The eminent Ms. Eikenberry and myself are knee-deep in rehearsals for a play at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, MA. We’re doing a terrific new play by David Epstein called Brace Yourself and it’s directed by James Naughton. We’re surrounded by wonderful actors, designers, producers, technicians and interns, many of whom are young and eager and help to boost the energy that seems to run down my leg shortly after lunch.
We’re living in a second-floor apartment down the road from the theater with a floor so slanted that Jill’s morning headstand is a serious challenge.
“If I’m facing north, I can’t get up; if I’m facing south, I tumble over the other side. I’m stumped.”
“Meditate a little more,” I offered helpfully.
Insert Mike here.
At day’s end I tend to migrate to the porch of The Red Lion Inn to sip a glass of wine or two and plot out our dinner plans. This can be a challenge in the wilds of the Berkshires – especially with a vegan in tow – but we’ve already found some gems.
We ate last night at Naji’s in Great Barrington. Naji himself, who appears with every dish to see how it’s going over, is a splendid cook.
We started with some hummus and baba ganoush, which were top-notch – fresh and subtly seasoned. Then Jill had a bowl of lentil soup that really got our attention. Naji – as he waited for her response – assured her that the broth was purely vegetarian. This is a soup like mama used to make — Naji’s mama, I mean. It’s the real thing, the kind of soup that rarely shows up at a restaurant.
Stay tuned for more – and if anyone has any other suggestions for dining up here, let me know.
Sounds lovely- send my regards to my classmates Jim and David- enjoy.
Welcome back. Wish I could make it for the run, but I’ll be West Coast bound. xox E
“Brace Yourself” sounds like a wonderful project. All of us at Cape May Stage are so excited to have you perform in “Mike’s Shorts” on August 27th.
Sounds like a fun dorm!!
I’ve been out of the country a lot…Italy and Brazil…and so happy you are beautifully adding to the wonder of the Berkshires…
Hoping we can get there…We know you will be brilliant in whatever it is…
Looking for restaurants for you…(we have friends there)…
xoxo Cynthia and JH
See you at the play in August with Claudia Carr who is friends with David. I’ll be at the cottage for the month – so maybe we’ll see each other before then. I like Rouge for dinner. It’s in West Stockbridge. There’s a terrific French patisserie in Lenox, just next to Alta and across from Nudel. They make their own delicious pastries – irresistible!
Aroma Bar and Grill, a pleasant little Indian Restaurant that can accommodate both you and your Vegan. They are located in Great Barrington and I believe they have a second location in Pittsfield.
@Bob — Thank you. Aroma Bar and Grill is on the list.
@ Carla – We had dinner at Rouge and it was good. Better was Cafe Adam on Rte. 7 between Great Barrington and Stockbridge. See you soon.
@ Cynthia – Italy; Brazil — sounds like fun.
@ Roy – We’re excited, too. I’ll write something about it soon.
@ Elisa – Have a great trip to California. Performances?
@ Marc – Yeah, it’s like a Yale reunion. I just stand to the side.
Please tell lovely Jill that Nicole from World Yoga will be in the Brace Yourself audience with 3 loved ones on 8/15. Looking forward to seeing you both perform, again! (My BF and I rented a funky farmhouse in the Berkshires for the summer.) Heard Nudel
in Lenox is a good spot.
@ Nicole – Great. See you after the show.