Hungry for the latest local food and restaurants news? Here’s what’s happening, presented in a bite-sized format.
Bennington Area
Only in Vermont would you find an organic farm located on Rod and Gun Club Road. Mighty Food Farm, which started 20 years ago in Pownal, now operates out of Shaftsbury, selling produce at the Dorset Farmers Market (now Sundays in the JK Adams Kitchen Store Warehouse), the Bennington Community Market, and Manchester’s Nature’s Market. It also sells to local restaurants such as The Crooked Ram and Reluctant Panther. Brussel Sprouts and spinach are just two crops coming to market now.
Look through Mighty Food Farm’s website and you’ll find some intriguing details. Lisa MacDougall, the “Owner/Farmer” graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences. The operation has a “Wash and Pick Manager” (Douglas) who has 15 years at the farm. The Equipment, Tractor, and Maintenance man extraordinaire (Rob), lives in a straw bale house he and his wife built. Another staff member (Kathleen) coached track and cross country at the high school and college level for over 20 years. In short, some interesting people are devoting their lives now to making mighty food.
Brattleboro Area
Recently the Afghan Kebab & Grill, 1300 Putney Road held its grand opening. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Tuesday. Its message? “Give them a try — your taste buds will thank you!”
The obligatory nod to Scott Farm Orchard CSA newsletter, week 11, spotlights two apples: “Northern Spy is a handsome master of disguise and excels at everything it tries.” Its famous catchphrase is: “Spies for pies.” The Roxbury Russet, arguably the oldest American apple, harkens back to Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was a rare apple that flourished during the freeze of 2023.
The motto at The Works Bakery and Cafe on Main Street is “Eat Well, Feel Good.” If you’re fussy about your food, consider that for its Bacon Avocado Bowl, The Works serves bacon that is “Cajun-rubbed naturally-cured no nitrate/nitrite bacon.” It proclaims, “Our café offers a delightful selection of humanely raised, naturally cured meats & poultry with no added hormones or antibiotics.” And if you’re really fussy and eat no bacon, well, there are traditionally made bagels, salads, wraps, and soups.
Ok, but do these choices make for terrific tasting sandwiches? The short answer, “Yes!”
And people have been saying “yes” since 1988, when The Works started its first cafe in Manchester, where it continues to thrive.
A former Works’ employee recommends the smoked salmon sandwich, the Dagwood (“humanely raised antibiotic free turkey, naturally-cured no nitrate/nitrite ham & bacon, provolone, roasted onions, tomatoes, mesclun, mayo on sourdough”) and the smoothies.
Manchester Area
Restaurants named after dogs include: Lola, Charlie’s, Aloyicious Pizza. A defunct restaurant named after a dog: Chauncey’s (where the current Bronwyn on Battenkill is located).
The newly expanded restaurant at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, curATE, is highlighting its Grilled Shrimp Salad: “Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor…. [it] brings together local greens, crisp vegetables, peanuts, and a sesame ginger dressing for a lighter take on lunch.”
Pawlet’s Famous Game Supper returns on November 14, from 5-7 p.m. at the Pawlet Fire Department. Dress warmly as there may be a wait outside to get in. For out-of-towners reading this, game refers not to the entertainment but the items on the menu. In past years, that has included bear, moose, rabbit, and venison. “If we shoot it, you can eat it,” is the unofficial motto. Brave culinary souls wanted. Arrive early before the food disappears.
Last year Rupert’s Game Supper featured “Bear Sauerbraten, Bear Meatloaf, Teriyaki Moose, Sweet & Sour Moose Meatballs, Venison Stroganoff, Venison Quesadillas, BBQ Beaver Meatballs and any other wild game that comes along.” This year’s supper is set for November 21 starting at 4 p.m. at the Rupert Fire Department.
Proceeds from both game suppers benefit the local fire departments.
And if you were wondering about Weston’s game supper — you missed it. It occurred on Nov. 7.
Elsewhere in Vermont
Coming to Burlington November 21 and 22 is the Celebrate Craft Holiday Show. Vermont food and drink on offer will include Bonny Doon’s Scottish Shortbread (from a home-based bakery in Manchester), maple-y goods from Green’s Sugar House in Poultney, humble meads from Humbiont Fermentary, and spirits from Vermont’s Mad River, St. Johnsbury Gin, and Smugglers’ Notch Distillery.
In Colchester, Jasper Hill Farm is offering Fondue Nights with Special VT Winemakers on November 13 and 20 for The fondue is a blend of its Whitney, Alpha Tolman, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar cheeses as well as white wine, and Dijon mustard. A Vegan Fondue is available.
The Jasper Hill people are serious about fondue. See Jasper Hill’s website for its feature “How to Fondue.”
Dining and Cooking