By Carly Phaneuf, Staff Writer
Tired of Taco Bell? Sick of Subway? Here are a few local restaurants that will switch up the daily diet without running your wallet.
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine then you’re in luck. Springfield and its surrounding towns offer a wide selection of Asian food including Thai, Vietnamese, and Koren. The “Blue Elephant” is a Thai restaurant located on Boston Road right near the Springfield-Wilbraham line. This quaint restaurant offers great lunch selections such as yellow curry, sticky rice, crab, and Rangoons.
One fan favorite is the soft rolls — a mixture of fresh veggies, shrimp, and a mint leaf neatly rolled up in a rice-paper wrap and served with a peanut chile sauce for dipping. For a more filling meal, try “Cana,” a Korean restaurant located about 15 minutes from Western New England in Chicopee. For around $15 per person, you can enjoy authentic Korean bar-b-que such as marinated galbi or beef japchae.
If Thai or Korean don’t do it for you there is always “Vinh Chau,” a small but classic Vietnamese restaurant just up the street in Springfield. From menu items like Boba, stir fry, and catfish curry, it’s safe to say anyone can find something to enjoy here.
Perhaps Asian isn’t exactly making your stomach rumble. How about Mexican, more specifically, “Frontera Grill” in Springfield and Chicopee. This family-style restaurant replaced Springfield’s “Casa De Nana” a few years ago, and for good reason.
Not only are the prices beyond reasonable — for example, mix-and-match tacos, enchilada, and more for only $8.25. The staff is very friendly, and the food is amazing. Plus, unlike Taco Bell, it won’t ruin your stomach!
If Mexican or Asian aren’t your favorites then try Rice’s Fruit Farm, located in Wilbraham, or Reid’s Corner, located in Springfield. Both are quaint cafes that specialize in comfort and breakfast food. From chocolate chip pancakes at Reid’s to the spicy egg sandwich at Rice’s, you can’t go wrong!
