John Andrews
Posted by: Dan Shaw
Posted on: Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Comments
During the latest of many power outages this season, I took myself out to JAs Sunday night and tried something new (to me): mashed potato, pesto and asiago pizza from the bar menu. Wow. Really. I love Dan Smith’s cooking (and he’s a lovely person, too), but usually have the ricotta gnocchi. Sunday night I went wild, and digressed, and am so glad I did. Did I mention I also ordered the mac and cheese? A night of great possibilities (and a big take-home portion of each treat for Monday).
The restaurant business is challenging even in the best of times and the most ideal locations… set off the beaten track, to say the least, John Andrews has survived the tumultuous economy of the past fifteen years despite it’s somewhat challenging location ... How is this possible? I have lived in the Berkshires for more than thirty years and watched restaurant after restaurant come and go… some good, some not so good.
Some people make food in their kitchens, Dan and his staff create an experience for all their visitors in theirs. Fresh, local, organic ingredients and a passion for food will tell you why JA is such a treasure for us. If you have been meaning to go check it out but haven’t yet OR of you haven’t been in in a while OR if you are just hearing of it for the first time… put it top on your list. You will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
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Full Article
Straddling the border of Berkshire and Columbia Counties, John Andrews has been a beacon in the culinary wilderness for more than a decade. Although chef/owner Dan Smith always offers specials based on seasonal ingredients, it’s hard for him to improve upon his regular, exquisitely eclectic menu—fried oysters with anchovy-mustard vinaigrette ($10), papardelle with wild boar ragu ($20), grilled hangar steak with potato gratin ($30.) Cozy in winter if you sit by the fireplace and refreshing in summer if you have a table overlooking the garden, John Andrews is a restaurant for all seasons and all personalities. If you’re not in the mood for a white-tablecloth experience, the small bar has its own simple menu with yummy things like semolina-coated calamari ($9) and duck wings with blue cheese and celery ($8).
Route 23 (1 mile east of the NY border); 413.528.3469
Sunday - Tuesday & Thursday 5 - 9; Friday & Saturday 5 - 10
Closed Wednesday
