Yes, the Glendale River Grille is closed Mundy's, but is open Tuesday through Sunday - 5 'til 9:30 for dinner. Located in the same building where Mundy's bar once howled (hence the pun) and is remembered fondly by most who traveled in and around the Berkshires during the 1970's & 80's. It's snuggled on Route 183 between Interlaken, Stockbridge and Housatonic (Just south of the Norman Rockwell Museum) in the little town of Glendale, the home of Chesterwood. The decor of rustic antiques, beautiful wood accents and a stone fireplace, makes you feel right at home. A collection of various musical instruments graces the balcony overlooking the dining room as if awaiting their players.

The aroma of mulled cider wafts through the air, we are greeted by Chef/Owner Al Weinman and are seated around a table by the warm fire, to begin a feast for the senses.

The menu consists of a pacific rim grille, as well as many chef's specialties. You may ask, just what does "Pacific Rim Grille" mean? Almost whatever you want it to. It's a cut, by your own choice, of quality meat, fish or poultry, grilled to perfection, blackened or not. Wait, that's not all. You are then given a grand selection of unique and delightful salsas, compotes and sauces to select from, to accompany your grille choice, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

We were served an eclectic selection of entrees to sample. A magnificent vegetarian assortment including an eggplant steak, portobello mushrooms, spanish onion, Roma tomato, red & green bell pepper, all rubbed with garlic and olive oil, and of course, grilled beautifully. Our next delicacy was Trial By Fire...a combination of shrimp, mussels and pasta in a sauce with a blend of 6 kinds of hot peppers. Not for the faint of palate! This dish hold true to it's name and although it comes with a kick, the flavor keeps calling you back for more and more, and maybe just a little more.

Oh yeah.... on to the next experience.

Loin of Pork Medallions Marsala with potato pancakes and sauteed veggies. Mm-mm! A Leg of Lamb Steak with garlic mashed potatoes you could live on. A melt in the mouth filet of Salmon with mushroom pilaf. Truly, something for all including a wonderful selection for the Vegetarian. The house salad of blended greens, sunflowers seeds, julienne raw vegetables with a honey mustard dressing is a wonderful introduction to any meal. Did I mention the desserts we were served? Oh my..fresh mango with a creme Anglaise and a swirl of peach brandy (my favorite), Tiramissou, delicious...Meringues with ice cream, hot fudge and raspberry sauce. There's more, but you should enjoy it first hand. To find out more about the creations on this menu and what's being served up at Glendale River Grille please click here.

Owner/Chef Al Weinman is no stranger to the Berkshires, although originally from New York. His job cooking at "Pip's" at Sheepshead Bay, in Brooklyn, opened his eyes to his love of food and provided new tools for creating gourmet delights. After attending a friend's birthday party in Lenox, circa '68, Al decided to leave New York and become a resident of the Magical Berkshires. While working at The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, he met current, long time friend and co-Chef Charlie Hedlund, then sous chef. After The Red Lion, Al opened his own restaurant simply called "The Restaurant" in Lenox in 1970. Not only was the food great, he also brought incredible musicians to play for his patrons. The song birds got to sing for their supper, and all were hoping to be asked back again. My late husband David Carron was one of the many smiling as Al fed him dinner. "The Restaurant" was sold in 1988 and is now "Antonio's".

In October of 1997 Al Weinman opened the now "Glendale River Grille". Influenced by superb Chef Hans Leenhouts, he continues to work creating unusual fare with great flare.

Co-Chef and friend, Charlie Hedlund, has been a professional for (as he mumbles) over 30 years. Coming back to the Berkshires from Boston via Washington D.C. and some very fine kitchens, he fondly recalls "The Union Club" and working with Chef John Palmieri, whose influence he carries with him to "The Glendale River Grille".

Charlie and Al mix up a great time and dinning experiences to remember.

The Glendale River Grille serves dinner, hosts tour groups, has gift certificates available, plans to serve lunch and Sunday brunch (in season), and, would love to cater any event in style.

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E-mail Glendale River Grill at Ggrille@aol.com