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

Apollo Grill (Easthampton, MA)

Stepping into the refurbished old paper mill building with the original flooring and windows takes you back to a time when craftsmanship was appreciated. This restaurants unique way of recycling the old into something new while still maintaining the essence of the past is a custom which should be praised and replicated. It is quirky and slightly beatnik with its bohemian artist staff, spilled over from the local colleges, and it's rich diverse menu makes a customer ask for nothing less. The full bar has been redesigned and is stacked to the brim with cute mixed drink names that compliment the theme of the restaurant.

I fortunately tried the crab cakes and their cesar salad. Both had strong, crisp, fresh textures that complimented each other, as well as the surroundings. It was a light, refreshing mixture and did not over compensate each other. Each had its own signature flavors with the salad, nicely displayed in a elegant dressing with freshly grated Parmesan. The crab cake on the other hand was a mexican theme with black beans, warm yellow corn, avocado and a small side of salsa with tortilla crisps.

My partner had the chicken sandwich with mozzarella cheese, pesto mayonnaise and the seasoned french fries were delicious. As you can see by the photograph, it was a good presentation with an abundance of food that did not leave us wanting.

(4 stars- ****) Fresh food, American/ mixed design, full bar- good variety of wine.

Apollo Grill
116 Pleasant St
Ste 121
Easthampton, MA 01027

(413) 517-0031

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/