Friday, April 14, 2017

The Other Side of MA - Dining at Osteria Vespa

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored

Dinner at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


On our trip to Western MA to visit the Annual Spring Bulb Show with Western MA Tourism on behalf of the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council we found this great restaurant, Osteria Vespa, on our itinerary! This gem of a restaurant is tucked in the Amity Street Shopping Center district in downtown Amherst.

Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA



I must admit, it's not the easiest place to find, tucked in one of the side aisles of the center, however I'm so glad we DID find it. Step inside and you are transported away to a cute little bistro in a dreamy Tuscan village.

Photo Source: Osteria Vespa - Location

Osteria Vespa is the merging of two great restaurant legends: Jonathan Welch, Vespa's owner, is a retauranteer with over 25 years of experience, as well as experience in local farming; and Thomas Schnapp, Vespa’s Executive Chef, who has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years.

The two formed Osteria Vespa, whose menu is inspired by the history and culture of northern Italy, primarily Tuscany, and the Mediterranean.  They know what's important, their pasta is made daily, all sauces are made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. Most of the meats served at Vespa are sourced locally in New England. In the style of a true restaurant that takes pride in their proteins, the butchering of large cuts of meat, including veal, pork and lamb, are done in their very own kitchen.  Even their seafood and shellfish are sourced from the Atlantic.  The classic Italian cheeses for cooking and cheese plates as well as artisanal Italian style cheeses from Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire cheese makers.  Some of Vespa’s salami are made in their own kitchen, including pates, terrines, sausages and cured meats.  Mustard, pickles and relishes are also made in the restaurant’s kitchen. Their attention to detail shows.

I started with an amazing lemony light cocktail, the perfect precursor to the fabulous meal to come!

Cocktails at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


We knew we had to order some of that made on premise pasta and sample some of their home-style bisque. Needless to say - everything was delicious!

house-made fettuccine at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Osteria Vespa - House Made Fettuccine 


Bisque at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com



Dinner at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA
Photo Courtesy: ConnecticutLifestyles.com


After all that food we needed to sip on coffee prepared by a miniature French Press!


French Press at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


There was no way we could fit in any of the dessert - but here's a sample of what was available the night we visited.

Dessert Menu at Osteria Vespa in Amherst MA


I don't know about you - but that Salted Butter Caramel Chocolate Mousse is calling my name. Guess it's time for another trip to Western MA! 

Here's something you really need to know! On Monday and Tuesdays Vespa offers a 3 for $30 special where guests can select three-courses from a sample menu. What a great way to try a wide variety of items!

Be sure you visit them when traveling in or through Amherst!


Osteria Vespa

28 Amity Street | Unit 1G
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 230-3194
http://osteriavespa.com/

About Amherst MA


Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the Connecticut River valley. With a population of 37,819 (2010 census), it is the largest community in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

For more area restaurants visit: http://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.


© Home Place 2017

No comments:

Post a Comment

Real Time Web Analytics