164377 Mon Jun 05 10:49:40 -0700 2006 10 13 New England 0 878624 I am going to Tanglewwod for July 4th and will be staying in Lee. I am looking for recommendations for dinners and lunches. I have been recommended: Chez Nous Bistro, Spigalina and Bistor Zinc. But I am interested in what my fellow Chowhounds think. Thank you. Mon Jun 05 10:49:40 -0700 2006 0 Roger 1 878632 Depends on what you'd like to spend, in part. I like Bistro Zinc very much, although others hereabouts disagree. I had a lovely meal at Lenox 218. Church St. Cafe, Lenox, is nice. I love Wheatleigh - but very pricey. Make that very very pricey. An Occasion, to be sure! Very much enjoyed Bizen (Japanese) in Gt. Barrington. Wasn't that impressed with the Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, dining room, but tavern might be better. Hope that helps! Mon Jun 05 12:27:23 -0700 2006 878624 0 sophie fox 2 878644 We love Pearl's in Great Barrington, John Andrews in Egremont, The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough. These are not inexpensive but the food is wonderful. They probably all have menus online. Have Fun Vincent Mon Jun 05 16:48:54 -0700 2006 878632 0 Vincent 3 878647 i %100 agree with all 3 choices. couldnt have said it better myself! Mon Jun 05 18:31:12 -0700 2006 878644 0 niccole 4 878648 just to be sure, i am agreeing with pearls, john andrews, and the inn on the green...NOT the lee restaurants the OP listed. those 3 are THEE best around. i have never been to bizen, but people rave about it if you love sushi. Mon Jun 05 18:32:51 -0700 2006 878647 0 niccole 5 878652 be aware: lenox is packed on july 4th weekend so you're going to want to make reservations ASAP! inn on the green is fantastic and expensive but definitely phenomenal. note that it's a prix fixe dinner (like $65 or so) for 3 or 4 courses. i don't like pearls. it's trying too hard to be an nyc steakhouse and it fails. way overprices and the food is very bland. i like bizen a lot. very fresh sushi, in fact, some of the best i've had. id also recommend trattoria rustica in pittsfield. fantastic rustic italian food. if you go, make sure to get the whole sea bass and cauliflower soup (if they have it!) Mon Jun 05 23:25:40 -0700 2006 878648 0 jon 6 878661 I just made a reservation at the Old Inn on the Green for July 3rd. Thank you all for your recommendations! Tue Jun 06 09:15:23 -0700 2006 878652 0 Roger 7 878684 today i ran into one of the great chefs in town, and asked him where HE eats on his day off- inn on the green. ENJOY and please report back. Tue Jun 06 17:47:51 -0700 2006 878661 0 niccole 3 878691 Just checked John Andrews' website yesterday. Look at the bar menu. Don't know if that will apply on a holiday. Also, had a wonderful lunch at the TAVERN in Red Lion last fall and posted about same. I went with some trepidation since reports had not be glowing in the past, but my friend wanted to go there. I think the kitchen has been revamped, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Excellent seafood (risotto if I remember correctly), lovely apple dessert with ginger ice cream, and top-grade coffee, good enough to really want another cup for more than just warming up. Tue Jun 06 21:58:40 -0700 2006 878644 0 M-L. 1 878659 Has anyone been to Chez Nous? Tue Jun 06 09:09:27 -0700 2006 878624 0 Brian 1 878786 Traditionally, on July 4th, Lenox restaurants are jamming at lunch time, and, because everybody wants to be at Tanglewood for the performance and fireworks, they arevery slow after 7:00 PM. In Lenox, try Church Street Cafe or Cafe Lucia. Fri Jun 09 23:00:14 -0700 2006 878624 0 nidanlou