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TonyO's Profile

With and without food.

I have yet to find a wine that pairs with Buffalo wings.......and quite honestly, I really could care less if I ever do as a cold beer, iced tea, or Diet Coke work just fine IMO

Burlington, Vermont area: Best places to hit on a long weekend

Farmers Market is worth the trip into Burlington for sure. I would try calling any places you are interested in ASAP and the ride up the Notch will be great if the weather is nice. The Chef's Table might not be too busy at the Essex, especially the 9:00 seating (it seem harder to get a table at 6 than at 8 in Vermont). You should be able to get a reservation on the 17th and 18th but the 19th is going to be tough.......

Burlington, Vermont area: Best places to hit on a long weekend

I will add a couple thoughts:

1. If your visit is the weekend of 5/18 - 5/20 it is going to be really tough to get into the popular restaurants as it is a big prom weekend and UVM Graduation, if it is later, you should be fine.

2. The Chef's Table at The Essex is great as is the spa.

3. Take a ride to Stowe via The Notch (if the weather is nice). Quite an experience and will only cost you gas money. Again, if nice, pack a picnic and enjoy some amazing scenery.

4. The Belted Cow Bistro is within 10 minutes of The Essex and is a great spot for dinner

5. For lunch, try Church Street, food options aren't great but the "scene" is fun

6. Try the other threads for breakfast as we rarely eat breakfast away from home

7. Kitchen Table Bistro and Hen of the Wood are exceptional

Enjoy your visit !

Vermont Restaurant Week 2012

Enjoy !

Vermont Restaurant Week 2012

7 Days had a big section last week ...............many restaurants are booking up quickly (including Hen).............some great deals that will create a boost in what is normally a fairly quiet week

Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, and Disgusting

There seems to be a morphing with some "celebrities" where certain traits/mannerism become so overblown they eclipse the core of the person. Granted, some of this is a case/affect relationship but even those that may have found Emeril's "BAM" ! or "Kick it up a Notch", Paula Deen's reference to butter or saying "Y'all", or Rachel Ray's propensity to abbreviate everything (EVOO or her name into "Rach"), and in the case of Guy, the over the top clothing choices, the hideous catchphrases like "money" and "off the hook" (which he claims are his but I'm sure the movie "Swingers" said "money long before Guy)....Some personalities don't seem to relay on this (Bobby Flay would be the primary example IMO).....maybe you like it in the beginning but when it becomes so forced it seems to have a negative impact on most viewers

Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, and Disgusting

I will say this, that pizza featured at Lola (Minneapolis) looked great and that area has a FANTASTIC food scene.

MSP james beard semifinalists local rundown

Eric from Hen of the Wood (see above) also made the finalist cut so Lenny will have good company from VT at the awards ceremony.............hopefully two great chefs form two great states will come home with victories !

Diners, Drive-ins, Dives, and Disgusting

silence9, I fully agree !

Amelia Island Recs

We will be visting Amelia Island in June for a few days. Please provide any advice you have for this area. As we are travelling with our 7 year old and won't be packing any dressy clothes, teh only places I wouldn't be interested in would be super high end. Thanks in advance !

Sushi / grass-fed steak in Burlington VT?

I rarely order a steak or burger when eating out and if your desire is to eat grass-fed or finished beef, you would be best served to hit Healthy Living and grill/sear/braise it at home. Sushi is very subjective and so dependent on the chef so I would try Asiana House and San Sai (I think Sakura on Church St. is closed).

Looking for Best Destination Restaurants in VT, NH, ME

@CBeth: be sure to let us know where we can read your work when it launches in March. Hopefully some of our local gems will experience an increase in business during the upcoming "mud season" here in Vermont ! For convenience purposes, The Kitchen Table Bistro is only about 10 minutes from Hen of the Wood and is really spectacular. If you have any questions fee free to email me directly at tony AT independentvendinginc DOT com.

Looking for Best Destination Restaurants in VT, NH, ME

Additional Vermont Recs:

1. Kitchen Table Bistro, Richmond, VT : outstanding food, ambiance, and service
2. Belted Cow Bistro, Essex Jct.: worth a visit just for the Smoked Pork Tartine
3. The Essex, Essex Jct.: newly renovated and improved, great spa, and nice rooms for a stay
4. L'Amante: Burlington, Vt: one of the classiest options in VT, great food and wine list
5. Hen of the Wood, Waterbury: outstanding food, service, and ambiance

The strengths of Vermont are Cheese and Beer. Many restaurants source locally (meats, grains, beer, produce) and wine lists continue to improve.

MSP james beard semifinalists local rundown

We have visited Minneapolis twice in recent years and were blown away by the food scene there. Our visits were short (two nights each time), but we managed to fit in visits to Bar La Grassa, 112 Eatery, Alma, Travail, Piccolo, and Sea Change. Keep up the great work ! Here in Vermont, we are hoping Hen of the Wood (www.henofthewood.com) finally wins after many nominations. If you are ever in VT, be sure to post as I would be happy to return the favor many of you have done for us by providing great advice !!! Now if only the Vikings could raise to the same level as the cuisine in MN................

Notable names in cooking show history?

Madeleine Kamman is the REAL French chef...............

Burlington VT report

Thanks for spending your holiday in Burlington !

Anything good near Essex?

Too late for this visit, but here are my Essex: Tiny Thai is quite good (for some reason, I actually like the Winooski location better). Amuse is not open for lunch, but me experience at dinner was excellent (and the Tavern has improved, and is open for lunch). The Belted Cow is a great place (dinner only). The rest of the outlet area restaurants are ok (Oriental Wok is serviceable for Chinese takeout, Mimmo's has good pizza, My Little Cupcake is good for a sweet bite). The turnover at Rustico's has been constant so I can't comment on the current quality of food.

As far as Church Street goes, nothing great but there are some decent spots. Re-Post when in the area again for a current update!

Stowe area dining - need recommendations

Fear not, chuck s, The Hen will be abck and better than ever in early December (the 6th I believe, but check their website to verify exact date)

Stowe area dining - need recommendations

Casual: Piecasso (Stowe)
Upscale: Kitchen Table Bistro (Richmond)

Enjoy your visit !

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

Saratoga Springs November 2-5

We ate at Mouzon House in September and enjoyed the food especially when coupled with excellent service.

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Mouzon House
1 York Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Saratoga Springs November 2-5

Go to The Parting Glass and get hammered.....

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Parting Glass
40 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Seeking BBQ/ Pig Roast Catering for New Hampshire

Try reaching out to John Delpha, owner of The Belted Cow in Vermont. John is a Championship BBQ competitor. The phone number at the restaurant is 802-316-3883.

Monday Night in Philly

No Chicago Bears fans here ! Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming !!

Is Hen of the Wood closed??!

No damage, just a remodel.

Monday Night in Philly

The place I was thinking of is called R2L (looks like a good place for drinks and light food on the way to the game)

Monday Night in Philly

I am looking to keep it casual as I am travelling with my 23 year old son. Paesano's looks great (not sure where that is in relation to the Marriott or Linc ?). The is another place I have heard about for some drinks (forgot the name, something like RG37 or similiar ???). Appreciate your quick response !

Monday Night in Philly

I will be in Philly (arriving around noon on Monday 11/7 and leaving late afternoon on 11/8). Staying at the downtown Marriott and going the the Eagles game Monday night. All suggestions are welcome as long as they don't invlove a great deal of travel (mostly looking for a lunch suggestion, dinner, and maybe a pre-game pub spot). Also, any navigation tips would be apprecitated (flying in and out so no car) Thanks in advance !

Annual Burlington Visit- Seeking 5 Excellent Dinners

Go to the Belted Cow, order the Smoked Pork Tartine (you can thank me later !)

Annual Burlington Visit- Seeking 5 Excellent Dinners

Here are a few:

Belted Cow Bistro (Essex Jct.) : on Tuesday they add BBQ (excellent) to their regular menu and pasta / flatbreads added on Thurday night (practically across the street from the now closed Drunken Noodle).

Tiny Thai (2 locations, one in Winooski (the better of the two) and Essex Jct. (by the outlets). BYOB and great lunch specials for $8.

Amuse; Newly opened concept at The Essex. No firsthand experience to report but the food in the tavern (also remodeled and recently reopened) is improved.

Inn at Shelburne Farms: worth a visit just for the setting alone. Have not been this year, but has been spectacular at times

L'Amante: also worth a vist, well executed menu, a bit more reserved than most Burlington restaurants

Pulcinella's : on Dorset Street, traditional Italian with some interesting twists on the menu

Hope this helps......................

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Tiny Thai Restaurant
24 Main St, Winooski, VT 05404

Pulcinella's
100 Dorset St Ste 2, South Burlington, VT 05403

Need family friendly foodie recos for Warren, VT

Going to be a BUSY weekend here are foliage season has begun. With that being said, try the following:

The Green Cup
The Mad Taco

Places like Hen of the Wood and Kitchen Table Bistro will likely be booked.

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

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

Green Cup Cafe
40 Bridge St, Waitsfield, VT 05673

The Mad Taco
2 Village Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673