Treating dad to dinner

CELEBRATING FAther’s Day traditionally has been about gift neckties, backyard cookouts, and watching the game on TV, with the occasion having a definite relaxat-home vibe. The restaurant industry, however, would like to change that, getting dad up and out of his recliner, instead experiencing his special holiday as a dining out occasion. Thus this year a number of area restaurants are promoting Father’s Day as an opportunity to treat dad to dinner.

One example is the Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield, which is organizing a Father’s Day BBQ Brunch that will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner will also be available in the dining room or on the Tavern’s patio from 4 to 8 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 413-7324188.

Two Father’s Day dining options are on tap this year at the Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee. The establishment’s main dining areas will be offering a special “plated meal” option featuring the likes of prime rib, filet mignon, lamb shanks, and baked haddock.

The outdoor beer garden at the Munich Haus will be hosting a “Cookout Buffet” with seatings at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. The buffet will feature house-made sausages, pretzel chicken, and schnitzel; a strawberry sundae will be served for dessert. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 413-5948788.

Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern at the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield will be featuring a “Build Your Own Burger” Special from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Three “burger” options will be available, a Black Angus beef burger, a salmon burger, or a house-made veggie burger, and a variety of topping will be on offer to facilitate the customization process.

The restaurant’s regular menu will be available as well, and reservation can be made by calling 413-774-5587.

A number of chain restaurants are also looking to capitalize on Father’s Day by promoting gift cards for dad.

Chili’s Grill & Bar locations are offering a $10 E-Bonus Card with a $50 gift card purchase. Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores have a similar gift card deal in place as do Outback Steakhouses.

Side dishes

• Springfield Restaurant Week continues through June 18, with more than 25 restaurant participating. Some eateries, like Ciro’s in the South End, have created menu specials that include salad, coffee and dessert; others, like White Lion Brewing, are offering a 10% discount on food items during the “week.”

Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill is promoting a $50 dinner for two that includes appetizers, salad, and entrée, while the Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant is featuring three-course, fixed-price menu options priced at $40.23. More information about Springfield Restaurant Week can be found online.

• The Belchertown Cultural Council will be sponsoring a Food Truck Friday tomorrow on the Belchertown Common. One of three such events during the summer season, the June Food Truck Friday will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

In addition to a collection of food truck experiences, the evening will feature live music and family-friendly activities.

The Belchertown Cultural Council can be reached at 413-813-5207.

• Hanna Devine’s Restaurant & Bar in Ware and the Greenfield-based Comical Mystery Tour dramatic troupe will be hosting a murder mystery dinner on June 19, starting at 6 p.m. The show, “Unhappy Days,” is a 1950s-themed whodunit that involves a cast reunion from a popular television show of the era. Like all the Tour’s shows, the dramatic experience has an interactive component, with audience involvement encouraged but not required.

For this particular production, those attending can dress “‘50s style” if they like.

The dinner menu for the evening begins with a strawberry, beet, and goat cheese salad. Three entrée options will be available - a French dip sandwich, lemon pepper haddock, or chicken primavera. A brownie sundae will be served for dessert.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling Hanna Devine’s at 413-277-0707.

• The Still Bar & Grill in Agawam is now serving a weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The culinary agenda for the brunch features plenty of classic morning food favorites as well as several unique selections. Among the

Menu

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For reservations or more information, contact the Still Bar & Grill at 413-304-2795.

• The Irish House Restaurant in West Springfield has welcomed a new chef, Peter Steward. Steward, who has over 40 years of restaurant experience, says he is committed to “seriously up the game” at the Irish House as he evolves the operation into an “all-scratch” kitchen. He’s already added fish

& chips to the menu, as well as a selection of homemade desserts such as a personal-sized cheesecake, a puff pastry eclair, and apple crisp. The Irish House Restaurant answers at 413-342-4358.

• Friendly’s Restaurants have created another “conehead” sundae treat, the Peanut Butter Moustache Conehead Sundae. It’s being served at participating Friendly’s locations during the month of June.

Made with a peanut butter cup, vanilla ice cream, and a fudge-dipped sugar cone, the sundae is also decorated with Reese’s Pieces candies.

• Buffalo Wild Wings has introduced two summer-season wings sauces, a spicy-sweet General Tso’s sauce made with crushed red pepper and bird’s beak chilies, and a honey-based Sweet Chile Lime Sauce. Both sauces can be ordered at no additional charge with any wings item.

There is a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Chicopee on Memorial Drive near the Massachusetts Turnpike entrance.

• On June 30, Teresa’s Restaurant in Ware is hosting Changes in Latitudes, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, as part of a dinner-show evening.

Dinner and entertainment presentations at Teresa’s feature a cocktail hour and a family-style dinner of Italian American favorites.

To order tickets call 413-9677601.

• Radio station Rock 102 is hosting a “Big Bonkin’ Smoke” at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on June 21. Admission to the event, which begins at 6 p.m., includes cigars from Cigar Room 2 in Agawam, an event tee shirt, and food stations by the Log Cabin. Tickets, which are $75, are available online at Eventbrite.com.

• On June 18, from noon to 6 p.m., Brignole Vineyards in East Granby, Connecticut, will be hosting the Lobster Tales Food Truck.

Based in Wallingford, Connecticut, Lobster Tales prepares hot and cold lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese sandwiches, lobster poutine, fried clams, fried pickles, and more. Brignole Vineyards answers at 860-653-9463.

• Atkins Farms Country Market will host its monthly “Tastings in The Loft” event on June 17, from 1 to 3 p.m.

A free event, Tastings in The Loft offers samples of selected wines, beers, and ciders as well as complimentary light snacks. Those attending can purchase the items being promoted during the tasting at special promotional prices.

Atkins Farms Country Market answers at 413-253-9528.

• The labor disputes at Starbucks have taken on a different slant over the last several weeks as a new player entered the fray.

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, a

Virginia-based advocacy group that describes as its mission the elimination of “coercive union power” has offered legal aid to Starbucks employees who wish to fight unionization in their workplace.

The Foundation, which has ties to various right-wing advocacy groups, is offering information and legal assistance for those workers who want to decertify a Starbucks Workers United union at the Starbucks location where that individual works.

Decertifying a unionized Starbucks requires a vote supervised by the National Labor Relations Board, the same Federal agency that supervises the union organizing process.

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.

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Petite sirah is an entirely different grape. And this particular one from California’s Stags’ Leap (not to be confused with Stag’s Leap, another California winery) has a long, flinty, clean finish with hints of roasted cherry and plum. And if you decide to open another wine instead for Father’s Day, don’t worry. This wine will taste great for at least another 10 to 15 years.

Region: Mosel, Germany

Grapes: 100% riesling

One of our family’s favorite go-to wines, this revered winery in Germany founded in 1911 is famous for its fragrant, flavorful white wines made with riesling grapes. These wines might not appeal to everyone. Even delightfully dry ones like this one are slightly sweeter than many other white wines. But if you think you don’t like riesling, try this outstanding wine. Its delicate flavors dance on the tip of your tongue and range from apricots and green apple to pear, peach and plum.

And because the grapes come from one specific vineyard (Wehlener Sonnenuhr), this wonderful white wine has a distinct character that always stands out in a crowd.

• 2021 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($42 SRP)

Region: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California

Grapes: 100% pinot noir

I have been meaning to write about wines from this outstanding California winery for a while and now seems as great a time as any. FEL Winery makes many outstanding, unique wines, especially ones made with pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. What I love about their wines is how simple yet elegant their wines consistently taste. This particular pinot noir captures the character of the region’s coastal climate, with its depth, nuance and concentration. Its complex flavors are fruit-forward but not fruity as well and include hints of blackberry, cherry, dark chocolate and roasted almonds.

• 2016 Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Chateauneuf-DuPape ($89 SRP)

Region: Chateauneuf-DuPape, Rhone Region, France

Grapes: 65% grenache noir, 15% syrah, 15% mourvedre, 5% cinsault

One of the great, classic red wines, Vieux Telegraphe’s “La Crau” perfectly captures the essence of ChateauneufDu-Pape, a village located in the southern part of France’s Rhone region famous for its muscular yet refined red wines. There’s nothing quite like a Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, which refers to a specific type of red wine along with the village itself. My dad and I love these wines and this wine in particular. I also had the good fortune once to visit Vieux Telegraphe and interview Daniel Brunier, the owner of the winery and its head winemaker. Like their other wines, this particular one’s earthy yet elegant, robust yet refined. The 2016 vintage is especially intense and more flavorful than many other recent vintages. And while you can easily wait a decade or more to drink this wine, it tastes terrific right now and is the perfect wine to share with your dad while watching golf, baseball or whatever you two enjoy doing together on a lazy, Sunday afternoon. Cheers!

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

Outdoor

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Ditto on passengers who can’t swim or are not comfortable in the water. If they tell you, “I’ll grab one if something happens,” insist they put one on; that’s like saying you’ll put your seat belt on in a car after a crash.

• When your engine is running or you are in motion, do not ever allow your passengers to sit on the bow of your boat with their legs dangling off the front. This is a recipe for disaster because passing over another boat’s wave, accelerating or stopping quickly, or simply fooling around could cause them to slip and fall. Before you can stop your boat, they would be underneath it, likely jettisoned toward your propeller.

• It’s worth offering this up too: If you leave the captain’s seat, ensure your engine is in neutral or off. There is so much else to know. Check in and read the next column.

And now some info from readers:

I received some great feedback from readers after the first column was published and thought I’d share. The last column focused on a hike on Mount Tom. I noted I’d been told the retention pond was used to make snow for the ski resort, but Holyoke native Harry Craven tells me it was actually used to pump water up to several of the former summit houses in case of fire, and for cooking and plumbing. Interesting! On the topic of other outdoor opportunities in the region:

• Amy Woolf said Hampshire Bird Club and its Birding For Everyone program is a great way to get outdoors, and it’s aimed at people new to birding and those with lesser physical ability; they can also bring in Spanish translators. Learn more at hampshirebirdclub.org.

• Yoga coach Barbara Paulo is now certified in water yoga for private or group offerings, and you can learn more on her new website, Barbarasyoga. com.

Janice Beetle writes about outdoor activities in Western Mass—from hiking and biking to kayaking, boating and jet skiing in summer, and snowshoeing and skiing when there is snow on the ground. Send feedback to Janice@BeetlePress.com.

Events

Thursday

Concerts in the Park Series: Thu, 6:30-8 p.m. Forest Park, Alex Rohan Band. Rain location is at Barney estate Carriage House Tent. Bring your blankets, chairs and snacks. Those attending may enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or Route 5 entrances for free after 5:30 p.m. on the evenings of the concerts, Sumner Avenue, Springfield.

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

Northampton Jazz Festival Presents “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes”: Thu., 7-9 p.m. Northampton Center for the Arts, $15-$20. 33 Hawley St., Northampton; 413-5847327 or nohoarts.org

Silverthorne Theater Company

Presents “The Cake”: Thu.-Fri, 7:30 p.m.; Sat, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Hampshire College Theatre, June 9-17. Tickets are available at tinyurl. com/thecake23, $25 general with discounted tickets for students, seniors and audience members 25 and under. 893 West St., Amherst.

Suds and Song Third Thursday Series: Thu, 5:30-8 p.m. Montague Village Store, Featuring beer tasting with Building 8 Brewing and live music by Big Destiny, 60 Main St., Montague.

Friday

Cantrip in Concert: Fri, 7:30 p.m. Ashfield Community Hall, Tickets available in advance at Ashfield Hardware, World Eye books in greenfield, Broadside Books in Northampton, online at www. brownpapertickets.com and at the door, $20 advance, $25 at the door. 531 Main St., Ashfield.

Juneteenth Jubilee Adult Day Block Party: Fri, 5-9 p.m. Level 5 Restaurant, For 21+ only, State and Andrew Street, Springfield.

Juneteenth Jubilee Flag Raising: Fri, noon Black Vietnam Veterans Memorial, State Street and Ben Swan Way, Springfield.

MGM Casino: See Thursday listing theshea.org

On the Boards: Festival of New Play Readings: Fri.-Sat, 7 p.m. LAVA Center, “750%” by Christine Benvenuto and Melville’s “Bartleby the Scrivener” adapted by P.H. Crosby. For tickets and more information visit thelavacenter.org/on-theboards/, $5-$15 sliding scale. 324 Main St., Greenfield.

Real Live Theatre presents “When the Mind’s Free”: Fri, 6:30 p.m.

Shea Theater, Staged Reading: caregivers’ event. This is a free or pay-what-you-can stated reading for anyone impacted by dementia/ Alzheimer’s or addiction. Featuring a community conversation with the Alzheimer’s association as well as information about local resources for those living with, or caring for loved ones with, memory loss and/ or addiction, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls. 413-863-2281 or www.

Silverthorne Theater Company

Presents “The Cake”: See Thursday listing

Variety Show: Fri, 6 p.m. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, The Berkshire Hills Music academy dance Team and other selected vocalists and musicians will be performing a variety show, Admission is free and open to all. 256 State St., Granby.

Saturday

Aaron’s Pinewood Derby & Family Fun Day: Sat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Belchertown Common, In honor of Aaron Twining and help raise awareness for Teen Suicide: Awareness, Prevention, and Education. Featuring a pinewood derby car race, food, raffle tables, magic show, face painting, and much more. For more information visit their Facebook page at Aaron’s Race 01007, Park and Main Streets, Belchertown. www.belchertownfair.com

The Brick House 5K Run/Walk/ Roll Fundraiser: Sat, 9 a.m. Unity Park, Takes place on the park’s bike path. Check in 9 a.m., race begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit the Facebook page, www. facebook.com/thebrickhouse5k, $20 advance registration, $25 day of, free for ages 17 and under. 1st Street, Turners Falls.

Car Show: Sat, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. American Legion Post 207, All Makes, all models are welcome, $10 per car. There will be food, beverages, entertainment, raffles, prizes and children’s activities. The fundraiser is a collaboration with Post 207 and it’s west Springfield to support future events of West Springfield American Legion Post 207 and It’s West Springfield, Inc. Rain date June 18, 83 Park Ave., West Springfield.

Classic Car Show: Sat, noon Heritage Woods Assisted Living, Heritage Woods and MBS Productions are thrilled to bring a Classic Car Show to Agawam. Rain date will be June 18. Check out the classic cars and food trucks, and enjoy music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. We will also be holding a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Alzheimer’s

SEE EVENTS, PAGE E10