make much of a dent in the heaping pile of fries, discarded the foie gras, and did not eat the bun on the burger. After the table was cleared, the manager came over afterward because the chef was worried there was something wrong with her meal. While this made her uncomfortable, and that made me wish he hadn't said anything, I think it was the mark of a good chef to follow up and make sure there weren't any problems.
For dessert, I had a warm sticky toffee pudding and my dad had an apple tart - both delicious. Overall, a very pleasant, comfortable, relaxing dining experience.
Welcome to the World of the Berkshire Gourmet
In April of 2009, I bought my own little piece of earth in Lee, MA. Although I have been vacationing with my family in the Berkshires for many years, you don't realize how superficial your relationship is with a place until you move in. Taking visitors to favorite restaurants and trying new places together is a particular pleasure. I also discovered that it was not particularly easy to find restaurant reviews and get a real sense of the experiences you and your guests would have and I mean that not just in terms of fine dining but also in terms of diners and shopping for food. Food for me means a total social experience and the the decor, ambiance, staff and fellow diners/shoppers are nearly as important as the food.
My highest praise will be for places that embrace what they are and do it to the best of its ability. A diner should make a good pancake, the farmer's market should have the freshest produce, a fine French restaurant should offer a fine steak frites. And everywhere should have friendly, courteous service.
I will warn you I am picky and I am not worried about being too nice. However, I will also admit when I think I ordered badly - sometimes a disappointing meal is nothing more than a misconception of what a dish will be when you order it, no fault of the chef.
Most of the time, I will be dining with friends and family and I will share their comments as appropriate. I also have a young and adorable wheaten terrier named Nessa, who is not allowed to join us. She would likely be a less descriminating food consumer than me or my companions.
My highest praise will be for places that embrace what they are and do it to the best of its ability. A diner should make a good pancake, the farmer's market should have the freshest produce, a fine French restaurant should offer a fine steak frites. And everywhere should have friendly, courteous service.
I will warn you I am picky and I am not worried about being too nice. However, I will also admit when I think I ordered badly - sometimes a disappointing meal is nothing more than a misconception of what a dish will be when you order it, no fault of the chef.
Most of the time, I will be dining with friends and family and I will share their comments as appropriate. I also have a young and adorable wheaten terrier named Nessa, who is not allowed to join us. She would likely be a less descriminating food consumer than me or my companions.
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