TIS THE SEASON FOR DINING OUT WITH FRIENDS
It’s the holiday season and what better way to celebrate than a night out with friends at one of your favorite restaurants or even try a new spot. Western Massachusetts is robust with restaurants that offer a variety of dishes which will appeal to all appetites. We’ve selected a few of our favorite spots along with some tasty suggestions as you celebrate the holidays.
Enter Adolfo’s restaurant in downtown Springfield and instantly relax in the warm and inviting dining room. On the menu,
traditional Italian dishes-all so delicious sounding it’s hard to choose. Ease into the evening with the Antipasto for Two-a generous serving of asiago cheese, aged provolone, imported olives, roasted red peppers, oven roasted tomatoes, and imported Italian cured meats. For dinner ask for the Zuppa di Pesce, with clams, shrimp scallops, calamari and lobster meat with red or white sauce over linguine. Enjoy lavish cuisine-inspired drinks or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. Be sure to end on a sweet note, with one of the many decadent desserts like the Tiramisu and Espresso. Boun appetito!
A vibrant atmosphere awaits you and your friends at Cal’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar in West Springfield. The menu is casual American with lots of options. Enjoy a quiet corner or mingle with friends at the bar where you’ll need to ask for the Chocolate Peppermint Martini, so good! Order Cal’s classic starter-Garlic & Gorgonzola Bread, a rustic-style bread topped with melted gorgonzola cheese and roasted red bell peppers.
For dinner, hot on the menu right now, the scrumptious Hazelnut-Encrusted Atlantic Salmon with a sweet honey mustard sauce, whipped Yukon gold potatoes and vegetables. Top it off with the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee-a creamy vanilla bean custard topped with caramelized sugar, whipped cream and a strawberry. You’ll go home happy!
Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern Deerfield Inn
Sit by the fire at Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern at the Deerfield Inn and enjoy this rustic New England style establishment. Relax in a comfy chair or enjoy a seat at the mahogany bar, where there are 12 beers on tap, and many wines by the glass.
Celebrate the season with a delicious meal starting with a meat and cheese plate-a tempting assortment of fine charcuteries and local cheeses, whole grain crackers and accompaniment. Dine on the Faroe Island Salmon-with apricot jalapeno glaze, verjus beurre blanc, wild rice pilaf, and vegetables. There’s always room for dessert-don’t miss out on a homemade treat like the Lightly Lemon Cheesecake with crushed almond crust and blueberry coulis. Timeless dining.
Located at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Max’s Tavern’s menu features contemporary American cuisine, classic chophouse fare, craft cocktails, and more. Toast to holiday spirit than with a seasonal cocktail-White Christmas, with Tequila Blanco, Coconut, Lime and Orange liquor. Tempt your taste buds with this starter –Buttermilk Fried Cauliflower with cheddar ale fondue and Aleppo chili. This is the season for the perfect prime rib dinner. Perfectly seasoned, charred and then slow roasted to keep the flavor melting through the steak. Served with the horseradish slaw and au jus. End your evening with a luxurious Peanut Butter Mousse Cake, complete with Chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and candied peanuts. A Springfield gem.
Step back in time and dine in a refurbished railroad car from 1909 at the Steaming Tender in Palmer. The atmosphere is intriguing and inviting as well as the drink menu. For the perfect holiday cocktail, order a glass of White Christmas Sangria, with Pinot Grigio, Everest Citrus Vodka, White Cranberry Juice, Green apples, fresh cranberries and rosemary, wow!
For dinner, try Blackened Sea scallops delivered fresh from Ipswich Shellfish on a bed of sautéed spinach and creamy horseradish sauce topped with bacon crumble. Taste their signature Whiskey Bread Pudding even bring some home for your own holiday dinner. Mark that as a “night to remember”.
