Perfect Pear, Bradford, VT- perfectly done! (Longish)

[Science Chick]

We were on our way home from Northern Vermont Sunday evening and stopped in Bradford to eat. Originally heading for Colatina Exit, we passed the Perfect Pear Cafe in the Bradford Mill Bldg and noticed it was open. I recalled reading a few positive postings in the past, and decided to check it out. Beautiful building, with exposed beams and charming tile floors. The food is really prepared with care and attention, while the service was lacking.

The place was pretty empty and we were seated right away. The only downside of the entire experience was our waitress..very unattentive and she only had one other table in the entire place! After placing our orders and waiting some time, we had to flag the other waitress and ask for bread, which still took a while to come. Very nice, crusty olive loaf served with a cold (but rich!) marinara for dipping. My DC started with the cream of asparagus soup which he reported was fabulous (I couldn't sample due to my asparagus allergy!). We split the pear and field green salad, which was well complemented by hazelnuts, goat cheese and cranberries. Excellent mingling of flavors! We also split the butternut squash ravioli, accompanied by a cream sauce, gorganzola, candied walnuts and a balsamic reduction. This was one of the best squash ravioli dishes I've ever encountered. They are usually too sweetened for my taste, but this one let the squash's own sweetness shine through, countering the tanginess of the sauce and garnishes. Portions on both the salad and ravioli were quite generous. A nice glass of house Cote de Rhone completed the experience (can't remember the vineyard....but very good!). Our waitress never checked in with us, and I noticed that the other waitress presented her check with mints, while ours did not.

The total was $46 including tip. We will definitely stop back next time!

[gryphonskeeper]

I hope the tip was 10% or less. There is nothing that ruins a night out faster than bad service.

[Science Chick]

No, we tipped ~20%. Low for us......She annoyed us but didn't ruin the meal. We were on the road and fairly rushed, with a 3 hour drive back to Boston looming in front of us. If we were out for a leisurely evening I might have been more upset.