Upcoming Events to Be Aware Of

It's the holiday season, as I'm sure you can tell by the amount of catalogs in your mailbox.  Here are some important dates to look forward to this season:

Nov. 23-24: Monte's March, benefiting the Western Massachusetts Food Bank

Dec. 3: Hadley Master Plan Forum, 6:30pm, Hadley Senior Center
Dec. 6: Amherst College Vespers and Smith College Vespers @4pm & 730pm
Dec.13: Mount Holyoke College Vespers @ 4pm & 730pm

I was saddened to learn that Valley Gives Day is on hiatus until 2016 -- I look forward to that every year!  Not that that means I won't be giving during this season of gratitude giving and remembering, but VGD made it just a little more fun.

Saturdays: Amherst: Wheelhouse Farm Truck

This post is about two months overdue -- apologies to the reader and to the Wheelhouse gang.  It's late enough that perhaps you read the article featuring the new farm truck in the Amherst Bulletin at the end of May, and perhaps you have already made a special visit to the Amherst Farmers Market.  I know that article interested me, and the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend found Mr. Madley and me waiting in line for a farm-fresh breakfast arepa.  And then I had to go back again.


The Wheelhouse Farm Truck delivers hot, fresh, locally sourced gluten-free arepas for breakfast and lunch at the Amherst Farmers Marker -- an arepa being a cornmeal pocket sandwich.  Take a look at the photo below for a listing of some of their amazing offerings.

In case you couldn't yet tell, I am a fan.  My go-to arepa happens to be the spinach pesto and braised greens (no sausage) -- delicious!  Hot and melty and gooey on the inside, hot and crispy on the outside, full of local goodness throughout.

If you haven't gone to the AFM to get your arepa already, what are you waiting for?  There's another Saturday coming up in just a few days, so there's no need to delay any further!

The Wheelhouse truck was funded through a Kickstarter -- and I'd like to thank those who contributed -- you did a good thing!

French Fries & Chocolate Cake, Plus 2 More Restaurants You Should Eat At

Recently Mr. Madley and I have been trying a few new restaurants.  Not that the restaurants are new, but they are new to us.  I am writing to give them rave reviews.

First, a shoutout goes to Sierra Grille in Northampton, which does cheesy melt-in-your mouth potatoes au gratin, which pair well with their delicious duck breast with cranberry-peach chutney and grilled vegetables.  We have now been there twice, thanks to the occasional coupon from the Save 30% store on the River.

Second, the Mission Cantina in Amherst.  I know this is old news, and we did go there about a year ago, too, but we were there again recently and it was even better the second time.  I ordered the quesadilla in corn tortillas with carnitas and could have easily eaten a second or third plate of them, had I not been so full.  It really is delicious Mexican food, which I can't seem to get enough of these days.
(And speaking of Mexican food, I am looking forward to the reopening of Mi Tierra in Hadley where The Butterfly restaurant used to be.  While you wait, you can find their homemade tortillas at Atkins Farms and Maple Farm Foods.)

And now, on to the french fries and chocolate cake portion of our post.  Last week, Mr. Madley and I made our way (finally) to High Horse, in Amherst where ABC used to be, and where the upstairs has billiards and the downstairs has dining.  Both floors have a bar with a fairly impressive selection of house-brewed beers.  I can't speak much to those, but perhaps we'll get lucky and Mr. Madley will do a guest post for you.  However, I can speak to their locally-sourced burgers -- delicious -- and their bottomless fries -- better fries I have never tasted.  Seriously.  I love fries and enjoyed my fair share of them at Local Burger and other such fine burger & fry establishments; HH fries topped them all.  And if you get them with dinner, they are bottomless!  Hot, crisp, salted, tender -- everything you want in a fry, and you can eat as many as you can eat.  Who could ask for anything more?  Well, sometimes I do.  Not very often, but it has been known to happen.

Last night we were out and about, looking for something to do after dinner (we ate at Miss Saigon) and not feeling a strong pull towards the cinema or billiards (in olden days this is when we would have visited Captain Candy, alas), we ended up looking for dessert at High Horse.  The dessert menu is small and simple, but the bartender assured us that each item was delicious (his must-have is the $5 milkshake, but it only comes with bourbon, so it was a no-go for me), and I ended up, surprisingly, with the chocolate cake.
I don't usually go for chocolate cake when I'm out.  I find them either too sweet, too bitter, too dense, or desperately in need of some lightening up.  I usually take my chocolate with fruit when I'm at a restaurant; I usually find that it's a more reliable combination.  However, last night I felt a tug towards the cake, and it was thusly delivered.  Delicious.  A reasonable-sized portion with no heavy or thick frostings, just a round cake with a chocolate ganache icing and topping of fresh, lightly-sweetened cream.  A chocolate cake I would eat again.  A perfect ending on a cool, damp evening.

French fries and chocolate cake.  Oh, so good.

Let's Talk

Coming in just over a week -- this conversation with local therapist about the emotional needs of our sons:

FROM ACTING OUT TO TUNING IN: Building Emotional Awareness in Your School-age Son.

Join therapist Harry Remer, LMHC, in discussing how parents can help sons recognize and express all of their feelings in healthy ways.
When  boys are comfortable with their own emotions, their behavior and mood stabilizes, they resist mental illness, and they grow into strong, compassionate men.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 6:30 p.m.
Jones Library (Amherst), Amherst Room (2nd Floor)
• FREE • 

For more information: hremer@earthlink.net or 781-883-5675; see also his website.

A Visit to the Carle

Just returned from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, wherein Mr. Madley and I enjoyed a discussion/lecture ("Eight Things You Cannot Do For Your Children") with Michael Thompson, clinical psychologist, took in the three wonderful art exhibits, and did a little shopping.

I can never recommend the ECMoPBA highly enough or frequently enough.  I have been an avid fan of Eric Carle and picture books since early in my youth, but the museum adds dimension to that and allows my love for children's books to expand.  Currently on exhibit at the Carle is an enrapturing display of Iconic Images -- a sampling from the 10,000 illustrations in the Carle's permanent collection, featuring Arnold Lobel, Eric Carle, William Steig, Mo Willems, Jules Feiffer, Trina Schart Hyman, and many other classic children's book illustrators.  I walked the exhibit twice and was just enamoured of it.
In the middle gallery, showing until mid-April, is an exhibit of Garth Williams' illustrations from E. B. White's beloved Charlotte's Web.  (As an aside, I am grateful that Charlotte's Web has not been "updated & improved" and "revisioned" with illustrations from modern illustrators.  Not that I don't love modern illustrators -- I do! -- but some books just belong with their original illustrations.)  Works include preliminary sketches and finished drawings.
In the third gallery, which I call the Carle Gallery, is a display (until Feb 24) of Eric Carle's independent art -- things he has worked on outside of his picture books.

The presentation by Michael Thompson is over, but you can still make good use of the museum and enjoy the fantastic exhibits currently being shown.  If you're worried about cost, the Goodwin Memorial Library has free-entry passes, and there are other ways to save, too.  The museum also shows movies, has a picture book library (and storytime!), provides art programs for children, presents plays and music, and has a wonderful gift shop (I can never go in without coming out with something).  Do yourself a favour a make a visit to the Carle.  If you've ever enjoyed an illustration in a book, creative word play, or learning, you'll be glad you did.

Local Grain CSAs

Yesterday was the pickup day for my local grain csa out of Wheatberry Bakery in Amherst -- and what delights there were!  Arapahoe red winter wheat, red llamas red winter wheat, emmer, spelt, barley, pinto beans, black turtle beans (I love their name), mandan bride corn, nothstine dent corn, plymouth flint corn, and popcorn (on the cob). 

The corn all needs to dry for another couple of months, so it is remaining in its paper bags until February (when I'll do another post to highlight those beauties), but I packed the grains and beans in mason jars for long-term storage.

After packing up my 1/2 share, I ground (with my hand-crank mill) 3 cups of arapahoe wheat for bread baking, and for the first time ever I made whole wheat bread that is strictly whole wheat -- no white flour at all.  Local wheat, local honey, local milk... all kneaded together to make some delicious bread -- soft, flavourful, with a good crumb and super nutrition.
I'm looking forward to much baking, yummy hot cereals, sprouting, and then more baking.

I've never done a grain share before, but I certainly hope to do one again.  Having only 1-2 pickup dates is extremely convenient, and supporting a different kind of local agriculture makes me feel like I'm helping Valley farming remain sustainable.  Plus, it's all so tasty!
The Pioneer Valley Heritage Grain CSA is one of two local grain CSAs that I've discovered in the Valley; the other is the White Oak Farm CSA. (White Oak Farm CSA often sells at the Amherst Farmer's Market and, I've heard, sometimes shows up at the winter market, also.)

Know of another grain share or have opinions about one?  Please feel free to comment below!

Big Saturday Events

Lots of big local Saturday events this week:

Barstow Burger Fest (Hadley)
Grand Re-opening of War Memorial Pool (Amherst)
Mo Willems @ the Eric Carle Museum (Amherst)
Perfect Spot of Tea (Hadley)

For details, check the calendar page and click on the event links.

All Things Local

I found this article on MassLive today reporting on a group of people who would like to take the idea of the Winter's Farmer's Market in Amherst and expand it into a cooperative store that sells "all things local" -- everything from soap to candles to produce to wool to art and more.

There will be a meeting tonight at Amherst Town Hall at 7pm (and another on May 29) to discuss the project and gauge interest.  People from the local communities are invited to attend and weigh in.  This initiative is in association with Transition Amherst.

I think this sounds like a fantastic idea.  I would love to see a store that offers more of the great things we have in the Valley; a permanent location where local vendors could really display their wares -- and where it's all in one place.  I can imagine so many grand possibilities....

Transition Amherst

Delicious, Delectable

The flourless chocolate raspberry torte by Portabella Fine Foods in Amherst.

A delicious and highly worthwhile Valentine's Day present.  Eat your heart out!

Winterfest 2012

The week before the Winkle Picker Festival in Ashfield (see previous post), there is a Winterfest in Amherst at the Cherry Hill Golf Course-- a full day of winter fun for the whole family -- especially if we finally get snow.
Check out the fun:

• chili cook-off
• cross country ski lessons
• ice sculpture contest
• sledding
• bird-watching treks
• frisbee toss
• fireworks
• food
• oh -- and the cardboard classic!

Like I said -- fun for the whole family!  There is a cost of $5/child, $8/adult, or $20/family.  Visit the website for more info (like sponsors, directions, etcetera.

A Little Taste of Persia

Mr. Madley and I had a delightful dinner last Saturday night at Moti -- a Persian Mediterranean restaurant in Amherst.  I had first tasted their goods at Taste of Amherst last June in the form of a lamb gyro and immediately fell in love.  I had the same thing Saturday night -- seasoned lamb and fresh vegetables in a creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up in a thick pita and served with potato strings (like fries only lots thinner) -- super delicious; Mr. Madley enjoyed a lamb kabob with rice and veggies.  With its warm and inviting atmosphere, and its menu of wraps, platters, soups, salads, vegetarian fare, specialty rices, kabobs, and very tempting appetizers, I think Moti may become one of our new favourite spots.  Plus, it can definitely be counted in my "cheap eats" list (which I blogged about a year ago but desperately need to update) (and it's just down the street from Captain Candy, which we happily visited after dinner).
See Moti's menu at their website.

Calendaring: Festivals, Fairs, Bazaars

Please check the calendar for the most recent information I have on holiday fairs, festivals, and bazaars!
I've noticed recently an increase of visits to last year's "Holiday Festivals and Bazaars" post.  Sadly, that information is now a bit out of date.  However, in its place is the Local Calendar (see the link to the right, just under Hadley Grass and Valley Ice Cream).  Information on the Local Calendar is regularly updated, and I make additions to it whenever I hear of something appropriate to add (or see the signs along the side of the road).  Included are holiday bazaars, craft fairs, autumn festivals, local Hadley events, and other events in neighbouring towns. 
Included on the calendar page is a link to submit local events (it reads like a comment box but submissions don't get posted until I've looked at them -- this is true for all comments on the blog) and a small collection of links wherein one can find other local activities. 
Coming soon (and already posted on the calendar) -- the chyrsathemum show, a fall craft fair, and the Twist Fair....

Disappearing Eateries

Mr. Madley and I were back in Northampton Saturday night to seek out a new 2-for-under-$20 restaurant; we thought we'd try Taipei and Tokyo*, but when we arrived at the dark storefront, there was a sign on the door saying that Butterfly: Chinese and vegetarian would be soon opening there.  No more T&T.
There is a Butterfly restaurant on Rt 9 in Hadley -- one that serves Japanese, Chinese, and vegetarian.  Whether the Butterfly coming to Northampton is the same Butterfly moving spaces, a clone Butterfly, or a completely new one, I can't say for sure yet.  I look forward to finding out.

There is yet more restaurant news for Northampton -- according to rumour, Union Station and company will be leaving Northampton in the coming months.  Keep a watch on that one -- I'm not sure when they're closing up shop.

And in case you haven't yet heard, Amherst Brewing Company is looking to relocate from its keystone position in downtown Amherst to Newmarket Center on University Drive.  The Zoning Board meets tonight to take a vote on issuing the permit.

(By the way -- Saturday we were able to eat at the Teapot for under $20 by eating off the noodle section of the menu.)

*Update 3/20:  Upon walking more of the streets of Northampton last night, we discovered that Taipei and Tokyo isn't leaving -- it's simply moving down the street to the storefronts where Sid Vintage and Sabin Star Lock used to be on Crafts Avenue.  Rejoice!

Winter Farmers Market: Amherst

Saturday I made my first trip to the Amherst Winter Market at the Amherst Middle School.  A little late, I know, but it was definitely worth the trip, and I look forward to going back.  Many local farms, bakeries, and artisans were represented at the market, and just about everything and anything was being sold -- from grass-fed beef (King Creek Farm) to popcorn sprouts (Astarte Farm) to rainbow carrots (Winter Moon Farm) to sheepskin (Balky Farm) to shares in CSAs (Simple Gifts Farm) to whimsical animal art (artbug) to fresh baked bread (The Black Sheep) and more (like soap, cheese, eggs...).

The pictures below should give a good feel for the market, though not every table was photographed (note the student art on the walls). 

Yarns and woolens from Balky Farm.

Delicious breads from El Jardin Bakery.

Organic sprouts from Astarte Farm.

Rainbow carrots and an irresistible sales girl from Winter Moon Farm.

More from Winter Moon Farm (beets, radishes, parsnips).

Bags of carrots and potatoes by Atlas Farm.

Whimsical animal art by Chaldea Emerson: artbug.

With a little music (musicians were setting up just as I was leaving), tables where one could sit and eat and visit, fresh local foods, and enthusiastic members of the community, there aren't many better places to spend a wintry Saturday morning.

Debit/credit is now accepted, making purchasing much easier, especially for those who don't tend to carry much cash.

For more information about the Amherst Winter Market, visit: http://www.amherstwintermarket.com/

Pothole Watch

After a winter like this (and I'm not sure it's over yet), the roads get sloppy -- and not just in an "ice is melting" kind of way -- more like a "who tried to eat the road and spit it out?" kind of way.  Asphalt gravel litters the ground whe

Recently I discovered a pothole that almost ate my car: eastbound on Bay Road in Amherst, just across from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, there is a pothole that is nearly the width of the lane and twice as deep (just kidding on the deep part, but it is significantly sharp and deep). On the same stretch of road, on both sides there are multiple holes and jags and crumbling asphalt.

Do you have a pothole that you drive out of your way to avoid, a car eater or a tire smasher?  Add a comment below and let people know where it is.

The Essentials

The other night, on our way to see The King's Speech at the Amherst Cinema, we walked by the small essentials store that's next door to Tabellas.  We thought maybe we'd stop in for a quick look around -- I've always loved the store and we had plenty of time to spare.
But a note on the door said something to the effect of: Sorry, we're not here anymore.  Because of the current economic situation, a desire to focus more on our special order business, and a need to spend more time with family, we are closing the Amherst location and consolidating to our Northampton location.
I had a mix of feelings about this -- sorrow, because they had to close; happiness, because the Northampton store is staying open (really, I love this store); and respect, because I'm a big fan of people spending more time with their families.

To cut this post short, essentials is a super-cool store, full of funky things for the home, for the baby, for the adult, for the child, for a friend, for the kitchen, for the bathroom....  Stationery, furniture, dishes, baby clothes, stuffed animals, t-shirts, wrapping paper, jewelry, trinkets, bags, books, soaps, perfumes, things with a Euro flair, things with a Korean touch; they even do wedding stuff.  They play music from old records and have a friendly, helpful staff.
Stop in sometime and see what they've got.  It changes regularly -- I discover something new every time I'm there (which isn't nearly as often as I'd like!

Winterfest 2011

Just in time to save us from the winter-weariness -- here comes Winterfest 2011!
Complete with all activities winter, it boasts a chili cookoff, cross country skiing (and lessons), cardboard box racing, sled dogs, face painting, bird-watching walks, and much more. It's bound to be fun for the whole family, and a family of 3 or more can get in for $20 (check the website for ticket prices for students, adults, and children).
We won't be able to go tomorrow, but if you go, report in and let us know how it was.

Noon to 6pm, Saturday Feb 12, Cherry Hill Golf Course on Rt 63, Amherst.

Happy Winterfest!

Mead Art Museum

The Mead Art Museum of Amherst College is part of Museums 10, a consortium of local museums (some of which I previously blogged in the Belch blog).  It holds the art collection of the college and includes works by Homer, Rubens, and Monet, as well as Japanese wood art, South African sculpture, Russian modernist art, and local artist pieces.

Mr. Madley and I have made 2 visits to this small art museum in the last few months.  The first was an introductory visit to see a special Goya exhibit.  The second visit was to hear a talk on the new Orra White Hitchcock exhibit, wife of Edward Hitchcock, former president of the college. 
The museum is beautiful, each exhibit room painted a different color.  There is a beautiful reconstructed walnut-paneled room from 1611 that is filled with medieval, baroque, and renaissance art, and at least 8 more galleries with displays (and comfy chairs).  The art is lovely and varied, and the pieces are rotated periodically (as they should be).  Visit this link to see what's on view now.
The museum also regularly hosts events including lectures, meditations, poetry slams, demonstrations, gallery talks, and even tai chi!

The museum is free and open to the public (which is wonderful).  Check hours and accessibility here.  I would definitely recommend considering a visit -- it's an especially good thing to do during the cold winter (it's well heated and has great hours).
Lost on campus?  Find the museum by looking for the Stearns Steeple.

Eating: 2<$20

In trying to economize, Mr. Madley and I came up with a list of restaurants where we can eat for under $20 -- both of us.  If you've ever tried it, it's not necessarily easy to do, but at most of these restaurants it's fairly easy to find a good variety of dishes that 2 can eat for under $20 (desserts and drinks excluded -- water is free, tip is variable).
PS -- we're a gluten-free, dairy-free group, so that cuts out most pizza & sub places....

Mi Tierra (Mexican, Hadley)
Miss Saigon (Vietnamese, Amherst)
Thai Corner (Thai, Amherst)
Whole Foods (Hot & Salad Bar, Hadley)
Local Burger (Burgers, Northampton)
La Vera Cruzana (Mexican, Amherst & Northampton)
Rt 9 Diner (Diner, Hadley)
Hillside Pizza (Pizza, Hadley)
Amanouz (Mediterranean, Northampton)

Do you know of another good local restaurant where 2 can eat for under $20?  Please share!