Thanksgiving in Springfield, MA

Now I have heard some folks eat some type of poultry on this "Thanksgiving" holiday, however, I prefer other delicacies. My travels took me to western Massachusetts for a visit, and a taste of some favorites.

The night after Thanksgiving we had our traditional family size pizza from Red Rose. It is a great pie.





Here is detail of the "loaded" side. I am not really sure what all is on there, but it included peppers, sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, and probably some other things. I am a fan of the plain cheese pie, but this is an excellent combo!



This was the first time we didn't have left overs, a sure sign that all the kid cousins are getting bigger. Next year we may have to buy two!!

Next morning I went out and stopped at one of my favorite donut places, Donut Dip.





The mix included honey dipped, pumpkin spice, apple cider, and my favorite, a buttermilk donut.



Close up of the buttermilk donut. Some may find it dull, but the hard outer shell and almost creamy inside makes this a true king among donuts.





Just before we left we stopped at a place I had spotted on Sumner Avenue in Springfield. Coach D's Steamed Cheeseburgers.

Coach D's Steamed Cheeseburgers
880 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA
(413) 736-4400



I know the reviews here on other steamed cheeseburger places have been mixed, with some not liking the method of cooking at all. Those who do like the steamed burger concept owe it to themselves to find Coach D's. Coach D told me he grew up in Meriden, near Ted's, and that is where is affinity for this variety of burger was born.

I truly love the steamed burger. I find them moist and flavorful and have always said Ted's was my favorite burger. Well, Ted now has company!



I had mine loaded, the way Coach likes them, with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, and mayo. The bun is a nice one, a bit crusty and grilled as your burger is steamed to order. The cheese was a nice tangy cheddar. The over all package was wonderful. It ranks WAY up there on my burger list. Again, if you are not a fan of the steamed burger concept, your opinion will obviously differ, but if you enjoyed Ted's, you should pay Coach D a visit!



The fries appeared to be standard issue frozen potatoes, but they were also cooked to order, cooked crispy, and tasted good and fresh.



There are many places in the area I enjoy, including the White Hut and Nick's Nest...so I will have to get back to the area again soon.

Tony, I would trade our Thanksgiving dinner for what you had. Those are gorgeous man!

Sounds and looks like you had a great "After Thanksgiving"..oh that pizza looks superb...and oval shaped...great...and I like that buttermilk donut,too!

Great looking food. Looks like a grat time.

Thanks ... Good food in my own backyard.

I remember the Red Rose from literally decades ago.

I gotta give them all a try.

Great looking chow Tony. I spent more time exploring seafood when I lived up there and clearly missed some great food.

Awesome looking food,Tony.That pizza really caught my eye!!It looks like the sausage on it is home made-I hate when places switch to premade" rabbit turds" as I call them....

My kind of food. I'd be perfectly happy with pizza and donuts for Thanksgiving.

How do you steam a hamburger? That part doesn't sound good at all, but it looks just fine.

Tony, you visited a few of my new favorites up here! Red Rose and Coach D's are on my to-do list for reviews, and Donut Dip is a perennial highlight. Gregg, are you ready for a "research" trip? Chris

quote:

Originally posted by ayersian

Tony, you visited a few of my new favorites up here! Red Rose and Coach D's are on my to-do list for reviews, and Donut Dip is a perennial highlight. Gregg, are you ready for a "research" trip? Chris

Indeed.

I exppect to be bak this weekend ... foar at least a week.

Is Red Rose the pizzeria near the old Gordon's Army Navy Store, the south end branch, not the one by the bus depot? If so, I sure remember their grinders back in the 70s. Thanks for the memories Tony. If I'm ever back in that neck of the woods, I'll check out Coach D's and Donut Dip too.

quote:

Originally posted by mar52
How do you steam a hamburger? That part doesn't sound good at all, but it looks just fine.

They have these small square steamers into which they place pans containing meat and in a separate pan, cheese. The two are joined in the assembly process.

Check the[url='http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=112']Roadfood Review of Ted's[/url] for more details.

quote:

Originally posted by crew84row

Is Red Rose the pizzeria near the old Gordon's Army Navy Store, the south end branch, not the one by the bus depot? If so, I sure remember their grinders back in the 70s. Thanks for the memories Tony. If I'm ever back in that neck of the woods, I'll check out Coach D's and Donut Dip too.

I don't know Springfield that well, but Red Rose is right on Main Street downtown.[url='http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=01118&sll=40.745176,-73.055305&sspn=0.084925,0.181961&g=11705&ie=UTF8&ll=42.099736,-72.585253&spn=0.002595,0.011373&t=h&z=17&iwloc=addr&layer=c&cbll=42.099736,-72.585253&panoid=kyESH6g3K9d2_qSgwn5oFQ&cbp=11,180.634427535181,,0,1.3652159132182775']HERE[/url] is a map showing location.

Tony - Really good stuff! If that was the after Thanksgiving, was did the main event involve? That pizza is what I miss most about the east coast.

THanks for the description.

Guess I'll have to have one some time. Still doesn't sound good.

quote:

Originally posted by Tony Bad

quote:

Originally posted by crew84row

I don't know Springfield that well, but Red Rose is right on Main Street downtown.[url='http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=01118&sll=40.745176,-73.055305&sspn=0.084925,0.181961&g=11705&ie=UTF8&ll=42.099736,-72.585253&spn=0.002595,0.011373&t=h&z=17&iwloc=addr&layer=c&cbll=42.099736,-72.585253&panoid=kyESH6g3K9d2_qSgwn5oFQ&cbp=11,180.634427535181,,0,1.3652159132182775']HERE[/url] is a map showing location.

Tony, unless they've moved that not the same place I rembembered. Course it's been 30 years and I recognized nothing on the street view. Nonetheless, with college reunions coming up next year, I'll keep it in mind.

quote:

Originally posted by crew84row
Tony, unless they've moved that not the same place I rembembered. Course it's been 30 years and I recognized nothing on the street view. Nonetheless, with college reunions coming up next year, I'll keep it in mind.

I am guessing they have moved, as this place seems fairly new, is unlike any of the surrounding buildings, and is HUGE. Do keep it in mind, it is really an excellent place to eat...and not just for the pizza.