Spice Root adds flavor to Spring Street

By Michele PeanPrint Story | Email Story
Spice Root, enjoying a surge of curious diners since opening in early December, adds new flavor to already eclectic Spring Street in Williamstown. The restaurant is located on the same strip is Arugula, which serves Latin cuisine, and Thai Garden, offering a selection of traditional Thai dishes. Managed by Tarun Narula, Spice Root belongs to chain of restaurants run by the Chola Group. The group has locations in Connecticut, New York, and Western Mass. Narula decided to open Spice Root in Williamstown because it “adds to the flavors already on Spring Street, and is the first of its kind in the community. He specifically sought out a “college town” and feels welcomed into the area. “In the beginning, mostly college students came here, now we are seeing people from the community, surrounding areas, and some just visiting the Berkshires,” he said. “I want to thank the community in responding so well, we see a lot of regulars and I enjoy that.” While most Indian restaurants in the U.S present only North Indian food, an expansive menu consisting of dishes from all areas of India distinguishes Spice Root from the rest. “The concept is something different -‘modern Indian cuisine’,” said Narula. “We have foods from the south, north, and west. For example, Kabobs are a northern specialty and a lot of the curries, like the Vindaloo, come from Goa in western India. Most of what you see on the menu is traditional Indian dishes.” Narula said that many of the entrees served during the lunch buffet are the chef’s own “special” recipes: “There are so many secrets to Indian cooking that only the individual [Chef] knows. These secrets one cannot learn in cooking school. For example, during our buffet, sometimes our chef introduces dishes that were within the family or his mom cooked at home, said Narula. With what he calls, “many years of experience in the restaurant business,” Narula understands what types of foods the public savors. Before coming to the U.S. he studied Hotel/Restaurant Management at the Pusa Catering College in Delhi. A "wide range" of spices enhance the delicacies. “We use ginger, garlic, onion, cumin, cardamom, bay leaf, and cinnamon. The Masala combinations of spices are different for every curry. There is one type of Masala used for the Vindaloo, which is very hot and spicy.” Spice Root offers a little something for everyone. For the more adventurous, the Vindaloo curry is an option. The Spiced Curry is flavorful, and suited for a milder taste. Narula shed light on what his customers enjoy the most. “The most popular dish is the chicken Tikka Masala. Another one is the Tandoori chicken,” he said. None of the dishes contain any beef or pork, and the menu hosts many vegetarian items. A dimly lit bar occupies the rear of the dining room offering “beers from around the world.” Cocktails range from a Tandoori Sour to a Chocolate Raspberry Martini. Food is not the only aspect of Indian culture Spice Root brings to Williamstown. Reflections of India are seen in the bright colors, artifacts, and wall décor. Set against a backdrop of bright yellow walls and soft multicolor lights, handcrafted Indian tapestries hang in different areas of the main seating room. “They are made in a village in Ragistran, India,” said Narula. “Each tapestry is actually made up of small pieces of Indian dresses and Saris. They are specialty pieces created in the village and represent skill and handicraft.” The restaurant has extended itself to the community as a teaching tool: “Not too long ago, a teacher from Vermont brought her class here. We let them sample the food and gave them a talk about Indian culture,” he said. I would definitely like to see more of that in the future.” Other plans in Spice Root’s immediate future include cooking classes, beginning in the spring. Narula also hopes to open another location in the Albany area. Spice Root is open seven days a week. Lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Takeout is also available. Place an order by calling 413-458-5200.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

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

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

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

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

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

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

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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