Great Bites chomps down next Thursday. This precursor to Restaurant Showcase, the first week in August, is a great way to sample treats from DTL. The Mambo Grill, Centro,
Caffe Paradiso, Athenian Corner, Edible Arrangements, Old Court, and
LaBoniche will all be in the house. Shepherds pie and sliced fruit is a combo to be reckoned with. But as Billy Costa once said, "This is Lowell, anything goes!" Melon and marscapone? It could work. The bite-off is next Thursday July 19 at the Revolving Museum from 5 to 7 p.m.
I discovered some fine eateries over the weekend in the Pioneer Valley. I wanted to keep this place a secret, tucked away in a beautiful swath of Western, Mass., but I have to write something. So here it is ... The Night Kitchen in Montague is a romantic, family friendly spot with views of the Saw Mill River. We had the best rose (dark and strawberry like) organic greens topped w/ fried goat cheese and beets. I had perch and he had quail for dins. Both entrees were served on invigorating summery risotto and with veggies that were so artistic and delightful we had to pinch ourselves over and over. Yes, we had found heaven an hour away from Lowell. The Blue Heron, in an old Town Hall in neighboring Sunderland, is another epic spot located off the beaten map. What's your favorite hidden dining zone?
Thanks for the tip about the Night Kitchen. If I'm not mistaken, that's the place downstairs at the Montague Book Mill, correct? Actually, for a bookstore, the Book Mill has pretty groovy sandwiches, too. And you can't get much better than that place for book browsing.
My favorite hidden gem is actually in Cambridge, near Inman Square. I lived in Central Square for four years and visited this little sandwich shop at least three times a week...and never got sick of it. The place is called Cafe Kiraz, and it's on Hampshire Street. Don't be fooled by their generic web site - these guys honestly have the best affordable sandwiches I have ever eaten, and they also have the "drill press" frozen yogurt machine where you can mix almost anything imaginable in with your yogurt.
I can't give this place high enough marks. There are mostly Turkish people working there, and they are all super friendly. Even taught me some Turkish because I was visiting so much. Give them a try the next time you are in Cambridge.
Thanks bc, good tip on Kiraz, never heard of it, but Im all about sandwiches these days. The drill press came up last yr. w/ the opening of Monkeys. Anyone know if it's running this year?
Yes, Night Kitchen is below the Book Mill and you are right, it's just about the coolest hang this side of Berkeley. If you went to UMass, Smith or Holyoke, you know about this place. Great coffee, local food and local beers. The people's pint in Greenfield is another great find worthy of its own post.
More props for The People's Pint in Greenfield! Best ginger beer I've ever had. Also, a unique menu for a pub environment - not many pubs will serve a tofu salad.