Bombay
435 Laurel St
Lee, MA 01238
http://www.fineindiandining.com/bombaylee.htm
Let me be frank from the beginning: don't go to Bombay. Got that? If you have no other options, go to the McDonald's on route 20 by the Mass Pike. Seriously. Don't go.
When I first bought the house in Lee in the spring of 2008, I spent a dinner with my new neighbors discussing dining options in the area. They were big fans of Bombay although they pointed out it was pricey. I tried it a few times, and while it did add up quickly once an appetizer or nan is on the order along with entrees, it rated "pretty good" Indian. There are a few top-notch Indian restaurants in my hometown of Waltham, MA, so I tend to assume all Indian food will at least be in the pretty good category, if not even excellent. There is one Indian place in Natick, MA where I had my first truly bad Indian meal, so I know it existed. But Bombay was good enough that I took my family there in the summer of 2008.
That was a weird visit, and I see I did not write it up at the time. It was before a Tanglewood concert, so the place was pretty full. It's not the best atmosphere because although it has a beautiful view of Laurel Lake, it's also in a Quality Inn. So off the rather small dining room, which has that lingering scent of Indian spices (and in an "open a window and clean this place" kind of way, not a "this smells delicious" kind of way), is a breakfast room with containers of cereal. I cannot imagine eating breakfast in a stuffy Indian restaurant. The service was pretty terrible. The waitstaff did not seem at all interested in the customers and it left a bad taste in all of our mouths. I don't really remember the food.
Anyway, speaking of bad tastes, tonight I was driving up the mass pike trying to decide what to get for dinner. I had just been looking at Indian recipes to use in the slow cooker I got for Christmas, so I thought I would splurge on Bombay and then have plenty of leftovers for lunches for the next few days - an indulgence tonight and then utilitarian the next few days - excellent.
So I picked up the order and spooned out chicken saag, lamb rogan josh, a vegetable samosa, and added some raita on the side. I also ordered a plain naan, which was a garlic naan. I like garlic as flavoring, not as the main event, and especially not as big hunks sitting on top of an oily nan. Ick. Where do I begin with the rest of the awfulness? The fact the entrees were incredibly oily? The flavorlessness of the saag? The big piece of gristle I bit into from the rogan josh? The chopped raw onion in the raita (at least that's what it tasted like)? The tough, tough, elderly crust of the samosa?
I spent too much money and now I wish I could go back in time and not eat any of it. I also have a whole pile of Indian food garbage on my hands.
I am drinking a beer now, trying to forget.
Don't go to Bombay. Seriously.
Showing posts with label Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lee. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Perigee Restaurant
South Lee, MA
http://perigee-restaurant.com/
Two friends came with me to try Perigee, which replaced Sweet Basil about six months ago in a tavern-like building near two inns on the South Lee/Stockbridge line. The first floor is particularly cozy with beamed ceilings, a six-seater bar, and a handful of tables. Unfortunately, the upstairs is in need of a re-do, with carpeting that looks to be of 70's "colonial dining" era and tables and chairs to match.
Much to my surprise, the weekend before memorial day, we arrived a little before six to find there were no tables and the bar was our only option. Given that we were enticed by the menu, particularly with a $34 prix fixe "farmed and foraged" menu, we opted to stay at the bar. This decision was also influenced by the persuasive skills of the owner and bartender - encouragement that flirted with the obnoxious but just about steered clear.
Two of us had the prix fixe and it can be summaried as follows: Course one: small asparagus salad with buttermilk dressing and orange garnish - lovely. Nice balance of flavors and a dressing so tasty I asked for more bread to sop it up. Course two: "foraged" soup - the description was lovely - potatoes, mushrooms, etc with a flavoring of chorizo. It was bland, under-seasoned and over-processed so the consistency was baby-food like. I counted three tiny tidbits of chorizo. Course three: Strip steak with a brandy peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes, ramps. The strip steak was enormous, particularly for one included in a four-course prix fixe. Impossible to eat the whole thing. The steak was done adequately although the color varied throughout - I ordered medium rare and parts were definitely on the medium to medium-well spectrum. However, the meat itself was so tender it could be cut without a steak knife. The pepper was much to much, however, and both of us are lovers of peppered steak. It overwhelmed the meat. The potatoes were fine and the ramps freaked me out in their little crunchy pinwheels - not the fault of the chef, however. Just not my thing. Course four: OK - this was the real Waterloo of the prix fixe. It sounded quite delightful - a mixture of fig and date in a dessert wine sauce with a touch of chocolate. I imagined a small, finely diced fig and date tart-like dessert. Instead it was a large dessert plate filled with barely sliced large pieces of fig and tart, with a sickly sweet sauce. I could barely eat two bites. The bar tender told us she had complaints about it earlier in the evening - just completely misguided.
The third in our party had a caesar salad that she reported was excellent, and a vegetarian tortellini in a cream sauce that she said was very tasty but too heavy.
We drank a bottle of local Cabernet from Furnace Brook Orchards after the bartended kindly let us sample (generously) from that and another wine. Service was friendly and efficient and the house made breads were terrific. However, even though we were at the bar, it still took a little over two hours to get in and out - the kitchen is not so swift.
All in all, we deemed Perigee to be ambitious but not quite able to live up to their menu just yet. However, they are adding outside tables and that just might make it tempting enough for us to return.
http://perigee-restaurant.com/
Two friends came with me to try Perigee, which replaced Sweet Basil about six months ago in a tavern-like building near two inns on the South Lee/Stockbridge line. The first floor is particularly cozy with beamed ceilings, a six-seater bar, and a handful of tables. Unfortunately, the upstairs is in need of a re-do, with carpeting that looks to be of 70's "colonial dining" era and tables and chairs to match.
Much to my surprise, the weekend before memorial day, we arrived a little before six to find there were no tables and the bar was our only option. Given that we were enticed by the menu, particularly with a $34 prix fixe "farmed and foraged" menu, we opted to stay at the bar. This decision was also influenced by the persuasive skills of the owner and bartender - encouragement that flirted with the obnoxious but just about steered clear.
Two of us had the prix fixe and it can be summaried as follows: Course one: small asparagus salad with buttermilk dressing and orange garnish - lovely. Nice balance of flavors and a dressing so tasty I asked for more bread to sop it up. Course two: "foraged" soup - the description was lovely - potatoes, mushrooms, etc with a flavoring of chorizo. It was bland, under-seasoned and over-processed so the consistency was baby-food like. I counted three tiny tidbits of chorizo. Course three: Strip steak with a brandy peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes, ramps. The strip steak was enormous, particularly for one included in a four-course prix fixe. Impossible to eat the whole thing. The steak was done adequately although the color varied throughout - I ordered medium rare and parts were definitely on the medium to medium-well spectrum. However, the meat itself was so tender it could be cut without a steak knife. The pepper was much to much, however, and both of us are lovers of peppered steak. It overwhelmed the meat. The potatoes were fine and the ramps freaked me out in their little crunchy pinwheels - not the fault of the chef, however. Just not my thing. Course four: OK - this was the real Waterloo of the prix fixe. It sounded quite delightful - a mixture of fig and date in a dessert wine sauce with a touch of chocolate. I imagined a small, finely diced fig and date tart-like dessert. Instead it was a large dessert plate filled with barely sliced large pieces of fig and tart, with a sickly sweet sauce. I could barely eat two bites. The bar tender told us she had complaints about it earlier in the evening - just completely misguided.
The third in our party had a caesar salad that she reported was excellent, and a vegetarian tortellini in a cream sauce that she said was very tasty but too heavy.
We drank a bottle of local Cabernet from Furnace Brook Orchards after the bartended kindly let us sample (generously) from that and another wine. Service was friendly and efficient and the house made breads were terrific. However, even though we were at the bar, it still took a little over two hours to get in and out - the kitchen is not so swift.
All in all, we deemed Perigee to be ambitious but not quite able to live up to their menu just yet. However, they are adding outside tables and that just might make it tempting enough for us to return.
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 8, 2009
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.
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?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
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!
Monday, October 12, 2009
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.
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.
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