The Berkshire Eagle, "Style Fix at Firefly"

Style Fix at Firefly
Thursday, February 8, 2007

Written by Kate O. Sullivan
Berkshire Eagle Staff

LENOX — Tucked away in a pleasant little neighborhood just off Main Street is a real treat — Firefly. When I walked through the door last Saturday night, I had to stop for a second to make sure I hadn't somehow been transported to a trendy bistro in Manhattan.

But no, Firefly is definitely local and definitely worth checking out.

The first thing you'll see when you walk in is the gorgeous, curved mahogany bar. More than anything, that bar, coupled with the elegant lighting, lends Firefly its upscale feel.

The richly toned walls, funky artwork, and mod copper fixtures don't hurt, either.

Don't worry about feeling out of place, though — Firefly is warm and welcoming, especially in the dead of winter.

Despite the trendy ambiance, I didn't get the feeling I was outclassed, even though I had come straight from work without stopping to spruce myself up.

A group of patrons, young and old, was spread around the bar and lounge when I arrived, chatting and having a good time.

I found a seat and admired the bar while waiting for my drink. Within minutes, the door opened again and I found myself surrounded by a crowd of hip twenty-somethings, all laughing and dancing to the eclectic music — everything from house to oldies — the bartender was pumping through a laptop in the corner.

Firefly's bar area is a great place to hang out, if the boisterous regulars are any hint. Best of all, the lounge is equipped with banquettes and free WiFi access; between the food, drinks, company, and atmosphere, there's no reason to ever leave.

Mixed drinks are a little on the pricey side, with the signature Firefly (Ketel One, tropical schnapps, and ingredient-of-the-moment pomegranate juice) running me $9.

You'll get your money's worth and then some, though — the friendly and incredibly knowledgeable bartenders tend to pour heavy measure.

There's also an extensive wine list and a great selection of beers, both on tap and bottled.

Going for a Guinness or Widmer Hefeweizen can help you save your pennies for the tempting menu of dinners, "comfort plates," and desserts.

I arrived a bit too late to order anything from the kitchen, but I plan to go back as soon as possible to try the Winter White Pizza (caramelized onions, roasted garlic, gorgonzola, walnuts, and white truffle oil, $10).

The restaurant section of Firefly is as sumptuous as the bar, with an intimate bistro feel. I couldn't help thinking it would be a great place to take a date, especially if you're out to impress.

Firefly would also make a perfect pre-Tanglewood stop in the summer, although it would be a pity to wait that long; the drink list includes several tantalizing coffee concoctions that demand to be tried now that the weather has gotten consistently frigid.

Firefly is a bit of a splurge, but it's one of the few places in the Berkshires that evokes this kind of big-city atmosphere.

As far as upscale cuisine and drinks go, it can't be beaten. Add in the energetic regulars and the toe-tapping music and you have a surefire recipe for a great night out.

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Firefly, 71 Church St., Lenox, MA 01240, (413) 637-2700
Hours: Currently on winter hours. Dinner, every evening from 5 p.m. Bar: Saturday-Thursday from 5 to around 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to around midnight.
Style: Upscale restaurant and bar.
Dress: Surprisingly casual — jeans will do, although dress clothes wouldn't be out of place.
Cover: None.
Food: "Comfort plates," including burgers, salads, pizza, and wings; full dinner menu; gourmet desserts.
Entertainment: No live entertainment, but a good sound system at the bar
Discussion board: Discuss Berkshire nightlife at http:// berkshireforums.com. Click on "The Berkshires After Dark."