Anything new in Burlington, Vt. ?

[brevardbelly]

Planning our annual trek to the Queen City in the middle of July. Anything new and good? We usually do the Hen of the Wood, Shelburne Farm, etc. Tell me something good! (Can't wait for the Farmer's Market)

-----
Hen of the Wood
92 Stowe St Ste 1, Waterbury, VT 05676

[Lgalen]

We had a great birthday dinner at Church and Main! My chicken and waffles were really awesome, the girls (UVM students) each had one of the special burgers, that made them swoon. Good apps, local beers on tap, and my newly 21 year old loved her first drink (a rose champagne?!)

[vjpam]

I would avoid Shelburne Farms unless you're going for breakfast. We went last summer and were very disappointed...new chef is extremely inconsistent, and I wound up sending a dish back (which I've never done before) for being both unappetizing and unappealing. Service was also spotty, so the experience really didn't measure up to the prices.

We always love Hen of the Wood, and Michael's on the Hill (on the way from Waterbury to Stowe) is one of our favorites. I'd recommend you check that out as well.

-----
Hen of the Wood
92 Stowe St Ste 1, Waterbury, VT 05676

[cherylvt]

In Burlington itself: Bluebird, Farmhouse (very new), Single Pebble are all good for sit-down. Bistro Sauce in Shelburne is superb - chef had run his own (dearly departed) Big Chile Republic, and brings a sort of fusion Filipino-Vermont-localvore sensibility to the menu. Michael's in Waterbury is great. Lots of terrific foods at any farmer's market too.

-----
Big Chile Republic
Colchester, VT, Colchester, VT

Bistro Sauce
97 Falls Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482

[mrosa]

There have been several changes of chefs at Bistro Sauce recently.

-----
Bistro Sauce
97 Falls Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482

[ospreycove]

Hardwick Vt. is not too far from Burlington. Claire's is great and a very good supporter of the local growers/farmers.
http://www.clairesvt.com/

[velotrain]

Not too far? Mapquest shows 65 miles and almost an hour and a half driving. If you were in fact close to Hardwick (say, in Montpelier, which has good local destinations) OK, but why make this long trek when there are so many fine choices much closer?

[ospreycove]

Velo, How do you like Claire's; I find it well worth the scenic drive.

[chilihead]

If you're willing to drive an hour an a half, go to Montreal. Half the drive time, many more options.

As far as Burlington goes, hit the Farmer's market in City Hall park (on Saturday) and maybe Fresh Market on Pine Street for some VT cheese and bread, fill up your picnic basket and head down to the waterfront to watch the lake.

[ospreycove]

And, for those who do not like to drive........Not new but as good as ever....
Penny Cluse Cafe, Breakfast & lunch, downtown Cherry st, corner Winooski. The hangover sure cure "bucket o' spuds" and a Mama Cruz's Huevos, or the polenta and eggs. WOW!

-----
Penny Cluse Cafe
169 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT

[ospreycove]

One more for the non-motorized crowd. "A Single Peeble", Even though this is Vermont, it is a very good Chinese Restaurant; it is on Bank St. More interesting is the Chef is a Lofan, not an ethnic Chinese. Not an inexpensive noodle shop, rather a delicious table cloth, occasion dinner place.
http://www.asinglepebble.com/intro.htm

[brevardbelly]

Let me ask this then. Are Hen of the Wood, Delia Trat, Shelburne Farms and the place in Richmond (I forget the name) still on top of their game ?

-----
Hen of the Wood
92 Stowe St Ste 1, Waterbury, VT 05676

[TonyO]

Here are my recs:

Your choices are fine. The place in Richmond is the Kitchen Table Bistro (an excellent choice). Make reservations in advance. Post any other questions and enjoy your stay !

-----
Kitchen Table Bistro
1840 W Main St, Richmond, VT 05477

[brevardbelly]

TonyO.. do you know anything about the chefs at Shelburne Farms? The food two years ago seemed a bit better than last year. Any ideas? I can't wait for the Alchemist !!!

[TonyO]

I am sure if you googled Inn at Shelburne farms you would come up with some info. In my opinion, it has been inconsistent. The setting however is always incredible and wine markups continue to be among the lowest I have seen anywhere.

[CMM]

I second Kitchen Table. Beatiful old house (Governor Chittenden's house from the early 1800s). Knowledgable service, friendly and not too formal. Excellent local produce, with a somewhat deconstructed shepherd's pie and Misty Knoll chicken pate' being particularly outstanding on our last visit.