belcherveggie's Profile
Mission Cantina South Amherst anyone been?
We like it alot. You need to remember that it is a bar with a very good restaurant operation, so there is limited seating. Perhaps 6 tables and 12 spots at the bar. We've been at several different times and have always had to wait. The food has been very tasty, the service friendly and the portions generous and plenty of Vegetarian options. I hate to venture further into it as I can not answer the question "is it authentic" I have no idea, but I like it. We also like Mi Terra and Bueno Y Sano (for what it is, which is certainly not authentic mexican, from what I've been told)
Indian Restaurant Coming to Easthampton!
I think you will be happy. One of the backers owns Dino's Pizza (Yes Pizza) in Holyoke. There are a few threads about it around chowhound.
Dino's serves an italian/pizza menu, but since Gurninder and his staff (who are indian) were cooking their traditional meals, they were convinced to offer some of that fare on the menu.
Everything I have had at Dino's from the indian menu(Veggie section only) has been right on.. The nice part is S.O. who is not as big a fan of Northern Indian Cuisine can have a manicotti at the same time.
The area needs a good Southern Indian Restaurant, but a good Northern one would be a welcome addition as I Agree the 2 in Northampton leave a lot to be desired. Pintu's never impressed me either (Probably the fact we felt it was a little overpriced) Our Goto for Indian is The Garden in Agwawm or Worcester/Shrewsbury for the Udupi !
Unusual, incredible corn dishes?
Hillside Organic Pizza in Hadley had a great special a few weeks ago of Asiago almond pesto with local roasted corn, local red onions and spinach, that was out of this world. This is the same place that introduced me to Carrots, Beets & Butternut squash on pizza ( But not at the same time!)
Vegetarian in Worcester
Udupi Bhavan is a restaurant in Middletown CT which the original poster has been to and posted about: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/771193
As a generic term "Udupi" is a style of southern indian cuisine that is vedic traditional vegetarian. Very different than the northern indian found at most indian restaurants.
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Udupi Bhavan
749 Saybrook Rd, Middletown, CT 06457
Vegetarian in Worcester
Both are solid, Belmont has a limited, but changing menu. Belmont is best for take out as they have very little seating and the neighborhood isn't the best.
Udupu in shrewsbury is much more formal than Udupi Bhavan. Wait service and china & silverware. The food is just as good and the prices aren't much more.
I've had occasion to eat at the other rt.9 indian restaurants. India cafe has a veg. friendly lunch buffet and decent northern indian entrees. Bollywood grill is a local chain and a carvivore favorite, but still has some decent veg. options. On the higher side of the price scale tho.
I need a little help from my springfield area friends
Hooray for the Garden. All of the Indian Restaurants in the area serve a Northern Indian Cuisine. If you wanted traditional authentic Southern Indian (udupi style, which is vegetarian) you had to travel to Middletown Ct or Haverhill or Shrewsbury Ma. Not any More !!
Based on this thread, we tried The Garden on Main Street in Agawam, Ma. a few weeks ago and it rates 5 stars in my book.
We started with Rasa Vada which are hot, crisp little donuts in a rasam. This is traditional street food and was straight on.
The dosa was large (overflowing the ends of the plate) and crispy. The masala filing was hot and spiced for a mild taste.
The Uttapam was again overflowing the plate and was soft and thick. I get it plain to enjoy it with the cutney and sambar. I want to return to try the Pineapple uttapam as I have never had (nor heard of) that combination.
The sambar was less spicy and a little thin. I suspect that is was made fresh as all the other diners were having Northern Indian. (A dosa is tough to miss coming out of the kitchen!)
The Carrot Halwa for dessert was warm and sinfully rich & delicious.
The Service was attentive and not too overbearing (We had barely a sip of water before our glasses were refilled.) Our total bill was around $30.00
I don't imagine many of you have tried Southern Indian Cuisine. I encourage you go on an adventure and try it. I doubt you will miss the meat. I'll be back to the Garden regularly now.
Watkins Baking Powder in CT?
Watkins has a great line of products (mostly natural & organic) They mostly have direct selling reps (like Avon & Amway) That is probably who you purchased from at the Xmas Show. I've seen a few of their products at Whole Foods (but not the Baking Powder) There are several reps who sell online.
There is a representative in Massachusetts. You can find if there is a local rep by calling watkins direct (1-800-928-5467)
P.S. Their gravy mixes are fantastic too !
CSA Western MA/Hartford
Welcome to Western New England. You will find an amazing amount of fresh local produce available literally at the side of the road.
We were members of Red Fire Farm CSA for a few years. (at the farm distribution in Granby) We were very pleased with the quantity, selection and quality we received. An important part of the share, which you don't get in the Boston or remote distributions, is the pick your own component. Sweet Peas, Strawberries, raspberries, fresh flowers, etc.
Unfortunately a change in work schedules made it imposible to pick up on the Friday distribution day, or we would still have a share.
We still stop by the farm stand.
If you know of Brookfield Farm in the Boston Area, it is based in Amherst. I don't know about transfering shares from Boston to Local, but the Wait List for a Local share is 2 YEARS!
Capt. Jack's in Easthampton MA -- beauty in the form of a clam shack
Stopped by on Friday. They are in a new building on Route 10 to the side of the old Fedor Pontiac. The Onion Rings are "Thin" style. They were a little greasy. A generous portion for $4.00. They have salads available as well. Along with Fries, That's the extent of the Veg. options. It's Take out only, but they bring your order to your car when it's ready. Many people were eating in the car, so I would expect they'll have picnic benches or something come springtime.
Onion Rings get my 1.75 thumbs up. Not quite as good as Howards in West Brookfield who I think has Hands Down best in Western Mass.
But, the in the middle of Winter, they're worth a trip.
Northampton/Amherst Area Dining...Another View
Butterfly is owned by Richard Lau, I believe he was a chef and Minority owner of the old Panda Garden in Northampton, which was across from Pleasant Street Theater. He owns the new Panda Garden in Williamsburg as well as Butterfly. There have been numerous posts here about how good Butterfly is. Most recommend ordering off the " gourmet" menu for an authentic meal as opposed to the standard Chinese/Japanese menu (which is also good) They have a Fried Rice executed with brown rice which is a totally different taste than most Chinese fried rice. I'd rave over the vegetarian menu as well, but I've done that several times in previous posts. He had NO connection with Hunan Gourmet which was on King Street and mysteriously received rave reviews every year and finally closed after several well publicized health issues.
ISO Loose Teas in Tofu Valley
You could be talking about a couple of Places. If it is actually Hadley, you might be thinking of Esselon Coffee on Rt. 9. They sell about 30 teas, but they are primarily a coffee shop that roast their own beans. The Coffee Beans are outstanding. The cafe is great and the tea selection is good, but I don't know about their online sales.
Last month the Gazette ran a story about Tea Guys of HATFIELD. They have about 50 custom blended teas. They were primarily online, and in local cafes, but now have a limited presence in most Whole Foods Markets in Mass. They have a larger selection in the local natural Markets both River Valley & Cornocopia in Northampton. Their blends are excellent. You might try calling them to see if an area store carries the varieties you are looking for.
I've given their gift sets and have heard nothing but rave reviews !
Fairway - Stamford
Stopped on the way from NYC this evening. Being blessed with a WFM, Trader Joes & Numerous good farm markets within a mile has spoiled us,
But Fairway has potential & I would stop again.
The Bagels were large & Best I've had outside of NYC (Just toasted a blueberry as I write.) They were also on sale 2/$1.00
The morning star Veggie products were on sale for $3.99. We pay $3.79 regular price at our Target (Not in Fairfield Cty though)
The hot bar was a little disappointing, especially the mac&cheese and tortelini alfredo were dry & didn't hold up.
The Cone o'Fries for $2.50 is a great deal. They are a mix of large and small strips of potatoes fried to order (I was asked if I wanted them medium or crispy) they come with an assortment of spices & dips.
I was also disappointed that while there was a self serve hot bar, the salad "bar" is a prepackaged, pre-sized bowl of greens to which they will add your choice of ingredients for you.
The custom tossed pasta/noodle station was great for $6.49
The selection & quality (& price) of the Produce rivals even the best farm market!
Over all combined with the really nice Whole Foods in Darien and I'd be a happy shopper.
Best vegetarian option in non-vegetarian restaurant? FFD county
Most ethnic will work like red sauce Italian. Indian, Asian, Mexican all have many veg. options.
I may be the rare one, but I like properly prepared tofu & sprout fare, However, I detest the restaurants that offer a portobello/mushroom dish as their only veg offering. Can't stand the rubbery things.
Breakfast or Lunch near Yankee Candle Village?
Paul & Elizabeth's is in Thorne's Marketplace. 4 story former department store adapted into small stores. It has Cornucopia Natural Foods, but not akin to Reading Terminal. BUT taken with the rest of Main St. Downtown, It is a great little walking experience. There are numerous great shops & restaurants within walking distance. Are you looking for Fill you up breakfast or elegant lunch, veggie, ethnic or traditional New England Fare (What ever that is!)
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Paul & Elizabeth's
150 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060
Checkers coming to Hartford area. Um, yay?
We stopped at one in Maryland/DC area (Don't remember exactly where) Mostly for the novelty of the double drive-thru. They have no vegetarian options other than the fries, which were heavily seasoned. The Banana milkshake would be worth a hot afternoon stop by itself though.
Milwaukee (and surrounding areas) for good vegetarian cuisine? :)
From out of Town, but am spending time here, We were afraid we might be relegated to prepping 4 days of Salads in our room, but so far, its all been good.
Beans & Barley (for lunch today) is mixed Veg & Carnivore. But the TLT (Tempah , lettuce & Tomato w/veganase (on request) was outstanding. Good size sandwich served w/ a little rice & Pickle spear. S.O.'s Walnut burger was out of this world good.
If you are inclined to Southern Indian style cooking (Udupi Style, althougth they claim, "Indian, Bengali & Pakistani" cuisine) Which is pure vegetarian, Our hotelier sent us to Bombay Sweets. Kind of out of the way on 10th st on the south side. Order at the counter and food is served on styrofoam... But ..portions are good sized, prices are very reasonable and it was delicious.
We found the stalls at the Milwaukee public market to have many good veg. options including the margaritta bar which served a great avocado taco and the fill you own pita bar.
Comet Cafe is on our schedule for Dinner tomorrow (actually today now) and with a second from a fellow chowhounder, I'm looking forward to it.
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Bombay Sweet
3401 S 13th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Beans & Barley
1901 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Zest (Tolland, CT)--formerly Monet's Table
Had Lunch There on Wednesday. The interior in clean bright and airy. They had the windows open and it was a lovely atmosphere. We had brewed pomegranate ice tea which was refilled several times. The 'winter' menu is only available for one more week, then a new spring menu will start. So we had the winter salad and added grilled tofu for protein. The tofu were three evenly grilled slices and the salad was delicious. Entree was to have been Pumpkin Sage Ravioli, but they were substituting a mixed vegetable ravioli. No Problem, There were six ravioli, served on a bed of chard with a sauce that was outstanding. It also came with a mixed green salad, only choices for dressing were blue cheese or balsamic. There was a good crowd for lunch, but prompt seating and good service. All in all a good experience.
Suggestions for Inexpensive and Delicious Rests. in Amherst, MA
You will find many great Veg friendly restaurants near the campus. My favorites for breakfast/lunch: To the North about 1+ mile is Cushman Market cafe. Go Up 116 or North or East Pleasant Street and turn right on Pine Street to the center of Cushman Village, Fun, Funky Cafe in the back of a fun friendly market.
In the center of town, Lone Wolf Cafe on Main street, kind of southwest inspired, with a touch of NYC, diverse menu.
To the west on Route 9 is the Stables, (Across from wal-****) more traditional breakfast place.
None of them are cheap, but they certainly won't break the bank. Average breakfast entree between $5.00 - 10.00. I've never been disappointed with anything. We particularly like the challah french toast at both cushman & Lone Wolf.
Udupi Bhavan in Middletown, CT
The 'soup' is sambar & comes with the Dosa (along with the chutney) The buffet at $9.95 is a great deal. Udupi Bhavan is the real deal as to what you find in Udupi Cuisine. It's Southern Indian and not what most people expect when they are used to Northern Indian Cuisine. (And it's Vegetarian! ) There are also fantastic Udupi restaurants in Shrewsbury & Lowell Mass. It is a cuisine that everyone should try at least once. (Finnish the meal with carrot halwa & you'll be back for more.
Model train diner along rte 91?
Might you be thinking of the bluebonnet diner in Northampton (on rt.5) about 1/2 mile from exit 20 (I think) off rt 91
Hungry Ghost Bakery Northampton MA
It's easy to find, on state Street, across from Center Street & Serio's. It's up on a little hill. Actually located on the West Side of State Street at the corner of Bedford Terrace. Don't expect a fancy showroom, but Probably the best bread we've ever had. !
Fast Food Chains in CT- What's best?
Off 95 in Milford, A reliable stop on the way to NYC & points south
Fast Food Chains in CT- What's best?
Dutchess is great for us Vegetarians too. They have Veggie Burgers (and they are decent) They also have a nice salad. Otherwise it's Wendys & Burger King for Veggie fast food. Friendly's took the Veggie Burger off the menu about a year ago (too bad because it was good) Now the only option there is an overpriced grilled cheese. And just like most other places, All of the entree salads are laden with meat (mostly chicken)
Looking for Doughnuts - Berkshires, Southern Vermont, and Near Bradley Airport CT
The name sounds familiar now. Is this the place with the maple cream donuts? Never been there, but had a maple cream filled donut from greenfield and it was great.
Looking for Doughnuts - Berkshires, Southern Vermont, and Near Bradley Airport CT
Donut Dip in W.Springfield is right off Rt. 90 & 91. Pumpkin Spice & Sour Creme Donuts are great. Donut Man in Hadley (they're made there) are the best in the Amherst/Northampton area, but not really worth the 15 min. detour off Rt. 91. I feel the same about Mrs. Murphy's. They're the best if you are in Westfield/Southwick, but not worth a 30 min. ride.
Donut Dip is 2min. off Rt. 91 & worth every sec.!
MA eats..where would you send Guy Fieri
Howard's in Brookfield for the Onion Rings as well, they're awesome.
Hadley Mass
Can't beat the Stables (It's across from Whole foods, about 1/2 mile from TJ) It's Down home Country (I.E. Cute decor, cheap & good & plentiful) They're closed 1 day early in the week (either Monday or Tuesday)
For a more avant garde approach, try esselon cafe, also on route 9 about a mile from the bridge on the right hand side.
If you are coming on Thursday - Saturday, Try Hillside Pizza (on Rt, 9, about 2 mi. from the bridge on the Right side) Fresh, local, organic & Delish !!!
And of course you're not far from Downtown Amherst & Downtown Northampton and all they have to offer.
Indian in Worcester
Have you tried UDUPI, Just down the road in the Price chopper Plaza in Shrewsbury. I like it best. It is pure Vegetarian and is Southern Indian Cuisine. I have eaten there with someone who should know (a Native) and they said many of the dishes are quite authentic (to that region) I have also eaten there with confirmed carnivores and they enjoyed it as well. Just don't go looking for Tandori chicken, but If you think about it, half of India Cafe's buffet items are meatless!
1 week in New England to plan for 1 veg + 1 omni
Western Mass is very veggie friendly as well as alternative life style friendly. Depending of the timing of your visit, there are numerous summer stock theater productions. And don't forget the quabbin reservoir for all your hiking needs and we're only an hour or two from Boston if you feel the need for an obligatory visit. It's less than an hour to Brattleboro VT as well. Once you decide on a destination State/Area, I;m sure many will be happy to give more in depth recs.
Local Burger and Fries - Northampton
Sorry, but $13.00+ for a Veggie Burger (8.50)& Fries (Pomme frites-4.95) at Esselon is hardly cheaper, even if it also came with a salad. (And I couldn't find a free water dispenser. It's right on the counter at Local) Agreed that Peoples Pint compares very favorably with Local Burger, but it's in Greenfield not Northampton.
