When I first moved to the Pioneer Valley nearly two years ago, my first weekend around my new town was spent getting acclimated to my space and familiarizing myself with the local shops, cafés and restaurants. I did a lot of walking over the course of those two days- but ultimately ended up at a popular restaurants that was/is literally a stone’s throw away from my apartment.
Hope & Olive (on the corner of Hope Street and Olive Street, hence the name)– is a family-owned and operated eatery that has been around since 2007. Teaming up with local farms and bakeries to help develop their regularly changing menu- H&O is a cozy, clean and comfortable place to stop for a specially crafted cocktail or a delicious, filling and affordable entrée.
They serve an amazing Sunday brunch (which is what I experienced the first time I ever went there)– and in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions- have been building an impressive outdoor dining pavilion that they anticipate will be open for customers shortly. I walk by it each night during my daily strolls around town- and it’s looking better and better with each passing evening. I know I’ll be one of the first to have a drink on it in the coming Spring/Summer days ahead.
But more important than how good the food is or how lovely the space is- is how friendly and accommodating the staff are. I admittedly haven’t been into Hope & Olive as often as I would have liked throughout the pandemic, but I stopped in for dinner earlier this week after work and it was like no time had passed at all. Everyone was just as funny and kind as they’d been before the world got turned upside down and seemed genuinely happy that I was there again.
So if you’re looking for good food in a good environment with a great staff- or are simply visiting Greenfield and getting to know my community- stop into Hope & Olive and say hello, grab a drink- or some food. You won’t regret it.
xo
