My friend, Angela, and I had an amazing dining experience at Firehouse Café & Bistro in Adams Massachusetts. We were there to visit and support our friend Chef Xavier Jones who launched this newest venture May 2022. We were NOT disappointed. The menu is tapas. Everything is meant for sharing. And, as Angela put it, everything is a “texture of flavors!”
(I was lucky enough to have Chef X prepare a holiday dinner for us. You’ll get a good idea of his cooking prowess here.)
Cocktails
We started off our dinner with cocktails. I am a sucker for a grapefruit cocktail. I had the Thunderbolt minus the Sprite – substituted with club soda. It was refreshing and delightful!
And this is the Thunderbolt . . . Kim style!
Speaking of the bar, it’s upstairs and absolutely amazing. Salvaged from New York City it made its way to the Berkshires. The detail is pretty amazing.
Tapas
We had a little trouble deciding what to order. Angela had the stuffed peppadews. They have a romesco sauce (made with almonds) so I had to pass because I have a nut allergy. That’s the only thing I didn’t get a picture of.
These were all our options on the menu. We really struggled with making a choice. You can see why.
When Mark and I went to Barcelona a few years ago I fell in love with Papas Bravas. Chef Xavier’s interpretation is the perfect ‘hearty’ salad. The peppery arugula with the buttery potatoes and delightful sauce were just delicious!
Next up, the Brisket Taco. The braised brisket was soooo tender, with a malfouf slaw, baby arugula, heirloom tomato pistou and roasted red pepper sauce with capers. That was the taco special that night. If you go and it’s on the menu, DO IT!
I had a devil of a time getting a good picture but the Peking Chicken was, hands down, my favorite. Perfectly seasoned. Crispy skin and served with lavender honey! Sweet, but not too sweet, and savory. When we return I’ll get this for sure!
We were getting full but really wanted to try One. More. Thing! We went with the Aged Toast Points. This bruschetta was the perfect counterpoint of salty with the aged meat and tapenade next to the sweet tomato jam. A great way to end our meal.
In Conclusion
Not only was it good to see our friend, it was really great enjoying wonderful food made with love. Let me know if you make it there and what you enjoyed on the menu.
Firehouse Café & Bistro is located at 47 Park St, Adams, MA 01220. For their current menu and hours visit their website https://firehousecafe.net/.