Impromptu road trip with family in Burlington VT area

[pmacdougall]

Canadian Family of four (with toddlers) seek interesting, GREAT food in a part of the States we've never been to. We are willing to be the first people in the door at an upscale establishment (we tip well, and get out fast because of the kids). We are also happy with farmers markets and food trucks (kids=wet wipes). Just looking for a bit of CH guidance.

[porker]

Speaking of Big Fatty's, isn't that where the Brazilian Churascaria used to be?
I liked this place when it opened - more so than the ones in Montreal (well, there's a small chain of 2 or 3 La Milsas).
However when it moved up the street (on corner of Main/St. Paul), I felt it went a bit too upscale and lost some of its charm.

Any thoughts on this place?

[Morganna]

Yes, Big Fatty's is where Souza's used to be. Souza's moved and has since closed. There's a new place called Esperanto where Souza's most recently occupied.

[TonyO]

Here are my thoughts:

Belted Cow Bistro (Essex Jct.) : great food/ambiance/service/bar options...we have an 8 year old and there are planty of family friendly options....and Caitlin speaks fluent French!

Kitchen Table Bistro (Richmond): Exemplary example of what Vermont food is all about...always exceptional

Veritas (Burlington): very good pizza and salads

Check out the website for where/when Misery Loves company will be parking their food truck...super creative sandwiches and more.....

[Morganna]

Oh and I really like Bluebird BBQ (has that been mentioned? can't be arsed to check) :)

[pmacdougall]

Thank you for all these great suggestions! We only ended up staying a day in Burlington in the end. But we loved it and plan to make it part of our weekend road trip rotation (so I've saved the post). We ate our way through the farmers market on Saturday: organic sausage, hamburger, delights from Nomadic bakery, had spiced cider, samosa, croissants, and apples. Needless to say, we skipped lunch and had dinner at Big Fatty's BBQ. Kids loved the catfish!

We'll be back to try the rest!

[opinionatedchef]

pmac, burlington spots we love when we visit from boston 1-2x yr.:
-Trattoria Delia's -italian- equals or tops many elegant Ital places in Boston. REALLY terrific
and broad menu.
http://www.trattoriadelia.com/
-Penny Cluse fantastic breakfasts, esp Mex dishes
-Mirabelle's bakery (almond horns are terrific, and croissants; big selection) we have NO bakery as good as M in boston
-Daily Planet (funky hippie vibe)- Black Sheep in Vergennes
-Bluebird Tavern
- Black Sheep, Vergennes
http://www.blacksheepbistrovt.com/page220

Also very good and a drive is involved:
-The Kitchen Table
-Starry Night
-Hen in the Woods

-Good Times Cafe

http://www.7nvt.com/7n/listing.htm;js...

[porker]

I'd suggest Rays Seafood in Essex Junction
http://www.raysseafoodmarket.com/
a bit out of Burlington, a bit tricky to find for the first time, this place reminds me of an old-time fish shack, the likes you don't find in Montreal or Toronto.
This place isn't fancy (not for an upscale meal) but its sure kid friendly both menu-wise and table-wise.

[chilihead]

One of the most unique places in Burlington is Myers Bagels. It is about a half mile from City Hall and specializes in Montreal Style bagels, which are honey boiled and wood fire baked.
It is tucked behind an antique junk shop by the old Barge Canal on Pine Street.
I'm not talking about fine dining here, just something different. Early mornings are best for watching the process in action or for picking up some picnic supplies.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/myers-bagel-b...

[Morganna]

I've never seen the charm of Montreal bagels, myself. :) I'd think coming from Canada they'd be available up there all the time! :)

Maybe it's just a style thing. I like NY bagels a lot.

[chilihead]

But you can't get those here. NY bagels that is.

[Morganna]

Ayup!

There are some bagels we buy at Price Chopper in Berlin (of all places) that aren't too bad. Though they are a bagel chain (Bagel Factory).

[Morganna]

There are a LOT of great threads here discussing various food options in the burlington area. I recommend searching for both Burlington and Waterbury, or even Stowe. You'll turn up LOADS of options.

Also, there's a new steakhouse that's opened up near the airport called Guild and Company that's getting good reviews, but it is VERY new (just opened this week). :)

[bm_vt]

The Farm House in Burlington is kid friendly and has good food:
http://www.farmhousetg.com/home.html

[bm_vt]

I'm dying to try Guild-not sure when I'll get there. Morganna-be sure to post a rewview if you go!!

[Morganna]

Oh I will but it won't likely be until next anniversary (so next fall). It is WAY outside my usual price range. :)