Vacationing in the Berkshires - Part 4

Today we were set on doing a wee bit of hiking - nothing too strenuous or steep - we are old and out of shape. We stopped by Guido's Fresh Marketplace for provisions. This was about as close as one could get to Elwood Thompson's. Two local producers caught our eye - Rawson Brook Farm from Monterey, MA (a few miles away) offered chive and garlic chevre and Berkshire Bark had chocolate bars that we could not resist.

We then headed to Beartown State Forest and hiked around Benedict Pond (a 1.5 mile loop). Very lovely and picturesque. After the loop we picnicked by the pond.

For dinner we played the tourists and headed to The Red Lion Inn and the main dining room.

Many folks were waiting in the lounging area, but we had made reservations and were seated right away and immediately ordered two glasses of Mionetto Prosecco. I stuck with tradition and ordered New England Chowder and Roasted Native Turkey with Stuffing, Whipped Potatoes, and Pan Gravy (accompanied by a dab of cranberry sauce, of course). I loved every bit of it! The chowder was as expected - tender potatoes, just a hint of bacon, and a good amount of succulent clams. The turkey had truly been roasted and the ghost of Norman Rockwell's Freedom From Want enveloped me as I consumed this oh-so-American meal. My husband started with the soup of the day - a vegetable soup that had been pureed. Not bad, but he was envious of my chowder. For the main course he had Grilled Organic Salmon with Roasted Red Potatoes, Chive Puree, and Red Onion Confit. All were delicious by themselves, but none of it paired together properly. The lesson of the Red Lion - stick to the very traditional for something outstanding. We had a very difficult time deciding what wine to order. Fortunately, for us The Red Lion featured 25 wines by the half bottle, a surprisingly large and varied selection. Thus, we ordered two half bottles of red to enjoy with our meals. The first was Volnay 2005, En Chevret, Louis Latour. Very cherry-like and a stand-out with the turkey. The second was Domaine Du Grand Tinel 2005, Chateauneuf du Pape. Much more sturdy in body and a winner with the salmon. The meal portions were quite large, thus, we had no room for dessert. I would have liked to try the Warm Indian Pudding or the Pumpkin Creme Brulee. Perhaps another trip.