After four months of intense construction, Laura Shack’s restaurant at 71 Church St. in Lenox has been transformed from the Roseborough Grill to Firefly. The name change implies a certain shift in atmosphere and food, which has in fact happened.
A rounded mahogany and copper bar, mica and mahogany ceiling lamps and deep earth-colored walls reflect Shack’s desire to, as she put it, update. “I needed to reinvent myself,†she said of the decision to overhaul her restaurant of almost 13 years. She’d been closing the restaurant in winter and decided that, among other changes, she wanted to keep the place open year-round.
A Manhattan native, Shack had a long association with the Berkshires before she moved here. Her father came to camp here as a boy, her grandmother had a cottage on Lake Buel, and her father went to Williams College. It was a natural place to explore when it was time to leave New York.
Now, a Richmond resident with a two-year-old, Shack decided to change in place.
The Northampton architect who designed the Firefly transformation, Thomas Douglas, is in evidence all around that city. He redesigned the Calvin, and designed Spoleto Express, Del Raye and Cha Cha Cha.
The work of Northampton artisans appear throughout in the new materials: Gerry Shattuck built the mahogany bar top and bar back, and Miriam Kaye created a glass mosaic, which divides the bar space from an entrance.
The copper bar was made by Shack’s husband, Brian Willnauer. D & S Builders of Pittsfield built the complete renovation.
Preston Morris will run the bar; Shack is the chef.
For those who go to restaurants for the food, changes are in evidence on the menu at Firefly as well. A Tapas menu is among the newest additions, which is heavy on Spanish, Asian and American food.
The bar menu will be available in a nearby dining room; there is also a more formal dining room.
Structurally the space looks different, though she points out that only one wall came down and a room entrance was moved.
Shack, as the chef, has a lot of energy, as is often the case. She’s holding three parties this weekend to open the place, including one for friends and old customers and one for the people who worked on the space. The restaurant will officially open Sunday. Call 637-2700 for more information.
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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