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

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

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/

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/

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/