The rise of “the experience economy” is an article of faith for marketing practice in the 21st century. Today’s consumers, marketing experts assert, are now less interested in acquiring things than they are in enjoying experiences. Buying stuff is out; having adventures and creating memories is in.
Of course the restaurant industry has long [continue reading]
Chef-owner of new Palmer restaurant Humble Pie describes fare as ‘from scratch, comfort food’
Dec
13
2017
PALMER — As the owner of the newest restaurant in town, chef Jordan Langley had plenty to do when the Palmer Redevelopment Authority held its second annual holiday season “Meet and Greet” on Tuesday night at the public library.
Langley, 35, opened Humble Pie on Nov. 17.
He describes his dishes as “from [continue reading]
Langley, 35, opened Humble Pie on Nov. 17.
He describes his dishes as “from [continue reading]
Western Mass. dining news: Wild game and beer in Ludlow, benefit dinners and more
Oct
12
2017
There are several dining events worth checking out in the weeks ahead.
Europa Black Rock Bar and Grille in Ludlow is collaborating with five local breweries to present a Wild Game & Local Beer Dinner on Oct. 26.
The five-course dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with elk sloppy Joe sliders. [continue reading]
Europa Black Rock Bar and Grille in Ludlow is collaborating with five local breweries to present a Wild Game & Local Beer Dinner on Oct. 26.
The five-course dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. with elk sloppy Joe sliders. [continue reading]
Coco & The Cellar Bar is one of the most interesting restaurants between Boston and the Berkshires (review, photos)
Aug
25
2017
Coco may be small in size and in menu, but its dedication to carefully curated flavor experiences makes it one of the most interesting restaurants between Boston and the Berkshires.
Thirty-plus seats, a five-item menu, and four nights a week reads like a high-risk strategy for restaurant success, yet Coco & The Cellar Bar [continue reading]
Thirty-plus seats, a five-item menu, and four nights a week reads like a high-risk strategy for restaurant success, yet Coco & The Cellar Bar [continue reading]
Review: Using locally grown, sevenstrong creates unconventional dining experience in Northampton
Apr
21
2017

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At sevenstrong, a downtown Northampton eatery that opened in September 2016, the idea of “local” seems to be equal parts ideology and business strategy.
Co-owner and [continue reading]
Restaurant review: Pete’s Seafood Restaurant in Greenfield
Oct
13
2016
The original fish market storefront serves as the space in which patrons order their meals; a small bar occupies a back corner.
When Peter and Sandy Ruggeri opened Pete’s Fish Market back in 1985, they probably had little idea that what they’d conceived of as a retail venture would eventually morph into one of [continue reading]
When Peter and Sandy Ruggeri opened Pete’s Fish Market back in 1985, they probably had little idea that what they’d conceived of as a retail venture would eventually morph into one of [continue reading]
Restaurant review: Bombay Royale in Northampton
Sep
29
2016
A dazzling array of listings is featured on Bombay Royale’s menu.
Most Indian restaurant here in the Pioneer Valley are cautious, serving a predictable range of offerings simplified for American tastes. Not so at Bombay Royale in Northampton, a South Asian eatery that opened in Northampton earlier this year. Its fidelity to Indian culinary [continue reading]
Most Indian restaurant here in the Pioneer Valley are cautious, serving a predictable range of offerings simplified for American tastes. Not so at Bombay Royale in Northampton, a South Asian eatery that opened in Northampton earlier this year. Its fidelity to Indian culinary [continue reading]
Restaurant review: Michael’s Pasta in the Pan in Wilbraham
Sep
22
2016

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Presenting meals “in the pan” is certainly a clever gimmick; it’s a service strategy that Michael’s Pasta in the Pan, an eatery on Boston Road in Wilbraham, has successfully employed for [continue reading]
Satisfied customers say there’s a lot to like at Hanna Devine’s Restaurant & Bar in Ware
Sep
6
2016
The family restaurant in downtown Ware, located at 91 Main St., features American-style cuisine, offers gluten-free dishes, and can seat up to 99 in the spacious, newly refurbished setting.
WARE — The newest eatery in town was hopping with customers who praised the food, service, ambience and wide selection of draught beer, [continue reading]
WARE — The newest eatery in town was hopping with customers who praised the food, service, ambience and wide selection of draught beer, [continue reading]
Off The Menu: Number of independent restaurants dwindling
Sep
3
2016
Is the independent restaurant becoming an endangered species?
Recent findings published by the NPD Group, a major consumer research firm, suggest that it’s becoming harder and harder for independents to survive in the restaurant ecosystem.
The number of independent restaurants nationwide, NDP reports, has dropped by some 19,000 over the past four years. [continue reading]
Recent findings published by the NPD Group, a major consumer research firm, suggest that it’s becoming harder and harder for independents to survive in the restaurant ecosystem.
The number of independent restaurants nationwide, NDP reports, has dropped by some 19,000 over the past four years. [continue reading]