Today’s Taste of the Berkshires – The Mill Town Tavern
A third-generation native of Dalton, Massachusetts, Bill West enjoys fond, flavorful memories of the old Benny’s restaurant on Depot Street, where stone-oven baked pizza made the place a crowd favorite. It’s now been seven years since Bill took over that same space at 16 Depot Street marked by renovations that unveiled a fresh new look (or old look, depending on your point of view) and the unexpected reemergence of a famed menu item.
The Mill Town Tavern was born with the complete gutting of the space and refurbishments that included touches like a handsome solid oak bar, and most distinctive, the exposure of the brick walls offering a warmer, family atmosphere.
And it was the rediscovering the space that also meant a renewed appreciation of the historic Blodgett pizza oven with unique character. The classic stone oven is a favorite in the old Italian tradition, and the crisp, thin crust is a result of the solid stone slab set exactly three inches above the burner.
Ironically, pizza was never part of the original vision for the Mill Town, but Bill is thrilled with it.
“It didn’t start out that way, it just happened,” he said.
All the dough is made from scratch right on site. No wonder pizza is once again a hot item on the menu at 16 Depot Street. But, there is undoubtedly far more on the menu, and being featured at Taste of the Berkshires on November 1st will be the soup that you often have to come early to order at Mill Town when it’s a special, because it doesn’t stay in the kitchen for long.
The Buffalo Chicken Soup, a creation of chef Kayla Blake, evolved from the award-winning chicken wings that add the kick to this pleasing comfort food. It was a hit at last year’s Taste and assuredly many will be coming for seconds.
To add a sweet balance to the Mill Town spread Kayla will offer a chocolate truffle dessert. You can’t go wrong with chocolate.
For Bill and the Mill Town, contributing to the community is just a way of life, so taking part in Taste of the Berkshires is a natural fit. Always looking at offering new ways to serve loyal and new customers, the Mill Town has become a home of live music every Thursday with Quarter Life Crisis and regular live entertainment on weekends.
In addition, catering smaller events (20-40 people) is “perfect for us,” said Bill. Wedding and baby showers, birthday parties, and small business holiday parties are right up Milltown’s alley.
So, don’t miss the Mill Town Tavern’s spread at Taste of the Berkshires on Thursday, November 1st at the Masonic Temple, 116 South Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts – it’s one of nearly two-dozen different restaurants, bake shops and food and drink vendors that will make this year’s event better than ever.
We’ll be back tomorrow with another Taste!
Meanwhile, log onto the Taste of the Berkshires facebook page to learn more about the event, buy tickets and learn more about the Junior League of the Berkshires.
