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/

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/