519403 Thu May 15 08:57:22 -0700 2008 7 13 New England 0 3689775 So my friends and I are heading to our 5 year college reunion at Amherst during the upcoming memorial day weekend. We are looking to visit our old "haunts" like the Freshside, HOT, Flavors, and Pasta E Basta. Before we psyche ourselves too much- do these places still exist? I want to prepare myself for any potential disappointment.. And are there new chow-worthy places to try in Amherst? Thu May 15 08:57:24 -0700 2008 73266 sprinklez 1 3690089 Hey- check out this thread that was posted on the area recently. It might answer your questions. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/501436 Thu May 15 10:04:58 -0700 2008 3689775 15908 masha bousha 1 3692094 Freshside is around the corner, near Hastings. Bigger & better. HOT is still in North Amherst--service improved, food still good. Flaayvors or however the spell it is still the best ice cream in the area. Pasta e Basta has an upstairs. Still the same. Take a look at Chez Albert and Tabella. You'll want reservations at CA and a big wallet at either. Look at Food 101 in South Hadley or Night Kitchen in Montague. Crazy Noodles on Main Street--good Asian noodles (not as fond of the Italian). Thu May 15 19:06:50 -0700 2008 3689775 177007 donl149 2 3692131 Chez Albert was really good the last time I went. Don't bother with Tabella. Infintisamal portions at stupidly high prices. You'll get ticked off out of your mind. How about good ole Amherst Chinese? Or that nice little African place on North Pleasant St Thu May 15 19:18:48 -0700 2008 3692094 18016 Big Fat Moe 3 3694114 No to Amherst Chinese, in my opinion. They have great ingredients but every time I eat there the food is bland. Even something like hot and sour soup is mild and could pass for egg drop if you close your eyes. People seem to love it, but not me. Haven't tried Baku's yet. It sounds intriguing. Fri May 16 12:03:22 -0700 2008 3692131 177007 donl149 4 3695264 I just got out take-out from Amherst Chinese tonite - did not feel like having any sauces, so I ordered steamed vegetables, tofu and rice: these were the absolutely most delightful vegetables: fresh, not overcooked, perfectly steamed. The tofu was firm, but not dry, and the rice was fluffy and not overpowering. Had everything been drowned in any kind of sauce, I wouldn't have been able to appreciate the ingredient quality - and I must admit, it was a wonderful surprise. Amherst Chinese may be bland, but it is definitely worth trying. Fri May 16 17:48:05 -0700 2008 3694114 95793 jeni1002 4 3757038 Baku's is tasty. Try the ridiculous mango ginger drink. Fri Jun 06 13:42:55 -0700 2008 3694114 149033 fame da lupo 3 4829587 I'm pretty hefty myself, but find the portions and prices at Tabella more than satisfactory. The wine and cocktail lists are exceptional. Sat Jul 04 12:36:21 -0700 2009 3692131 1090843 gfs1937