Restaurant owners face new pricing challenge

AS WHOLESALE food commodity prices level off and in some instances begin to decline, restaurant owners are facing a new pricing challenge.

Throughout most of the past two years, the growth in the cost of dining out has lagged behind supermarket price inflation, but, during the last several months, that pattern has flipped. During February, for instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food service prices had increased 0.6%, a rate the same as the previous month. Grocery store prices, however, only ticked up by 0.3% during the same time period.

It is, of course, a harsh reality that once prices go up, they rarely come back down, but some in the restaurant industry are suggesting caution when it comes to further upward menu price adjustments. Such an approach, they suggest, might prove to be especially important in the months ahead should an economic downturn materialize and consumers respond by reducing their discretionary spending.

In a highly competitive industry like the restaurant business, providing good value is essential; consumers have too many options for any one brand or location to raise prices at will. Should restaurant prices continue to grow faster than those at the grocery store, the public will notice the difference.

Thus given the uncertainties ahead, some chains are experimenting with new menu strategies. Noodles & Compa- ny, a Colorado-based company that operates fast-casual restaurants specializing in noodle dishes, has embraced dynamic pricing.

The chain has just finished invested in digital menu boards for all its restaurants, giving the brand the ability to quickly implement menu changes, including varying prices at different times of the day.

That practice isn’t exactly new to the industry; many operators have long used had “lunch” and “dinner” prices on their menu. The kind of dynamic pricing that Noodles & Company is experimenting with, however, can be more pervasive, adjusting prices up and down to reflect demand across both dayparts (lunch versus dinner) and days of the week.

An order of spaghetti, for instance, might be cheaper on a slow Tuesday than it is on busy weekend evenings, allowing the restaurant to maximize revenue without having to implement permanent prices hikes.

Noodles & Company operates restaurants locally in Manchester and West Hartford, Connecticut.

Side dishes

• With Easter fast approaching, a number of area restaurants are already promoting their help for those who might want to celebrate at home.

Hartford-based Max Hospitality is taking orders for dinner boxes, each of which serves up to four people. Entrée options include glazed Easter ham, horseradish-crusted salmon, turkey breast, prime rib, and tenderloin of beef. Boxes additionally contain an appetizer, three sides, and a dessert; rolls and jelly beans are also part of the package. There are also a la carte entrees, sides, and desserts from which to choose.

Orders must be placed by April 4, with pickup available at Max Tavern in Springfield on April 8.

For more information, visit maxrestaurantgroup.com/ max-to-go-events or call 413-746-3003.

• On Saturday at 10 a.m. Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) will be collaborating with Franklin Country food producers to present a family- and kid-friendly event, “Making Food Fun.”

To be held outdoors in the providing Easter dinner takeout service, with orders due by April 1. alleyway space adjacent to Green Fields Market in Greenfield, the free two-hour event will feature demonstrations and tastings from area food producers.

The package dinner, which serves eight, includes both ham and sliced turkey breast, potato, and salad. Spring peas with pancetta and honey-glazed carrots are also included, as is a carrot cake for dessert.

A number of extra cost “addons” are available as well, such as shrimp cocktail risotto balls, braised beef short ribs, and eggplant parmesan.

Dinner packages must be picked up on Easter Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The entire menu can be viewed at thefederalrestau rant.com, and orders can be placed by calling 413-789-1267.

Call CISA at 413-665-7100 for more information on the “Making Food Fun” program.

• The Federal in Agawam is

• On Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m., Shattuck Sugarhouse in Belchertown will be hosting their first Sugarfest in partnership with Austin Brothers Valley Farm in Belchertown and Vanished Valley Brewing Company of Ludlow. Sugarhouse tours, live music, hamburger grill ing, and maple goodies will be part of the fun.

Shattuck Sugarhouse answers at 413- 262-6594.

WEDNESDAY

Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385

Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm

Doors Open at 4pm.

Minimum Admission $50

1 - 1199 Progressive w/ Climbing Consolation Prize

2 - $500 Cover Alls

3 - $200 Special Games

All Games will be $100 with 90 People or More

All Cards are included with Admission

THURSDAY

Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011

DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start Min. Entry Package $15 Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms

CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE

• After testing the product in Denver and Indianapolis, Chipotle Mexican Grill has introduced Chicken al Pastor as a limited-time-only menu option.

Described in company press materials as “fire meets flavor,” the Chicken al Pastor is freshly grilled chicken that’s been marinated in abodo, ground achiote, morita peppers, lime, and pineapple juice.

Morita peppers are a type of chili pepper that are made from red-ripe jalapenos. Briefly smoked, the peppers are richly flavorful with a slight residual fruitiness. The heat they lend to a dish is typically moderate, being about the same as the jalapeno from which they are produced. Chicken al Pastor can be ordered as an ingredient in

Wine

CONTINUES FROM PAGE E5 the 1980s, when Chilean winemakers began exporting more of their wine to other countries. Nowadays, Chile’s the largest wine-producing country in South America and the sixth-largest in the world.

Regions

There are many different wine regions located throughout this narrow country stretched along most Chipotle menu items, including the recently-introduced quesadilla with fajita vegetables.

• Every Saturday and Sunday in March, the Hardwick Vineyard and Winery in Hardwick will be serving a Maple Barn Breakfast, with seatings at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.

The buffet breakfast includes buttermilk pancake, maple baked French toast, maple bacon, twice-baked potato casserole, and more. Maple products, maple wine, vendor displays, and, in the afternoon, live music, will be part of the breakfast experience, and wagon rides will also be available, weather permitting.

Tickets can be ordered online at hardwickwinery. com; the Hardwick winery answers at 413-967-7763.

• During March, IHOP has been promoting a menu of sweet and savory crepe the western edge of South America between the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains, which has some of the best skiing in the world during their winter in July and August. Chile’s three largest and best-known regions include the Maipo Valley south of Santiago, Chile’s capital; the Colchagua Valley a little further south and the Elqui Valley north of Santiago.

Grapes

Cabernet sauvignon is king in Chile. Roughly 22% of all Chil- options. New sweet crepe options include Cinnamon Bun, which has a filling of cheesecake mousse and is drizzled with cinnamon bun filling; a Lemon Ricotta Blueberry that’s rolled with lemon ricotta and topped with fresh blueberries; and a Fresh Berry Crepe variation with blueberries and sliced strawberries. Sweet crepes can be enjoyed a la carte — two to an order — or as part of an “eggsand” breakfast combo. Two savory crepe creations are also being served. Breakfast Crepes are filled and rolled with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash-browns, and two cheeses. Chicken Pesto Crepes are rolled around grilled chicken and finished with a nut-free pesto, two cheeses, and roasted cherry tomatoes.

As part of the current crepe promotion, participating IHOP locations are offering a buy one, get one free deal on full orders of crepes through ean wine is made with cabernet sauvignon grapes. Other popular red wine grapes in Chile include merlot and carmenere, a distinct, delightful merlot-like grape that is pretty much only grown in Chile.

As for white wine grapes, Chile’s most popular grapes are sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, along with a small amount of viognier and riesling.

Tasting notes

• 2019 Veramonte Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($8.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield)

Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting notes: Easy drinking cabernet sauvignon with a nice, light, long finish. Its lovely, subtle flavors cover a wide range, including hints of fresh blackberries, raspberries and a dash of almonds and vanilla. Absolutely wonderful wine for an amazing price.

• 2019 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon ($21 Suggested Retail Price)

Region: Maipo Valley, Chile

Tasting notes: Terrific cabernet sauvignon from one of Chile’s best-known and most respected wine regions.

March 26.

There are IHOP restaurants in West Springfield on Riverdale Street and in the Five Town Plaza in Sixteen Acres.

• The White Lion Brewing Co. of Springfield is hosting a beer dinner and comedy show on April 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.

This April Fools Beer Dinner will feature Rafi Gonzalez and Friends as its comedy component, while the beer dinner itself will focus on food pairing that match up various White Lion brews with savory dish specialties.

Sticky Rib Tonkatsu is being served along with White Lion’s Local Pilsner, while the brewing company’s Insane Mane Red Ale is being matched up with Tempura Oyster Mushrooms. Potato Flake Encrusted Cod and a Duo De Beouf are also in the event’s culinary line-up.

For more details, contact White Lion Brewing at 413-

The flavors in this elegant wine have a lot of depth and complexity, including hints of black pepper, toasted almonds, roasted blackberries and tobacco. A robust yet refined wine perfect with hearty foods, especially grilled or smoked meats.

• 2020 Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon ($24 SRP)

Region: Apalta, Chile

Tasting notes: This racy cabernet sauvignon from Apalta, which is located within Chile’s Colchagua Valley, illustrates why Chile has gained a loyal following among red wine lovers around the world in recent years. A big, bold yet sophisticated wine, the flavors here keep coming in one subtle wave after another and include hints of plums, blackberries, roasted cherries and dark chocolate. A truly magnificent with a lot of character and personality.

455-0820.

• Chicago-based McDonald’s Corp. has reworked and rebranded its crispy chicken sandwich, giving it a potato roll and a new name — the McCrispy.

The McCrispy is available in three versions — a basic build that includes a garnish of crinkle cut pickles, a spicy version, and a Deluxe that comes topped with lettuce and tomatoes.

As part of the promotional effort surrounding the McCrispy launch, McDonald’s locations are also offering, for a limited time only, a Bacon Ranch McCrispy that’s topped with Applewood smoked bacon and ranch sauce.

Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.

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.

Events

Thursday

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: Thu.-Sun., Holyoke Mall, Café Square. Reservations are encouraged, walk-up visits available as space permits. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. extends to 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. on April 7; Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. noon-6 p.m., extends to 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on April 2. To register, visit holyoke mall.com, 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke.

“The Glass Menagerie”: Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun,, 2 p.m., Majestic Theater, through April 2. For tickets, call 413747-7797. Tickets start at $29. 131 Elm St., West Springfield, 413-7477797, majestictheater.com

MGM Casino: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield, featuring retail stores, restaurants, Regal Cinemas and more. For more information visit mgmspringfield.com, 1 MGM Way, Springfield.

The Original Western Mass Home Show: Thu.-Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, westernmasshome show.com. $10, parking $5 (collected by ESE Fairgrounds). 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443, thebige.com

Paint and Sip Workshop: Thu., 6 p.m., West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub. Paint along with artist Joan Nelson and create your own Celtic Tree of Life scene. All materials provided. Advance registration is required, $35. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, Irish Centerwne.org

Square Dance Classes: Thu., 6:30 p.m., American Legion 0239, $5. For more information, contact Gloria at 413-467-3352 or email ladicaller@ gogtt.ent, 66 State St., Belchertown.

Westfield Athenaeum and MOSSO: Thu., 7 p.m. Westfield Athenaeum, The Champlain Trio. There will be a pre-performance talk at 6 p.m. with Guy McLain, executive director of the Westfield Athenaeum, which is free to ticketholders. For tickets, visit the Athenaeum during business hours, or go online to westath. org, $25 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 6 Elm St., Westfield, 413-562-7833.

Friday

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: See Thursday listing Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m., Swift River Sportsman’s Club, through April 7. $14 Fish & Chips; $16

Shrimp & Chips; $18 Fish, Shrimp & Chips Combo. For more information, call 413-323-9387. 79 Moore Road, Belchertown.

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing Movie Life Stories Program: Fri., 6-8 p.m., South Berkshire Friends Meetinghouse, This program is created for and geared toward the Berkshire immigrant population and their allies. These workshops provide opportunities to share personal journeys, stories, and connections to places past and present through movement games, exercises, dancing and community building. For more information, visit berkshire pulse.org/classes-programs/ special-programs/, 280 State Road, Great Barrington.

Music at Amherst Series: Fri., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall, Nathaniel Dett Chorale. For updated COVID-19 concert rules, visit www amherst edu. $18 general, $12 seniors (65+), $10 students with valid ID; Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.

The Original Western Mass Home Show: See Thursday listing Song & Dance! A Live Music and Dance Celebration of Women in the Berkshires: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, featuring Gina Coleman, Olga Dunn Dance Co., Wanda Houston, and Mary Ann Palermo. For tickets, visit berk shiretheatregroup.org/event/ song-and-dance-a-celebrationof-women-of-the-berkshires/, $30. 111 South St., Pittsfield; 413997-4444, thecolonialtheatre.org.

St. Patrick’s Ladies Guild Lenten

Lunches: Fri., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., grab-and-go Lenten lunches. Meal choice of lobster roll, choice of homemade minestrone soup or clam chowder, a bag of chips and a cookie for $19; or tuna salad on a croissant, choice of homemade minestrone soup or clam chowder, a bag of chips and a cookie for $10. Orders and payment due prior to pickup. 15 School St Parking Lot, Main and School Streets, South Hadley.

SATURDAY

Amherst College Glee Club and Concert Choir: Sat., 8 p.m. Buckley Recital Hall, the 157th Amherst College Glee Club and Concert Choir. No tickets required. For more information about COVID protocols, visit amherst.edu. Free and open to the public. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.

Doodle-a-thon 2023 Benefit: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Cottage Street Boardwalk at Nashawannuck Pond, to benefit the Art is for Everyone

Calendar

Scholarship Fund. Free to attend, but advance workshop tickets available at resilientcommunity arts.org/doodleathon; $10 for workshops. Live music, artwork and crafts, food, and raffles. Water Lane, Easthampton.

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: See Thursday listing The Legible Bodies Present “Graceland”: Sat., 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts. Set to the iconic album of the same name by Paul Simon, “Graceland” is a multimedia dance performance that explores the social and cultural themes of the music in a modern context. Viewers are invited to reflect on the personal and societal narratives woven throughout, set in front of a dazzling visual landscape, $20. 33 Hawley St., Northampton; 413-584-7327, nohoarts.org

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing MGM Casino: See Thursday listing The Original Western Mass Home Show: See Thursday listing Second Chance 24th Annual Dinner Auction: Sat., 4 p.m., Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Cocktails, 4-6 p.m.; dinner and auction, 6 to 9 p.m. Silent auction and raffles featuring hundreds of items, buffet dinner and dessert, $55 per person. 14 Mechanic St., Southbirdge.

Sunday

“Pictures at an Exhibition-A Gallery Stroll”: Sun., 4 p.m., Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, $28/$52. 14 Castle St., Great Barrington; 413528-0100 or mahaiwe.org.

Easter Bunny at the Holyoke Mall: See Thursday listing

“The Glass Menagerie”: See Thursday listing

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing

“A Night Out for Ukraine”: Sun., 4-9 p.m., Edwards Church of Northampton. Featuring “Survivor’s Syndrome,” this event will include a panel discussion, food, music, and four new play readings. 297 Main St., Northampton.

The Original Western Mass Home Show: See Thursday listing Square Dancing Classes: Sun., 6:30-8 p.m., Union Church of Christ. First two dances are free; further classes $5 per person. The instructor is Gloria Vivier. For more information, call 413-467-3352, 51 Center St. (Route 21), Ludlow, 413583-5717.

The Story Of My Song: Sun., 3 p.m., Blue Room at CitySpace. Musical concert presented by Soirée of

Western Massachusetts. The event entails big band performance with screen imaging and detailed narration. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.

Valleycon 32: Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Knights of Columbus, Wings & Wheels Modelers presents Valleycon 32. More than 50 vendor tables in a fully accessible hall. 31 class es include military vehicles, aircraft, automotive subjects, figures, ships, science fiction, and diorama. Two classes are reserved for juniors under 16. Huge raffle includes models, reference material and surprise items returns. Contest forms can be found online at wwmodelclub.org.

Admission is $5 for the first three entries; additional entries are $2 each to a maximum of $15. Children under 17 get in for free and may enter up to three models at no cost. Parking is free and lunch is available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus. For more information, contact Al LaFleche at 413-3061270 or ajlafleche@comcast.net, $5-$15. 460 Granby Road, Chicopee, kofc69.com

Quadrangle

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden: Outdoor sculpture garden of largerthan-life bronze statues of Springfield native Dr. Seuss at his drawing board surrounded by some of his most beloved characters including Horton the Elephant, the Grinch, the Lorax and others. Free on the green.

George Walter Vincent Smith

Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. Hands-on making activities in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center. Part of the free family activities.

Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “The Grinch: A Car with a History,” through Nov. 1, 2023. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.

Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Nelson Stevens: Color Rapping,” through Sept. 3. “New/Now: Contemporary Art Acquisitions,” through July 30. Museum a la Carte: Today, 12:15 p.m. “Civil War Monuments & Race in America.” $4, members free. Presented by Kevin M. Levin, historian, educator, and author.

Springfield Science Museum:

“Leonardo’s Lab,” through April 23. Visitors can recreate Leonardo’s tool-and-hardware-free interlocking bridge and assemble an air-powered flying helicopter, making changes to improve the aerodynamics and more. “We’re Still Here,” through June 30. Native Voices Initiative begins with contemporary perspectives. Curated by Aprell May.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent Exhibit. First floor exhibition offers interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. Timed tickets required. For reservations, visit springfieldmuseums.org

Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Museums

Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibit: Hands-on activities and creative exhibits, including the Hurricane Simulator. Sign up online for a play session at ameliaparkmuseum.org. Mon., 10 a.m.3 p.m.; Thu.-Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; open for groups Tues. and Wed. $8 adults, $8 children (12 months and older), $4 grandparents/seniors (60+), military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission, members and infants free. 29 S. Broad St., Westfield, ameliapark museum.org

Children’s Museum at Holyoke: Permanent exhibit includes Wiggle and Wash Vet Clinic, a toddler merry-go-round and a STEM-based cash register for kids. Tues.-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m., closed Mondays. In the event of severe weather conditions, check Facebook or Instagram, or local TV Station 22 for closures. Children & adults $8; seniors (62+) $5; children under 1 and members are free. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke, childrensmuseum holyoke.org.

East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit: Featured at the museum are East Longmeadow artifacts pertaining to the quarries, local Native Americans, period clothing, the railroad system, and more. Open 1-3 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month, Sept.-June, weather permitting. Free. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: “The Carle Collection: Recent Acquisitions,” through April 9. “What Might You Do? Christian Robinson,” through June 4. “Eric Carle Loves Japan,” through SEE CALENDAR, PAGE E11