Chef Michael Ballon

Chef Bio

After working as Executive Chef for 10 years at Lavin's, Sofi, Wood's, The New York City Bar Association, and Plum's, a full service catering company, in New York City, Chef Michael Ballon opened the Castle Street Café in 1989. Located in downtown Great Barrington next to the historic Mahaiwe Movie Theater, The Cafe has received rave reviews from the day it opened, such as "Where to eat in Great Barrington" from The New York Times. New England Monthly called the Café "one of the premier restaurants in the country, surpassing almost all the higher priced contenders."

Michael writes a weekly food recipe for The Berkshire Record, a monthly column of food commentary for Homestyle magazine, and a bi weekly recipe aired on WAMC Public Radio. He believes in using fresh, local ingredients to make something to please everyone.

 Chef Michael Ballon

Castle Street Café

Great Barrington, MA

www.castlestreetcafe.com

About the Restaurant

Run by Chef Proprietor Michael Ballon since 1989, the Castle Street Café consists of a bright and welcoming dining room, reached via the more atmospheric and dimly lit Celestial Bar where friends and couples chat at intimate tables and long banquettes. With Chef Ballon's American/New American style, one will find old favorites, such as burgers and pizzas, as well as newly inspired dishes. An award-winning wine list accompanies these dishes.

The Celestial Bar has live jazz piano 6 nights a week in summer and on weekends the rest of the year.

The Castle Street Café is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday between 5:00 and 9:30 and Friday through Saturday between 5:00 and 11:00. It is open on Tuesdays in July and August, but closed on Tuesdays through June.

Recipes from Episode 703