160844 Mon Jul 26 10:12:25 -0700 2004 4 13 New England 0 862561 We are heading to the Manchester/Stratton area. Any good restaurants casual or otherwise? Mon Jul 26 10:12:25 -0700 2004 0 Alice 1 862563 How casual? And by casual, do you mean inexpensive? Because around here, you'll pay nearly as much for lousy casual as you will for good not-so-casual (even the fancy joints a pretty casual compared to down-country). Verdé, right in the resort village at Stratton, is very good, fairly casual, and not hideously expensive. It has a pretty urban vibe, and the food is creative/eclectic. Bondville, from whence the Stratton access road ascends, has a few cheesy joints – the Outback and some other place that has its name so poorly displayed we all think of it simply as Casual Dining. Neither very good. In Manchester, Bistro Henry and Graffiti are both very good and not-too-fancy. Henry's is more subdued, Graffiti on the eclectic side. The Perfect Wife is decent, with the upstairs tavern very casual in a burgers, meatloaf and beer sort of way, but with some modern twists and good salads. Downstairs is more upscale, expensive, and fancier. There are also more casual places in town, but quality is a crapshoot. I've heard that the new Taco Loco is good, but haven't been. Avoid Candeleros if you have any respect for Mexican food. Las Chicas is much better and much more honest....and cheaper, but they don't have a liquor license. Be aware that there's a huge national horse show going on in Manchester through the middle of August, so the casual restaurants in town are overrun and traffic in general is bad. In Londonderry, the New American Grill is very casual, very reasonably priced (entrées $9-$17) and the food is reliably good, if not particularly inspired. Avoid Jake's like the plague. Mon Jul 26 10:59:27 -0700 2004 862561 0 GG Mora 2 862583 Thank you so much. Very helpful information. Mon Jul 26 21:24:43 -0700 2004 862563 0 alice 3 862590 You're very welcome. Enjoy your stay here - it's a beautiful part of the world. And do report back. Tue Jul 27 09:16:44 -0700 2004 862583 0 GG Mora 2 863876 A fair assessment, yet I am hoping to add "inspiration" to the menu when I can find some qualified kitchen staff and don't spend 100+ (no exaggeration) just putting out what we offer now. Besides, we seek to comfort as much as inspire. The Inn at Weston was to inspire. ;) For a slightly different take on our food, read Sandra Marsh's review on www.vermont.com Fri Sep 10 10:26:42 -0700 2004 862563 0 CHEFMAX