The Federal (Again)

Here is another review that sat in "draft" format for almost a year!  The Federal's menu changes seasonally, but the bucket of balls and the zucchini matchsticks always seem to make the cut. 
 
CHICKPEAS: 5

We went to the Federal on a recent Friday night for a more casual dinner then our last visit.  We sat in the bar area where there was a a guitarist playing covers of Dave Matthews and the like.    The bar area is cozy with dark wood paneling.  There center of the room has a number of small high top tables and low tables border the wall.

To start, we got a "bucket of balls."  The Federal's risotto balls are to die for.  I could eat them as my entire meal, but I restrain myself.   We also got a second appetizer that we had never had before: zucchini matchsticks.  The zucchini was sliced into very thin short slices and then cooked with almond slivers, olive oil and some spices.  It was served covered with pecorino cheese.  Even though it was my idea to order it, I was a little skeptical once it came out.  It turned out to be really delicious.  The zucchini was cooked to perfection.  I wouldn't call it crispy as the menu describes it, but it definitely holds its own and maintains a firm texture.  The almonds definitely add a crunch and the cheese, while delicious, also serves to maintain the temperature of the dish.  We will certainly be ordering this again.

Zucchini Matchsticks

If you remember our last visit, I was in love with the gorgonzola pop over and wanted to order it again.  To my delight, I found it on the menu by itself (well mostly).  Listed under handhelds is the prociutto di parma stuffed "pop-over."  I quickly settled on my decision.  Unfortunately, I think my first encounter with the gorgonzola pop-over was a fluke.  This second order was overflowing with gorgonzala, whereas my first attempt was slightly flavored like gorgonzola.  If you enjoy gorgonzola, you will enjoy this.  I am still on the fence about gorgonzola, and really only enjoy it in small quantities.  Once I removed the bulk of the gorgonzola, this was still a really delicious meal.  

"Pop-over"

My fiance got a burger with fries.  The bun appeared to be homemade and everything on his plate tasted delicious just as it was!

Fries and the extras that came with the burger

Burger

We have already been back to The Federal at least once since and it is probably time to go again!

The Thai Place (Twice)

It's been a while... Back at it.  Here is a review from April 2011. 
 
CHICKPEAS: 5

On a whim, I purchased a groupon for The Thai Place in South Hadley.  I studied abroad in Thailand and now love eating Thai food.  We went a few weeks ago on a Friday night and then embarassingly again less than 48 hours later for lunch on Sunday.  It was that good!  The meals tasted very authentic, the atmosphere was very casual and the staff was proficient.  Aside from english speaking servers, some authenticity was missing with the place settings.  In Thailand, meals are served with a fork and spoon.  We were given a fork and knife.

When we arrived on Friday night, we were seated right away on a high top table in the bar area.  The tables in this section are divided by dark hanging curtains.  The rest of the restaurant is filled with booths.    The menu had many of the Thai classics I have come to enjoy and the prices were very reasonable.  Most entrees were $9 to $15.  Lunch portions were around $7.

I ordered cashew chicken with a side of brown rice.  The chicken was very moist and full of flavor and the vegetables were very fresh.  My Fiance ordered sweet and sour chicken and pork fried rice.  The sweet and sour chicken was also delicious, and he felt that the fried rice was the best he has ever had. We took leftovers of everything home and had them the next day for lunch.

We couldn't stay away for long.  When my friend came down to visit on Sunday, we took her there for lunch.  We ordered the appetizer sampler to start.  I can't name everything (aside from the obvious satay), but everything I tasted was good.

Appetizer Sampler

I was tempted to order the cashew chicken again.  I was thinking that it was so great, I would be a fool not to order it again.  I was still wavering when the waitress came to take our orders, but I resisted temptation and branched out.  I ordered the pad see ew (wide noodles in a dark sauce) and was again impressed with the flavor and freshness of the vegetables.

Pad See Ew

My friend ordered the basil chicken with a side of wide noodles.

Basil Chicken with Rice Noodles

My fiance ordered pineapple shrimp fried rice.  Again, really great, high quality fried rice.

Pineapple Fired Rice

We took leftovers home again and I had them for dinner the following night.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I ate food from The Thai Place four days in a row.  I wish it could have been five!  We will be back again...

Recycling in Chicopee!

A belated earth day post!

Over a month ago, a large green recycling bin and instructions showed up at the bottom of our driveway.  I was ecstatic!  Over the last few weeks, I have enjoyed driving through my neighborhood on trash day to see everyone's green bins lined up for pick up, many over flowing!  Hopefully you have been recycling in the former small blue containers and are a pro at determining what is recyclable and what is not.  Just in case, here is a refresher.

RECYCLE:

• Metal food cans, glass jars, bottles and plastics labeled #'s 1-7.
• All paper, including shredded paper and paper bags, magazines, soft cover books, all junk mail with envelopes, Christmas wrapping paper (but not metallic or glitter paper), tissue paper
• Cardboard boxes (empty, flat and untied).
• Gift, cereal, shoe and frozen dinner boxes.
• HOLIDAY ITEMS: Gift wrap and bags, tissue paper, cardboard and all gift and shoe boxes, catalogs, greeting cards

DO NOT RECYCLE: 

• Hangers, styrofoam, plastic/clay flower pots, egg cartons.
• Pizza boxes or any container with food still inside.
• Paper plates, napkins, towels, kleenex, toilet paper
• Small appliances, light bulbs, plastic bags, dishes or glasses.
• Scrap metal
• Tinsel, ribbons, bows, packing peanuts, styrofoam

For more information on Chicopee's recycling efforts, refer here. 

Weekend Walks: Szot Park

The weather is taking a pleasant turn towards summer.  The sun is shining longer, the grass is turning green and the flowers are blooming.  We have been exploring some of the local parks with our dog.  Stay tuned for more "weekend walks" posts.

A few weekends ago we went for a stroll in Szot Park in Chicopee.  Szot Park has all sorts of things to do including a pool, bocce courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, basketball courts and more.  Here are some pictures of our trip.

Bocce Courts

There is a free concert in Szot Park tomorrow (Saturday, May 7th) from 12:00 to 5:00 featuring Brass Attack and The Prime Time Players.  Definitely worth checking out!

Main Street Deli

CHICKPEAS: 4


I am desperately trying to catch up on some blogging.  I have gotten too far behind!  Enjoy some of these short posts.  If the restaurant got a 4 or above, you will definitely see a more thorough post when we eventually make our way back!


I went to the Main Street Deli with an Agawam native and another friend.  I was immediately impressed with the selection of sandwich options.  When you walk in, a large board presents creative sandwich combinations along with the traditional classics.  You order at the counter near the front of the restaurant, and are given a number.  There are three dining rooms/areas to chose from, all painted in cozy colors with solid wood tables.

I was not surprised at all when my friend Victoria ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich and a side of sweet potato fries.  I stole one of her fries, they were really good!

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich & Sweet Potato Fries

Our other friend (who was kind enough to treat us!) ordered something that I can no longer remember!

I ordered a turkey and cranberry sandwich.  The sandwich was served warm with perfectly toasted bread!

Turkey & Cranberry Sandwich

I will definitely be bringing my fiance to the Main Street Deli, especially this summer since it is pretty close to a driving range we like to go to!

Munich Haus

CHICKPEAS: 4

We love going to the Munich Haus Restaurant in Chicopee, MA for drinks and/or dinner.  The Munich Haus has delicious German food, and is a great value if you buy a restaurant.com gift certificate (which are an even better deal if you get them on sale!).   The staff wear traditional German outfits and they sometimes have an accordion player.  The accordion player can be a little loud, as it was on this night.  If that bothers you, request a seat in the bar area.  They have some nice cozy booths.  

One of the things we love about the Munich Haus is the value.  The servings are large and the entrees come with soup or a salad (remember when that used to be standard at most restaurants?!).  The salad is different that your standard house salad with some varieties of beans and other things on it.  They also bring out homemade potato chips with a sour cream based dip when you are first seated.  The entrees typically range from $15 to $20.

Salad

I ordered jaeger schnitzel (tender pork loin lightly breaded and pan fried for a golden finish with a wild mushroom sauce).  It came with a choice of sides. I selected the spatzle and cabbage.  Everything was great.

Jaeger Schnitzel

My fiance ordered french onion soup to start.

French Onion Soup

His meal was a Bavarian platter, which included pfalezer, nuerenberger bratwurst, sauerbraten, jaeger schnitzel, potato pancake, red cabbage, sauerkraut and spatzle.  Don't ask me which is what.  

Bavarian Platter

To finish off, we got some stuffed cookies (this was before I gave up sweets for lent!).  These cookies are so good.  The chocolate stuffed chocolate chip one is our favorite.  In the past, we have split a piece of cake. Be warned: they are enormous pieces.  

Stuffed Cookie

Overall, Munich Haus is a fun place to go for dinner with friends or family.  The food is delicious and reasonably priced.  The atmosphere tops it off.  Keep an eye on their special events (such as wild game dinners) as well!

TJMaxx in Springfield

I have been anxiously awaiting the new TJMaxx in the Springfield Plaza in Springfield and it finally opened about a week ago.  I tried to get my fiance out of bed for the 8am opening, but we ended up getting there are 10.  We were greeted at the door and given reusable shopping bags that say "I <3 TJ."  Score!

The store was very nicely done.  They had a large selection of Tommy Hilfiger purses, and all of the linens were organized by color.  I was really impressed by the overall quality of the displays and the items. I am a tiny bit worried that it was a big show for the grand opening and the stock will decline in quality.  Only time will tell.  But for now, head over there and score some good deals.

We left with a screen cover for our new iPad and a toy for our dog. :)