Restaurants
The restaurant descriptions that follow reflect the opinions of the editors of Rural Intelligence.
They are editorial content, not paid advertisements, and are organized by county.
Flatiron in Red Hook keeps locals coming back again and again. |
Bread Alone in Rhinebeck specializes in breakfasts and lunches on artisanal bread. |
Bangall Whaling Company is an archetypal neighborhood saloon. |
[See more Restaurants, Listed by County]
Bombay Bar & Grill - Lee, Massachusetts
Located at the Quality Inn motel (formerly the Black Swan) on Laurel Lake, Bombay Bar and Grill is one of those hidden gems (well, perhaps, it’s more a diamond in the rough). As you pass through the motel lobby, you can see the murky lake through the windows of the greenhouse dining room. The bright yellow room is incongruously forlorn, which I find beguiling and romantic. While the lakeside setting makes the restaurant sui generis, the food and service are what make it memorable. Our waiter was the epitome of graciousness as we ordered Chicken Ammwala (the “signature” dish of Chicken Tikka cooked with mango and spices) and Palak Paneer (cheese in a mild spinach sauce). But when we asked for Bhamia Koota (spiced lamb with okra in a tamarind infused onion tomato sauce), he couldn’t contain a knowing chuckle, and we think we understood why. Bhamia Koota is described on the menu as a “Calcutta Jewish Specialty,” and it seems to be some sort of signifier for secular Jews like myself that we are not just welcome here but that we belong. Everyone is made to feel welcome at Bombay Bar & Grill: the menu has about a dozen vegetarian dishes and another dozen vegan dishes, so it’s one of those rare places where carnivores and herbivores can dine happily in harmony. The restaurant has bargain-priced lunch specials, a buffet lunch and Sunday brunch, but I prefer to (over) order a la carte, because that way there are delectable leftovers to take home—and, yes, everything tastes even better the second day.
435 Laurel Street, Lee, MA; 413.243-6731
Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday noon - 2:30; Sunday Brunch: noon - 3
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday 5 - 9:30; Friday & Saturday 5 - 10
