Ham & Eggs in the Pan (Swiftwater, PA)

While visiting Pennsylvania over the weekend, I decided to try the local fare. I dropped into a charming place around midday for some brunch. It is called Ham & Eggs In the Pan. A charming place right off highway 615 as you are driving through Mt. Poconos. After asking for the house recommendation, I sided with their Ham, Egg, with a white cheddar cheese sandwich on a brioche bun and a cup of coffee. It was warm, cheesy, and everything that I wanted it to be. The ham was well cured and not too salty but still consisted of the fresh finely cut piece that always makes me want more. I would have recommended a side garnish to pretty the plate a bit, but at $4.50, I was not complaining.

My partner on the other hand went with the Spanish omelet, which consisted of tomatoes, green bell peppers, white onions, jack cheese with a side of Rye toast. For an extra dollar, I asked the waitress to throw in some of their home fries on the side. It was crisp and clean, with finely cooked vegetables and a slight bit of salsa mixed into the omelet. The salsa was not over powering, but more of an interior garnish. (In future, ask for it on the side if you like your omelet hot and dry.) $8.75

Coffee: Standard, but good. I do not take coffee lightly. Everyone has a different way of preparing a house blend and it is important for the wait staff to understand that customers pay attention to coffee. If you have really good coffee, that alone can bring you good, consistent, and friendly business.

Service: Excellent- Hot coffee kept coming and wait staff was very attentive. Our server helped to make a balanced meal which was enjoyable and comforting.

Take Home: Ham, sausage, turkey, or even bacon!!!Cured and smoked on the farm!

(Stars 4): Breakfast/ Brunch/take-out

Ham & Eggs in the Pan

HC1 Box 101 off highway 615

Swiftwater, Pennsylvania 18370

570-839-6492.

Atkins Farms Country Market: Cider Donuts

Dense cinnamon sugars delight in this homemade and enjoyable doughnut. Yes, I said doughnut. I had one with my morning coffee and I’ll tell you that it was a treat that I continue to fantasize. The moist dough is almost more of a delicate pastry than “just” a doughnut with its sugary/ cinnamon outer layer encompassing the fried dough which couples with the apple cider and a hint of cinnamon hidden inside the dough itself. This pairing is comforting to say the least. It has an original taste and consistency that reminds me of home cooked meals with your mom hovering over the oven with those feel good aromas wafting into the rest of the house. To achieve a higher degree of excellence, I would recommend readers to heat donuts for 5 minutes in your oven at 225 degrees (watch the donuts carefully depending on your stove), then serve with warm coffee, cold milk, or a nice cup of apple juice.Regular retail: $9.50 on sale $6.25!!

Family friendly, it pairs extremely well with a warm cup of butter toffee Keurig coffee!(http://www.keurig.com/) (shown in photo.)

(Stars 5): Homemade- Breakfast

Atkins Farms Country Market

Corner of RTE.116 & Bay Rd.

Amherst, MA 01002

http://www.atkinsfarms.com/

Bueno y Sano (Springfield, MA)

Best way to describe Bueno y Sano is good, fresh Mexican food at an affordable cost. As you can see from my plate above, my chicken quesadilla is overflowing with mouth watering goodness. The quesadilla itself is made with three different cheese and minced bbq chicken with sides of black beans, mexican rice, and pico de gio. An additional side of sour cream and guacamole to top of this appetizing meal and let your taste buds do the talking. Consistent to California mexican restaurants, it is the closest to authentic Mexican I have yet to find so far on the East Coast.

Dinning area is small, but situated cozily with bright vibrant colors offsetting original artist's paintings from the community hanging along the walls. It helps to give the location a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Waitstaff is personable and are quick to help you with suggestions. (Plus!) They have a large menu of a variety of different dishes and I look forward to my next selection

This is a standby for exceptional Mexican food and can't wait to try the rest of the menu.

(4 Stars) Mexican- Take out or dine in

Multiple locations:
880 Sumner Avenue, Springfield MA
(413) 301-0976

Hours: 11am - 9pm
www.buenoysano.com/

Coffee in the elevator

I had just finished my bike ride sightseeing the city. Walking through the lobby, I noticed the canister holding the free coffee next to the staircase. Going up the elevator to my room I realized that a nice cup of iced coffee would be wonderful. Sweat still dripping and hair in disarray, I left my bike in the room and hopped into the elevator. A girl in her early twenties,black straight hair and an orange fake-n-bake tan was holding a cup of coffee with the lid stained with lipstick. She was leaning against the side rail.

"That is exactly what I was looking for, except with ice."

Looking up she smiles and replies, "It is free downstairs next to the concierge."

Two floors further down and a greying man steps in while attempting to.cover his mouth in a yawn.

The girl and I giggle. The man in the purple stripped polo looks at us questioningly.

"We were just talking about needing a cup of coffee and you stepped in yawning. Ironic, no?"

He smiles, turns to face the door which then opens into the lobby.

Riffs Joint: Fresh Food, Bold Flavors (Easthampton, MA)

Yummy and fresh, just as advertised. I tried the Alamo Turkey Wrap which consists of: Jalapeno Tortilla, roasted turkey, green peppers, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese and salsa with your choice of either chips and salsa or you can upgrade to either fries/ sweet potato fries. (When trying a new place always try their upgraded items, it might make the dish.) I recommend the honey mustard with the sweet potato fries....it completely made the side and was very tasty. The combination between the sweet and the salt, thrown in with the combination of the cheese from the wrap, can we say, "mouth watering." Reasonable prices, and a decent location with an attentive waitstaff. I would like to see this establishment branch out to either Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley or Holyoke, MA. Overall it was enjoyable and I am looking forward to trying more on the menu.

Note: It is always a good idea to check with the staff for recommendations on dishes or sides. They work there and no what is popular with other guests and what is their signature dishes.

I give it (4 stars). [Sandwich/ wraps/burger/salads]

Riff's Joint
36 Union St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Dine in/ Take Out
413-527-8811
413-527-8812
http://www.riffsjoint.net/

Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters- (Easthampton, MA)

GREAT COFFEE, good waitstaff, comfy seating...wish there was more...there is some outside seating but you would have to come early. The house coffee is slightly sweet, a type of organic Guatemalan, which I had over ice due to the 65% humidity outside. All their coffee is FAIR TRADE from all over the world. At least 20 different selections which gives the educated coffee drinker an array of choices to tempt your palate.

Light food selection, mostly baked goods and biscotti's. You walk in the door and are hit with the vibrant smell of roasted coffee as with the cool air conditioner. Music is chill and relaxing...could be a couple of degrees lower, but it has a good vibe with a consistent beat. Relaxed and casual, you can drop in for a scrumptious cup of coffee on your way to work or sit for hours in a sitting room type of atmosphere. $0.25 refills, why wouldn't you want to chill for hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

(4 stars) Coffee/ baked goods

Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters

47 Union St
Easthampton, MA 01027

(413) 527-0597
Hours: 6am-5pm daily!!!
www.ibuycoffee.com

Autentica! (South Hadley)

The Autentica Mexican Restaurant is a simple little place. Some tables in a small dining room, a few tables outside in nice weather. Service at your table, pay at the register--that kind of place.

First, the good. The service here is excellent, for this kind of place. The staff is very nice, well above average. Service is also pretty quick; both times I went, I only waited a few minutes for my meal. And prices are pretty good, with a number of $5.50 lunch specials.

Now, the not so good. Unfortunately, this is the food. I had the chicken burrito and unfortunately it was slightly cold. The cheese had not melted and the entire "dry" burrito was filled with rice (not cooked properly), black beans, pico de gallo, and a little bit of guacamole I paid extra for right at the bottom. Definitely not "autentica" Mexican. Their fish taco was pretty good, but when I got the cheese enchilada I made the mistake of getting the hot sauce. It had a bit of heat (not too much), but mostly tasted bitter. Not good. They have a pretty big menu, and some things on there may be great, but I recommend against this item.

Pretty good prices andgreat location with a great wait staff, the food was just unimpressive and not authentic Mexican food. Overall I would give this place (3 stars).

Autentica! Mexican Restaurant

9 College Street
Village Commons
South Hadley, MA 01075

(413) 315-6476
http://www.autenticamexicanfood.com/

Holy Smokes- BBQ Delicatessen (Turner Falls)

Mouth watering, sumptuous, and memorable are key phrases I use to describe the "Holy Smokes- BBQ Delicatessen" in Turner Falls. I had the pleasure of visiting this quaint establishment this past summer. It was hot, humid, and no one seemed to be one the street. However, when I walked into Holy Smokes- BBQ Delicatessen, it was like a breath of fresh air. They have a variety of cured and bbq meats that can either be turned into a sandwich for lunch or you can order a whole brisket to take home. Paired with one of their many diverse local wine or brews that they have on display, you can enjoy inside or outside on their cute patio furniture. I would discourage a large party to drop in without notifying the manager, however the benefactors are so obliging and personable that any visit is worth the wait. Overall, it was a delightful experience. I look forward to the best pulled pork sandwich ever again. (5 stars out of 5)

After lunch or before dinner, I would recommend checking out the Parks & Recreation Information Center down the street. Not only will you get an education, but the artful displays are interactive and fun.

Holy Smokes BBQ
52 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA (413) 863-5426

holysmokesbbq.com