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Berkshires
Feature
Berkshires Feature
Snacking and Dining in the Berkshires
. . . a work in progress
By Elyse Sommer
LINKS
California Restaurant Tips . . . Snacking and Dining in the Berkshires . . . Miscellaneous $wise Tips For Navigating New York. . . General Links Page
A note for fish lovers: Wherever you eat, not all fish is good for you. To avoid ordering fish that may have been farmed with pesticides or are otherwise less than ideal choices, check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium's guid of best choices, alternative choices and no-nos at http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_regional.aspx
The wealth of attractions in the Berkshires includes tons of places to grab a bite or have a feast. Not being a food critic I won't attempt to make this still incomplete page a good eats equivalent of our reviews. I'm a theater critic and not a restaurant maven. The local free papers and guides to the area include extensive listings, so this list is just a very incomplete guide to restaurants locals (like yours truly-- at least during the summer) like for quick, inexpensive breakfast, lunch and dinner places in each of the towns where the major summer theaters are located. And so, consider this an informal, ongoing notebook for jotting down a few places I know and like in each of the main towns you're likely to visit. The focus is more on fair prices than gourmet dining. Feel free to send us items from your own list.
PITTSFIELD
With Pittsfield once more becoming an important destination for theater goers thanks to Juliane Boyd's Barrington Stage. Until their new home opens in August -- they are mounting their Music Theater Lab series in the Pittsfield Atheneum and their revival of The Human Comedy at Pittsfield Community College's Boland Theater. With the Colonial Theatre also proceeding full steam with its restoration and the Berkshire Museum continuing its popular film series, it's not surprising that several new eateries can be found on North Street. One of the most attractive places for a pre or post-theater "Nosh" or take-out sandwiches is Bellissimo Dolce at 444 North Street. They also serve breakfast and sell quiches.
There's also a new upscale New York style restaurant called Spice. Enthusiasts have e-mailed to tell us that they've made repeat visits, but of course the test of this or any other upscale restaurant's success in this area is whether it can come close to its present sold-out popularity once the summer and leaf peeping tourists depart. For a more reasonably priced, old Pittsfield style meal, you might enjoy an echt-Pittsfield repast at Patrick's Pub on the circle as you turn right from Route 7 to North Street.
GREAT BARRINGTON
Baba Louie's, on Great Barrington's main drag.
Comments: With Great Barrington having become more and more upscale looking with lots of trendy restaurants, Baba Loui stands out as the best plain and simple eaterie, noted for great brick oven pizzas and tasty salads.
LEE
Bombay Bar and Grill in the Great Western on Lee's beautiful Laurel Lake
Comments:If you like good Indian food, you'll love the bargain-priced lunch and sunday brunch buffets. Reserve ahead of time to get a table facing the lake.
The Grind Coffee & TemptationsM 62 West Center St.
Comments: This is an adjunct of my summer beauty parlor. Nothing fancy, but nice for coffee and a with-it, lunch or picking up something for your Tanglewood picnic.
LENOX
Carol's Restaurant, 8 Franklin Street
Comments: This is one of those breakfast all day places that locals and tourists alike love.
Napa California Cuisine, 30 Church St
Comments: Reasonably priced, diverse fare. Good lunch and rest stop when you're visiting the town's many galleries and boutiques.
Cranwell Resort (our sponsor)
In addition to several elegant restaurants in the main mansion, there's a very pleasant pub restaurant for outsiders as well as hotel guests and golfers.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Thai Garden on Williamstown's Main Street
Comments: Open just a few years, this has proved to be a welcome lunch and dinner choice -- not just for tourists but the actors and other creative folks at the WTF. For dessert pop across the street to Papa Charlie's, famous for its sandwiches named after actors who have treaded the boards at Williamstown, for the the best frozen yogurts to be had anywhere-- your own blend of flavors blended with fruity additions of your choice (my favorite-- vanilla and chocolate with strawberries) -- one small cup is enough for two (and yes, they'll give you an extra cup and spoon).
Hobson's Choice 159 Water Street
Comments: Popular dinner spot with great buffet. Another place to spot actors you may be seeing on stage at the WTF.