Food + Beverage

Emma's Everyday Gourmet

A Taste of Italy in Westfield Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc At Emma’s Everyday Gourmet Restaurant and Bar in Westfield, MA, culinary excellence meets warm hospitality. One standout dish is the Veal Saltimbocca, where tender veal is sautéed in butter, topped with prosciutto di Parma and fresh mozzarella, and finished in a red and white wine lemon and sage sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, transporting diners to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re a local or just...

Food + Beverage

ShortStop Bar & Grill

The Crowned Jewel for Family Dining & More Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by j81 Studios Since 2014, ShortStop Bar & Grill has been a staple to Westfield for a plethora of reasons.  Monica Guarnieri, one of the managers at SS, opened the restaurant with her parents Nabil and Julie Hannoush, along with Skip Tenggren to provide a fun spot for lunch and dinner, as well as find a way to incorporate some batting practice into the mix.  What they came up with was a combination of seasonal fun...

Food + Beverage

Tribeca Gastro Bar & Grill

A Gourmet Fusion of History and Cuisine Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by Willow & Grace Photography In the heart of Westfield, MA, where tradition meets contemporary charm, Tribeca Gastro Bar & Grill has opened its doors, offering a culinary experience that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. The restaurant, set downtown in Lamson Square, beckons with its beautifully restored glass windows and original brickwork uncovered beneath layers of time. This meticulous renovation...

Health + Wellness

Eat Your Way to Lower Cholesterol

Article by Jennifer Giffune, RDN Every 30 seconds, someone in the US dies from heart disease.  The emotional cost is massive.  The financial cost, immense – greater than $252 billion a year. It's crucial that you monitor your heart health with your PCP. It’s also essential that you choose nutritious foods to support heart health permanently. Heart health is evaluated by checking your lipids, meaning total cholesterol, LDL (the bad cholesterol) and HDL (the good cholesterol).  Goals for these...

Food + Beverage

Crepes Tea House

Where Breakfast is Sweet, Savory, and Creative Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Willow & Grace Photography If you’re not a morning person, and you often get up too late to make it out to breakfast before it ends, Crepes Tea House in Southwick has you covered. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. That’s not the best part. What makes Crepes Tea House stand out among restaurants that serve breakfast is not only that it’s never too late for eggs and toast, but that their menu...

Beauty

Bella J's Salon

Where STYLE is Personal Article by Amanda Waterfield | Photography by Willow & Grace Photography What is style? According to Kristin Nunes, owner of Bella J’s Salon in Westfield, style is whatever makes you happy. “My definition of style and beauty is wanting that individual client, our guest, to feel their absolute best,” says Kristin. “I want to see that smile and know they’re comfortable in their skin. Our goal is for every guest who comes into our salon to leave with a smile.” Bella J’s...

Style + Beauty

In Store for Fall

Consignment Shops Offer Stylish Bargains Article by Maureen Sullivan | Photography by Willow & Grace Photography Looking to upgrade your wardrobe for fall, but don’t want to spend a fortune?  Consider consignment shopping. Finding unique, one-of-a-kind pieces at consignment shops has become a way to express your individuality and creativity without breaking the bank. It’s also about sustainability and the thrill of getting a piece of clothing or a designer handbag with the tags still on for a...

Food + Beverage

Fancy Bagels: Southwick's New Breakfast Hotspot

Fresh, Flavorful, and Innovative Bagel Creations You Can't Resist Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc Fancy Bagels, a new gem in Southwick, MA, is quickly becoming the town's favorite breakfast spot. Offering an array of delightful bagel sandwiches, Fancy Bagels stands out for its fresh ingredients and unique combinations. Among the must-try items is "The Lee," featuring egg whites, spinach, tomatoes, bacon, and avocado on a flavorful garlic bagel. Another standout is the classic...

Food + Beverage

The Bar Shoppe

Quality You Can Taste and Share Article by Virginia Maldonado | Photography by j81 Studios Is The Bar Shoppe a cocktail bar or a gift store? We are the best of both! We welcome barring while shopping. Savor every sip of your favorite drink while exploring a store full of hand curated art, prints, gifts, gadgets, jewelry, and books.   What inspires you to keep creating? The Bar Shoppe showcases art in a home-like atmosphere where friends turned family enjoy libations. Newcomers are...

Arts + Culture

Celebrate the Images

A Chat with Jessica, Owner of Willow and Grace Photography Article by Wade Rivest | Photography by Willow and Grace Photography Q: With such an amazing portfolio, what would you say is your favorite type of photo shoot? A: In 10 years, I have captured so much! Choosing one type of shoot is difficult! I absolutely love capturing weddings, and the raw emotion of a couple’s day, the contagious high vibrations of energy and happiness is awesome. So many of my wedding couples come back to have...