The Red Lion Inn

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The Red Lion Inn, in the heart of the Berkshires in Massachusettes is one of the oldest American Inns still in operation. Built as a stage coach stop in 1773, it still provides comfortable lodging to guests who come to the area to hike, visit Tanglewood or attend any of the other numerous cultural events found here. It still operates as a B&B, and apart from the main dinning room, you can get service in the "Widow Bingham's Tavern", "Jack's Grill", or in the summer enjoy dinning in the "Courtyard". Live entertainment is available in the "Lion's Den" most evenings. If you're there during business hours, there's a cute gift shop and they are home to one branch of "Country Curtains".

The Inn itself is rustic, filled with beautiful antiques and on this night there was still a welcoming fire in the grate. As we entered the main hall, guests were sitting around enjoying each other's company, reading a book or playing cards.

Tables in the main dinningroom are nicely spaced but it's beginning to look a little tired and the chairs need tightening! The atmosphere, however, is cozy, the staff efficient and courteous and we really like the place. This year on Sunday and Monday evenings, the resturant offers a prix fixed dinner menu based on locally grown and produced fare. We decided to give it a try since many of the area resturants support local farmers especially in season and often boast a "Proudly Serve Berkshire Grownand Produced Food Products" on their menus. We mixed and matched from the regular menu and the Prix Fixed and gave the meal an overall mixed review. We both started with soup, Paul their classic Cheddar, Ale & Sausage (which he loved) and I the locally grown veggie (which was rather watery and tasteless). For the main course I selected the wild mushroom Gnocchi with sauteed spinch and although it looked unappetizing, tasted delicious. Paul opted for the Roast Prime Rib of Beef and while the beef which was served medium rare just the way he liked it. Both meals were served on the cool side which did nothing for the vegetables and turned the mashed potatoes into a hard lumpy mass.

Museum visits

We've been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art twice a week for different courses - one sponsored by the museum on the Cities of Italy every Wednesday night offered an entertaining focus on the architecture of Florence, Rome, Venice and Naples. It was held in an auditorium and was sold out every night. The lecturer had a great sense of humor and brought the renaissance to life.

The other is provided by NYU (Continuing Ed.) every Friday night entitled "Hidden Treasures of the Met". We chose the course as part of our continuing effort to learn more about the museum and art in general. While we have learned quite a bit about the Asian collections, the instructor has a very poor attitude, is ill prepared and has left us with a feeling of disappointment many evenings.

In Paris, we discovered an organization called Paris Muse that uses Art History Phds to host focused small group ( 2 or 4 people) tours of selected museums and exhibitions. They really bring the museums to life providing insights we never could have gotten by ourselves. We have never been able to find any gorup like that in NY.

After the class we went to a new restaurant on E. 82nd - Le Refuge. It's a really nice looking and comfortable French Bistro. Unfortunately, the food is only so-so. I had a nice grilled goat cheese and vegetable tart but the duck entree reminded me of "continental" restaurants of old - over-sauced and tough. Chris was happier with her meal but I am writing this review. Cdelb--I really enjoyed my meal of hot goat cheese over a salad of arugula followed by stipped bass pan seared to perfection accompanied by fresh asparagus and green beans. My only complaint was that the beans were a little over cooked. I think that in a small bistro like this, the trick is to order from the list of 'chef's daily specials'. This usually ensures a fresh cut of meat or fish and veggies. I think the duck may have been a frozen entre!

One of the things that appealed to both of us was their attractive bar area and near the door there is a love seat and armchair with a small table which is perfect for anyone just wanting a cheese plate and a glass of wine.

Le Refuge
East 80s 166 E. 82nd St.(bet. Lexington & 3rd Aves.)
Manhattan, NY 10028
212-861-4505

Zagats says...
“Aptly named”, this “quiet” bistro nestled in an East Side townhouse offers “just the right dose of class” with its “rustic antique” decor, “sophisticated” French fare and “polished service”; for most, it’s a “best-known secret” where “reliable” quality comes at serious tabs.

The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel

On Tuesday night we went to the Oak Room at the Algonquin to see our friend Loren Schoenberg appear with KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler. The Show, "Swell Party" was a Cole Porter review. It was absolutely wonderful - maybe the best cabaret we've seen (see NYT review below). They really have fun with the sexy lyrics, outfits to match the mood and interesting interpretations of the life of Cole Porter. We had seen this pair (without Loren) in Palm Beach at the Colony. The show there was based on the work of Dorothy Fields and while good, nothing like this. Picture sultry lyrics sung suggestively or teasingly by either of the pair, mix in some attitude from the sax and imagine piano and base in the background. There were songs new to us, but old favorites like "Begin the Begine", or "Oh, La, La, La, C'Est Magnifique" and one song following the next with hardly a breather in the entire 90 minute performance

The Algonquin Hotel is famous for the Algonquin Round Table in the 1920's that included a group of literary legends including Dorothy Parker, George S. Kaufman and Robert Benchley. The Oak Room is a small, intimate, venue that makes you feel like you're in a nightclub with Humphrey Bogart - except for the lack of smoke! This night we shared the space with the likes of Kitty Carlisle (yes, she LIVES), Tova Feldshu and others not quite so famous. We usually enjoy the repartee in Cabaret. This time there was little of that but the songs told the story. We were sitting about 3 feet from KT; it doesn't get better. Loren accompanied them on the saxophone and really added a whole new dimension to some of the songs.

You need to have dinner to get a decent table (it's a small room but there are still corners!). There's a limited fixed price menu, choices of steak, chicken, salmon, or pasta. Those in the 'know' ask for a 'popover' along with their bread basket. Salads are usually very good; desert includes ice cream and chocolate choices. Overall, the food is pretty good for a night club.

I believe they are sold out for the rest of the run, but if you're there for a drink, be nice to Kendall at the door and she might find a spot along the wall.

Cabaret Review 'A Swell Party'
They Skip the Bio and Cut to the Cole Porter Chase

By STEPHEN HOLDEN
Published: March 18, 2006
In the language of Cole Porter: oo-la-la-la! C'est magnifique!

That burst of Gallic joie describes the ebullience of "A Swell Party — R.S.V.P. Cole Porter," the truly fabulous Porter tribute winked, smirked, crooned and shouted by K T Sullivan and Mark Nadler at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel. A departure from the team's zany tutorials on luminaries of the great American songbook, "A Swell Party" skips the biographical part to deliver songs both famous and obscure, in a delirious whoosh of lubricious exuberance.
Imparting the composer's live-for-the-moment-of-passion philosophy, Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Nadler suggest a very ripened Botticelli Venus squired by Danny Kaye, freshly reincarnated as a hyperkinetic piano man visiting from vaudeville heaven. A valuable new addition to their act, the saxophonist Loren Schoenberg injects instrumental comedy into "Let's Do It," by deflating the phrase sung as "let's fall in love" by inflecting it with a corny vibrato; no, the song is definitely not about love. Later he returns for a husky insinuating solo of "Begin the Beguine" in which the singers and the bassist John Loehrke join him to evoke an image of an ocean liner swimming in Champagne at 4 a.m.

Beneath the brilliantine surface of Porter's lyrics, everything is sexual. The only times his double-entendres fade into the background is during sighs of besotted yearning and cries of rapture. Only then does lust turn into the kind of love that's "too hot not to cool down."
"A Swell Party" probably has more showstoppers than any other cabaret show this season. Here are two: After taking "Kate the Great," an editorial brief for nymphomania that offers Catherine the Great as a role model ("she made the butler/ she made the groom/ she made the maid who made the room"), Mr. Nadler astutely observes that the song describes how Porter might have ruled Russia.

The giddiest of Ms. Sullivan's several turns as erotic philosopher is a swiveling, eye-rolling "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love," which warns all gals: "So just remember when you get that glance/ A romp and a quickie/ Is all little Dickie/ Means/ When he mentions romance."
There's more, much more where that came from in a show that reminds you that half the pleasure of excess is finding the perfect words to describe it.

"A Swell Party - R.S.V.P. Cole Porter" remains through April 1 at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel, 59 West 44th Street, Manhattan, (212) 419-9331.

New York Luncheonettes

Those of us who grew up with the ubiquitous "luncheonettes", we mourn their passing. Before Starbucks they were the places where we "hung out" in High School and College (before we moved on to bars). Later, we would go there in the "wee hours" after a long night of drinking for a breakfast of eggs and homefries. You could also always get a (lousy) cup of coffee with a (better) piece of pastry. We spent many an afternoon and evening nursing our cups of coffee and talking about girls. The diners replaced the luncheonettes, but they were much more upscale. There weren't many diners in NY outside of Queens.

Today, there are almost no luncheonettes and very few diners in NY. Those that do exist are generally theme restaurants (like the Brooklyn Diner on 57th Street). There are many "coffee shops" which are really diners without the theme. They serve as NY's "affordable" restaurants. Generally, they have a large menu of items prepared in advance using fresh ingredients. The portions are large and the cakes and pies are a 'mile high'! We usually eat in one at least once a week for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They provide us with a, reliable, reasonably priced, quick but nutricious meal. What follows, is a list of some of the local places we've found to be particularly desirable:

Columbus Bakery (1st Avenue and 53rd Street) - great for breakfast (eggs, oatmeal and pastry) and lunch (wide variety of fresh salads, soups and individual pizza)
Sutton Diner (1st Avenue and 56th Street) - good for breakfast (coffee's not bad here)
Nectar (Madison Avenue and 81st Street) - great for salads after coming out of the Metropolitan Museum or shopping.
Brooklyn Diner - (57th Street and 6th Avenue) - fun place with just average food, a popular brunch spot.

I know that many of you will have your own favorites that should have been included. I welcome you to note them on the blog for everyone's information.

Pearls

The Berkshires have some of the best restaurants outside of NY (and maybe Boston). It's really quite exceptional for a weekend place. I'm sure no one will be surprised to learn this played a bigger role in our decision to buy here than Tanglewood. Pearl's is not one of those exceptional restaurants.

Pearl's is a large attractive looking Steak/Chop house in downtown Great Barrington. Their menu is heavy on "comfort food" like Steak, Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Liver. We go there because it is convenient and because Chris loves meat loaf. Unfortunately, they don't serve it in the wintertime.

W e went there recently with our friends Steve and Lillian. It's was a good choice for all of us as they are somewhat less adventurous than we are. We all started with salads which were quite good.

Zagats says:
Its “contemporary, chic” setting and “mouthwatering” New American fare bring a bit of “SoHo to the Berkshires” say loyalists who love this “upscale” Great Barrington sibling of Lenox’s Bistro Zinc; there’s an “energetic”, “exceptionally friendly” staff, the “best brunch” around and a bar area with “fresh” homemade chips; still, some are bothered by “aggressive pricing” and the “too chichi” feel of this “NYC wannabe.”

Pearls
47 Railroad St.(Main St.)
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-7767
http://www.pearlsrestaurant.com/

Helsinki Cafe

Nothing says the hippy 60's like Great Barrington and the Helsinki Cafe. It's is a small "tea room" that serves diverse teas during the day and a FINNISH (that's Finland, the country!) menu at night. It also has a small night club that features an eclectic collection of generally unknown rock, blues and folk performers.

We had been to the Club previously to see a show but had never been for dinner. We decided to try the restaurant for an early dinner - before the show. The menu has a very different look to it (although, this may be standard fare in Finland).

I started with vegetable "piroghki" which were interesting but undistinguished. Chris had a green salad with grilled goat cheese that was quite excellent.

I followed that with the SWEDISH SAILOR'S SALMON (a house specialty) its horseradish-rubbed seared Atlantic salmon with a Gunpowder tea & Swedish dill sauce, potato strudel & Finnish caramelized cabbage. The salmon was adequate but the potato strudel and cabbage were out of this world - and I'm not usually a cooked vegetable eater. Chris had the daily special, a vegetable stir-fry with tofu that she thought was quite good (I'm not so sure).

The bottom line is the place is a "hippy" classic. The staff (mostly women) all have long hair and tattoos and were dressed accordingly (mostly in black). The food may be unreliable but the ambience is special. We can't be back to eat this year but will probably be back for the show.

Helsinki Cafe
284 Main St.(Railroad St.)
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-3394

Zagats says:
Need “a nice reminder of Finland”? – “get the potato pancakes” slathered in gravlax, sour cream and caviar and served with wild blueberry compote at this “quirky” Scandinavian-Eclectic across from the Triplex in Great Barrington; though the “funky” interior and “borscht-and-dill” Nordic “home cooking” are “not for everyone”, the place sure is “interesting”, especially as it’s attached to the “hippest” “venue for music” “north of Chelsea.”

Super Duper Weenies

A “Super Duper Weenie”!

We’re back in the Berkshires and it almost felt like spring on the drive up here. Paul and I take different routes depending on our mood, the traffic and where we might like to stop. One interesting stop along the way was introduced to us by Scott and Jory; it’s exit 24 off Route 95 when heading north. They found it after their curiosity was piqued by a rather large billboard along the side of the road advertising “Super Duper Weenie”! Now, some of you are probably shaking your heads wondering why this would be a place we would ever consider. However, if hotdogs are your thing, this is an easy-off, easy-on, eating experience. AND, it’s really quite good. The restaurant is nothing more then a shack with a screened in porch and some picnic tables. You place your order at the counter from a listing on the wall. Super-Duper Weenie was started by a guy who had a very popular pushcart in NYC and graduated to a shop. There is a wide variety of ‘dogs’ (the Super Duper is a foot long) with every imaginable topping. Freshness is the key, they make their own relish from homemade pickles and the buns are freshly baked! There are sides of onion rings, french-fries and old fashioned drinks like root beer, cream soda and homemade milk shakes. There are a few other things on the menu but basically, people come for the many varieties of ‘weenies’! Service is quick and friendly and if you’re like Scott and Jory, you can satisfy a late night craving by ordering something to go.

Super Duper Weenie
306 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT
203-334-DOGS

Cdelb
11/March/06

A evening out on the Upper East Side

We went to see a Big Bands concert at the Metropolitan Museum. It featured an old friend from Riverdale, Loren Schoenberg and his Big Band as well as the original "Chantels" and the "Classics" from the 40's and 50's. It was a great show and we had a great time. I recommend looking at the concerts sponsored by the Met. They are generally of good quality and reasonably priced.

Before the show we went to a new restaurant for dinner. It is a small restaurant with big aspirations located on the very commercial 86th street. They have a very interesting menu with daily specials including

Monday - Next Generation Chef Dishes inspired by our future chefs
Tuesday - Aloha Tuesday Hawaiian regional cuisine
Wednesday - Crispy Roast Duck flambed for two orange cognac sauce
Thursday - Dover Sole Almandine flown in from Dover, prepared on the bone
Friday - Lost Arts, A celebration of culinary traditions
Saturday - 3 to 6 lb Steamed Maine Lobster served table side on a bed of coals

We both had the Hawaiian Duck which was very good. . Chris started with steamed artichokes on a bed of field greens which she loved. I started with sauteed Foie Gras which was excellent.
The menu is heavy on "for two" items (see above) including a number of steaks.

We finished with a souffle and expresso. The souffle was a little over-cooked but the coffee was very good

Ian
East 80s 322 E. 86th St.(bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.)
Manhattan, NY 10028
212-861-1993

As Zagats says...
A real star on a culinarily challenged stretch of 86th Street, this Upper East Side New American offers addictive, out-of-the-ordinary flavor combos in a pleasant Downtown-ish space; the only kinks are sometimes-slow service and high prices (for the area).

Returning to an old friend

We went back to one of our all-time favorite restaurants this week. Jubilee is a small French restaurant in the Sutton Place area. There specialty is Mussels with the best Pommes Frite in the city. Christina loves the mussels but I usually order the Steak au poivre (because it comes with the "frites"!). All are delicious. The restaurant is always crowded with local people (you can tell by their ages) and reservations are necessary at all times. Prices are not cheap, but moderate.

We are already depressed that we can't go back for a year under our "restaurant challenge" but we will persevere.

We both had the Portobello mushroom Salad with Blue Cheese. It was very good.

Chris had the Mussels Marinieres - steamed with white wine, shallots and parsley, It's a huge bowl of mussels for $11.00.

I had the Grilled Scallops with Celery "tagliatelle" and bacon (Saint Jacques Poelles, Tagliatelles de Celeri Carbonara et Jus de la Truffe). It was delicious and much more "nutricious than the steak". I had to order a portion of the Pommes Frites because Christina was being good.

Jubilee
East 50s
347 E. 54th St.
(bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.)
Manhattan, NY 10022
212-888-3569

ZAGATS says...
Though you always have to mussel your way in to this cramped Sutton Place French bistro, the signature wonderful moules frites reward the effort; add a friendly?, neighborly ambiance and fair prices (for the locale), and you've got a party every night.