West Springfield, MA October 2023

FOOD + BEVERAGE

COZY AUTUMN OUTDOOR DINING

EXPLORING LOCAL VINEYARDS

LIFE + CULTURE

A TASTE OF IRELAND

The Food & Drink Issue

October is the Month to “Fall” for Delectable Autumn Eats

Welcome fall! With the changing season comes a change in what we are craving, and in autumn that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town and beyond. We have the good fortune of living in an area with a fabulous array of dining options and plenty of fall fun with the tastes of the season: cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, and more.

The October issue also marks my first as the new owner/publisher of West Springfield Lifestyle, and I am honored and motivated about joining the magazine that truly builds and serves our community and is informative, gratifying, and inspiring. I hope you will share your feedback and news with me; I’m always here to learn and listen from our readers and partners.

October is my birthday month, and what a wonderful gift to be the new publisher and share this hyper-local magazine with all of you, with hopes to grow it to even more content in the coming year. I cannot thank my managing editor, Sara Anderson, enough for her wisdom and guidance — it’s been invaluable.

Now back to the food! We hope you find new dining options and remember old favorites you wish to revisit as you peruse our October issue. Since autumn is arguably the most beautiful New England season (maybe I am biased!), outdoor dining and events are a fabulous way to soak up the fall colors, warmly tinged sunlight, and cool, pleasant nights. It’s also a great time to cozy up with indoor entertainment at the many great spots we're lucky to have in our area.

Food brings us all together, and whether we’re sharing a meal with loved ones, enjoying a night out on the town, or spending some quality time with ourselves, time spent enjoying food is invaluable. And if you have a moment, please like, share, and follow us on social media for the exciting news and events we are posting between issues. As always, thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Bobbi-Jo Girroir | bobbijo.girroir@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amy Anderlonis, Angela Grout, Madeline LeBlanc, Amanda Waterfield

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amy Crosby Photography, j81 Studios LLC

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

BOBBI-JO GIRROIR, PUBLISHER @WESTSPRINGFIELD_LIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @westspringfield_lifestyle

1: Rick Hamelin taught the art and history of pottery making at West Springfield Public Library. 2: Michael Squindo passes the torch to new Agawam Rotary Club president John A. Barber. 3: Agawam Community Artists and Artisans’ New England Mosaic was on display at Agawam Public Library. 4: West Springfield Horseshoe Club and Park and Recreation Department shed donated by Skip’s Outdoor Accents. 5: Movement Mortgage’s “Boss of the Toss” Tournament raised approximately $3000 for The Give Back Group. 6: Anita Moore and daughter Brigid delivered $500 from WSHS Key Club to the Parish Cupboard. 7: Philanthropist Harold Grinspoon of Agawam’s Harold Grinspoon Foundation recently celebrated his 94th birthday.

AGAWAM COMMUNITY ARTISTS AND ARTISANS

WEST SPRINGFIELD PARK AND RECREATION

BOBBI-JO GIRROIR HAROLD GRINSPOON FOUNDATION

PARISH CUPBOARD

AGAWAM ROTARY CLUB

WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Space Celebrates One Year of Trapeze Yoga Classes

Courtney Robidoux, owner of The Space yoga studio at 16 Union Ave. in Westfield, is celebrating the first anniversary of her trapeze yoga classes. The full-service yoga studio opened in January 2021 and offers classes to fit all student levels, including mat, Asana, and trapeze. Trapeze yoga focuses on reducing pain and increasing flexibility through balancing upperbody and core strength. Detailed class and workshop information and schedules can be found on The Space  Facebook page.

Jump Start Preschool Opening Second Location in West Springfield

West Springfield mom of three and director of Agawam’s Jump Start Preschool Rachelle Hannoush announces the opening of a second location at the West Springfield United Methodist Church at 800 Amostown Rd. The location opened in September 2023, offering exceptional childcare in an enriched, safe, secure, and loving environment, with programs geared toward building character, self confidence, self esteem, and school readiness. To book a Jump Start tour, please contact Rachelle at 413.301.5694.

Agawam Author Hosting November Writers Conference

Agawam author of three books and former Agawam Flower Shop owner Angela Grout is hosting an all-day conference at the Agawam Senior Center on November 4. Featuring writing classes, Q&A panels, keynote speaker, lunch included, and book vendors/books for sale. For beginner and seasoned writers in any format, get support, motivation and professional guidance from experienced and educated facilitators for your writing journey. Registration begins September 1; visit www.y-write.com or email angelamgrout@gmail.com for details.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestSpringfield

Photography by Angela Grout

Photography by Jump Start Preschool

Photography by The Space

OCTOBER 2023

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Fall fun is what’s on the menu in October! Take the kids or kids-at-heart in your life for an adventure and savor some tasty autumn eats outdoors, or enjoy some adult libations with the hottest craft cocktails and the coolest jazz. Fall fun abounds nearby, so get out during “sweater weather” and make the most of this beautiful month.

Our Picks for Foods to Feast On

MIKE'S MAZE: Voted most elaborate corn maze in American by Wired magazine, Mike’s offers a plethora of activities and its Corn Café serving farmfresh food all day. 23 S. Main St. , Sunderland, Massachusetts 01375

DEWEY'S JAZZ LOUNGE: Live jazz and Sunday jazz brunch featuring cheesy jalapeño grits with blackened shrimp, strawberry cream cheese French toast with banana bourbon sauce, and much more. 232 Worthington St., Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

MCCRAY'S COUNTRY CREAMERY: McCray’s is your fall destination for hayrides, a petting zoo, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, mini golf, ice cream, and desserts (including gluten-free), soups, sandwiches, and chili.  55 Alvord St., South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075

THE BAR SHOPPE: A bar, coffee shop, gift store AND art gallery! Savor a coldbrew cappuccino martini, fresh-squeezed grapefruit margarita, raspberry tequila sour, or boozy ice cream affogato.  106 Point Grove Rd., Southwick, Massachusetts 01077

THE APPLE PLACE: The Apple Place bakery/creamery has animals to see, cool seating areas, live music, a corn maze, warm apple cider at the fire pit, and more! 540 Somers Rd. #83, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

SQUARE FEET, INCLUDING 2 ICE RINKS, GOLF SIMULATORS, BATTING CAGES, TURF FIELD, BOXED FIELD

Food Truck Frenzy

OUR FAVORITE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FOOD TRUCKS

ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC

Food trucks are becoming more and more popular and, as a foodie and food blogger, I am here for it! The food truck craze isn’t going anywhere soon, so we decided our October food issue would be the perfect place to give you our top three favorite food truck picks. For more information about these fabulous cuisine carts, head to Facebook where you will find their schedules and the upcoming events they will be at where you can sample their delights. Cheers!

Madeline LeBlanc is a foodie with an appetite for great fare that she shares on her Instagram food blog @hellofoodreviews. Her culinary adventures locally and beyond offer trusted advice about the restaurants she visits, and stunning food photography. Madeline’s mission is to share her favorite spots for excellent food and ambiance. Her Instagram account has over 12,000 followers.

LA TAQUERÍA DEL PUEBLO

For an authentic Mexican food truck, La Taquería Del Pueblo is your go-to! They offer a wide variety of delicious Mexican eats including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, wings, and more! Try their birria tacos filled with low-and-slow stewed meat and served with dipping sauce, and grab a pineapple or guava Jarritos soda to go with. There is often a long line when you visit, but the people in line will tell you that La Taquería Del Pueblo is worth it!

VLAD’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA  THAI CHILI FOOD TRUCK

Vlad’s offers mobile wood-fired pizza made fresh and tantalizing right in front of you. They make their own dough with organic flour from Italy and use a special technique to break down the gluten to optimize the quality and flavor of the crust. Their toppings include hamburger, pepperoni, sausage, chicken, steak, bacon, prosciutto, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, arugula, basil, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and more! You can find their truck around town, or hire them for your special event.

We think Thai Chili Food Truck has the best Thai food in Western Massachusetts. Try curries, rice bowls, their famous Thai fries, colorful spring rolls, lovingly handmade blue-crab rangoons, shrimp drunken noodles, and more! Every item is beautifully presented with a large portion made to perfection. This truck, like many others, also offers gluten-free and vegan options. Their addictive moo-moo fries topped with luscious curry pulled pork are a favorite!

A Day at the Vineyard

SPEND A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY EXPLORING LOCAL WINERIES

ARTICLE BY AMANDA WATERFIELD

An autumn pleasure to explore nearby is the local vineyard, with about a dozen options within a half-hour drive. We’ll take you on a tour of three local favorites. Grab your picnic basket and buckle up for a delicious adventure.

Lost Acres Vineyard, off the beaten path in North Granby, CT, is home to beautiful gardens, with horses in the adjacent fields. On the expansive lawn, you can claim a table or bring your own setup. Dogs are welcome at this location.

The tasting room offers over a dozen wines. Here you can find familiar varietals, or explore the vineyard’s custom options, including Firehouse Red, a peppery wine with a hint of blackberry flavor, and the dry Wedge White. The winery grows six varieties of white grapes on five acres of its property. The farm kitchen offers cheese and antipasto pairings; local food vendors also prepare fresh food on site.

Photo by Rachel Primmer

Lost Acres’s owners Michelle Niedermeyer and Kevin Riggott place a high value on incorporating the arts into their vineyard. With a rotating art show in the tasting room, “We’ve found a niche in supporting the arts,” says Michelle. Dancers and local musicians also have a venue at Lost Acres, with a rich offering of performances scheduled through the end of the year.

Lost Acres runs holiday farmers markets for Thanksgiving and Christmas, offering locally produced vegetables, meats, and dairy products. “When we started, we concluded that you’re either a farm or a bar. We definitely wanted to lean into the farming side of it,” notes Michelle. Visit www. lostacresvineyard.com.

Your next stop should be Worthington Vineyards and Winery in Somers, CT. Worthington is located in a sprawling park setting, with hills, ponds, and trees. Sean Bray, director of promotions and marketing for Worthington, encourages visitors to explore the expansive gardens and grounds year round; bocce, cornhole, trails, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing can all be enjoyed at Worthington Pond Farm.

The tasting room is cozy and rustic, located in the winery’s warming house, where a wood fireplace provides warmth and atmosphere. Other gathering spaces include five patio areas and the covered bridge. The warming house, covered bridge, and sugar shack buildings were built using wood harvested from the property.

Worthington Vineyards’ tasting room is cozy and rustic, located in the winery’s warming house, where a wood fireplace provides warmth and atmosphere.

Photo by Sean Bray

Worthington’s menu includes three seasonal flavors of wine slushies and two of sangria in spring, summer, and fall, along with three reds and two whites. In winter, they offer mulled wine and two sangrias. The winery is currently importing grapes from out of state to supplement their own. “We are coming out very soon with our first estate wine — a Chambourcin — a red hybrid that grows well in the north,” says Sean. To accompany the wine, plan to bring your own picnic or purchase a charcuterie box or cheese and cracker assortment. Worthington opens at noon on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Winter hours will vary; visit worthingtonpondfarm.com.

Finally, wrap up your day at Brignole Vineyard in East Granby, CT. Brignole is known for its spacious tasting room and range of events, including craft workshops, wine and food pairings, trivia nights, and car shows. The semi-private deck space can host up to 12 people. You can hold a special event, such as a shower or corporate gathering, in the winery’s elegant second-floor space. On October 13 and 14, Brignole will host its Harvest Fest Market, a free event featuring local artisan crafts and goods.

Brignole offers over two dozen wines, all made on site, including its Barrel Reserve and Owners Reserve Series, all aged in different styles of oak. The winery hosts live music and food trucks on the weekends and is open through the winter. The website is www.brignolevineyards.com.

Brignole Vineyard’s Barrel Reserve and Owners Reserve Series are all aged in different styles of oak.

Photo by Cassandra Fersch

Specializing in:

Sewing machine sales and service

Sewing and quilting classes and custom embroidery!

We carry Pfaff, Husqvarna Viking, and Brother machines and accessories, as well as, Floriani threads and stabilizers

Phone: (413) 301 - 9656

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-3pm

Address 2005 Riverdale St West Springfield, MA 01089

sewingwithparsons@yahoo com

https://sewingwithparsons com/

A TASTE OF IRELAND

ARTICLE BY ANGELA GROUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CROSBY PHOTOGRAPHY

THE IRISH HOUSE RESTAURANT OFFERS A SNUG

PUB, RUGBY’S HUB, AND GREAT GRUB

Ireland may be 3,065 miles away from West Springfield, but as you descend down a dipped driveway, brightly hand-painted stone walls create an authentic Irish street setting, home to The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Complete with a cobblestone path, the entrance welcomes the public to enjoy Irish history, food, and entertainment, and raise a glass to toast in true Irish fashion.

The restaurant and pub are hidden gems located in the rear of the former Elks Lodge building at 429 Morgan Rd. Manager Michael Ratte, head chef Peter Stewart, and event coordinator Conor Driscoll have teamed up with the Irish Cultural Center to create a fantastic and family-friendly social gathering place. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.

Comforting Irish dishes and traditional pub food are what’s on the menu. Enjoy sliders with applewood smoked bacon, a deliciously messy Reuben sandwich, and their popular Reuben quesadilla, “from the southern part of Ireland, near Mexico,” says Chef Peter with a wink.

Every Friday and Saturday, the traditional boiled corned beef and cabbage entrée is on offer. Another popular choice is the Guinness stew, made of course with the famous beer, while Friday’s weekly special of fish and chips is prepared with a Guinness batter.

Guinness happens to be the most-requested beverage, with Jameson Irish whiskey and Smithwick’s ale coming in a close second. There are a dozen beers on tap, as well as wine, cocktails, and Irish coffees (which pair well with the definitely shareable personal cheesecake or their freshly made choux pastry ice cream puff).

The Trinity Pub has musical entertainment every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., and traditional Irish Seisiûn jams every Wednesday evening. November 12 will feature the Celtic rock group House of Hamel.

On the second Thursday of the month, the Irish Book Club meets, and welcomes new participants. Other special events include author talks, comedy nights, and do-it-yourself crafting events.

Portraits of well-known Irish authors adorn the large molding above the bar, inspiring conversation. The interior décor invites tales to be shared around the chestnut wood tables. A large, shaded patio provides outdoor dining as well as the best view to watch live rugby matches hosting the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club on the field on Saturdays at 1 p.m. in spring and fall. There is no additional fee for the rugby dining experience.

“We are the area’s hub for rugby,” says Conor. “Teams from all over Western Massachusetts come to play. In the fall, we live stream the Rugby World Cup games on the giant screens in the restaurant and have quite a gathering of rugby fans.”

Within the year, the live streaming may move upstairs to the spacious event hall, which has been under renovation. The front side of the building is set to be adorned with a grand entranceway to welcome the public to a new performance center.

In addition to the Trinity Pub and the private party space at the upcoming performance center, The Irish House Restaurant’s Celtic Room accommodates smaller private parties, as does the Snug Room, which once was used as a women-only space. To find out why, you will have to venture over!

The performance center will accommodate banquet-style functions as well as serve as a concert center, complete with a stage that will fold into the wall when not in use. The magnificent chandeliers and multiple windows provide great lighting for events. Michael says, “We are hoping to begin scheduling events for the fall of 2024.”

In December, the Tavern Carolers sing Christmas and Irish carols on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Information about tickets and reservations for special events can be found on the website, with most special events including a dinner entrée or buffet meal.

The Irish Cultural Center is the governing organization that operates the facility. Within the building, the ICC has a library and a museum with Irish artifacts; both are free and open to the public to visit. Whether you dine on delicious entrées, come for entertainment, or visit the museum, there is a plethora of Irish décor, drinks, and culture to savor.

Find out more about upcoming events at irishcenterwne.org or The Irish House and Trinity Pub on Facebook. For reservations or questions, call 413.342.4358 or email icctrinitypub@gmail.com

ARTICLE BY ANGELA GROUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J81 STUDIOS LLC

Grand-Slam Dining

SHORTSTOP BAR & GRILL

Voted the Best Sports Bar by Restaurant Guru, Westfield’s Shortstop Bar & Grill at 99 Westfield Street just over the West Springfield line has become more than just an elite sports bar — it has evolved into a favorite pub for gathering with friends and family, date and girls’ nights, and best of all, outdoor patio dining that extends into the fall and even winter.

The idea for the restaurant sprang from Monica Guarnieri, daughter of the owner, who had recently graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. With her gastronomic talent and passion to pursue a restaurant endeavor, the popular Shortstop Bar & Grill debuted Monica’s vision of creating a family-friendly atmosphere to complement the owner’s batting cage business next door.

Every morning, Monica arrives with her daughters, ages one and three, to bake fresh pastries. As a pastry chef, her creations are mouthwatering. The deep-dish cookie sundae and the crème brûlée are among her most popular desserts.  Many mornings, her daughters can be found watering the restaurant’s lush flower planters with their Nana, and they are always available for food-tasting approval.

Diverse conversations over cocktails span throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The outdoor patio is open year round and offers live entertainment on the weekends. The patio boasts a fire pit and outdoor heaters, providing comfort throughout the season, with blankets available for those who wish to be extra cozy outside.

Shortstop features a full bar with 29 beers on tap. Bartender Vanessa Van Oostveen, who has been creating specialty drinks at the restaurant for ten years, is excited to serve up the customer-favorite pumpkin martini this month, along with the very special caramel apple sangria rimmed with house-made salted caramel. Seasonal beverages like the caramel appletini and iced pumpkin latte are among the many special cocktails offered in the fall.

“Paring our butternut-inspired entrees with the pumpkin martini is truly a deliciously sweet way to taste the season,” Van Oostveen notes. “I garnish the martini with our house-made gingerbread biscotti, as well the house-made salted caramel.”

For this fall season, Monica says, “We will be making extra batches of our butternut bisque because it goes really fast.” The fall menu will also include butternut squash ravioli and other special featured appetizers, burgers, paninis, flatbreads, entrees, and desserts.

The fan-favorite starters include the Bases Loaded Nachos, the “It’s a Hit” Hummus Platter, and the traditional Crispy Wings. The Power Salad and Shortstop Chili are popular at lunchtime, as well as the Shortstop Burger, the ThreeCheese Grilled Cheese, and the Homerun Burger. For larger appetites, the Grand-Slam Burger is a half-pound burger topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and mushrooms. The portion sizes are generous and freshly made to order.

Other enticing and hearty entrée selections are the slowcooked, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs, Monica’s 12-ounce New York strip steak topped with sautéed mushrooms, and the beautiful 8-ounce, parmesan-encrusted filet mignon.

If you’re dining alone or with a group, the bases are covered at Shortstop, whether seated at a table or at the comfortable bar. Entertainment is always free and from every seat there is a view of a screen to watch your favorite game. The restaurant also has a private banquet hall that can accommodate up to 100 people for showers, fundraising events, holiday parties, and more.

The Shortstop truly offers a sense of community with a variety of events. Wednesday nights are trivia nights, starting at 7:30 p.m. and open to both single and group players for a fun night out and the chance to win prizes. International theme nights are offered monthly, bringing together décor and delicious food creations inspired from Lebanon, Poland, Italy, Greece, and beyond. On occasional weekends throughout the year, the batting cage pub area hosts talented craft vendors displaying and selling their locally made wares.

Indoors, the dining and pub atmosphere extend into the batting cage company, where patrons can take part in the Swingfield Batting Cages and the Par 4 the Course Simulators, which can be rented and offer virtual golf games at the most famous golf courses, as well as virtual lacrosse, hockey, baseball, basketball, bow and arrow, and more. This entertainment has become popular for adult birthdays and company parties.

Follow Shortstop @facebook.com/shortstopbarandgrill for details on upcoming events, entertainment, menu specials, and more!

SHORTSTOP BAR & GRILL

99 Springfield Road Westfield, MA  413.642.6370

“Paring our butternutinspired entrees with the pumpkin martini is a deliciously sweet way to taste the season,” bartender Vanessa notes. “I garnish the martini with our housemade gingerbread biscotti, as well as house-made salted caramel.”

Hidden Gems for Local Dining

a Western Massachusetts foodie’s favorite restaurant spots just a short drive away

ARTICLE BY AMY ANDERLONIS

HIDDEN BAKERY:

GRANNY’S BAKING TABLE, SPRINGFIELD, MA

This Southern-style bakery serves made-to-order beignets that rival Café De Monde, along with sinful but oh-so-worth-it pastries including flakey croissants and decadent pies. Savory lunch options are available as well, including the Oh Lawdy — a sweet tea-brined fried chicken sandwich served on a homemade biscuit with pimento cheese and peach jam.

HIDDEN ECLECTIC DINING: DAILY OPERATION, EASTHAMPTON, MA

Daily Operation is THE spot to dine at to tantalize your taste buds. The menu changes weekly with dishes that are packed with flavor, many with Asian influence, and utilize local farm-fresh ingredients. Come hungry and leave room for dessert — the black bottom maple pie is a must. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.

HIDDEN FAMILY DINING:

DEEP ROOTS STREET FOOD, GRANBY, CT

Deep Roots has order-at-the-counter Turkish- and Vietnamese-inspired plates, and a great kids menu. Dine in or bring a picnic blanket to enjoy your meal across the street on the town green. The restaurant shares its space with Grassroots Ice Cream, its sister store known for unique flavors like honey lavender, goat cheese blackberry, and rose chocolate.

HIDDEN LUNCH SPOT: NOSH, SPRINGFIELD, MA

Nosh is the place for fresh, creative sandwiches, salads, and sweet potato bowls, along with not-to-beskipped cookies and desserts. Try the phyllo-wrapped black bean burger served with a creamy chipotle dip. Nosh also offers an extensive catering menu and readymade family meals for delivery.

HIDDEN WINDOW: BLUE DOOR GATHERINGS, HOLYOKE, MA

A high-end caterer also serving a seasonally changing menu of divine breakfast and lunch treats from The Window in Holyoke. Owner/chef Laura Bowman trained at the world-renowned Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and the quality of the dishes she produces reflects that experience. Be on the lookout for her supper club dinners and pop-up wine bar.

HIDDEN SPECIAL OCCASION/ DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT: MILLWRIGHT’S, SIMSBURY, CT

In a refurbished seventeenth century mill overlooking a waterfall, Top Chef contestant Tyler Anderson’s farm-to-table establishment rivals any fine-dining restaurant in Boston. The chef’s tasting menu is an exhilarating foodie adventure. Dine inside, or outside under the newly expanded covered bridge.

LEARN MORE: Amy Anderlonis is a self-proclaimed foodie and former Navy spouse who has traveled and lived across the country. Residing in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two kids, Amy is obsessed with researching the best places to grab a bite to eat throughout the Connecticut River Valley — from hole-in-the-wall joints to fine dining. Follow Amy’s discoveries on Instagram @rivervalleyfare.

Deep Roots Street Food

Millwright's

Daily Operation

Granny's Baking Table

Blue Door Gatherings

Nosh

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin

• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum

• 1/2oz- Lime juice

• Topped with ginger beer

• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH

• Small paint brush

• Simple syrup

• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

The Magic Dragon

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up!  Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Dr. Katrina Banks Owner &

Physical Therapist

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Phantoms By Firelight

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE, 1 OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE RD., STURBRIDGE, MA | 4:30 PM

A Halloween experience of epic—and eerie—proportions! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October 29, as the sun sets, explore the myths and folklore of Halloween at the museum. Guests will see the Village in a darker, more eerie light. Adding to the experience is a mysterious troupe of performers taking over the Village with their captivating performances. 800.733.1830 or visit osv.org/event/phantoms-by-firelight/

Oktoberfest at The Student Prince

8 FORT ST., SPRINGFIELD, MA | 5:30 PM

Two nights of the best Oktoberfest celebration! The festivities kick off on Friday, October 6, with the Berkshire Mountain Wanderers, followed by the annual tapping of the keg. The party keeps rolling down Fort Street through the evening with the most authentic German beers, brats, burgers, and more. Tickets include one haus beer to kick off your Oktoberfest. Call 413.734.7475.

Annual Granville Harvest Fair

GRANVILLE, MA | 10:00 AM

Saturday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., visit for great food, crafters and artisans, vendors, demonstrations, and tours of the 160-year-old drum factory. The Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation and gift shop are open all three days of the Granville Harvest Fair. Call 413.357.6321 or visit townofgranville.net/visit-granville/pages/harvest-fair

Ghost Tours at Storrowton Village Museum

1305 MEMORIAL AVE., WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA | 7:00 PM

Do ghosts live at Storrowton? On October 12, 19, and 26, find out about paranormal investigations in the Village, then take a guided tour of the museum buildings with Village staff and volunteers telling stories of unexplained occurrences. Tours are approximately 90 minutes – 2 hours long and are recommended for ages 12 and up. Visit storrowtonvillage.com/p/events/ghost-tours or call 413.205.5051.

Rails to the Darkside

CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM, 58 NORTH RD., EAST WINDSOR, CT | 7:00 PM

Scary fun for ages 16+! On the darkest of nights, mournful cries are heard on the tracks. Ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods, listen to the tales of yesteryear, and learn of a hastily moved cemetery whose bodies were left behind, their angry souls seeking their revenge! Visit  ct-trolley.org/events/upcoming-events/ or call 860.627.6540.

Agawam Public Library All-Ages Family Halloween Parade

750 COOPER ST., AGAWAM, MA | 4:00 PM

Get into costume and join the parade! Enjoy cider donuts, stories, and songs on the library lawn. In the event of rain, the festivities will take place in the children’s activity room. Call 413.789.8860 or visit agawamlibrary.org/ for information. Grades 7-12, pre-register for Creepy Crafternoon, taking place on Friday, October 13 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., all materials provided.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestSpringfield

It’s Pumpkin Bread Season

The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.

4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.

5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.

7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.

8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

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