Places I Like to Write: Mission Bar & Tapas

By Sharon Mack
iBerkshires Columnist
02:24PM / Sunday, May 10, 2009

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.

Not the norm by a long shot, but a place I am often inspired in is Mission Bar and Tapas on North Street.

A most unlikely place, you say. It's open nights, you say. It has bands and music, you say. How could she possibly, you ask. But I do.

The first time I went to Mission I was, of course, inspired by their unique menu. Not everyday fare that's for sure, but tempting, nonetheless. Dinners are not served, but that's OK because the tapas (Spanish for appetizer) are so tempting you're going to want several. Did I say several? Oh, yes. At least three. Get more than three, and you and your friends can share.

Mission Bar and Tapas brings you a "rotating beer and Spanish wine selection." I don't know them very well so I describe what I like, and I can trust my server to bring me exactly what I'm looking for. The servers are that good! Hard liquor is not served, but who needs it with this beautiful wine and beer list.  Something to fit every price range, palate and every menu item.

I try one new menu item each visit, and add something familiar that I know I like. The mussels and clams (a chef's special) are my absolute favorite and the crispy crunchy bread they bring for dipping in the sauce tops it off perfectly. The Patata Bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy red pepper sauce) will add a bit of bite to your dinner plans. I like them alongside my mussels (or clams). It's a nice side. Chicken empanadas and Albondigas (spicy meatballs in a peppercorn cream sauce topped with fried onions) will curl you toes they're so good! All the cold tapas have been tried at one time or another and all have been enjoyed. The only thing I haven't gotten to yet are the sandwiches, but my friends have, and I haven't heard a complaint. I've only seen empty plates.

Mission Bar & Tapas 438 North St. Pittsfield, Mass. www.missionbarandtapas.com Owner: Jim Benson

Upon arrival, I grab a table. Any table will do, but I especially like the tall ones. None really look out onto the street unless I want to sit in the window seat (which I do not as I don't like writing on my lap). I order and then, as at every other place, I take out my pad and pen or my mini laptop and go to work. I work while eating, and I find most of what I am inspired to write here is poetry, especially when live music is playing.  

Poetry must come natural through Mission. Take the poetry slams that are now being held once a month.  That's a good indication to me that poetry just seems to flow from the walls, the space, the atmosphere.  Twice now, when it wasn't busy, the waitresses and the bartender were kind enough to give the poems I wrote a listen, even giving a couple of really excellent suggestions and observations that I used.

I used the poems at the Literacy Volunteers of the Berkshires' fundraiser at Chapters Bookstore. It was Halloween and the theme was ghosts. The five poems I wrote were variations in the theme "Apparitions." I read with my poetry group, the Three Poets. We are available for engagements, by the way. Any theme, anywhere where poetry is wanted and appreciated. And we come cheap. Actually, we come free!

Other poems I've written have been three odes to the Justin Allen Trio when my son was still a part of the band, and another favorite was in remembrance of my father. There were more started that now lie in my pile of unfinished works. Oh, I'll get to them someday, but right now the Three Poets are working on their next gig at the Mason Library on June 25 at 7 p.m. The theme is "Shadow of Emily Dickinson."

So one day soon I'll take those unfinished works to Mission, and if I see you there, I'll share them with you. We can have a glass of wine or a beer and share some tapas. Until then, if you like local poetry and artists, visit Mission online to get their schedule of events.

Sharon Mack is a member of the Berkshires Writers Room and is working on a mystery novel. This Part 5 of a six-part series about her favorite writing spots.

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