Maple Weekend celebrates peak-season syrup

THE METEOROLOGIcal “pattern change” responsible for the chilly weather so far this March has been a boon to maple syrup producers across our region. Cold nights and brisk days are ideal conditions for good sap flow, so the peak of the maple syrup season is now upon us.

The weekend of March 18 and 19 has been designated Maple Weekend by the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, and a number of local sugarhouse operations are celebrating with special “tastes” of maple.

If you’re looking for a fullon maple-flavored experience, Hartman’s Herb Farm in Hardwick is holding a Maple Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes everything from maple-glazed ham and maple-mustard salmon to maple mousse for dessert. Charge to attend is $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling 978-355-2015.

In Dalton, the Holiday Brook Farm sugarhouse will be celebrating Maple Weekend both days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a pancake breakfast that also includes the likes of maple bean casserole and maple cinnamon applesauce. Call 413-684-0444 for more information.

The Maple Corner Farm in Granville will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days, with a restaurant menu serving pancakes, French toast, eggs, and more. Their phone number is 413-357-8829.

Other area sugarhouse operations will be “boiling” as weather permits. Nearly all will have syrup and sugar for sale; many will have other distinctive products like maple popcorn, maple cotton candy, maple donuts, and even maple hot dogs available for sampling and purchase.

A complete roster of Maple Weekend experiences is available online at massmaple. org/category/maple-weekend/.

Side dishes

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub at the Irish Cultural Center in West Springfield will be offering a special St. Patrick’s Week menu through tomorrow. Corned beef and cabbage, beef stew, shepherd’s pie, seafood stew, and a Rueben sandwich will be featured. The restaurant’s regular menu won’t be available those days.

On Friday, the Irish House will open early at noon with Irish-themed entertainment planned in the evening. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and they can be made by calling 413-342-4358.

• Atkins Farms Country Market in Amherst will host another “Tastings in The Loft” event on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Open to the public, the event will feature samples of wines, beers, and ciders available at the market.

Complimentary light snacks will be served, and those attending can take advantage of special price deals on the beverage products being sampled.

For more information, contact Atkins Farms at 413253-9528.

• Tomorrow, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern at the Deerfield Inn will be offering live Irish music and a menu of Irish-inspired specials.

TJ & The Peepers will entertain from 6 to 9 p.m., and, in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, Champney’s will be featuring Colcannon croquettes as an appetizer. Special entree selections will include roast spring leg of lamb, corned beef and cabbage, and “bangers & mash” served with an authentic caramelized onion gravy. Reservations, which are strongly encouraged, can be made by calling 413-7745587.

• On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Historic Deerfield will be presenting an educational program, “Baking in the Beehive Oven.” The session is a part of Historic Deerfield’s ongoing “Fun with Fireplace Cookery” series.

Using the historic kitchen in the Hall Tavern, the museum’s interpretative staff will demonstrate how to fire up a beehive oven and make it ready for baking. The program will also include the preparation and sampling of dishes both sweet and savory prepared using the oven.

Tickets are $75 per person and can be ordered online at historic-deerfield.org/ events. Historic Deerfield answers at 413-774-5581.

• The Union Street Bistro & Bakery in Easthampton has announced new operating hours. The establishment is now open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The new schedule has allowed Union Street to offer a Bistro Breakfast menu until 11 a.m. daily. Four chef-curated

Sweet Dreams from Firefly featuring

With Table 3 Restaurant Group

For a special Easter celebration leave the cooking to Table 3 Restaurant Group. Our talented chefs have prepared sensational menus so you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday meal.

Celebrate Easter at one of Table 3’s highly acclaimed locations. We have so many terrific dine-in options it may be difficult to choose!

The Duck and Avellino will be serving a traditional à la carte menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Call 508-347-2321 for Easter dinner reservations at The Duck & Avellino. Seating is 11am–4pm.

The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet returns this year, brimming with all your favorites. This Easter feast is just $43.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Call 774-241-8450 for reservations. Seating is 10am-4pm.

Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. Call 508-347-5800 for reservations. Seating is 10am–4pm.

Cedar Street Café and Table 3 Restaurant Group have you covered for the best Easter holiday catering around. We can provide your complete meal or you can add a few key items to enhance your celebration. Please check out our Easter holiday catering menu on our website and give us a call at 774-241-8450 to place your holiday order.