Farm to Table at Mezze

www.mezzerestaurant.com
Williamstown Massachusetts
When we first went to Mezze, it was located on a simple side street of the small town and the food so impressed us that we planned a return last weekend. We found that not only had it moved, but brought with it many of the sustainability aspects I follow feverishly! Mezze is now located on over two acres and its landscape allows for kitchen garden, herb garden and al fresco dining. The farm to table menu should be navigated carefully. The Northeast Family Farm pork loin was the best I have ever indulged in. The fresh tender meat had the distant flavor of smoked ham and was succulent compared to the more expensive steak on the menu in flavor.
Meanwhile, for those with a taste for the sea, the Seared diver scallops with Northeast Family Farm garlic sausage were also excellent and the appetizers innovative and delicious. The warm beet pasta was a delight (who thought you could find a diuretic in your pasta?), and Housemade cavatelli with sausage and broccoli rabe perfectly prepared.
The menu offers hen of the woods mushrooms with the bluefish. Next on my list... It is so wonderful to see the best of local offerings accompanying traditional fare. This is the best of both worlds and the best yet I have experienced in the U.S. of Farm to Table...Mezze, may many follow in your direction!

Fishbar

freshlocalfish.com
Montauk New York
This is my favorite seafood restaurant, though I have only been there twice. I love the quiet location away from tourists and crowds with a view of a small harbor. The sunset was stunning the night we went. The meal began with crispy warm rolls and the menu offered so many delightful options I will have to return. The rocket salad was fresh, generous and perfectly dressed. The mussels my husband ordered were in a delicious broth with Thai flavoring. This is the sort of broth I will try myself to recreate. My entree was Pan Seared Tile fish served with fennel, lentils and red potatoes-absolutely a dream of ingredients for an Irish girl like me. The fish skin was perfectly seared. My husband had the Herb Crusted Cod with Shrimp Risotto and grilled vegetables with roasted fresh corn.
The menu impressed me even more by the wonderful options for wine by the glass with two from France and one from Sam Gimignano. The waitress indulged me as I tried each and the French Chablis won out and was a great treat, perfectly suited to the tile fish.
A wonderful end to a day by the bluffs near the lighhouse, photographing fishermen and breathing in the great salt air. Two visits is just the beginning to one of the best features of "The End."

Riviera Bakery Key Lime Pie

 

www.rivierabakehouse.com

Ardsley New York
There are certain sweets I never expect a local bakery to do justice to. Perhaps because I had the priveledge to spend time in France, where the fruit of the tart is often the heart of the treat rather than the added sugar American bakeries love to load on, I have grown dubious of American bakeries when it comes to pies. Riviera is a family favorite for the wonderful raspberry filled cake with butter cream frosting which we serve at the most monumental family gatherings. The sour cream coffee cake is next on the list, a special favorite for the enjoyment it brings my mother, who smiles at the white square box and then shares the cake with us over a cup of hot tea.
It was a great surprise to find that the Key Lime Pie of Riviera, recommended by my niece, was not lost in the sugar load of so many I try, but was tart and yet creamy and an absolute delight. It also gained my father's approval, and this being his favorite pie, I salute Riviera once again for another delicious treat!

Lalibela

Mount Kisco, New York
This Ethiopian restaurant was a new experience entirely. Utensils were provided only by request as the meals are served on injera, a light spongy bread made from grains containing protein, called teff. The meal is shared with each person tearing a piece of injera and wrapping it around the flavorful food. The avocado appetizer was delicious. For the main course two of us shared the Taste of Lalibela sample menu with portions of four entrees and three vegetables. The stewed lamb and beef were moist and tender. The beets were a good choice, refreshing from the slight burning spice of the berbere used in the stewed beef. I was also glad I opted for a glass of the Sauvignon Blanc rather than the Shiraz, as the crisp white was a nice complement to the spice.
The restaurant is popular among families and there is a fun novelty to the style of eating. It is also nice to be reminded time to time that our way is not the only way. I know it will take a few more visits for me to give up the utensils entirely, but with the interesting menu at Lalibela and the reasonable price (the sample menu and one appetizer served us both generously for $15 each), I'm ready to ride the learning curve.