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

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

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