"Spice" Added To Pittsfield's Revitilization Recipe

By Susan Bush12:00AM / Monday, July 24, 2006Print Story | Email Story

Spice co-owner Joyce Bernstein

Pittsfield - Spice restaurant co-owner Joyce Bernstein appeared more florist than restaurateur as she carried several bunches of fresh flowers to the inside a walk-in cooler and then pulled some of the bright blooms out of the chilly space. 360 degree views here "I'm like a mad florist," she said as she set single blossoms into small glass table-top vases and arranged bouquets in large - some even floor-size - containers. By the time she was finished, fresh flowers held court along cloth-covered dining tables, polished wood bar surfaces, bathroom counter spaces and window panes, and waitress stations. Do not scoff at the floral fascination; it's those niceties, those final touches, that have iced the fledgling restaurant's proverbial cake and is helping to fill the dining room weekend after weekend, Bernstein said. "The Phone Rings Crazy Here" As the specially-arranged July 17 off-hours morning visit to the restaurant progressed, the telephone rang frequently, and in most cases, callers were seeking weekend reservations - which were already in short supply and it was only Tuesday. "The phone rings crazy here, which is good," Bernstein said. "We have been booked solid for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday since we opened. The reservations have been sold out, that's the only way I can think of to describe it." Inquiries about hosting special events such as baby or wedding showers at the restaurant are also increasing, Bernstein said. Spice opened at 297 North St. in June and it's success may be of vital importance to the city's downtown. Stunning Renovations Bernstein and co-owner Lawrence Rosenthal bought the building, once the home of the Besse-Clark clothing store and a Goodwill Industries shopping outlet, for $270,000 in 2002 and have spent about $4.5 million in renovations. A walk around the vast first floor revealed a stunning 135-seating capacity dining room accented with unique overhead lighting, large art prints on the walls, and ceilings specially treated to reduce noise levels. Two kitchens were part of the massive renovation process. The project included lavish renovations of the six bathrooms located inside the building's street level space and diaper-changing tables occupy men's and women's restrooms. One bathroom hosts, as a toilet surround, an ornate elevator cage once used inside the building; additional bathrooms are equipped with elegant lighting and framed art prints on the walls. Original Art Mixed in with the prints, the paintings, the array of sparkling wall mirrors, is a framed original crayon drawing, a rendering of fresh fruits and vegetables that holds it own amidst the fine art. The picture's artist is the four-year-old daughter of Chef Douglas Luf, said Bernstein. "Isn't it nice?" Bernstein said of the framed depiction. "It fits beautifully right there." Even the smooth, polished floor seemed to radiate warm light. The flooring is Ipe, a Brazilian, sustainably farmed wood and "is so hard it can't be nailed, it has to be drilled first," Bernstein explained. Lounge A lounge area situated in the same space as the dining tables and booths is illuminated by golden-colored globes suspended over the bar; a separate, adjacent space designated as a cocktail lounge is similarly lit with glass orbs of cinnamon-red hovering above the bar. Food is served in the lounge and reservations are not required, in fact, are not accepted, for the lounge. The lounge offers its' own inventive charm, with a series of wooden chairs hung upside-down from one wall, and what might be best described as an open seating [translation: open conversation] plan at one end of a contemporary bistro-like room. There are booths and tables for those who wish to keep their conversations intimate. A television is in place at the bar. "Sampler," "Bites" On The Menu The menu is best described as fine dining and foods are offered and served as separate courses, with fresh flatware provided for each course. There is a "sampler" menu that offers "crisp vegetables with dips" for $5 and "tasting of three cheeses" for $10. There are flatbreads, including a lobster and scallops, bacon and spinach creme fraiche for $13. A "bites" menu offers items such as lobster-stuffed deviled eggs for $9 and mini brioche burgers for $12. A "salad course" menu advertises frisee salad for $8 and a $7 celery heart salad among its' choices and a "first course" menu offers among the selections scallop and charred melon gazpacho for $8 and a $9 braised oxtail tamale. Entrees include wood roasted trout with arugula bread salad and garni sauce [$18], grilled dry aged N.Y. strip steak with rustic stuffed potato and shaker butter [$29] and fillet of organic Scottish salmon with crushed potatoes and corn and leek chowder[$26]. Not Your Toddler's Chocolate Sundae Desserts include mixed berry almond shortcake [$8], chocolate "oops" [$8], old-fashioned carrot cake [$7] and a chocolate sundae made with a dark chocolate raspberry brownie, spiced pecans, brandied cherries, ginger crumb and belgian chocolate sauce [$8]. Children's Choice Menu A children's menu for diners age 12 and under permits options via a "build-your-meal" concept. Chicken fingers, a hamburger, macaroni with butter and cheese or tomato sauce and meatballs or mini-mozzarella flatbread may be paired a choice of two sides, including applesauce, french fries, cucumbers with dip, grapes, and garden salad and topped off with a vanilla ice cream-and-cookie dessert for $5. The menu is printed on a large white sheet of paper that includes drawings that may be colored with an accompanying box of several crayons. Highchairs and booster seats are available at the restaurant. Plans For Late Summer Lunching Future plans include the opening of a banquet facility on the second floor, which is expected to host gatherings of up to 200 individuals, an ice cream-and-coffee shop, and a specialty market. Bernstein said that the restaurant is planning to open for lunch during late summer. The restaurant has been given an 11-year property tax reprieve, which means that Bernstein and Rosenthal are exempt from paying property taxes on the renovations until 2016. Spice operating hours are Mon.-Thurs. 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.. The restaurant is closed on Sunday. The restaurant telephone number is 413-443-1234. Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: This Luxury Home Has Plenty of Amenities

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:20PM / Friday, December 12, 2025

LENOX, Mass. — Are you looking for a big house to enjoy your days with a big movie theater, a sauna, and more? Then this is the house for you.

Built in 2004, this seven-bedroom, and nine-bathroom home is 7,073 square feet on more than an acre. The home comes with an elevator to the lower level to access a theater, sauna, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and its very own soda fountain.

The home also has a guest house with a saltwater pool. A multi-car garage greets you with heated floors.

The this home is listed for $4,950,000 and is located in the 125-acre, gated Pinecroft compound.

We spoke to Leslie Chesloff, the listing agent with William Pitt Sotheby's.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Chesloff: This gated Berkshire stone estate truly redefines luxury living in the Berkshires. What sets it apart is the rare combination of resort-style amenities and complete privacy. The property offers Canyon Ranch-level wellness living with a full spa experience at home — including a sauna, massage room, and gym — plus an eight-seat hi-def theater with wine cellar for entertaining. The heated, gunite saltwater pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped pool house with a guest suite and complete kitchen, perfect for extended family or guests.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

The moment you step inside, you're struck by the quality and craftsmanship — those 300-year-old reclaimed timber floors set an immediate tone of authenticity and warmth. The scale is impressive but never overwhelming; this is a home designed for gracious living, not just show. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and thoughtful flow between spaces create an inviting atmosphere that balances grandeur with genuine comfort.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

This home feels like a private wellness retreat meets sophisticated family estate. There's a serene, spa-like quality throughout — enhanced by features like the sauna, steam shower, and massage room — but it never feels clinical or cold. The Berkshire stone exterior and reclaimed timber floors ground the home in a sense of place and permanence. It's designed for people who appreciate the finer things but want to actually live well — whether that's screening a film in the eight-seat theater with wine from your own cellar, hosting poolside gatherings, or simply unwinding in your own spa sanctuary.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

This is perfect for the discerning buyer who values wellness, privacy, and culture in equal measure. I envision someone who spends their days hiking or exploring the Berkshires, then comes home to unwind in the sauna or pool. They might entertain guests in the theater wine room, host multi-generational gatherings with family staying in the pool house guest suite (which has a full kitchen), and appreciate being minutes from Tanglewood, world-class dining, and Berkshire arts.

This could be an executive looking for a primary residence with work-from-home flexibility (there's an office/bedroom suite), a wellness-focused family, or empty nesters who want to host adult children and grandchildren in style and comfort.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Picture Saturday morning: you're sipping coffee on the terrace overlooking your heated saltwater pool, planning a day at Tanglewood. Your guests are making breakfast in the pool house kitchen — they have their own private retreat but are steps away when you're ready to gather. Evening arrives, and you screen a favorite film in your eight-seat theater, selecting a perfect bottle from your wine cellar. This isn't just a home; it's a lifestyle that brings resort-level wellness, entertainment, and hospitality to your doorstep — all within a secure, maintenance-free compound where nature meets luxury.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Absolutely. The home includes an elevator for multilevel accessibility, which is both practical and forward-thinking. The lower level is exceptionally well-conceived — a true entertainment and wellness wing featuring the eight-seat hi-def theater, wine cellar, sauna, gym, massage room, and even a charming soda fountain. The gourmet kitchen has been recently updated, customized wet bar, while outdoor living is elevated with the heated gunite saltwater pool/spa, firepit, and that incredible pool house with guest suite and full kitchen. Also, new HVAC system and heated driveway.

Thoughtful details like cedar closets, steam showers, central vacuum, and backup generator show this home was built to the highest standards.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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