Just when I thought The Black Forest Cafe’s food couldn’t taste any better, they go ahead and start serving certain sweets at a discounted price. Two mini white chocolate chip dried ranier cherry oatmeal cookies for $1 anyone? Every 14 days, the cafe will be offering a different kind of cookie with a smaller price tag than usual. According to chef Bruce Walters, starting these “Cookie Jar Specials” not only gives their customers a chance to save some cash, but also allows the cafe to try out new recipes. The white chocolate chip dried ranier cherry oatmeal cookies are the first batch, which was kicked off on September 21st. Did I mention you can get two of the cookies for free when you try their new fall espresso drink, Caramel Apple Latte, hot or iced? To keep up-to-date on the current cookie specials, become a fan of The Black Forest on Facebook.

There has been so many food events/news around Nashua that I’ve been lacking on the restaurant reviews, but I need to share this next upcoming event with you before I move on. I was speaking with the ladies over at Frederick’s Pastries in Amherst last week for a story running in Wednesday’s Feast on Fall desserts, and, in the process of speaking with them, I found out that they are holding a Purple Velvet Torte Day on Saturday the 26th. Why purple? It’s the owner’s favorite color, and why should velvet cake only be red? The cake-masters at Frederick’s are giving away free samples of their purple torte from 12 to 2 p.m. in Amherst with a live broadcast by 106.3 Frank FM. While the thought of eating anything purple scares me, I trust that Frederick’s will make a delicious cake creation. Plus, it’s free.

Gettin’ hitched? We all know there is nothing more important to having a successful wedding but lots of delicious food. Oh, and love. But fortunately for Frederick’s Pastries in Amherst and Bedford, local lovebirds are lovin’ their creations. The editors at New Hampshire Magazine Bride voted Frederick’s “Best of Bride 2009″ for Best Edible Art. With cake flavors like dark chocolate with mocha buttercream frosting, or the seasonal pumpkin cake with regular buttercream, and filling flavors like mudslide, blackberry and peanut butter, it’s no surprise that Frederick’s took the cake on this one (no pun). Cake flavor combinations aside, Frederick’s is also well known for their exquisite cake decorating skills. Scroll through the gallery on their website, or visit either location to see for yourself. Their wedding cake displays are truly edible art.

I finally tried Cassidy’s Grille and Bar (which, as mentioned in an earlier post, is the new eatery that took the place of J Beaner’s in Amherst), and I must say: I was pleasantly surprised. All of your welcomed reviews sent me there with low hopes, but I left with a happy stomach. I went for breakfast, and opted for the Garden Vegetable Wrap made with fresh eggs, portobello mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes (there might have even been peppers on it…I inhaled the thing), with a side of well-seasoned breakfast potatoes, that were still good even though they lacked the crispy fried outer coating. At first glance, the wrap looked like it could have been gone in two bites, but was chocked full of so many heart-healthy ingredients, I almost didn’t even finish it (but somehow managed to). My waitress was friendly, though lacked the ability to smile, and I could have sworn the guy who owned J Beaner’s was behind the counter…am I alone in this? Is Cassidy’s owned by the same guy? Regardless…the food was good, and I heard several customers express their satisfaction to the staff. However, due to readers’ reviews, the eatery may be hit or miss. I got lucky.

Eden’s Restaurant & Lounge in Salzburg Square is one upscale, hidden eatery in Amherst that just became more approachable. Personally, I would have kept going back despite Eden’s recent changes, but the restaurant has decided to lower the prices on their menu to better accommodate their customers’ wallets. Not only is the classy establishment giving 1/2 off appetizers Monday through Wednesday, they also now offer any of their dinner entrees in appetizer size (which thus, costs less money). This is all in addition to, of course, changing the dinner prices, too. Salmon for $10; baked brie for $9; and duck for $16? Yes, please. Did I mention Eden’s even has a new dessert menu, including their family recipe for apple crisp pie? New catering and event menu to come, too. Phew.

Side note: While you’re there, try one of Eden’s generous (in size and vodka) martinis.

In an older post, we said a sad goodbye to J Beaner’s Cafe in Amherst. In today’s post, I am delivering the exciting news regarding a new eatery that will replace the former J Beaner’s. The sign out front of the temporarily abandoned building says that Cassidy’s Food and Coffee House will be taking over in the near future. My research came up with nothing, but the sign promises passersby that Cassidy’s food will be good (just not in so many words). Let’s hope Cassidy’s still has the free Wi-Fi, and brings back gelato to the Amherst area. I’m excited to try it. Who’s with me?

Has anyone else noticed that in this rough economy local businesses have chosen to support each other, versus compete? Says a lot for the neighborhood business owners, doesn’t it? One recent example is The Black Forest Cafe, who has teamed up with LaBelle Winery (both in Amherst). LaBelle Winery prides themselves on using locally-grown New Hampshire fruits to make their wine, and The Black Forest is also known for using natural ingredients in their food. Last Saturday, the cafe hosted a wine tasting with LaBelle Winery owner Amy, and from now until June 13th the cafe will be featuring three LaBelle wines in the dining room at lunch, brunch and dinner, including LaBelle’s Seyval Blanc, Cranberry and Blueberry wines. The wines will be offered by the bottle, the glass, and even a new 2 oz. “try me” size. Being a self-proclaimed wine-o myself, and a fairly healthy eater, this is one pairing I plan to try. Who’s with me?