The last couple of weeks has provided us with a classic examples of how things can change and catch you off guard.
Two weeks ago we were in the Berkshires with Scott and Jory - gardening and installing "Scott's Folly", a 100 inch projection TV in our converted sun-porch. We were watching it last night, and it is the best TV picture I have ever seen. On the other, hand we had to convert the sun-porch into a "Viewing Room" with shades on the windows and skylights. We also upgraded our satellite to HD. We generally don't watch much TV but we are world-class for Wii-Bowling! Funny how a 'younger generation' can influence your environment.
Anyway, the weather was perfect and we went to one of our old standbys, Cafe Lucia in Lenox and sat out on the porch for dinner. We had a lovely table but the service was awful, and the food very ordinary. Christina put a note on the bill that service had been very slow. The next week Jim Lucie, the owner called to apologize. He was upset with our disappointment and offered to send us a gift certificate to try the restaurant again. We were very pleased by his quick and sincere response and will try it again before the summer is over.
Cafe Lucia
80 Church St. (bet. Franklin & Housatonic Sts.)
Lenox, MA
413-637-2640
On the other hand, Rouge Restaurant and Bistro in West Stockbridge had been one of our favorites since it opened a little over three years ago. It's owned by a young couple, William and Maggy Merrelle and their two kids, Luca and Arlo. He's the chef, she's the front of the house. We, and everyone else, had been through the start-up and establishment of the restaurant along with the two pregnancies. It's really a family affair. Early on, they made a decision to only be open only for dinner and only five days a week, closing for the month of August. I don't know any other restaurant that does that. We hadn't been there in over a year, following several bad experiences with slow and inexperienced service and leaden food. We were really disappointed because we like the place and the people. Well, this week-end after picking Scott up from the train, we decided to try it again on our way home from the train station. We were absolutely delighted by the food!
The menu is very short and laden with comfort foods. I can't think of another menu that includes both Escargot and Baby Back Ribs!. I started with a very nice Romaine lettuce with Sliced Pears, Chevre and Chopped Walnuts and a Raspberry Vinaigrette. Scott had the Escargot with Polenta and Christina the fresh grilled sardines (you may think this weird, but they are wonderful--nothing like those little smelly things that come in a tin). Both Scott and I had the Braised Duck with Balsamic Vinegar, Spinach and a Crispy Shredded Potato Cake. It was just about perfect, crispy and tender. The potato cake was a nice surprise. Chris had the Breast of Chicken which was done the French way with the small bone-in served with a Spinach Gratin. We were all delighted. We had a French red that Maggy recommended that I didn't know and can't remember.
This night, the service was better; but it was still early. The wait staff was much more knowledgeable and timely. On the whole a really nice experience and we'll be back soon - we hope for a tasty repeat!
Rouge Restaurant and Bistro
3 Center St. (at Hotel St.)
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
413-232-4111
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