However, still not lying, I have had insatiable cravings for the foods that I have come to love in Amherst and the towns surrounding it. Who doesn't salivate with relics of honey mustard and barbecue at the mention of the word "wings;" at the thought of a Judie's popover with butter, or apple butter, or both? And their desserts? Orgasmic.
Amherst has much to offer the hungry college kid, and I emphasize the word "college." Not only are prices reasonable, but we have plenty of late-night options worth bragging about to your friends at Williams. How many towns that only span about six blocks can boast having Indian, Chinese, Thai, French, American, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Cajun/Mediterranean and African? And people actually ask me why I chose Amherst. And those are just the restaurants. Don't even get me started on Sugar Jones and Antonio's.
Ok, I'm not trying to sell Amherst because if you're reading this, you've probably already bought into it. I'm here to be your guide. I'll tell you what's good, what's a ripoff, what's the best place to get your parents to take you to and anything else you want to know. If you see or hear of a new restaurant you'd like to try, tell me and I'll review it. Better yet, come along! I will review places not only in Amherst, but in Northampton, Hadley, Sunderland, Springfield ... wherever in the Valley that has good food!
Since we're all just getting settled into the Amherst routine again (or for the first time), I've constructed a basic list of my local favorites. Dessert lovers, pay attention.
Pasta E Basta. Regardless of whether you eat in the café-style basement or the restaurant on the upper two floors, you are guaranteed a filling, tasty meal. From the chicken parmegiana with spaghetti and marinara ($8.95) to grilled swordfish over linguine with garlic and olive oil sauce ($9.50), Pasta E Basta can accommodate any craving. The endless list of pastas (including whole wheat penne) and sauces can be combined any way you like it, with plenty of warm bread on the side. And if you've never had their tiramisù ($3), you've never eaten at Pasta E Basta. My pick: grilled salmon over mixed grilled vegetables ($8.50).
Fresh Side. Two words ... peanut sauce. Fresh Side offers a variety of tea rolls which are like thicker, more savory egg rolls. They have several salads and even a few pastas. Caution: When they say a pasta is spicy, they really mean it. Their rice dishes are fine as well. However, as I said, the real stars of the menu are the tea rolls. My picks: pad thai tea roll with bean curd and peanut sauce ($5.95 for 4), and the spicy chicken tea roll ($5.50 for 4).
Black Sheep. Sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked goods! The menu, written in colorful chalk hanging above the sandwich counter, lists a clever variety of pre-designed sandwiches such as "Holy Guacamole" ($6.75) or "C'est La Brie" ($5.25). You can also create your own by choosing one of their many bread choices, meat selections, veggies, cheeses and sauces. Additionally, the Black Sheep has the "best chai in town," according to an Amherst senior. And while you're there, order the rich and dense German chocolate cake, and the fantastic cheesecake brownie, or the layered chocolate cake with vanilla icing and chocolate ganache (from $2-$5). My picks: the Greek salad with grilled chicken ($7.50) and the whopper cookie.
Bueno Y Sano. Okay, maybe it's not the most authentic Mexican food you'll ever have, but it's still damned good. Massive burritos for a bargain price with practically anything you could want inside them, including zucchini, shrimp, spinach, portobella mushrooms and roasted garlic. You can also get that burrito in three sizes: pequeno, regular and grande. And you can also pay the extra $0.50 for a whole wheat tortilla. Or try their great quesadillas. My pick: the good ol' chicken burrito with black beans, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole and sauteed onions ($6.50). With chips and guac on the side ($1.75)!
Loose Goose Café. Great sandwiches, salads and desserts. Also, the best muffins in town. Sugar Jones, famed homemade cookie delivery company, also delivers out of that same kitchen. They take orders until shortly after 11 p.m., providing thus another great late night snack. My picks: the chocolate chip banana muffin ($1.95), and the M&M cookie ($10 for 8).
Judie's. With an eclectic menu that evokes memories of homemade meals, Judie's can give a comforting meal in a fun, artsy setting. My picks: the French onion soup ($4 for a cup), the roasted garlic crust salmon ($18.25), the derby pie and the chocolate decadence cake.
(Bistro 63 at the) Monkey Bar. When you've got the cash to spare, the Monkey Bar's restaurant is a great place to spend it. Creative fish, chicken and steak dishes are guaranteed to fill you up and add to your dinner a flavor Valentine lacks. My picks: the coconut shrimp appetizer ($8.95), and the grilled salmon (yes, I like salmon) with lemon butter ($17.95).
If you're wondering why you should take heed of what I say about food, it's because I love to cook, bake, play on foodnetwork.com
when I'm not watching it, and, oh right, yes, stuff my face. Few things make me happier. Consult my friends for confirmation. Or the empty pint of Ben & Jerry's Karamel Sutra sitting next to me. And I may or may not have called over the owner of a highly-rated restaurant back home in D.C. with a top-rated pastry chef to suggest that he switch the overly strong ginger ice cream in the strawberry rhubarb tart for a smoother lavendar ice cream. That may or may not have been me. Audacious, I know, but he appreciated the constructive criticism.
Sit back, enjoy the ride and allow me to direct your taste buds and your wallets.