Anniversary Dinner in Central Vermont

[Morganna]

Just looking for some suggestions here.

Every year we try a restaurant that we've never eaten at before. We go for upscale places that have a selection of items we either don't get to eat very often, or have never had before but would like to try. We usually spend between $75 and $100 (neither of us drinks any alcohol, so that's just for the food) on this meal.

We've been doing this ever since we got married nearly 17 years ago, and we moved to Vermont in 1992, so we've been to 14 places so far since we moved here. :) But I don' t have a list worked out of where we've been, but I'd know if we've been someplace if it were suggested (if that makes any sense). :) So please feel free to just suggest things.

My husband doesn't like fish of any sort, and tends to prefer beef or pork dishes. I love fish and shellfish, game meats, and various poultry. So long as there's a nice beef or pork option for my husband, he'll be happy.

Obviously we'd prefer something romantic, ambience matters.

In the past we've driven as far as Killington for this dinner (though usually on a weekend where we do something else as well), Burlington and Warren (Common Man). Generally we've stuck around Montpelier/Stowe though. Because on a weekday night we don't want to be out too late. Our anniversary is on a weekday night this year.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts! :)

[RudyH]

Juniper Hill Inn- http://www.juniperhillinn.com/dining.htm
Fabulous view, fabulous food, and the perfect surroundings

[BoVT]

I agree about Juniper Hill , but must plug the Windsor Station our personal favorite when we go to Vermont.

[Morganna]

Ok, so actually, MightyFrog wins. ;) I just made reservations at Trattoria Delia :) I remember you recommending that before, and just forgot it existed! Can't wait now!

[Morganna]

An update, I just figured out our anniversary is on a Saturday this year, so I don't have to limit myself to a comfortable evening drive! So if you were going anywhere in Vermont, where would you recommend? :)

[TonyO]

I would choose from:

1. The Inn at Shelburne Farms (reserve soon)
2. The Kitchen Table (Richmond)
3. Friends Lake Inn (ok, it's not in Vermont, but certainly within driving range and well worth it).
4. Trattoria Delia (agree with MightyFrog, it never dissappoints)
5. Christophe's on the Green (Vergennes)

Enjoy

[MightyFrog]

Have you eaten at Trattoria Delia? It seems a likely place you would have gone in the past, but it'd be criminal to not recommend it. Seriously one of the best meals I've ever had, and the staff was very knowledgeable. As is often the case with Italian restaurants, there are always good veal, sausage, and meatball options for your husband.
http://www.trattoriadelia.com/

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Trattoria Delia
152 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401

[Blumie]

The Pitcher Inn in Warren is fabulous. If you really wanted to splurge, you could spend the night (and includes their amazing breakfast, which is only available for guests of the inn).

[Morganna]

Since our anniversary is right smack in the heart of peak, there's no way we could afford to stay at such a place, but dinner there might be doable! Another great thought. Thanks!

[GG Mora]

Have you tried Michael's on the Hill yet?
http://telebody.com/michaelsonthehill/

[Morganna]

Actually, we went there one year before it was Michael's. I think it was something like Villa Trattoria then? I guess that constitutes a new restaurant even if we've eaten in the same building before! I'll have to check out their menu. Thanks for the thought.

[Addisonchef]

Just an FYI and I could be totally wrong, but I believe Villa Tragerra and Michael's are two different establishments. Isn't Michael's on Blush Hill? Villa Tragera is on the main road.

Anyways, have a wonderful dinner. I have never been disappointed at Trattoria Delia! :-)

[mjp81]

She is correct in that she went to Villa Tragara before Michael's took over the space 5 years ago. It is the same building on rt. 100 that Michaels took over in 2002. A far superior restaurant to Villa or anything else and is one of Vermont's best.