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Dining Intelligence
Oaxacan Night at the Southfield Store
The Southfield Store during the day
The Berkshire Babe was in heaven. “Wow!” she said. “This is the best mole I’ve ever had—it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, with layers of flavors. It gets better with every bite.” The mole, which was served with an astonishingly juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin ($20), is on the menu every Thursday when the Southfield Store has its Oaxacan Night. Since last year, the Southfield Store—an old general store that was gentrified in restrained Martha Stewart-style by a previous owner—has been owned by Peter Platt and Meredith Kennard of the redoubtable Old Inn on the Green. Now, they’ve let their chef—Gustavo A. Perez who worked with Peter at Wheatleigh years ago—cook the food of his native state on Thursday nights. “It’s hard to find real Mexican food in the Berkshires,” says Perez, who makes every taco and tostado to order. “That’s why the food comes out slow, but I think it’s worth it,” he says. It certainly is.
Waiting is part of the experience. With only six tables and a no reservation policy, the Southfield Store is not for Type A personalities. There is a small bar and full liquor service so you can have a margarita or a glass of wine during the inevitable wait. But if you check your attitude at the door, you can enjoy home-style food that is plated as if it were haute cuisine. Everything we had on our first visit made us happy: Crispy fish tacos ($9), chicken tamales with tomato sauce ($8), Quesadlila Oaxacan Style with queso fresco and mushrooms ($8) and tostados topped with quesillo ($8). The Berkshire Babe’s boyfriend vowed to return next Thursday to try the Pozole, Ensalada with Cactus leaves and Chile Releno. “But I’m not sure I want you to tell anybody about this place,” he said.
The Southfield Store
163 Main Street, Southfield MA; 413.229.5050
Breakfast & Lunch: Monday - Saturday, 7 AM - 5:30PM, Sunday Brunch 8 AM - 2 PM
Dinner: Thursday - Sunday, 5:30 - 9
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