Great places to eat in Northampton
Beth Cash
Issue date: 5/14/09 Section: Opinions
While graduating Smithies contemplate the next step in their lives after college, most parents have one thing on their mind during this landmark occasion: where are we going to eat? With dozens of restaurants to choose from and a few thousand families milling about, finding dinner after the ceremony can be more stressful than the four years it took to get to this important day. If you wish to avoid McDonald's, I recommend that you make reservations now, if you have not already, as everywhere is going to fill up quickly. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions of where you can head to celebrate this special day.
Mulino's Trattoria: Forget Viva Fresh Pasta or Spoleto's. These places will be packed in cramped quarters for what, in my opinion, is mediocre food. Mulino's is off the main road, has a spacious and relaxed atmosphere and has superb Italian food at affordable prices. Try penne with vodka sauce, or my personal favorite, the pork loin with figs and gorgonzola. The family will not be disappointed.
Circa: Circa is one of those restaurants to which I love going. It is a place where you might see some combinations of flavors that you have never experienced before, and when you taste them, you wonder where that flavor has been all your life. Small and unassuming, Circa's New American food is certainly for the slightly more adventurous eaters, but is a wonderful and charming establishment to enjoy a really tasty meal. It is small, so make sure to reserve a spot.
Wiggins Tavern at the Hotel Northampton: For the meat and potato eaters, or anyone who enjoys a good steak or prime rib, I would suggest this classic restaurant inside the Hotel Northampton. The fare is traditional American in an old fashioned New England setting. Somehow, I can see my grandmother talking about this place for the next couple of months. Sophisticated and a crowd-pleaser, any non-vegetarian would enjoy celebrating their graduation here.
Chez Albert: While Northampton has a lot to offer, my favorite meal of my Smith career has been at Chez Albert in Amherst center. A small French bistro - literally, there are maybe 12 tables - Chez Albert is the epitome of simple and well-made food. A friendly and knowledgeable staff enhances the experience, and the attentive yet laid-back atmosphere makes you feel as though you are a special guest, rather than the average patron. Be warned though, this place has a wait on weekdays, so a reservation for graduation week is recommended, if not required.
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou: Located about 15 minutes from Northampton in Williamsburg on Route 9, Big Mamou is probably one of the most fun restaurants in the Pioneer Valley. Bright colors and authentic Cajun Creole rule here, and Chef Wayne is a master. Perfectly fried oysters, gumbo and etouffe are just some of the perfectly spiced entrees, and deep-dish bourbon pecan pie makes a divine finish. If you want a more casual and low-key dining experience, I would recommend this place, as well as one of their signature cocktails. Just make sure you have a designated driver.
Mulino's Trattoria: 41 Strong Ave, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 586-8900
Circa: 57 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 586-2622
Wiggins Tavern: 36 King St, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 584-3100
Chez Albert: 27 S Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-3811
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou: 15 Main St, Williamsburg, MA 01096, (413) 268-8901
Mulino's Trattoria: Forget Viva Fresh Pasta or Spoleto's. These places will be packed in cramped quarters for what, in my opinion, is mediocre food. Mulino's is off the main road, has a spacious and relaxed atmosphere and has superb Italian food at affordable prices. Try penne with vodka sauce, or my personal favorite, the pork loin with figs and gorgonzola. The family will not be disappointed.
Circa: Circa is one of those restaurants to which I love going. It is a place where you might see some combinations of flavors that you have never experienced before, and when you taste them, you wonder where that flavor has been all your life. Small and unassuming, Circa's New American food is certainly for the slightly more adventurous eaters, but is a wonderful and charming establishment to enjoy a really tasty meal. It is small, so make sure to reserve a spot.
Wiggins Tavern at the Hotel Northampton: For the meat and potato eaters, or anyone who enjoys a good steak or prime rib, I would suggest this classic restaurant inside the Hotel Northampton. The fare is traditional American in an old fashioned New England setting. Somehow, I can see my grandmother talking about this place for the next couple of months. Sophisticated and a crowd-pleaser, any non-vegetarian would enjoy celebrating their graduation here.
Chez Albert: While Northampton has a lot to offer, my favorite meal of my Smith career has been at Chez Albert in Amherst center. A small French bistro - literally, there are maybe 12 tables - Chez Albert is the epitome of simple and well-made food. A friendly and knowledgeable staff enhances the experience, and the attentive yet laid-back atmosphere makes you feel as though you are a special guest, rather than the average patron. Be warned though, this place has a wait on weekdays, so a reservation for graduation week is recommended, if not required.
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou: Located about 15 minutes from Northampton in Williamsburg on Route 9, Big Mamou is probably one of the most fun restaurants in the Pioneer Valley. Bright colors and authentic Cajun Creole rule here, and Chef Wayne is a master. Perfectly fried oysters, gumbo and etouffe are just some of the perfectly spiced entrees, and deep-dish bourbon pecan pie makes a divine finish. If you want a more casual and low-key dining experience, I would recommend this place, as well as one of their signature cocktails. Just make sure you have a designated driver.
Mulino's Trattoria: 41 Strong Ave, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 586-8900
Circa: 57 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 586-2622
Wiggins Tavern: 36 King St, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 584-3100
Chez Albert: 27 S Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002, (413) 253-3811
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou: 15 Main St, Williamsburg, MA 01096, (413) 268-8901
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