the foodie issue






























Welcome fall!
With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall 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.
Whether it's traveling the Pioneer Valley to savor a burger and a brew, attending a concert at Westfield River Brewing Company or enjoying lunch at the Pottery Cellar - there is sure to be something for everyone!
We also included a few new recipes for you to try at home. There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.
As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!
PUBLISHER
Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Madeline LeBlanc | sociallyelitemedia@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madeline LeBlanc, Maureen Sullivan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madeline LeBlanc, Kat Kattler Photography, Hannah Josephine Photography, Pamela Jean Photography
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 Whitney Lockhart
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @Westfield_Northampton_CL
Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB, announced today that it was named a 2023 Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces national award winner. This award is based on employee feedback, gathered through an anonymous, third-party survey. “To be nationally recognized as an employer of choice in financial services is a tremendous honor, particularly since it’s the direct result of feedback from those who know us best: our employees,” shared bankESB President and CEO Matthew S. Sosik.
Michael Glenzel is a writer and author of a new sci-fi series, Crack of Dawn , available on Amazon. Michael grew up in Winchendon, MA, then moved to Westfield where he and his wife raised their three children. When not writing, he reads about worlds of the future, the strange, and the creepy. AlienAlmanac Books is an imprint for his self-published books. Some additional information about Michael and his books can be found at his website alienalmanac.com
ARToberFEST, a day long cultural experience in the heart of downtown Westfield, is calling all artists! We can accommodate up to 100 artists. Accepted Media includes painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, collage, photography, printmaking, digital art, wood, glass, metal, fiber, clay, and ceramics. To be considered, submit three digital images of your work by 10/1/2023 to info@artworkswestfield.com. Include your Name, Email, Phone, Medium, Title of each image submission and a link to your work online.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
Our community is brimming with incredible food and drinks in which to indulge and we’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself. Bon Appétit and cheers!
TWO RIVERS BURRITO CO.: Celebrating 10 years, Two Rivers Burrito offers healthy options, local ingredients, value prices, and exceptional customer service. The menu includes burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, and quesadillas. 36 Elm Street, Westfield
THE SUMMER HOUSE: The Summer House is a spacious comfort food joint, offering inventive ice cream flavors along with sandwiches & snacks. 552 College Highway, Southwick
TUCKER'S RESTAURANT: Tucker's Restaurant is a place to unwind and enjoy lunch, dinner or that special occasion in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Banquets available seven days a week. 625 College Highway, Southwick
RICHARD'S GRINDERS: Richard's Grinders is a local sandwich shop offering fresh made grinders, sandwiches, salads, soups, and pasta dinners. 420 Union Street, Westfield
TAVERN RESTAURANT: The Tavern Restaurant offers something for everyone with a full assortment of dinner and lunch entrees plus a large variety of offerings on our sandwich, salad and kids' menu. 2 Broad Street, Westfield
Scan
Want to recommend a local experience?
Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.
1. Weather - Constructing with drier, harder ground is much easier than during a wet messy spring. You will have less mess!
2. Landscaping - Fall is an ideal time to plant many shrubs and trees. Finalize landscaping so that things are already taking root in the spring.
3. Reduced Wait Times - With pool building slowing down, your builder can concentrate on you! Avoid the spring rush and instead, get ready to jump in first thing in the spring!
4. Preparation - Take the time over the winter to familiarize yourself with the pool’s maintenance systems and learn how to care for it. Finish up backyard projects and make those final payments. Get everything lined up for your pool’s Spring kickoff!
5. Taxes - Certainly check in with your accountant, but you may find that end-of-year tax write-offs are appropriate with your pool purchase.
As a foodie, it is no secret that the October issue is my favorite. This month I decided to ask our readers and my followers what their favorite burger and beer spots are, to compile a big list of the 10 best burger joints and breweries in Western Mass. Of course, I had to travel to these establishments and see for myself just how good these spots are!
ARTICLE BY DAWN WHITEHILL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY
My name is Dawn Whitehill, and I was born and raised in Westfield. Since my early thirties, I have always wanted to establish my own Polish Pottery business with a small cafe.
In the late fall of 2016, I learned that my favorite place to purchase Polish Pottery, made at the Ceramika Artystyczna factory in Poland, was closing. The owner chose not to sell her business and instead liquidated her inventory, closing her doors in December 2016. Having set my heart on The Mill at Crane Pond, my persistent inquiries paid off after about six months, when we were finally shown the space that now houses the Pottery Cellar. We established a partnership with a distributor in the United States for the pottery, and we also travel to Pennsylvania for various other merchandise. Additionally, we proudly showcase Jojo’s Rustic Remnants wreaths and other home decor. During the holiday season, we collaborate with a few local vendors, featuring their craftsmanship for which we are truly grateful.
The Pottery Cellar offers the most extensive selection of authentic Polish pottery from the CA factory in New England, along with a small assortment from other Polish factories. We also present a wide variety of wreaths, home decor, candy, and truffles. Our unique offering is The Bubble Mug Cafe, where all meals are served on Polish Pottery. Moreover, we provide a gathering space accommodating up to fifty people, making it an ideal venue for showers, birthdays, meetings, and any special event where you wish to be surrounded by rustic elegance and dine on genuine Polish pottery.
Over the past five years, the Pottery Cellar has undergone several expansions. Our business has experienced remarkable growth, particularly after the pandemic, both in the retail sector and within our cafe and banquet gathering space. 5. What does the future hold for the Pottery Cellar? We are exploring significant offsite events for both our retail and food business and aim to establish connections beyond the confines of The Mill at Crane Pond.
“UPON STEPPING INTO THE POTTERY CELLAR, YOU WILL BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. THE SIZE, THE CHARM OF BRICK ARCHES, AND THE REVITALIZED MILL AMBIANCE EXUDE RUSTIC ELEGANCE FROM THE MOMENT YOU ENTER.”
An Eventful Place for Beer and More
ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAMELA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHYImagine a classic New England barn, 70 acres of farmland, and music filling the air. Maybe there’s a wedding, birthday party, or an outdoor concert happening there.
Westfield River Brewing Company in Southwick may have begun as a brewery when Sergio Bonavita opened the doors of the barn for business in 2011, but it has evolved into so much more.
In 2015, Sergio renovated the barn and turned it into a 250-seat event venue. With a spacious interior and the farmland outside, the barn is the perfect place for rustic-themed weddings (WRBC hosted 30 this year),
private parties such as retirement and birthday celebrations, baby showers or any special occasion.
Sergio expanded his vision and Westfield River Brewing Company began to host its own events. In summer and fall, there are six outdoor concerts, many featuring well-known tribute bands, such as Face to Face, a dueling piano Billy Joel/Elton John act, Tusk, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and The Breakers, covering the music of Tom Petty.
The brewery’s annual Fall Festival, its signature event, happens on October 15. The grounds of the
brewery open at 2 p.m. for a perfect New England autumn event for everyone.
“We have music, food trucks, 20 local vendors, cool beer games, pumpkin painting, Jack ‘o Lantern carving and other activities for kids,” Sergio said. This year, Hot Mess, named the Number One Party Band by Boston Magazine is the concert headliner with several local bands scheduled to play as well.
With 70 acres of open field, there is more than enough space for families to bring lawn chairs and blankets, sit back and enjoy the food and the music. There’s a spring festival that is held in May. Each festival typically sells out quickly.
In colder months, the music moves inside to the barn where 20 concerts are on the schedule.
The holiday season is spirited - in more ways than one - the brewery has also become a distillery, but more on that later. The Holiday Marketplace happens in December and features a variety of vendors.
Unlike many breweries, WRBC is what Sergio calls an event-driven venue. Guests can only visit the brewery for events because it is not open as a walk-in, sitdown venue with regular hours.
What can you expect to order from the bar when you visit Westfield River Brewing Company?
WRBC makes all its own beer, ranging from Coastal Haze, a New England-style IPA, to The Dude, a cold-brewed coffee stout, made with coffee beans from Circuit Coffee in Westfield to the beer that reminds you of something from your
childhood ice cream truck — The Orange Creamsicle. Sergio offered the ingredients for The Orange Creamsicle — a sweet brew of milk, sugar, oranges, and vanilla. Dare we say dessert?
Dead Man Walking is a West Coast super bitter, piney IPA while the Farmhouse is a Belgian-style ale with what Sergio describes as “a bit of a sour, fruity, funky taste.” Big Red Barn is an Irish Imperial Red ale.
Seasonal beers include IPAs and lagers. One of the most popular Sergio said, is the White Pumpkin. Brewed with local pumpkins, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it is the quintessential fall beer.
Sergio hasn’t stopped at beer. A sister company of WRBC distills bourbon, gin, and vodka, all of which are available at the brewery as well as an assortment of canned cocktails.
The signature bourbon is a four-year-old bourbon with a smooth, stand-alone taste, according to Sergio. The vodka is distilled six times in a charcoal filter to give it a super-smooth finish. It’s also gluten-free. Sergio described the Old World-style gin as a traditional gin, like a London dry gin. Then there’s the rum. Produced in the Dominican Republic, they import it once a year. Sergio then ages the rum, this time in bourbon barrels. The taste, he said, “has the sweetness of Caribbean rum. Mixed with the oak, it has the finish of a whiskey.”
707 College Highway Southwick, MA 01077
413-579-8362
westfieldriverbrewing.com
The brewery’s annual Fall Festival, its signature event, happens on October 15. “We have music, food trucks, 30 local vendors, cool beer games, pumpkin painting, Jack ‘o Lantern carving and other activities for kids.” — Sergio
Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cure-all, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.
Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup iced cold water
Filling:
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Caramel sauce
• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans
Crust:
(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)
Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.
Filling: Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONESThis take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sliced sourdough bread
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• 4 ounces Brie, sliced
• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced
• Arugula
• Thinly sliced ham, optional
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped
• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts
• 1/3 cup apple juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
OCTOBER 5TH, 12TH & 19TH
Westfield Farmers' Market
36 COURT STREET, WESTFIELD | 12:00 PM
Come enjoy a variety of local vendors selling items such as veggies, fruit, coffee, jewelry, baked goods, juice, plants, maple syrup, bread, soap, lemonade, pizza and so much more! Enjoy live music while you visit! 12pm-5pm.
OCTOBER 7TH & 8TH
Whimsical Fairy Walk
STANLEY PARK, 400 WESTERN AVE, WESTFIELD
Join us for a whimsical walk through our Woodland Wildflower Garden that will be sprinkled with fairy houses for a magical experience of the natural world. Volunteer builders create a fairyland of small structures built out of natural materials, opening a portal to the imagination. This is a family-friendly celebration of nature, creativity, inspiration and community sponsored by PeoplesBank. stanleypark.org.
OCTOBER 11TH
Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce - After 5 Connection
EAST MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB, 1458 EAST MOUNTAIN RD, WESTFIELD | 5:00PM
Don’t miss this great networking opportunity with an Oktoberfest theme! For more info, please visit westfieldbiz.org
OCTOBER 14TH
PumpkinFest 2023
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, 28 WEST SILVER STREET, WESTFIELD | 11:00 AM
PumpkinFest Returns! Save the date to join us for a day of FUN behind the Boys & Girls Club 11am-3pm. Food Trucks, pumpkin carving/decorating, "Trunk or Treating" sponsored by All Stars Dance Center, Westfield Gas & Electric's Big Rig Rally, performances, kids activities, crafts/local vendors, and more!
OCTOBER 17TH
STANLEY PARK, 400 WESTERN AVE, WESTFIELD | 10:00 AM
The workshop will meet at the fountain in the Rose Garden. The Stanley Park Greenhouse/Horticultural Staff will give you tips and answer all of your gardening questions. Please use the main Western Ave entrance (Gate 2) or the Kensington Ave entrance (Gate 3) for parking and easy access to the Rose Garden. stanleypark.org
OCTOBER 27TH
THE SOUTHWICK INN, 479 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK | 8:00 PM
Moose and the High Tops are playing at the Southwick Inn! Come enjoy some amazing music along with awesome food and drinks! The High Tops are the areas best 70's/80s Classic Rock band featuring Moose, Michael, Scott, and CJ! Visit facebook.com/TheSouthwickInn for more info.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Westfield
• Do not skip meals so you can “pig out” later.
• Eat something small before going, so that you are not starved when you get there.
• Drink adequate water.
• Exercise before going.
• Wear clothes that fit snuggly as a physical reminder.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE…
• Do not stand by the food table. Circulate around the room.
• Have either appetizers or desserts.
Every year brings the same dilemma. You are on a “diet” and it’s the holidays. You plan to “be really good”, but the Halloween candy, pumpkin pie and Christmas cookies are too tempting. You break your “diet”, and then “who cares” sets in because it is only once a year…for 3 months. Eventually, you are faced with the difficult task of getting back on track.
You can get through the holidays and be healthy by using your mind as a guide, focusing on healthy eating 85-95% of the time. The goal is to keep focused and move forward every day. This is what a healthy lifestyle is all about. View each holiday event as having 4 parts; several days ahead, the day of, while you are there and afterward. Take positive steps in all stages.
SEVERAL
• Offer to bring a healthy food.
• Change a holiday recipe to meet your health needs and share with your host.
• Get the menu in advance and decide what to have.
• Be the host, then you’ll know what healthy foods are available.
• Practice portion control.
• At appetizer & mealtime follow the one-plate rule…no seconds!
• Do non-food activities. Socialize, dance or talk.
• Have gravy, dressing, sauces & toppings on the side, and use only 1 spoonful.
• Drink a glass of water 20 minutes before you start eating.
• Use portion control.
• Slow-down. Take 20 minutes to eat, allowing time for your stomach to let your brain know it’s full.
• 1. Acknowledge the healthy actions you did take at each of the steps.
• 2. Accept that you did enjoy yourself; it’s okay to like food.
• 3. Complete this sentence “The next healthy thing I am going to do is _______”
• 4. Take action!
• Give yourself a gift - stop dieting this holiday season and replace it with a healthy lifestyle. Recognize you won’t be perfect. And just keep moving forward.
Jennifer Giffune, RDN. is a freelance author, professional speaker and nutrition counselor. Jennifer sees clients for in-person nutrition counseling in Westfield and by phone or video. To make an appointment with Jennifer, call (413) 579 – 5450 or email her at jen@jenthedietitian.com
Specials available at any bankESB office for a limited time and may be withdrawn without notice.
1 9-MONTH CD
5.12% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to existing and new checking account customers only. For new customers, both accounts, checking and CD, must be opened at the same time to unlock bump up rate of 5.12% APY.
4.85% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) - Promotional offer is available to new or existing customers without a checking account.
9-Month CD rates are effective as of 7/1/2023. Minimum CD opening deposit is $1,000. Automatically renews at maturity for 9 months at the then current CD rate and term. Minimum balance to obtain APY is $0.01. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Available for IRAs and business customers.
2 $300 ACCOUNT BONUS
Special offer is for opening a new Get Real Checking SM account. Minimum balance to open Get Real Checking SM is $10. Bonuses are for new checking account customers and limited to one account per customer. Bonus payouts may be 1099 reportable. Account must be in good standing and have a positive balance at the time the bonus is paid. May not be combined with other promotional offers. Customers who have previously received a bonus on a checking account closed with the bank within the previous 12 months are not eligible. This is a limited time offer and subject to change without notice. $200 promotional offer is for opening a Get Real Checking SM account and activating direct deposit (of at least $25) OR enrolling in Online Banking and conducting 5 debit card transactions using your debit card within the first 60 days of account opening ($200 will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 60th day the account has been open). $50 promotional offer is for making 5 bill payments using Online Banking OR enrolling in eStatements within 60 days of account opening ($50 will be credited to the account by the last business day of the statement cycle following the 60th day the account has been open). Minors (anyone under the age of 18) are not eligible for Online Bill Pay. $50 loyalty bonus will be paid after the account has been open for 12 months ($50 will be credited to the account by the last day of the statement cycle following the 365th day the account has been open).