The new eatery, which opens today, is located in the Econo Lodge along Route 7 in Lenox. A new venture called Flavours is looking to cook up some creative cuisine and entertainment for locals at Econo Lodge. The family-friendly restaurant aims to please even the pickiest of palates, with menus ranging from traditional pub fare to fusion cuisine with an Asian emphasis.
Lee couple Sabrina Tan and Chin Lee are the latest managers of the motel's dining/entertainment space, which has been a tough spot to attract patrons.
In the past two years, it has been the short-lived Uncle Fester's Pizza, Indian food restaurant Taj Palace and the bimonthly home of a comedy club.
"We want to cater to locals. We want to bring life back to the Berkshires," Tan said.
Though she said she has been told that springtime is a tough time to open a restaurant, Tan and Lee said it gives them time to get things running smoothly before summer traffic. The restaurant will start by serving lunch and dinner and will eventually expand to include breakfast.
Southeast Asian flair
Southeast Asian specialties such as gado gado (an Indonesian cabbage-based salad) and chicken satay with peanut sauce will be prepared by Tan, who is from Malaysia.
"It's not a Chinese restaurant like most people think," Tan said.
She said that, unlike typical Chinese-American restaurants, the only fried food on the menu will be pub appetizers. Tan said her entrees tend to be done on the grill and emphasize the lighter flavors of ginger and lemongrass.
"This is my soul food, and I want to share it with everyone," she said.
» If you go ...
What: Grand opening of Flavours, a new fusion-cuisine restaurant with an Asian-American influence. Event includes free appetizers and live music.
Where: The Econo Lodge, 130 Pittsfield Road, Routes 7 and 20, Lenox.
When: Tonight. Dinner begins at 4. Live band Balance will start at 9.
Regular hours: Open daily, with lunch starting at 11 a.m. and dinner at 4.
Info: Visit www.flavoursintheberkshires.com; call (413) 637-3188 or (413) 637-5691, or fax (413) 637-5692.
Chin Lee, an auto salesman at Bedard Bros. in Cheshire, will keep his day job and pick up bartending on nights and weekends.
His domain will be the newly renovated full-service sports bar, which includes five big-screen televisions, a stage for live music and karaoke, and a full pub menu.
Though Tan and Lee are still working out a schedule, they hope to have a different theme for each night of the week — ranging from family nights with kids' karaoke to a country-western theme to a "high school hangout" on Sundays.
"For us, family and friends come first. Here, we want to make everybody welcome," Tan said. "We enjoy people, and that's why we started this."
Broadcast from Flavours restaurant on Wed 4/24/07 from 1pm till 2pm.
Nikki with Bob Heck and his wife.
WUPE radio was broadcasting form Flavours restaurant Friday from 6:30pm till 8:30pm and you had the chance to win a key that would start the truck. Rules and regulations can be found at www.wupe.com. Later stayed to party with Shut Up and Dance.
Berkshires After Dark: Flavours of MalaysiaBy Jenn Smith, Berkshire Eagle StaffArticle Last Updated: 09/06/2007 12:49:18 PM EDT Thursday, September 06LENOX — After meeting up with friends at the Pittsfield Brew Works to send off the ever-fabulous Eagle photographer Ali McKee (who will truly be missed), I headed down Route 7 to a fairly new place called Flavours in Lenox. Opened back in March by Lee couple Sabrina Tan and Chin Lee, the dining/entertainment space has had a history of being a tough sell to patrons in the Berkshires. Prior to Flavours, it was the short-lived Uncle Fester's Pizza, the Indian restaurant Taj Palace and a comedy club.
But Tan, the head chef, told The Eagle earlier in the spring that she was dedicated to two goals.
"We want to cater to locals. We want to bring life back to the Berkshires," she said.
On Friday night, Flavours brought a taste of Malaysia to the county with an all-Malaysian buffet in celebration of that Pacific country's 50th Merdeka (Independence Day).
Malaysian-born Tan serves her native cuisine daily, along with a variety of American dishes and South Asian foods.
Though the event wasn't authentic in ceremony, it did attract a spirited crowd of about 30, thanks to an appearance by local band BootLeg.
After getting a BBC River Ale, AdvertisementI walked toward the dance floor only to find a couple of Eagle co-workers, who are my age. Turns out that prior to Flavours taking over, the bar at the Econo Lodge has drawn a steady crowd of twentysomethings.
So I sat down, chatted and scoped out the scene.
If you go ... Flavours Restaurant, located at the Econo Lodge, 130 Pittsfield Road/Route 7, Lenox, (413) 637-3188, www.flavoursintheberkshires.com. Style: Restaurant/bar/lounge/live entertainment venue. Dress: Casual to trendy; varies with events. Jeans or khakis and a nice shirt seem to be the standard. Cover: Occasional cover with live bands and for special events, no cover for bar or karaoke nights. Food: Malaysian cuisine with American/Asian/South Asian fusion dishes as well. Malaysian food highlights include lots of vegetables, Shitake mushrooms, grilled items, curried sauces and shrimp. Entertainment: Live events and entertainment every night, including open mics on Monday and Thursday (with Texas Hold 'em), ballroom dance on Tuesday, local band Off the Cuff on Wednesday, karaoke on Friday, live bands or DJs on Saturday and "Folk Jam" on every fourth Sunday. Our rating: 1 mug, Run away; 2 mugs, Yawn; 3 mugs, Cheers; 4 mugs, "I'll be back"; 5 mugs, "Round's on me!" Your rating: You can rate the Flavours at www.berkshireeagle.com /The413 Discussion board: Discuss Berkshire nightlife at berkshireforums.com. Click on "The Berkshires After Dark."
The partygoers ranged in age from their mid-20s to early 50s, by my guess. Those who weren't hanging out at their tables, or on the dance floor, gathered in the bar/lounge area.
The lounge has a sports bar feel, with several large flat-screen televisions surrounding the L-shaped bar. There's usually a ball game on, and occasionally a prime time TV show. There's ample seating at the bar or at the small adjacent tables, where Texas Hold 'em games are played every Thursday.
While the lounge crowd was more laid-back and conversational, there was a party going on back in the main room.
I have to admit, it was great to see people up and dancing, considering the lack of dance floors in the Berkshires. The only time people sat down was when the band took a break.
It was also very cool that people could move to the music of a live band. BootLeg played a range of crowd pleasers from Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" to Lynyrd Skynyrd's southern rock favorite "Sweet Home Alabama".
They were fun and interactive. Even Larry, one of the lead singers cajoled me to sing the chorus to the Santana/Rob Thomas song "Smooth."
I left before midnight, but before I did, I ordered some take-out — vegetarian spring rolls, noodles in a peanut satay sauce and fried wontons with ground pork — which was gratefullyreceived by some of my friends as a late-night snack.
After a long week, Flavours offered just the spice that I needed in my life.
Below is the interview given to Patty Seifert who is the most influential figure in the local band scene and responsible for keeping all schedules for all the upcoming shows in the area.
1) What night venues were the best places for live music this year?
I would say it would depend on what type of scene you are into. If you are into live music - original and cover bands - then I would say in the Berkshires, I feel Flavours has grown in its support of local musicians and has become one of the area's hot spots offering a wide selection of entertainment and musical genres. The Depot is up there with them always actively bringing local music to the people and seeking new talent as well. Both have a great response as far as patronage turnout.
In the Pioneer Valley, Maximum Capacity is one of the leaders. Don has done an excellent job over the years and just expanded to a new location a year ago to bring 2 floors of entertainment. He brings in not only a wide selection of local and regional acts regularly, but also national acts. Every night offers something different. This is 'THE' venue, in my opinion, if you are a regular night lifer and need and want variety in your entertainment world. There are other terrific venues in that area as well but tend to stick with their regular forms of entertainment and bands. The Waterfront Tavern in Holyoke has been bringing in more of a variety of entertainment this past year and offers all ages metal shows on Sundays. Of course, knowing Shadows Falls to bring them in for a home show now and then doesn't hurt.
2) With this year's closing of LaCo's, Spice and Asters, how do you think it's affected the nightlife scene?
Well, in the nightlife scene that usually chooses to deal with us at My 411 Source, the closing of Spice and Asters doesn't really affect them at all in my opinion. The ones affected by that were, unfortunately, Mary Verdi and the regulars who played there as well as their fans.
As far as the closing of LaCo's, well that is a local legend whose closing hit the 'original' music scene hard. It is one of the few places that offered a great deal of local and national original music. But the local acts that performed there seemed to have picked up shows elsewhere such as Rev Tor who does his show at Flavours on a regular basis.
3) What are your personal predictions of the best places to go check out a musician in 2009?
My personal predictions... in the Berkshires... again, depends on what you are looking for.
If you like to check out singer/songwriters, The Mission is a new place that appears to bring in musicians out of the area as well as local. It is kind of tight as far as space and I can't see actual 4-5+ piece bands playing there comfortably, but for the singer/songwriter acoustic thing in you, its a quaint little friendly place that enables you to sit and listen to music in the background of all the chit chatter, if you want to go out, relax and enjoy a fine drink. The owner seems to share a common goal, to expand our local's musical minds and thirsts by not only giving new talent a chance to bloom, but to also bring in talent from other areas and vice versa. We attended this venue when our Shanta Paloma played there back in October.
If you're into the original music and cover band scene, the obvious top venues in the running in Cental county are Flavours and The Depot. Hami's in Lanesboro seems to offer the cover band scene but has been offering the same bands. When we tried to book there a while ago, we were told by the booking agent that they only want 80's-present rock cover bands, so that weeded out a lot of bands we deal with who seek our help with booking or for our own shows. Hence, if you are into the 80's-present rock scene, this may be a place for you! Unfortunately, I cannot speak for South County as I have not ventured out to venues out there, although I see based on the bands who list with our show database, that Bogies has picked up on, and attracting, the cover band scene also. Another prediction, an up and coming hot spot where people should go to see original music of any genre, is the new Atlantic Nightclub in Springfield, whose shows are booked via Tonye Barrineau at Blastermonkey Entertainment. And of course, I can't leave without mentioning our own events which offer a 'VARIETY" of local original music for those who don't just want to listen to rock, or metal, or whatever.. all night long. Our first one happening May 16, 2009 at Flavours in honor of Armed Forces Day - the 2nd Annual My 411 Source Berkshire Music Showcase. Again benefitting the Here at Home Program for returning Berkshire Country Iraqi War Veterans and a joint venture with the 2nd Annual Rockin BBQ for the Troops held earlier that day at the American Legion Post 325 in Holyoke. To date, at the Berkshire Show, we are bringing to the lineup Mary Verdi, Warsynium, Sifer, Fragment Poly and the return of DREDI. So you have some jazz/acoustic/country to metal to metal to funk/soul/rock/R&B to some funky rockin' reggae. Now that's variety!
And if WTBR and I work things out, My 411 Source will have a radio show bringing people local, regional original music.
Hope to see you there! Keep supporting the local scene!
Thanks for the opportunity to express my input. Happy Holidays.
Berkshires After DarkNightspots we gained and lostBy Jenn Smith, Berkshire Eagle StaffUpdated: 12/31/2008 12:15:04 PM EST Thursday, January 01
It was a random summer night in June 2006, when I made a trip to the ill-fated Gringo's in North Adams. It was to be the first of what would become dozens of my documented after-dark adventures in Berkshire County.Two and a half years later, people ask me, "You must be running out of places to review. I mean, it's the Berkshires."
To that, I say, 'I've only just begun.' There are still plenty of dive bars to crash, watering holes to wade into, new friends to be made and even the opening of a new place or two in the region.
But before looking ahead, it's time to look back at the Berkshires After Dark in 2008, where we said farewell to a few local haunts and saw the opening of several new ones.
Goodbye
La Cocina (again): The once live rock haven on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield just couldn't keep its doors open this year. We said "adios" to "LaCos" back in February 2007, only to have it reopen later that spring. But in August 2008, The Rev. Tor Band and other local acts got together for one last jam. What will become of this space? I don't know. (Mostly because they won't return my calls or answer the door.) If anyone else has a clue, fill me in please.
Spice: Due to its seemingly extravagant taste, AdvertisementSpice restaurant and lounge lost its flavor (and about $1.2 million). While some locals said "good riddance" others said the North Street space would be missed in Pittsfield. Either way, I think the cause for a downtown hangout was noble, and I give credit to the former owners for booking local music there. The new Jae's Spice is cool, but I miss the lounge, Jason Ennis and the Berkshire Bateria very much.
Burger: Call it debt due to its sister next door (Spice). But I still think its subpar patties are what made Burger bomb. This is all I will say.
Asters Steaks & Raw Bar: High costs, low patron turnout and the economy strike again, causing this South Street eatery and lounge in Pittsfield to shut its doors abruptly in November. Rest in peace you beautifully crafted bar and outdoor fire pit.
Hello
Hami's Restaurant: A new eatery in Lanesborough has been a long time coming, but it showed up as Hami's on Main Street back in March. I personally have yet to check it out, but so far it's still rockin', with live music and special events being booked on a regular basis. A welcomed thing indeed.
Mission Bar & Tapas: I have yet to meet a naysayer of this new North Street hot spot in Pittsfield. It opened over the summer, that warm and carefree feeling has seemed to carry it on into the winter. Also booking live music, maintaining a good menu and bar stock, as well as keeping a hip ambiance and steady crowd, it's fair to say this Mission is accomplished.
The Well: All seems well at The Well on Main Street in Great Barrington, which opened just in time for the spring and summer crowds. The underground dig is still a good place to catch a game and a great Guinness. And WBCR radio's DJ Galen Wade will be mixing things up there on Thursdays this month, Jan. 8, 15 and 22. Party on.
Jae's Spice: With a reputable sushi bar, Jae's brought a new pan-Asian flavor to spice up Pittsfield's downtown, as well as great cocktails. So far, so good, especially for fans of raw fish and exotic atmosphere. But as far as bringing back live entertainment in 2008, this space floundered.
Zeitgeist: It opened. It's closing. It's doing music. It's not. While art is definitely the mainstay of this North Street gallery in Pittsfield, it's nighttime offerings have been wishy-washy since it opened in July. After it canceled some December rock shows, I've learned that the gallery is still open and has lined up a quieter set of live music this winter, beginning with the acoustic sounds of Dylan Metrano from Tigersaw and duo Clockwork Mercury on Jan. 16. Stay tuned.
The Copperworks: Like everything that goes on there, Pittsfield Copperworks just kind of happened this year, thanks to the DelSignore Family and friends. They brought back burlesque. They brought back outdoor movies. They brought back bikes. As of late October, they adopted a booze-free policy. And hopefully, with the help of some grants, the efforts of The Copperworks will come back from hiatus.
Napa Wine Bar & Eatery: Those cold winter nights of dancing up a storm (Thank you, DJ BFG) at the Union Bar & Grill in on Main Street in Great Barrington were replaced by the low-key bistro ambiance of Napa this summer. It made it through tourist season with an emphasis on dining, and a side of light live jazz. I'll be interested to see how it weathers the winter in this economic storm.
Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar: This French-American bistro also snuck in early in the summer to replace Napa on Church Street in Lenox. I loved the outdoor ambiance, enjoyed the cuisine and liked the creative cocktails and ample wine offerings. But I have yet to hear of great crowds flocking there as a winter hangout.
The Hub: This casual pub-like diner popped up on Main Street in North Adams back in May. Though the hours here aren't so late, I found it was a surprisingly good place to grab a burger and a drink before some more serious after-hours gallivanting.
The Alley: This North Adams night spot opened up on Eagle Street this summer in the former home to Gideon's Nightery, EGL and Joga Café. Open during the week to 11 p.m. and weekends until 1 a.m., it's a great venue for a late-night bite, and has the potential (and plans) for music, comedy and entertainment. Here's hoping.
Rookie of the Year
After plenty of buzz and conversation and a very, terribly informal and unscientific poll (see below), Mission Bar & Tapas is Berkshire After Dark's "Rookie of the Year."
This newbie came without fanfare and relied on word of mouth, and has since infused North Street with great food and drinks, ambiance and entertainment.
Mission's owner, Jim Benson, the good sport that he is, said this recognition was "cool." He added, "2008 was great. We did not know exactly what to expect. The thing we've been most pleased and surprised with is how the late fall, early winter has kept us non-stop busy."
As for 2009, Benson said the focus will be food. "We hope people recognize us as a dining opportunity, not just a late night spot," he said.
Live music however, will remain a very big part of Mission. The restaurant now even sells music and "frequent listener" gift and discount cards for admission to shows.
Mission's got singer/songwriter showcases booked this month through March, as well as cabaret, comedy and poetry nights. Benson said he's also entertaining a sort of festival scheme for the summer.
"We're having fun and hopefully people coming in are still having fun too," he said. Amen, Benson.
A look ahead
Speaking of awards and recognition, I e-mailed Patty Seifert of My411Source.net, an online hub of live local music and events in the Berkshires and beyond. The Web site recently conducted its "Best of" polls (much better than mine) which are now online.
In looking ahead and back, Seifert listed Flavours in Lenox and The Depot in Dalton, nods for offering support and selection for the local music scene. Outside of the Berkshires, she listed Maximum Capacity in Chicopee, Atlantic Nightclub in Springfield and The Waterfront Tavern in Holyoke.
I'd add the venues of the Iron Horse Entertainment Group and The Elevens in Northampton to this list, and add Valentine's and the Lark Tavern in Albany, N.Y.
Seifert called La Cocina's closing a loss, "But the local acts that performed there seemed to have picked up shows elsewhere such as Rev Tor who does his show at Flavours on a regular basis."
Like many others, she gave a thumbs up to Mission. I agree. It's a place to watch in 2009, as is The Alley in North Adams.
Also to watch will be Bogie's in Great Barrington, which seems to have been booking cover bands lately.
Earlier this week, I spoke with Chef Douglas Luf, co-owner of what will be called The Pressbox (formerly Burger). The opening's still on hold, he said, due to construction and "other things," and no date has been set.
"It's definitely going to happen," he said, "it's just a matter of time."
I'll also be keeping my eye on what was formerly know as "The A" at the GEAA and is now called "The Back N9ne Grill." I'm not even going to get into the name spelling, but something tells me it's got character.
My other prediction for nightlife 2009 is special events. My 411 Source is planning a couple of benefit concerts this spring, and word on the street is that the April Fools' Festival will come to fruition as well.
The first Clark After Dark kicks off on Jan. 16 with "Renaissance Revelry," and will surely be a smashing good time. Oh yes, and there's Guitarmagedon at Flavours in February — this list could go on and on.
Until then, my best to you and yours for a five-mug 2009!
Nikki with Bob Heck and his wife.