Asters
1015 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201

There’s an air of sophistication in Asters, a sleek restaurant in Pittsfield, MA. known for its raw bar, wine room, firepit patio (operating even when we dined there in February), and Jazz bar. Owned since 2003 by the present restaurateur, Asters began as the Humphrey farmhouse in 1790. Walking in is touching history.

The décor, black tables and chairs against walls of cream and green, is modern and comfortable. There are stylish black and white photographs decorating the walls, and in the background, the music is soft, light, jazz, classic pop or big band sounds. There’s lots of wood, a gorgeous bar, and subdued candle-lighted tables. There’s nothing old or stodgy here. Even in February, fire danced in the open pit on the patio although no one ventured out. The dress—casual chic. It’s difficult not to be drawn into the warmth and ambiance of Asters.

The menu is enticing. Tempted though we are by the Malpeque Oysters from PEI (hello Anne of Green Gables fans), and the appetizers and soups, we look at the desserts and decide to save ourselves for a glorious finale. Desserts are not listed on the menu; they’re prepared and presented as works of edible art.

I order a special—Salmon Wellington—salmon with mushrooms and artichokes served encroute. Rob chooses pork loin stuffed with cranberries and raisins. Selecting is difficult; everything is described on the menu and sounds delicious.

Art as well as taste is considered by our chef. Presentation matters. My salmon, with mushrooms and artichoke filling, is beautiful in its puff pastry wrapping, a sprig of herb decorating the accompanying caramelized onions, garlic mashed potatoes and herbed green beans.

Rob’s pork is excellent, the center of each slice dotted with fruit stuffing of currents, apples, dried cranberries and raisins. It is finished with a bacon sherry vinaigrette, and it is scrumptious. His, too, is served with those garlic mashed potatoes and herbed green beans.

Alas, savoring our entrées leaves no room for dessert, and coffee has to suffice. But we are happy, satisfied, and very ready to recommend this restaurant to you.