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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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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