Take Five's a restaurant that's committed, it seems, to seeing no one ever leaves hungry.
Take Five Restaurant and Lounge at 944 Springfield Street, AgawamA long-time area favorite, Take Five in Feeding Hills built its reputation on a liberal portion philosophy.
In addition to unlimited visits to the restaurant's salad buffet, dinners at Take Five have always included a "bottomless" tureen of homemade soup. Patrons have thus had to exercise restraint, lest the arrival of their meals find them with little appetite remaining.
We were heartened during a recent visit to discover the restaurant's trademark generosity undiminished; Take Five's a restaurant that's committed, it seems, to seeing no one ever leaves hungry.
A self-described "Italian steakhouse," Take Five offers entree selections from both those genres.
Representing the former are choices such as Veal a la Francaise ($19.95), Chicken Parmigiano ($15.95), and Baked Ziti with Sausage ($15.95).
Chophouse selections include Charbroiled Delmonico Steak ($21.95), Baby Beef Liver (
$14.95), and Boston Scrod ($15.95).
The kitchen's repertoire also incorporates a selection of surf & turf combos. A six-ounce Filet with baked stuffed shrimp ($24.95) and Prime Rib with Stuffed Mushroom Cap ($22.95) are thereof typical.
Appetizer possibilities at Take Five range from Tortellini Alfredo ($6.95) to Honey Barbecued Chicken Wings ($7.95) and Calamari ($8.95) with a sweet jalapeno glaze.
We started our dinner by sharing a Big Cheesy Mushroom ($7.50). The "big" aspect of this creation referred to the oversized portabello mushroom, while a cheddar and mozzarella topping defined the "cheesy" factor.
Perched on a toasted slice of Italian bread and drenched in a rich, tarragon-laced garlic cream, the dish was a gooey, flavorful experience we'd definitely reprise.
Of course, both soup and salad bar were competing for our attention as we sampled the starter.
We'd passed on the chicken vegetable, instead opting to focus on the French onion soup the restaurant had available.
A classic of everyday French cookery, onion soup can reveal plenty about a kitchen's dedication to ingredients and techniques; the version at Take Five was certainly passed muster. It had the sweet-savory complexity of slowly caramelized onions, and there was no hint of the excessive saltiness by which the presence of commercial soup base typically betrays itself.
We also found the salad bar to be competently presented. Greens, garnishes, and prepared salads were all fresh and tasty; the selection of dressings available, while not extensive, was certainly adequate.
An interestingly styled Veal Oscar ($23.95) signaled that something noteworthy is happening these days at Take Five.
The Continental classic had been rethought, with a split lobster tail replacing the traditional crabmeat garnish. Three pounded-thin veal medallions served as the presentation's framework, while fat spears of fresh asparagus completed the dish.
The veal was of good quality, and the other elements did their part to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
Sauced with a balanced, cream-mellowed marinara sauce, the Lobster Ravioli a la Vodka ($22.95) was equally praiseworthy. Diver scallops and jumbo shrimp joined lobster-stuffed pasta pockets to complete the composition.
Our third choice, a Filet Mignon ($24.95), came accompanied with buttery sauteed mushrooms and a garnish of hand-breaded onion rings.
Side dishes -- ziti tossed with oil and garlic and a baked potato -- were also competently prepared.
Take Five is fully licensed, offering a wine list of two dozen plus bottlings, all of which are priced under $30. A number of wines are available by the glass as well.
Passing on fried ice cream, we instead opted to sample Chocolate Chip Cannoli ($4.95) for dessert.
Three bite-sized pastry roll-ups filled with sweetened ricotta and chocolate bits, the diminutive cannoli were easy to share and enjoy.
The restaurant's Strawberry Cheesecake ($6.50) was also individualized into a creamy, cupcake-sized portion.
Take Five's public spaces hadn't changed much since our last visit. Separate entrances access the dining room and bar; booths remain the primary form of seating. The overall ambiance, with its earthy Tuscan color scheme, is still Old World.
Take Five's lunch menu includes deli-style sandwiches, triple-decker clubs, and oversized burgers as well as hot entrees sized and priced for midday enjoyment.
Name: Take Five Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 944 Springfield Street, Agawam
Phone: (413) 786-0962
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 4: to 10 p.m., Sunday 3 to 9 p.m.
Entree prices: $13.95 - $27.95
Credit cards: Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted