Black Eyed Sally’s (Hartford, CT):

 Black Eyed Sally’s (Hartford, CT):

Can we say delicious? A hidden gem in the downtown city of Hartford, CT, this cajun bbq blues restaurant/ bar has the right stuff. Its situated right near the park on the eastern side of downtown. Perfect for those who are looking for a happening place for a good hardy meal and an adventure.

The Ruben and Bleu Cheese Burger- is a monster of a burger with everything that makes this a fancy man burger. Delicious aged blue cheese with carmelized onions, and all the fixings. Who could ask for more right? But wait, add on a side of their potato skins or sweet potato fries and you might be in a little place called heaven! Yum!

Pulled Pork Sandwich- Fresh, bbq with either a hint of pineapple, hint of spice, or a full on burn your noise hairs spicy. These sandwiches are full moist, with fresh buns and either a side salad or fries to help cleanse the palate and make you begging for some of their homemade pecan pie.

Side of Mac & Cheese- $3.00

OH MY! Seriously delicious with the cream, grated cheese, and buttered bread crumbs. This is a treat that Paula Dean would even say, "Damn that be good!" Order the full dinner version with bacon, broccoli, and a full bodied beer and you will be as fit as a king.

(4.75 out of 5 stars ***1/2) BBQ/ Cajun- other than putting a bunk in the back and giving me beer on a discount pure heavenly goodness. YUM!

Black Eye Sally's
350 Asylum St
Hartford, CT, 06103
860-278-Ribs (7427)

Rao's Coffee (Amherst, MA)

Rao’s is the epitome of a college start up coffee shop that has successfully branched out into a profitable business. With its artisan pre-made sandwiches and baked goods lining the glass counter top, wide-eyed young college student order over caffeinated coffee drinks with an extra shot of espresso to wake them up for their 12pm class. High wood ceilings and multiple door entries help delude the ever present chatter of young adults and increase the open, yet homey atmosphere, that transcends across the coffee shop into the outdoor patio. The robust, and densely rich coffee and freshly baked goods aside; what is truly great about this particular home roasted coffee shop is that it is tucked almost immediately behind a Starbucks.

Starbucks with their corporate drinks, streamlined service and overly sugary drinks is the modern, trendy, hyped up version of the college town coffee shop. [Don’t get me wrong- convenience is sometimes key when it comes to grabbing a cup of Joe, and I definitely partake in the trend while reading in Barnes and Nobles.]  The fact that this particular coffee shop goes toe-to –toe with the barrista beverage giant while situated behind it off the main street of a college town is something truly to applaud. They have updated their cafe and made it a very modern environment that welcomes that passing by student to sit down and work on their laptops after a yoga session next door. Pastries and coffee or an earl grey tea with homemade granola, either way they are ready for people from all walks of life.

Rao’s house coffee: -(Colombian) it is acidic, rich, strong, and hints of chocolate flavoring depending on what brew you choose.

Orange/ cranberry walnut scone sprinkled with brown sugar over the top-  Crumbles while maintaining a dense consistency. Its great!

Bike racks at the front and back help support this indie vibe that they so desperately are trying to promote. There are coin operated parking and garage available behind and slightly in the front.  

(****4 Stars) Coffee/ cafe- Breakfast/ Lunch

Rao's
17 Kellogg Ave
Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 253-9441

North Hadley Sugar Shack (Northampton, MA)

The North Hadley Sugar Shack sits right on the side of a winding road in center of Massachusetts maple country. It has the main shack where they produce maple sugar candied treats all year round. The main house where they have a restaurant and gift shop where they sell their manufactured products, a side shack of the main house where a running maple syrup distiller operates during the height of the season for tourist, and an animal village where youngsters can feeder and pet farm animals. A local hot spot it attracts locals and tourist looking for fresh maple syrup with a home made meal.

Not much compares for me besides a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice. Lucky for me the Sugar shack has both. I split their maple glazed donuts which were a bit plain without the maple glaze honestly, Waffles and sausages that were okay and I had the Eggs/ bacon and toast which was the restaurants saving grace. Fresh brown eggs scrambled with large strips of apple smoked bacon with rye toast.

Overall, it felt like a local spot with curios for tourists and fresh grade A-meat to buy in bulk for locals. The side built barnyard is great for kids and the maple sugar shack suggests a treat for the adults. Not pretentious  and full of local charm, it is a quite retreat in the deep of the Pioneer Valley.

(3.5 out of 5 stars ***1/2) Breakfast/ Brunch- great for kids and large groups.

North Hadley Sugar Shack
175 River Drive  Hadley, MA 01035

(413) 585-8820

Slice California Cafe (Holyoke, MA)

Slice in Holoyke, MA is a little piece of heaven for me as a food lover. The setting is in an old paper mill factory that is floor to ceiling original hardwood flooring with exposed brick framing the wide windows allowing in natural light. It is only in its second year, but don't let this deter you. The chef is from Southern California and has over 20 years experience working as a chef for rock & roll tour groups. The food is fresh, beautiful, and soooo tasty with the majority of produce coming from local produce vendors in the area. I can't say enough good things and would eat here every Saturday morning if my boyfriend would let me.  If you haven't tried it, then you are totally missing out on a hidden gem right in the middle of Holyoke, MA.

While there I had the California omelet with an English muffin and their house potatoes. The California omelet consists of fresh jack cheese, boars head meat, caramelized mushrooms, and eggs that are light and fluffy. The English muffin is so/so traditional English muffin, but the house organic potatoes!!!! Seasoned and cooked to perfection with slivers of red peppers and onions help spice up the meal for a perfect balanced dish. 

Their house breakfast sandwich has those same wonderful potatoes. The white sharp cheddar cheese is melted over farm fresh fried eggs with an ample portion of boars head meat. (I chose the ham of the day which was, as expected with boars head meat, utterly delicious.) Add a glass of the restaurants hot cup of coffee and I have never left unsatisfied.

The service is always friendly and with hints of California relaxation, Free WI-FI, and exposed original brick and wood flooring, what more could a customer ask for? It is the perfect setting for a hip new cafe set in the burgeoning artist community growing in Holyoke. I can't wait to play hooky from a day of work to try out their summer salads and their artisan wraps. YUM!

(*****5 stars) Breakfast/ Lunch- Artisan Sandwiches/ Salads/ Breakfast

1 Open Square Way, Holyoke, MA 01040‎

(413) 536-5964 slicecafe.net

High Horse (Amherst, MA)

 

 

 High Horse restaurant and bar sits at what used to be the ABC Brew company which moved last fall to open up space for this new and exciting establishment. The restaurant/ bar sits on the main street of the college town of Amherst, MA. It has a small outdoor seating and the general theme is dark rogue and earthen. I ventured over one Saturday afternoon and decided to try the house salad with a side of chicken ($5 for the salad with an additional $2 to add the chicken.) I was pleasantly surprised to find it full of colorful life. I decided to try out the bar as well, I was out sitting on the patio with a light breeze. I went with ordering a mojito. It was way too strong for me but the waiter brought by a cup of limes that help to dilute it down to the point of partaking.

Jon came over after a class and decided to explore the house burger with sweet potato fries.The server (great service!!!) brought by an addition side of fresh greens & fixings, as the burger was brought to the table completely naked (only the meat and the bun), there was no dressing, cheese, or fixings of any kind. The bun reminded us of a croissant yet it had a hardier consistency which complimented the freshness of the rest . The sweet potatoes were okay, but they needed to be cooked about 1-2 minutes longer to give them a hardier crisp.   

Great Beer selection....definitely concentrated around the college atmosphere

(4 Stars ****)- Organic Farm Fresh and Bar foods- Full Bar- dine in/ Take-out

High Horse

24 N Pleasant St
Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 230-3034

Hours:

Mon-Thu 4 pm - 1 am

Fri-Sun 1 pm - 1 am

El Guanaco (South Hadley, MA)

El Guanaco is a family run Latin American restaurant in South Hadley Falls right on the main street. Nestled back from the road not far from the local police station, it is authentic Latin American/ Mexican food. The  overall establishment is a little run down and is in need of a remodel and TLC…but DO NOT let this discourage you. Their quesadillas are delicious and their tacos taste like they are from California with their zest and unity of flavors which is unlikely to find around the small city of South Hadley!

Tuesday/ Wednesday- Chicken burrito’s are set at $5…such a deal for burrito’s that are the size of your face!!! The tortillas are freshly used to wrap the burrito’s that are essential to the overall composition and structure to this powerhouse of authenticity. The tortillas are a perfect consistency to provide a solid frame around the filling combination of rice, fresh veggies, cheese & chicken. Order a side of guacamole with chips and you will have a truly authentic treat.   

Highly recommend to everyone in the area for a family meal or a take-out for one. I can’t get enough of the rich flavors and fresh food.

(5 stars *****) Mexican/ Latin American- Take out/ dine in- Catering

Note: (Tuesday/ Wednesday) Chicken Burrito’s for $5!!!

El Guanaco (South Hadley, MA): Latin American (Dine in/ Take out)

61 Bridge St
South Hadley, MA 01075

Cushman Market & Cafe (North Amherst, MA)

Out of a John Denver song, next to the rail road running through North Amherst, waits the rustic Cushman Market and Café. This historic market is much more than a corner store where you can pick up your milk and eggs. The land was originally purchase in 1892, by George Cogswell and built a grocery store on the site where the current market continues to run.  

I adore the re-inventive design that is a constant theme of integrating the old growers packaging labels as the palate for the cozy, comforting charm of the relaxed local café. It’s outdoor patio is picturesque next to the clang-clang of the railroad tracks. Plenty of Parking on the side, back and across the street along the petite park with picnic table and rock wall. A great way place to break up your Saturday morning or afternoon.

The establishment currently is split in two between a small, but well stocked, market featuring an excellent wine and beer selection. As well as, a café serving the fresh, fine food made from local ingredients from nearby farms. Their coffee beans are locally roasted. Drinks are made with local Mapleline milk which is delicious.

Coffee Regular- French Roast was just what I wanted it to be- robust, rich, and with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon was the perfect pairing to my chocolate croissant. The croissant was flaky, with a smooth dark chocolate granache filling. It was such a tasty treat on such a dreary day.

On my second venture to the cafe a few weeks later, I tried out their Lemon cupcake and Chocolate cupcakes. The lemon was simply garnished with a sugared lemon rind and was a bit dry and needed either more lemons or moist to zest up the actually cake. The Chocolate cupcake on the other hand was reminiscent of a hoho….decadent and moist its white butter cream frosting made this moist little morsel a decadent treat. (I dream of going back for another....)

(5 stars *****) Organic/ fresh breakfast and lunch artisan (FREE WIFI- good signal)

More information can be found on the markets website: http://cushmanmarket.com/

Cushman’s Market & Café’ (North Amherst, MA)

491 Pine St, Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 549-0100