dscott

Is TJ Buckleys the place in a caboose? If so, I ate there a few years back with my wife when we made a rambling trip up to Montreal. Had a great meal there ← Yep, that's the one. Haven't been in a year but it is still the best meal I've had in the Valley.

As a proud Holyoke resident, my semi-joking response is "why?". But, to focus on the positive, here are (some of) your options. In Holyoke, the pickins are very slim. The Black Sheep Deli is in a nice, converted mill space called Open Square. Black Sheep is open 7-5 M-F only. It is a breakfast and lunch standby in town. For a more old school joint, you could hit Gramp's on Lyman, especially if you like polish food. Neither of these is "upper end." For your sushi fix, the only purely Japanese I have personally tried in the area is Osaka in Northampton (first town north of Holyoke, abt 10 mins). Personally, I prefer the sushi at Zen (also in Northampton), which is more pan-Asian but has some really interesting food, Japanese and otherwise (more appealing than Osaka, IMO). Again, not sure that this counts as "upper end". Personally I think Zen is a good deal for the food. Your best bet is to do an eGullet search for the Northampton or Springfield areas. There, you'll find suggestions such as Green St. Cafe (if it's still open, Smith College is threatening its existence) and Del Raye in Northampton. A little further north is Blue Heron in Sunderland and, if you feel like a 45 min drive, head up to Brattleboro for TJ Buckleys (which is high end and worth it). Heading south to Springfield area, the only upper end places I can think of are Max's in the Basketball Hall of Fame area and The Federal in Agawam. Welcome (in advance) to Holyoke. Take a look around. There's lots of good going on around here. Feel free to PM if you have further questions, especially abt Holyoke specifically.

Was back in Richmond for a day. Had a killer meal at Edo's (only went there instead of MZ b/c I needed to use visa). Squid, white beans and arugula salad, fried sardines, and the broc rabe, sausage, ricotta penne. Great as always, although the orrechiette is better at MZ than the sausage pasta at Edo's, IMO. No salt issues (as referenced in the DC thread) and still cheap, cheap, cheap (if not ordering entrees). Would love to have edo's and MZ back home. Y'all are lucky.

K_A_S, I hit Farmville a few times when I lived in Richmond (to/from Lynchburg, Green Front shopping). Cute place. Richmond is a cool town and we enjoyed living there. I haven't been back in abt a year so I apologize if any of these recs are now closed. For Italian: Already posted about Mamma 'Zu. Ed's other place, Edo's Squid, is a bit nicer space on the VCU campus although it's a PIA to park. From either place, I'd kill for some of his squid and white bean (and arugula) salad, orechiette, broc rabe, any fish (especially grilled sardines in the summer), pizza, etc. right now. (Pizza's only at lunch at MZ). For white cloth Italian, we enjoyed Franco's in the west end. Shopping: Always loved the people at River City Cellars in Carytown for wine, beer and cheese. Not the biggest wine selection but really helpful people. Tan-A Asian supermarket for Asian groceries. I'm pretty sure there's some old threads on this topic in this forum that might produce some good ideas.

Hey K_A_S, If you haven't tried MZ yourself, I would not pass any judgement on the basis of what you've heard. Much of what I "heard" was good while I lived in Richmond turned out to be hogwash (witness the following that Ukrop's has). However, I was never led astray by any of kendrabail's recommendations. Mamma Zu is without a doubt the first place I hit when I'm back in town. Most food-oriented pp I know in Richmond love it but it is all about the food, not much attn paid to decor there. Most complaints I heard were about the decor or the service. I never found the service bad, just consistently harried and/or indifferent. Of course, the service always got better if you ordered a bottle of wine and several entrees (i.e., pushed your check total higher). I suspect if you like Kuba Kuba (boy do I miss that Tres Leche cake and California Huevos), you'll like MZ. Give it a shot. Plus, it can be cheap if you order carefully.

sooooooooo what did you think of TJ Buckley's. (I agree, the roast beef sandwich at Woodstar [the Thunderbolt I believe?] is exceptional)

Went to Patrick Shannon's new place in Florence, Side Street Cafe, for lunch. He has a nice set-up: a sit-down cafe as well as a case with prepared foods to-go. It was pleasant at lunch but I have to go back to see how a dinner setting feels. Food was very good. A very flavorful tomato consomme (I was skeptical but it was good) and 2 very good sandwiches (reuben and pork loin). The entire sandwich menu looks good and they say that they roast their turkey and beef in house.

We had a very quick trip to Durham last weekend with a busy agenda that precluded most dining outings (including no trip to Allen and Sons ). However, I did get to try Loco Pops for the first time. Damn, that is a fun place. So good that we went back the next day for more. Over the two trips, we tried cream and juice-based alike. Below I list my recollection of our favorite flavors (names may not be perfect). We tried many more but brain freeze must have impacted my memory. If I lived back in the Triangle in the summer, Loco Pops would be a fun and frequent detour from Dook, 9th St., Brightleaf or the Ballpark. It was packed both days of a warm Easter weekend. I hope this place continues to thrive, for y'all's sake. What a great treat. Pomegranate Tangerine Charoset Mojito Strawberries & Cream Banana Caramel Creamy Lime Mango Chile

Good to hear your opinion abt Patrick Shannon. I'll give his new place a try on the basis of those thoughts. I completely forgot abt Mi Tierra. Love that place. Having never lived in Central America or the SW, I can't comment on authenticity. All I know is that it is a great value for the money. (And they're nice to kids, which is a major bonus in my world). Our newest discovery abt Herrell's: If you like one of their occasional flavors, they'll call you when they have made it and have it in stock. My wife said the best voicemail she got all week was when Herrell's called and told her that they had her favorite flavor available. Have never tried sandwiches from Atkins. Another addition to the list. (If there's room after the donuts).

There's 2 more for the to-be-tried list: honey crullers and pumpkin donuts Others (including spouse) have tried Tav. on Hill and had middling reviews. Had a meal cancelled at Food 101 but will try soon. edited to add: Apparently Patrick Shannon left TOH and opened his own place in Florence. Can't remember the name though.

Feeling guilt-tripped by scargo's post about the lack of activity on the NE board, here's my update from my second 1/2 year in the Valley. Everything I said back in June still holds, except that Cha Cha Cha no longer exists and I like Spoleto Express better now. [Notes: All places are Northampton unless otherwise noted. I don't eat out as much as I'd like so many comments below are about non-restaurants.] Great: Outlook Farm (Westhampton) for pork - I've never personally been to the farm but I got a "freezer pig" as a gift and we are loving eating our way through it. The sausages are divine (course grind with plenty o' fat) and the chops need nothing more than S+P. I will be making a trip out to there in the next few month to restock my sausage provisions (that will have lasted < 6 months ). BTW, if you know someone who loves pork, a "freezer pig" is about the best gift they could get. Moan and Dove, Amherst - I finally did go myself and it's one of the greatest beer selections I've ever witnessed. Truly a beer lover's paradise. Donut Dip, W. Springfield - What a great, old-fashioned donut shop. Such a gem. Killer sour cream donuts. Completely different from our other great Valley donut resource (Atkins Farm) but no less delicious. A dangerous temptation everytime I hit W. Springfield. Good: Circa-Not as good as TJ Buckleys or even Green St but still nice. On a par with Blue Heron. Zen-Really good pan-Asian food. Maybe deserves to be in the next category up but I've only been once. Black Sheep, the Holyoke Open Square one - Only open weekdays (major bummer) but a really great space, staff, food and coffee. A good burger at the bar? Packard's, Fitzwilly's and Smithsonian (Hatfield) all do the job quite nicely. A great greasy old-fashioned burger? White Hut, W. Springfield Coffee in Florence? Evolution Cafe and Cup and Top are both fun and comfortable on the way to (or from) Look Park Desperate needs: A good place to eat in Holyoke. We really need, in order: 1) a coffee house (think Woodstar), 2) a decent non-Italian, sit-down, moderately priced restaurant, and 3) a deli with decent prepared foods for dinner take-out. Please!

Scargo, my family who lives on the shoreline get their meats from Forte's in Guilford. Never been inside but I've enjoyed their product when cooked for me. Not exactly close to Hamden but if you're down that way, you might give it a try.

Tried this after seeing Michael Chiarello do it and it's delicious: Butter, orange zest, salt and grated dark chocolate. I suppose if you don't like sweet popcorn, you might not like this. However, I'm not a sweet popcorn person and I like it. Tastes like crunchy Jaffa Cakes, for any Brits in the house.

Unfortunately I'll be out of town, otherwise it would have been fun to head out with some eGulleteers. I've only been here for just over a year so I have a relatively limited knowledge. In Springfield, the 3 places that you'll hear people reference for interesting & good food are Big Mamou and Pho Saigon (vietnamese), as well as Max's Tavern on the upper end. Unfortunately, I haven't tried any of these yet. There's nothing of interest in Holyoke except a couple of Puerto Rican restaurants downtown and some kick-a#$ take-out fish and chips (New England Fish and Chips). I truly wish there was more, which I expect there will be in the next few years. Your best bet it to drive a little ways up to Northampton where options are more plentiful (check out the Northampton discussions on eG). I would choose Green Street Cafe over several other options in town (Circa, Del Raye) but you won't go wrong with any of these 3 (or, from what I hear, Table 9, which is the next on my "to-try" list). People disagree over the best in Northampton (e.g., complaints about the service at Green St. [which I found to be excellent], prices at Del Raye...), but I think you'd do well at any of those 4. There are some other options in the Springfield suburbs but I'm not from down that way. Maybe your compromise is to try Springfield one night and Northampton the other night?

Negative reports appreciated. Can you offer recommendations in NH?

[sIGH] If I could only get Clonakilty pudding in the States.

I like the name and, upon greater description, I like the concept though I still struggle with whether it will or will not catch on in that neck of the woods. Nonetheless, there's certainly enough population density and it sounds like you'd be filling a price-point niche. Hot dogs are (relatively) inexpensive and that would help balance the more expensive bbq on the menu. [unrelated rant: I was always amazed at why people in Richmond thought that bbq should be cheap. Yes, the cuts may be inexpensive but good wood-smoked 'cue is a long-term labor and should not be compared w/ the dollar menu at fast food joints] Obviously, the events crowds at the park will be your boom times but will "normal" people search out a really good hot dog in the Western 'burbs? I doubt that they'll seek out a good hot dog alone but I do think that they may search out a place pumping out good hot dogs AND good bbq. Frankly, I think that a good bbq place alone would stand a decent chance out there. I do think the out of state "immigrants" are on your side. We have NY friends in Wyndham who are appalled at the options (read: chains) in the far far far West end. One reason we didn't move out there was because we wanted to be closer to the more varied dining options in the city. I still wouldn't bet the farm (or your life savings) but if you have sufficient backing, I'd say it's worth a shot. p.s. I always heard good things and wanted to try the Track but never did make it there due to the limited number of $$$ dinners we ate.

As a former RIC resident, I have a few questions: 1) Where in Henrico? It's a big county and I see variation in potential success based on location? Henrico does a big business in chain dining and I was never particularly impressed by the palates of the Richmond suburbanites (sorry if I offend). 2) Who's your target audience? Is there anyone doing anything remotely similar that can give you an idea of potential success? Melito's seemed to sell lot's of hot dogs and Buz & Ned's does a pretty good bbq business w/ good pulled pork. Unfortunately, the nasty Bill's bbq chain seems to do a good biz also so that doesn't say anything about bbq tastes of some Richmond residents? 3) How extensive a menu are you planning? Sit-down type of place or essentially a walk up counter w/ a few seats? 4) Do you want honest opinions about the potential of the restaurant or have you made up your mind and you are just trying to get the word out (which is totally fine and reasonable)? Depending on your answer to #1, I'd probably swing by on my next visit back thru Richmond b/c of curiousity but you won't survive on my dining $$ alone. edited to add: I don't think a bbq-topped hot dog is a 30-minute destination meal for Richmond-ites. You'd need to have enough of an audience within 15 minutes (which is one cycle at a traffic light around Short Pump these days!).

Thanks for all the advice. A co-worker brought me one back from Richmond (Padow's) this week.

Very interesting. That makes me feel better since I always assumed that I was eating cured ham and, frankly, had no sense of it having undergone a heated cooking process other than a quick pan fry perhaps. What does cooking it whole do to the ham, flavor wise? Clearly, I am no Harold McGee. Thanks for the advice Busboy. Did you get a sense that they cured their own at Laynes? (Not that I'm particularly picky) As for New England meets the South, how about a breakfast of local Western Mass. maple-syruped pancakes w/ a side of country ham? Not fancy but I'm hungry just thinking about it.

I need to order a country ham for Thanksgiving and need some advice on buying and storing the ham. I apologize for not having a clue in this regard but in a decade in the South I just ordered what I needed and then ate it (mmm, Bobby & June's biscuits in Atlanta and Padow's in Richmond). I never had to cook a ham myself or even store one. Unfortunately, trying to find a country ham in New England is as hard as finding a decent lobster roll in Virginia. Therefore, I'm going to venture online. Here's what I need the ham for: Ham biscuits brunch/appetizers on Txgiving day, ditto for a brunch party the following Sunday (3 days later), as many breakfasts as I can stomach in and around those two events, and some seriously good soup w/ the bone. Questions: 1. Smithfield vs. just plain old Country Ham - Not sure that I would know the difference if it slapped me across the face. Therefore, I would lean towards not paying the Smithfield premium, but convince me otherwise. If just country ham, make a case for your state preference (I know those Kentucky people get pretty uppity about their hams). 2. Where to order? I've located a couple of online sources (Padow's, the Virginia Company) but superior recommendations are welcome. This is a splurge, so price is a big factor for me. 3. Cooked or not - This is the big question. I'd lean towards buying cooked and storing it in the fridge when I receive it. The menu above indicates my needs. I would think I can keep it in the fridge for 5-7 days but I'm not sure. I can't see any reason to cook my own. Again, enlighten me if I'm clueless. However, if you tell me to cook my own you need to have some good directions for me too. 4. Bone in or boneless - Since I don't care about cutting around a bone and I want the bone for soup, I don't see any reason to buy boneless. Am I correct? Thanks so much for any advice y'all can pass along.

I found the show quite interesting. A major step up given what the US TVFN serves up these days (several shows notwithstanding). I certainly didn't like that the designer completely ignored the owner's wishes. Too much of the same shenanigans that one sees on Trading Spaces/Changing Rooms in that regard. I definitely think it was a miss on the design. Having said all of that, I too would have be so pissed off if I was that consulting chef and the kitchen staff couldn't at least pretend to give a rat's behind about trying to improve the food.

Was in town Monday for a mtg and hit Lupa by myself at lunch. It was simple, delicious and, for NYC, reasonably affordable. Started with the escarole salad. Perfectly dressed (increasingly unusual in my experience) and a great start to the meal. Had the bucatini for my First. As reported by others, it was delicious. I could have licked the bowl clean if I was not looking forward to my Second. The guanciale with the sweet onions and tomatoes made for a sauce that had a great depth of flavor that kept me wanting more. Towards the end of the bowl, I was digging for more guanciale bits. This is the beauty of dining alone: No one to look at me as if I'm weird in my hunting of fat. Had the braised pork shoulder with rose petal glaze for my Second. Ridiculously good. Having spent a number of previous years worshipping NC barbecue, I believe that I've found a match. The natural flavor of the pork, made fork tender by the slow braise, with the sweet & savory glaze. Oh my god it was good. I rolled away from this spot fat and happy. You are lucky to have this place, all NYCers. Edited to add: Excellent service at the bar from Kevin.

Gramercy Tavern was offering them on Mon (10/24) but I wasn't interested in the upcharge (I think it was $40+ for the 1st course and I don't remember what it was for the 2nd course)

An hour south of Vermont brings you to Atkins Farms and their cider doughnuts in Amherst, Mass. Dangerously addictive.