Casita Berkshires In North Adams, Massachusetts: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Justin Forstmann of Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts — on the MASS MoCA campus. Casita serves Mexican cuisine inspired by deep culinary training, travels abroad, and traditional Mexican fare. Fresh, local and sustainable ingredients showcase the bounty of the Berkshires and the hard work of the local growers and farmers.
Image: Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts
At Casita, sustainability is at the heart of every decision they make. From thoughtfully sourcing ingredients, to teaming composting, they are dedicated to leaving a positive impact on both our plates and planet. Casita Berkshires is a meeting place, funky lunch spot and cocktail lounge — all rolled into one.
1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Wake up, stretch, check the weather, get dressed, and then grab breakfast and coffee from the cafe next door.
Image: Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts
I like to end the day with a nice mezcal and light television.
2. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Chef Ben Gonzales (Nuestra Cocina). He took me under his wings and gave me the skills and discipline to start my own restaurant.
3. What do you typically cook at home?
In the summer we grill a lot. In the winter, I like to cook hearty stews, pozole, etc.
4. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
The focus on locality and sustainability. People are asking the right questions of how and where their food is sourced.
Image: Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts
5. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Strange to me at first, but completely traditional. Chapulines in guacamole; l absolutely loved it! When I can source them, I often add chapulines to our dishes.
6. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Just my wife. ❤️
Image: Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts
7. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
@casitaberkshires is Casita Berkshire’s Instagram.
8. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I won a chili cook off that benefited our local food pantry, as well as “Best Food Truck” in 2022. When I was living in Portland, Oregon, the restaurant I worked under won “Best Mexican Restaurant in the USA.”
9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
Mezcal is my spirit of choice.
Image: Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts
10. Tell readers why they should visit Casita Berkshires in North Adams, Massachusetts?
Come for traditional flavors and techniques in Western Massachusetts. Consider Casita a love letter to Mexico by way of the Berkshires.
