I rescued Bubba when he was just an abandoned, little pup. I had no time, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Over time we became inseparable. Our favorite thing to do was to meander among the lush Berkshire gardens around our house. We’d hunt for fresh ingredients to inspire great meals. We love the simple things: full–blown June peonies; early morning mist on a mountain sunrise; lush summer tomatoes. Never one to like dog food, Bubba appreciated the meals I’d cook up from our garden walks, filled with only good, fresh ingredients. He was at my side as I perfected this sauce: simple, elegant and clean. It turns out Bubba and I are a lot alike, appreciating the simple, pure pleasures of this life. It also turned out that he was the one who rescued me. Bubba Macioge 8/01/2001 – 7/16/2013
Visit the Bubba’s Marinara website
Pearl’s Restaurant opened in 2002 in Great Barrington, MA. It rapidly became “the” restaurant in the area – known for fine food, sophisticated design, and a hip bar scene. The site of many gatherings and events, Pearl’s was at the center of the first 5 years of the Berkshire International Film Festival and a resurgent arts and entertainment scene in Great Barrington. Jason sold his interest in Pearl’s in 2007.
Fin is a Sushi and Sake bar, also specializing in Japanese cuisine. Using the freshest ingredients, Fin has been serving up unique dishes along side favorites in a sleek atmosphere since 2004. Located in Lenox, MA, Fin is run by Chef/Owner Nick Macioge and is a regional favorite.
Jason sold Fin in May 2012
“Top ranking for food in the 2008 Berkshire Zagat Survey”
Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano is located in downtown Lenox, Mass. Here you can find the kind of real, home-made Italian food that you’ve been looking for. Please stop by. We’re open for dinner every day. Arrivederci!
Jason sold his controlling interest of Frankie’s in June 2012
Sun-Thurs 5-9:00
Fri-Sat 5-9:30
80 Main St
Lenox, MA 01240
413-637-4455
Betty’s Pizza Shack is open for Lunch and Dinner every day.
After a stressful summer season at my two other Berkshire restaurants Bistro Zinc and Pearl’s, I needed a little R&R.
Betty and I headed to El Anclote, a sleepy little fishing village on the Pacific coast of Mexico to find some surfing action. It was great. We woke up that morning, the sky was clear blue and the waves were calling. Our surfing guides, two locals named Zaaway and Oscar, loaded up the panga boat with our gear and we headed out to a sweet surf break that only the townies know about.
The waves were about four or five feet high, totally glassy and we were the only ones ripping it up for hours. When we had our fill, we headed back to the hotel for a little siesta break. Then off to dinner at a beachfront restaurant for a great meal of fresh red snapper and ice cold pacificos while we listened to the waves rolling in.
As we recounted our time on the water, drinking our icy beer, kicking back, a funny thing my father once said to me popped into my head: “Forget fancy restaurants, you should open a pizza joint.” I turned to Betty and told her I thought a funky pizza joint with surfer influence is just what Lenox needed, and anywhere else for that matter. A chain idea was born.
In no time, we had all kinds of decor issues worked out, and the menu was a given: pizza, burritos, salads, and plenty of cold beer, of course. Hey, we figured other towns would see the need for this kind of easy pizza shack, buy up the idea, and then we could spend a whole lot more time on the beach ourselves!
Hope to see you soon!
Jason & Betty
Set in the heart of historic downtown Lenox, Bistro Zinc is a modern French bistro that boasts fine cuisine and a refined but welcoming atmosphere. Zinc, which was designed by Frank Macioge, is decorated year-round with Judith Gordon’s stunning floral arrangements. The sleek bar area contains a zinc bar and an artfully arranged gallery of photographs. Its friendly staff and delicious meals have helped Zinc to become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Opened in 1999 by Charlie Schulze and Jason Macioge, Zinc is part of Jason Macioge’s Palmetto Restaurant Group, which includes some of Lenox’s most beloved restaurants: Betty’s Pizza Shack, Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano, and Fin Sushi and Sake Bar. Since its opening, Bistro Zinc has been the place to be in the Berkshires. Lunch or dinner is available 7 days a week, and the bar stays open till 1 am.
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