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

Big Mamou (Springfield, MA)

Big Mamou (Springfield, MA):

A hidden treat inside a hidden gem of a city. The city  of Springfield itself has a rustic, gone by the way atmosphere. Where once a populous shopping metropolis once stood, now stands a survivor of natural disasters inching its way back into becoming a thriving community.

Springfield- New Orleans Creole restaurant- (The sauces are really filling.) Basic ingredients that can be found anywhere but when thrown together and mixed with the chef’s sauces. It takes you back to the bayou and a home cooked meal.  The chef bottles and sells his homemade hot sauce for a few bucks…worth it to add to your collection.

Gumbo (Creole)- YUM!!! With a toasted, thinly sliced baguette with a cheesy corn and garlic topping. This is a great addition to a spicy, slight salty concoction of vegetables and strongly flavored stock that is known as gumbo. This particular gumbo was lighter in coloring and poured over a small portion of steamed seasoned rice.

Red Jambalaya(Creole) -Very Really filling. Shrimp, yellow grained rice, sausage, celery, red bell peppers, with yellow onions.  “Be full and not skinny!” this should be the profile of this particular dish.

(3 stars ***)- Cajun/ Creole Southern food made to order.

Street parking- Simple seating- good for families, large parties, and date night. Décor- casual with a New Orleans- Mardi Gras vibe. Hand painted mural in the bathroom gives an additional strength of ethnic charm.

Big Mamou

63 Liberty St
Springfield, MA 01103

(413) 732-1011

Chez Albert (Amherst, MA)

Chez Albert- Like most French restaurants outside of a big city, it is one that is always in demand and coveted. This one in particular combines french cuisine with fresh organic food from local farms in the pioneer valley. Nestled on the main street of Amherst, MA it is decadent, with a slight romantic charm. The hustle and bustle of a college town outside reminds the guest of the rare dinning delight that is rarely found surrounded by students. The wait staff is just as carefully chosen as the menu. Hints of well-bred youth, coupled with optimism, and the desire to please. Attentive and knowledgeable, the servers have been trained to receive their guests with the utmost care.   

I was lucky to try their Filet Mignon, Halibut, and the tiramisu.

The filet mignon was cooked to perfection. Practically melting together, it was a perfectly prepared alfalfa raised slice of beef. However, the sauce was on the weaker side than anticipated. It was reminiscent of more of a Zinfandel than a Cabernet, that left me feeling cheated out of what should have been a great triumph. The mashed potatoes and the sauteed leeks helped to liven up the plate, but not enough to spare my deflated feelings.

The flounder on the other hand was spectacular. Truly remarkable pairings of  white wine and lemon saffron butter sauce with encrusted almonds with a side of sauteed spinach and golden yellow potatoes. Light, appealing and completely captured the essence of the Loire Valley.

The Tiramisu was delightfully robust while at the same time maintaining the light fluffiness of the traditional dessert. Strong, assertive, with a hint of a secret that left nothing to want was the best way to end the meal on a high note.

It was a bit more than what I would normally spend, but for a quality meal with fresh produce, and fine service; it is a pleasure that I hope that I will soon try again.  

(4 Stars-****) French Cusine

Chez Albert (Amherst, MA) French Cusine Restaurant- Amherst, MA
178 North Pleasant Street Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 253-3811

Parking- along the street
Recommend making a reservation- Even if you just want to sit at the bar (They get busy quick!)

La Casita Azteca (Easthampton, MA)

After a mid-morning bike ride strolling along the Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton, MA I was quite hungry for something fresh, local, and yummy! As a girl from Northern California, I have a soft spot for fresh, cheesy Mexican food. Little did I know that I would find just what I was looking for in Easthampton, MA.

I had the Chicken Mole- Full and Rich with lightly shredded chicken that tasted like it fell right off the bone.It was served with freshly diced cabbage and onions with a side of Spanish style rice and simmered black beans with a light dusting of local feta cheese. Jon on the other hand dived right into the 3 Beef Tacos-Rolled in flour tortillas with grated mozzarella cheese. (He worked up an appetite on the bike ride over! :) )Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh and right off the stove warm. Perfect atmosphere to be able to sit outside under the umbrella'd colorful picnic tables with a slight breeze blowing in between the buildings.  

We both also ordered the Iced Tea. It was light and refreshing. Perfect for a hot day. They have 2 different types made in the either black or green tea. Overall- Great service, great food, great experience. I can't wait to go back on a night when they have live music!

Next Time: 

I didn't  get a chance to try their Sangria, but I can't wait till the weather turns and I can take a break from the rail trail to try a glass.
(4 stars- ****) Dine in/ Take out, good for kids, large parties and first dates!!!

La Casita Azteca: Traditional Mexican Cuisine
58 Cottage Street  Easthampton, MA 01027

413-203-5050 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            413-203-5050      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Monarch's Restaurant (Deerfield, MA)

Warm, inviting, kid friendly, and relaxed while still providing above average dinning. This is a perfect place to break up your day before going on a tour of the Butterfly Conservatory or relaxing after a day of hustle and bustle at the Yankee Candle Factory. The wait staff is experienced and inviting with wonderful advice on the menu options which change with the season.Their expert knowledge of the surrounding attractions and ability to articulately point you in the right direction prove to be helpful and informational.

The food- Home cooking with a wide variety with your basic American New England offerings- breakfast, lunch, or dinner it is a great stop.

My meal- New England clam chowder and a BLT sandwich with homemade maple iced tea.

The New England clam chowder was rich, flavorful, tons of clams [without the fishy taste] served with crackers and optional toasted bread crumbs. Delicious! It was not overly salted and had such a kick of flavor, one would have thought it came right out of the sea. My BLT sandwich was just as rich with homemade EVERYTHING!!! The bread was cooked that morning, the lettuce and tomatoes were grown in the backyard garden, and the bacon was cured from a pig at a nearby farm. Being served with locally grown products always delivers such a richer experience and lends further credence. Complimented with seasoned potato fries and homemade coleslaw, it was ample portioning. My maple iced tea, I was a bit leary of, but I decided to be adventurous....the tea was refreshing, not too rich with a gentle hint of maple and lemon. It reminded me of a summer drink best served in the cool of an evening on a hot day.

****(4 Stars) Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

While you are in the area you may want to check out the Yankee Candle Factory or Historic Deerfield.

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory (Deerfield, MA)

281 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield, MA
(413) 665-2805

Northampton Coffee (Northampton, MA)

The atmosphere is clean, wide spacing and family style table in the center draws patrons to socialize in a very homey, local coffee shop environment with light eclectic music playing in the background.

Plugs- but charged WIFI....do these establishments not understand the coffee/ tea hipster culture? Nope, they understand turn over and the necessity of more customers= more money! Such a shame....

Oatmeal raisin cookie....so good I am still fantasizing about it. Rich, crunchy yet moist, dense, and filled with chocolate and dried cranberries. It was one of the best cookies I have ever had....period. Paired amazing with my small chai latte, though I had a sip of their coffee and it is rich, full, with a smooth blend that is both refreshing and comforting. It is a single-orgin fair trade coffee that is a little over priced, but decent.

The establishment also serves a variety of pastries and wine/ beer for an afternoon delight. Too bad they have not tried pairing with a local creamery to get the Wine and Cheese nights started.....then I would be tempted to go back.

3 stars (***)

Northampton Coffee- (Northampton, MA)
269 Pleasant Street Northampton, MA 01060

(413) 587-8987

Weinrich's Bakery- Willow Grove, PA

On a spur of the moment adventure, I decided to venture to Philadelphia (boyfriend in tow) to bring in the New Year. We traveled down toward Philly and stayed in ....for the night before New Year's eve. The morning before the New Year, Jon is the die-hard coffee fiend. He would happily sync himself up to a coffee drip 24-hours a day, purposes for us to grab a second cup of coffee before our train comes. Across from the Amtrak train station and around the corner sits the Weinrich bakery.

The Weinrich bakery has been in operation for almost 100 years, the Willow Grove location has been opened since 1952. The original family migrated from Germany and has been operating a bakery every since. Over the years they branched out to other locations as the family grew from New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The Bakery in Willow Grove is 100% a landmark of entrepreneurial dedication and sophistication. The authenticity is genuine and the family itself is a treat (3 generations) they are all working hard to serve exceptional service and above average bake goods and coffee. I had walked in by chance and was greeted by the matron of the establishment who gave me a full tour of her family photos and a quick tale of how the bakery at Willow Grove came to be.     

Jon and I grabbed two coffee's a bag of their butter sprinkled cookies and two cinnamon rolls (MADE FROM SCRATCH!!) that were to die for. Delicious....simply delicious. Overall, an unexpected delight that I hope one day to replicate.

(5stars*****)- Cafe & Bakery- Dine in or Take-out

Weinrich’s Bakery

55 Easton Road  Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 659-7062

Opened: Tuesday- Saturday