8 Places in Western MA with Serious Foodie Cred
It turns out you don’t always need to visit the big cities to sample the best of the best in the culinary world. Here in Western Massachusetts, we’re home to several James Beard Award winners and nominees, a nationally recognized cheesemonger, and some seriously celebrated bakeries and breakfast spots. Here's a roundup of some of our most recent foodie accolades.
Small Oven
In May Dessert Professional Magazine celebrated the world of artisan bread with its list of the Top Ten Bread Bakers in America featuring Julie Copoulos of Small Oven in Easthampton. According to Dessert Professional, these bakers have mastered the art and technique of creating the perfect loaf—that elusive combination of flavor, texture and appearance.
Provisions
At this year’s Cheesemonger Invitational in New York City, Kelley Jewell from Provisions in Northampton landed among the top ten mongers in the country. The competition includes a written exam focusing on affinage (the act or process of aging cheese), a "perfect bite" which involves pairing a mystery cheese, and other feats of cheesemonger strength. So when you’re looking for an award-winning cheese selection, look no further than the cheese counter at Provisions in Northampton!
Herrell’s
Northampton’s Herrell’s is no stranger to culinary accolades having earned praise from the likes of Newsweek and Boston Magazine in the past. Most recently The Wall Street Journal published a piece about building the perfect ice cream sundae at home and picked Herrell’s Hot Fudge as one of its sauce recommendations: “When it comes into contact with ice cream, this classic of the form thickens, becoming almost chewy, adding textural contrast, just as a hot fudge should.” Did you know you can order Herrell’s Hot Fudge online?
Jake’s
New England-based foodie television show The Phantom Gourmet showed Jake’s in Northampton a little love last June. This local favorite is known for its creative breakfast dishes including funky French toast and a crazy variety of hashes. Brunch at Jake’s was also a favorite for Matthew Simko and Cait Plus Ate when they visited this April.
The Roost
Last summer the Food Network published a list of the “Best Breakfasts Between Bread” featuring Rooster Rolls from The Roost in Northampton among places in Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. Served on The Roost’s house-baked rolls (a cross between ciabatta and English Muffin), there’s a handful of combinations and each one rings in just around $5 each!
Coco & the Cellar Bar and Hungry Ghost Bread
Every February the James Beard Foundation releases its list of semi-finalists for its coveted culinary awards. This year, two Hampshire County chefs made the nominations list, which is still considered a huge honor. Cheryl Maffei and Jonathan Stevens of Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton were up for Outstanding Baker, marking the bakery’s sixth year being nominated for a James Beard Award. Unmi Abkin of Coco & The Cellar Bar in Easthampton was a nominee for Best Chef Northeast, a first nomination for her.
Good Stock Farm
Speaking of James Beard Awards, Food and Wine Magazine named Good Stock Farm’s classes, taught by James Beard Award-winning chef Sanfrod D’Amato, among the best in the world. After many successful years in the Milwaukee restaurant business and countless accolades (including being one of 12 chefs Julia Child selected to cook for her 80th birthday) the D’Amatos relocated to western Massachusetts for its fertile land and productive local food movement.
Disclaimer: We know Bistro Les Gras, pictured above, isn’t on this list, but would you look at THAT BURGER? It should be!