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.

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