BURLINGTON
BEST OF
FA L L 2 0 1 3
L I F E A N D C U LT U R E I N T H E C H A M P L A I N VA L L E Y
Autumn Color City Market
Celebrates 40 Years
Patina & Michelle Holland Interiors
Vermont Energy: Heat Pumps Are In!
VOLUME 6 NO. 4 $4.95
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Contents
F E ATUR E S
32 Shelburne Museum
From spectacular
seasonal institution to year-round cultural resource. by mary gow
52 PHolland atina and Michelle Interiors
Furnishing and decorating with style and experience. by MARK AIKEN
68 Vermont Bed Store
You snooze, you choose. by sarah tuff
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Editor’s Note
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Contributors
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Online Hub
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Gatherings
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Vermont Views Pumpkins galore.
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Art Scene Vermont Watercolor Society. by jennifer rose smith
41 Community Spotlight City Market. by nancy humphrey case
d e p a r t m en t s
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Get Smart Vermont Energy. by Dean Whitlock
77 In the Kitchen Home for lunch. by susan nye
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Dining & Entertainment Guide
85 Happenings A calendar of events.
92 Burlington Buzz Brian Boardman of Hickok & Boardman Realty. by mike morin
Special Advertising Section
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Autumn Adventures Shopping and fun things to do in our local Burlington area.
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BEST OF
BURLINGTON Coffee Table Publishing, LLC PO Box 1460, Quechee, VT 05059 (802) 295-5295 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Publishers
Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch editor
Deborah Thompson ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Kristy Erickson Copy EDITOR
Elaine Ambrose Art direction/Design
CW Design Solutions, Inc. advertising design
Hutchens Media, LLC web design
Locable advertising
Robin Gales John Gales (802) 295-5295 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, PO Box 1460 Quechee, VT 05059. Or email editor@bestof burlingtonvt.com. Advertising inquires may be made by emailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffee tablepublishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC Š, 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.
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editor’s note
Fabulous Fall Once again the beautiful autumn season is upon us—time to prepare the kids for a new school year, think about plans for Thanksgiving, and hope that our favorite football team has a winning season. To celebrate this special time in Vermont, we’re treating you to an issue packed with informative, entertaining articles. From tips to finding the perfect jack-o’-lantern to shopping for healthy foods for our families, we’ll help you with whatever you need to enjoy a fantastic fall. The folks at Vermont Energy are excited about the latest choices in home heating, and they tell us that heat pumps are catching on very well (page 60). While you’re thinking about home improvements, you may want to check in with Michelle Holland and take an afternoon to browse her store, Patina (page 52). Michelle specializes in beautiful interior designs to fit today’s busy lifestyles. You’ll also be interested in the sidebar to her story: Michelle and her husband have worked to establish a memorial path and overlook on the LaPlatte River in Shelburne for their son, Hudson Holland IV. We’re pleased to be able to share several works from members of the Vermont Watercolor Society in our Art Scene department (page 28) this time. Their “Watercolor Out of Bounds” exhibit opens November 29 and runs through January 19, so pick a date to take it in now and mark it on your calendar. You don’t want to miss the outstanding work by many talented artists. We’re also visiting the friendly people at the Vermont Bed Store (page 68) and celebrating with the Shelburne Museum on the opening of the new Pizzagalli Art and Education Center (page 32). The celebrating continues at City Market, now observing their 40th year in business (page 41). The store’s claim to fame? It’s the busiest single-store co-op in the country! Stop in to see them soon, and tell them we sent you. Whatever you autumn adventures may be, the staff and I wish you a glorious season in Vermont. Don’t forget to check our website often for new content and calendar listings, and “Like” us on Facebook. Enjoy!
Deborah Thompson Editor editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ Best-of-Burlington-Life-and-Culture-in-theChamplain-Valley-Magazine/185081471716
TWITTER: @BurlingtonVTmag
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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N
Contributors Mark Aiken
Nancy H. Case
Mark is a frequent contributor to magazines throughout New England. A travel writer who specializes in outdoor living, recreational pursuits, and all topics in between, Mark lives with his wife in Richmond, Vermont. When he’s not writing, he teaches skiing at Stowe, trains for marathons, plays pickup hockey, and plans bigger and better vacations.
Nancy is a contributor for The Christian Science Monitor and has been published in a variety of publications, including Northern Woodlands, Chicago Tribune, Mothering, and Cricket. She enjoys writing about Vermont’s landscape and culture, planning the next project at her home in Hyde Park, and riding her horses in the woods.
Mary Gow
Mike Morin
Mary holds the middle place in a family with three generations of women writers. An arts correspondent for the Times Argus, she also writes regularly for regional magazines and is the author of history of science books for middle school students. She lives in Warren, Vermont.
Mike is a 41-year radio and TV personality who has worked in New York City and Boston, and he currently co-hosts the morning show on WZID-FM in Manchester, New Hampshire. He serves as the celebrity chef writer for Northeast FLAVOR magazine and has written for the Boston Globe and Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Jennifer Rose Smith
Dean Whitlock
Jennifer is a freelance writer, baker, and assistant sugarmaker. She writes about food, travel, and culture, and her work has appeared in Best of Burlington, Vermont Magazine, and Local Banquet. She lives in Burlington.
Dean cut his creative teeth on journalism, tech writing, marketing, and fiction before hanging out his shingle as a freelance writer. From his home in Thetford, he has made forays into topics that range from banking and boating to running a youth circus. He has published two young adult novels along the way and loves to lead workshops for budding authors.
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O N L I N E HUB
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Something New You’ll probably notice our new icons at the end of some articles in the magazine. We’re using these icons to call attention to extra information and photos from our stories that you can find online at www.bestofburlingtonvt. com. Icons may also indicate that you can take action and cast your vote or give your opinion on something related to a particular story. Join the fun online! We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
CHECK OUR October ONLINE CALENDAR TO SEE LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND YOU CAN ADD YOUR OWN EVENT FREE!
Go online to view the extra photos of the exhibit Color, Pattern, Whimsy, Scale: The Best of Shelburne Museum.
7 Reasons to buy locally grown produce.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Discover Norwich University Find out why this vibrant institution has been a place of distinction since its founding in 1819.
www.facebook.com/bestofburlingtonvt
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Gatherings ENJOYING EVENTS AROUND TOWN
Fun Times Downtown From the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival to the Connecting the Drops Concert Series and more, there’s always plenty to do and see downtown. Photos courtesy of Church Street Marketplace. To keep up with what’s happening, check online at www.church streetmarketplace.com or on Facebook at facebook. com/churchstreetmarketplace, Instagram: @Church StreetMarketplace #csmplace, or on Twitter at twitter. com/ChurchStreet. Send photos of your event to editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com. 20 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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vermont views
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pumpkins galore
Pumpkins come in a multitude of colors, shapes, and sizes, and colors range from the familiar orange to green, yellow, red, white, blue, and even multicolored striped pumpkins. They can be huge, tiny, flat, short, tall, round, pear-shaped, necked, smooth, ribbed, and even warty. Some pumpkins are fabulous for culinary uses, while others are more suited to being carved or displayed. ď ˝
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The word pumpkin originated from the Greek word Pep천n, which means large melon. The word gradually morphed, through use by the French, English, and then the American colonists, into the word "pumpkin." Pumpkins and other squash are believed to have originated in the ancient Americas. Early pumpkins were not the traditional round, orange, upright jack-o'-lantern shapes we know and love today. They were a crookneck variety that stored well.
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Cream of pumpkin soup with pumpkin seeds and garlic croutons
1 cup milk 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 bay leaf 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup pumpkin, cooked and mashed 1½ Tbsp melted butter 1½ Tbsp flour ½ tsp salt Dash of pepper Combine milk, onion, and bay leaf in saucepan. Slowly bring to a boil. Strain, then combine strained ingredients with chicken broth and mashed pumpkin (save the milk). In a separate pan, make a roux by combining the butter and flour and cooking over low heat for 5 minutes. Add milk mixture to roux slowly and whisk until the soup is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to bring out the flavors. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and garlic croutons.
www.allaboutpumpkins.com
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Choosing the perfect carving pumpkin You will never go wrong with a jack-o'-lantern variety for carving. They were bred just for that purpose. They have stiff straight walls, fibrous flesh that can stand up to being carved, and hollow cavities perfect for holding candles. There are several other varieties that can be carved also. The Lumina is particularly fun to carve. The interior flesh is orange. When a candle is placed inside, it gives off an eerie glow through its ghostly white skin. Physical characteristics to look for in choosing a quality and fresh jack-o'-lantern: Choose a pumpkin that feels firm and heavy for its size. Choose a pumpkin that has consistent coloring throughout. Turn the pumpkin over and place pressure on the bottom with your thumbs. If it flexes or gives, your pumpkin is not fresh. Look for soft spots, mold, wrinkles, or open cuts that would indicate damage or early spoilage. Choose a pumpkin with a solidly attached stem. A green stem indicates a freshly harvested pumpkin. Place your pumpkin on a flat surface to see if it will sit flat after being carved.
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Nutrition Facts Pumpkins are very good for you. They fit well into a health-conscious diet. And aside from that, they taste good! Pumpkins are low in calories but high in fiber. They are also low in sodium. The seeds are high in protein, iron, and the B vitamins. Pumpkins are very high in beta-carotene, an important antioxidant. It converts into vitamin A, which is important to maintain a healthy body. Researchers believe that eating a diet rich in betacarotene may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
All information courtesy of www.allaboutpumpkins.com and www.jackcreekfarms.com
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ART SCENE S P O N S O R E D B Y V er m ont ener g y by j enn i f er rose s m i t h
Vermont
Watercolor Society Take a closer look at watercolors A survey of the Vermont Watercolor Society’s online gallery reveals as many ways to see this state as there are artists within its borders. In delicate hues and bold colors, the VWS artists present dozens of twists on the rolling fields, pastoral vistas, and downtowns that make the landscape distinctive. In one evocative image, Kathleen Berry Bergeron paints autumn leaves in exuberant hues of pink and blue, a classic scene in fresh tones. In her nighttime painting of Chester, Vermont, artist Elaine Reed uses a muted palette to evoke the still quality of snowbound evenings. A series of paintings by VWS President Mark Nielsen depicts the vacant faces of industrial buildings and barns that have fallen into disrepair, and his precision and care ask the viewer to look more closely at a part of the landscape that often goes overlooked. 4
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Clockwise from far left: Hibiscus by Ann Pember. Put out to Pasture by Lynn Pratt. Jo Tate’s Checkers. Recycled Cans by Robert O’Brien. Mark Nielsen’s Hazardous Landscape. Ann Pember’s Reflections.
Art Scene is sponsored by Vermont Energy
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And for Nielsen, that is precisely the point. “Artists all paint for different reasons,” he says, “but I want to paint watercolor in a way that causes a viewer to look at an ordinary subject and find the beauty I see in it, to see it anew, fresh, and in a different way.”
Awareness and Appreciation The Vermont Watercolor Society was founded in 1997 to promote “the awareness and appreciation of watercolor” to both its members and the community at large. Though Nielsen joined the organization later, in 2008, his personal artistic goals proved to be at the heart of the VWS’s work. Because even to art lovers, the range of watercolor art can be startling, and the VWS seeks through workshops, outreach, and their popular juried shows to invite artists and the public to look a little more closely at art made with watercolors. They might be surprised by what they find, from modernist images to vivid scenes that capture the light and beauty of the natural world. On a recent hiking trip, I reached the top of a challenging climb and was startled to find a small cluster of watercolor artists perched atop the peak, painting the scene in the valley below. Much of the VWS art reflects a similarly intrepid approach, with views of Vermont’s forests, fields, and waterways as seen by canoe, skis, and hiking boots. And in Nielsen’s eyes, this immediacy, alongside the potential to create art in the surroundings that inspire it, is key to the medium’s appeal, as are the
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Clockwise from far left top: Amanda Amend’s These Walls Have Seen (Carmona, Spain). Max’s Old Place by Tony Connor. Diane Bell’s Walking Home. Autumn Harvest by Robert Sydorowich. Lisa Beach’s Symphony. Katrina by Linda DiSante. Companionship by Susan Bull Riley.
minimal tools required. “You get a very different aesthetic on paper than you get with oil and canvas,” says Nielsen. “It’s quick; you don’t need a studio. You can do it in the field. “If you think about a sculpture, if you’re working in stone or bronze, you take a great deal of time to work on it; it’s an interest that takes a lot of money and equipment,” he notes. “But with watercolor, you can walk out the door, sit down on a bench, and just paint.”
Reaching Out That accessibility is one reason that he sees watercolor as an ideal medium for young and emerging artists, and VWS is initiating a variety of outreach efforts to bring watercolor to a wider audience. One approach is to invite member artists who teach classes to apply for funds to reimburse the costs
of painting materials as well as tuition for lower-income students. And the VWS’s shows have also proved to be a valuable way of connecting with art lovers, as well as bringing fresh opportunities to society members. This fall the VWS will partner with Chester’s Vermont Institute of Contemporary Art to present a juried show with the theme “Watercolor Out of Bounds.” Nielsen sees the theme as a challenge for artists to think of their medium in new ways, a perspective that also reflects the ICA’s emphasis on innovation. As he invites the public to the VWS’s upcoming gallery exhibition, Mark Nielsen extends another, simple challenge to art lovers of all kinds. “I just ask that they take a moment to look at the work carefully and enjoy it. It’s remarkable how much pleasure a painting can give someone who is inclined to look at art.” w
More information about the Vermont Watercolor Society is available at their website, www.vermontwatercolorsociety.com. Their juried show “Watercolor Out of Bounds” will be on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Chester, Vermont, beginning on November 29 with an opening reception on November 30 from 5:30–8pm. The show runs through January 19.
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Shelburne Museum f r o m s p e c ta c u l a r s e a s o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n t o y e a r - r o u n d c u lt u r a l r e s o u r c e by mary gow
East side of the new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education by Ann Beha Architects of Boston. Photo by Peter Vanderwarker.
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Among the many stunning features of the new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education at Shelburne Museum, one of the simplest stands out—its view. Through the soaring glass walls of the auditorium, the bow of the side wheeler Ticonderoga looms as though on course, steaming across its sea of manicured lawn. To the right, amidst its lilac gardens, sits the handsome white Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building. A bit farther along, the rooftops of downtown Shelburne peek through the trees, the village’s landmark
slate-roofed steeple towering above them. This view quietly underscores Shelburne Museum’s bonds with its community. Shelburne Museum and its hometown and state have always had strong ties—ever since Electra Havemeyer Webb established this extraordinary 45-acre home for her rich and multifaceted collections in 1947. Now, with the Art and Education Center, connections between the museum and its town and region are even stronger. 4
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A New Era Opened in mid August, the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education transforms Shelburne Museum from a spectacular seasonal institution to a year-round cultural resource. With the Center’s galleries, state-of-the-art auditorium, and classroom space, Shelburne Museum has entered a new era. This year, for the first time, as winter approaches, the Museum will not shutter-up for the season. Instead its doors will be wide open with exhibitions, classes, concerts, and events. On cold winter days, Shelburne Museum is now available for warming doses of art and inspiration. “It’s clearly a new Shelburne Museum,” says Museum Director Thomas Denenberg. “This Pizzagalli Center lets the museum have a greater role in the community. We really see Shelburne Museum becoming part of everyone’s lives in Burlington and Vermont. There’s always been something for everyone here, but now there is even more. “We’re at a moment where museums are well positioned to buttress creativity,” says Denenberg. “Museums are places where people of all ages can come to have an aesthetic experience or take life lessons from the ingenuity of the past.” With the Pizzagalli Center, more of those experiences are accessible to the Vermont community as well as to visitors to the area. 4
What’s in a Name? The Pizzagalli Center is named for James, Angelo, and Remo Pizzagalli and their families. James Pizzagalli is past chairman and a current member of the board of trustees at the museum. The Theodore H. Church Exhibition Wing is named for Theodore Church (1925–2008), an art collector and owner of St. Albans-based Superior Technical Ceramics Corporation, which supported Shelburne Museum for many years. The J. Warren McClure and Family Education Wing is named in honor of the McClures’ many major contributions to educational programming and access at the museum for over 40 years.
Below left: Hat and bandboxes 1825–50, from Shelburne Museum’s collection. Photo by David Bohl. Opposite: Portrait of Jane Henrietta Russell by Joseph Whiting Stock, 1844.
Don’t Miss It! The Pizzagalli Center’s inaugural exhibition, Color, Pattern, Whimsy, Scale: The Best of Shelburne Museum, launches the new Shelburne experience. The show pays homage to founder Electra Havemeyer Webb. Pieces on display show off the great breadth of Webb’s interests. Scrimshaw pie jags for decorating crusts, Impressionist masterpieces, a delightful little squirrel cage—the range is astonishing. In the new galleries with their well-designed spaces and lighting, visitors see the pieces in a fresh way.
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Designed by Ann Beha Architects of Boston, the Center features pale beech floors milled in Bristol, Vermont, and a grand staircase with slate steps following a rough stone wall. The building is LEED certified and energy efficient yet has sophisticated systems for humidity, temperature, and other controls needed where rare and fragile treasures are displayed.
Showcasing Art of All Kinds The Pizzagalli Center also has the bells and whistles to give the space maximum adaptability. Its 130-seat auditorium with its high-tech equipment for presentations and symposia can transform in seconds from sunny and airy to a darkened theater, thanks to automated blackout screens. Infinitely adaptable lighting in the ample galleries is a 36
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Color—Lone Star Medallion Quilt. This late 19th century pieced and appliquéd quilt was made by Ellen Fullard Wright. Who knew that antique quilts could be so brilliant? Photo by David Bohl.
curator’s dream come true. With the different spaces, musicians may perform in the auditorium as students take a class downstairs, and two exhibits are in the galleries. “An amazing thing about Shelburne Museum is that there are 150,000 items in the collection. That gives us a base for so many themes— American wilderness or folk art for example,” notes Denenberg. Summer, he explains, will showcase pieces from the collections, exploring different themes. “In the winter, the plan is to bring exhibitions from other museums to Burlington. I can see us doing projects that are a little more experimental in winter—modern arts, contemporary interventions where you have artists today interpreting collections. We want exhibitions to be grounded in the collections that are at the museum, but we also want people to take off from them.” 4 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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p Pattern—Mocha Ware. Shelburne Museum has one of the largest collections. Popular and affordable, mocha ware mugs, jugs, bowls, and other pieces were on the tables of 18th and 19th century American homes. u Whimsy—Tin Whimsy Flower Bouquet. Tin whimsies were humorous tenth wedding anniversary gifts in the Victorian age. Relatively inexpensive, they were commissioned from tinsmiths and often recalled everyday objects or interests of the couple.
Performances, lectures, films, and other events will be held year-round as well. Two of the first symposia scheduled for the Center focus on collecting and gardening. Besides the auditorium, the Center also has 2,000 square feet of classroom space, opening up a new realm of programs and courses for children and adults. Field trips to Shelburne Museum have long supported curricula in area schools. With the new Center, schools will have more opportunities to access expertise and extraordinary works. With the debut of the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education, this Vermont gem embarks on an exciting new era. w 38
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Go online to view the extra photos of the exhibit Color, Pattern, Whimsy, Scale: The Best of Shelburne Museum.
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communit y spotlight by nancy humphrey case photos by ben sarle
City Market
Onion River Co-op 40 years of nourishing community To some people, City Market in downtown Burlington is a great place to buy lunch. In the deli, half a sandwich filled with fresh, local meats and vegetables packed between hearty slices of artisanal bread, plus a cup of soup, goes for $5.98. And while they’re in the store, they might pick up something special to take home—Indian rice, wild edibles, or kimchee sauerkraut—or LED light bulbs sold at a 75 percent discount. 4 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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communit y spotlight
Clockwise from above: Lynn Ellen Schimoler, store manager, at the cooler. City Market has over 9,000 members and is the busiest singlestore co-op in the country. Class participants learn about sourdough bread baking from instructor Heike Meyer. Fresh seafood is stocked daily by Jamie Lewis, meat and seafood manager.
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To others, the market (also known as Onion River Co-op) is a force for food justice in the community. What started as a buying club in someone’s garage and later incorporated in 1973 has evolved into a 9,000-member organization that provides Burlington-area residents with not only the best food available at affordable prices but also information and ideas about food choices. The mission-driven store is now doing more business than any other single-store co-op in the US, having recently surpassed co-ops in
Sacramento and Minneapolis. It grossed $36 million in the last fiscal year—and ploughed over $640,000 back into the local economy in the previous fiscal year through patronage dividends. It’s hard to tell which is greater: the support the community is giving the market or the support the market gives the community.
Access to Great Food “It’s a lifeline to wonderful, affordable food,” enthuses Bonnie Acker, a member of 30-plus years who hosts school field trips to City Market and coordinates work on the store’s flower gardens. “For people of limited incomes, this is a miracle. It’s giving them access to the best food the planet can offer,” she says. By having kids do math exercises based on the “price per pound” labels, for example, Bonnie educates them in the cost benefits of buying in bulk and offers ideas about preparing food from scratch. And what are the prices like at City Market? Pat Burns, general manager of the store, cites price comparisons of basic staples the Burlington Free Press used to run regularly. “We came out consistently ahead of all the supermarkets except Hannaford’s,” he says. The store carries conventional groceries as well as local, organic, and specialty foods, giving members and other customers a wide variety of price options as well as kinds of food. The co-op
acts as a nonprofit for its members—all profits derived from sales to members are returned to them in the form of a Patronage Dividend. This dividend is partly given back to members in cash, partly used for new capital projects, and partly donated to community organizations. Fiscal decisions are made by the co-op’s nine-member board of directors, elected by the membership for three-year terms. Onion River Co-op incorporated in 1973, opened a retail store on Archibald Street in 1974, and moved to a larger location in North Winooski around 1980. The move to its present location in 2002 was a controversial one. “A lot of the members thought the co-op should stay small and neighborhood based,” says Bonnie Acker. “The decision was a long process, with a lot of discussion.” About this time, the city of Burlington was actively looking for a supermarket to locate downtown, within walking distance of Burlington neighborhoods. Criteria included the requirement that 25 to 30 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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communit y spotlight
percent of the food sold would be conventional, in order to serve the needs of Burlington residents who may not be able to drive to supermarkets. After looking at proposals from five stores, the city council chose to lease the plot of land at 82 South Winooski Avenue to City Market. The city still holds that lease, and the market has certainly proven itself valuable to the community in the 40 years since it opened its doors.
Much More than a Grocery Business The focus on community is still a prominent feature of City Market. Every month the co-op donates about $1,200 to local nonprofits, just through its reusable bag program. Yearly donations to nonprofits totaled more than $66,000 in FY2013, including donations to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, Intervale Center, Hunger Free VT, and other organizations. It hosts special events featuring local producers, like the Eat Local Week and Harvest Celebration (this year beginning October 5), during which about 40 44 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
Above: Thousands of items from local growers and producers, including a full selection of artisan cheeses. Custom-made sandwiches plus an ever-changing array of hot and cold salad bar items make for a convenient breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
vendors give out free samples of local foods in a tent that covers the City Market parking lot. The co-op works with nonprofits serving Vermont refugees, offers classes such as “A Mosaic of Flavor,” and sources products that allow Burlington’s growing refugee population to continue to cook the foods of their diverse cultures. The market also conducts campaigns at its registers to raise money for the local food shelf, food systems advocates, and children’s welfare organizations. It encourages community involvement by giving members discounts for volunteering at local nonprofits. And many local businesses give discounts to the co-op’s members. “It’s so Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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communit y spotlight
Jason Maring, director of operations (left) and Pat Burns, general manager, help drive cooperative success.
much more than a grocery business,” says Allison Weinhagen, director of member services. The cornucopia of benefits overflows into the hinterland, too, as the store provides a substantial market for thousands of Vermont farmers and food producers. Still expanding, the co-op is now exploring the possibility of opening a second store in the Pine Street corridor or a few smaller, neighborhood stores to take some of the pressure off the space limitations at the current location. “We want a better shopping experience for customers and a better environment for our employees,” Allison says. “Congestion in the parking lot can be a challenge. But that’s really a good problem to have,” she adds. w
City Market/Onion River Co-op 82 South Winooski Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 861-9700 www.citymarket.coop
7 Reasons to buy locally grown produce.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Autumn Adventures
Shopping & fun things to do in our local Burlington area!
Sam Mazza Farm The Mazza family invites you to visit our farm this fall. Our Farm Market features an in-store bakery, specialty foods, and a gift shop. Our three-mile corn maze is open daily. Take a hayride to our pumpkin patch during weekends starting September 28, and don’t miss our annual Harvest Festival on October 5 and 6. Visit www. sammazzafarms.com for event times and updates. 277 Lavigne Road Colchester, VT (802) 655-3440 www.sammazzafarms.com
Vermont Furniture Designs Sewly Yours Bridal Vermont owned for over 30 years, Sewly Yours Bridal is dedicated to making each bride feel absolutely beautiful on her wedding day. We are proud to offer American-made gowns from Amy Kuschel, Claire Pettibone, Jenny Yoo, and Judd Waddell, or brides may choose from our collection of original vintage gowns. From veils to designer shoes, vintage purses, and treasures, we provide all the finishing touches for the bride and her wedding party. 2 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 660-9003 www.sewlyyours.com www.missallaneous.blogspot.com
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VFD is a small, high-quality furniture manufacturer using age-old techniques. We have supplied national chains with their highest quality solid hardwood furniture for over 40 years. We have a large showroom and factory store at the shop in Winooski, and we can ship our furniture right to your home. 4 Tigan Street Winooski, VT (802) 655-6568 www.vermontfurnituredesigns.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ECCO Clothes ECCO, Burlington’s original designer boutique, has been dressing Vermonters in top brands for over 20 years! From denim to dresses, boots to stilettos, ECCO has it all! Premium denim lines like J Brand, AG, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity, sweaters by Velvet, Vince, and Theory, basics by James Perse and Michael Stars, dresses by Susana Monaco, BCBG, and Aidan Mattox, shoes from Steve Madden, Seychelles, and Vince Camuto, handbags by Liebeskind, Hobo, and Linea Pelle. From basic to anything but, ECCO has you covered. Visit ECCO on the corner of Church Street and Bank Street in the heart of Burlington. 81 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 860-2220 www.eccoclothesboutique.com
Morse Farm Whether you’re sharing the taste of Vermont with friends and family across the country or across the street, Morse Farms has a selection of the finest Vermont products in gift combinations for any budget. Stop by or shop online. Sure, there’s the finest Vermont maple syrup you’ll ever taste, but there’s so much more to choose from. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, stop by with the whole family for sugarhouse tours, the woodshed theater, maple trail, and more. 1168 County Road Montpelier, VT (800) 242-2740 maple@morsefarm.com www.morsefarm.com
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery For more than 20 years, FS Gallery has been a destination for discerning art lovers seeking the finest in original art, museum-quality custom framing, and restoration services. We also offer an eclectic and affordable selection of handmade and fair trade crafts and gifts. Local shopping made easy! 86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room
We hope you’ll visit with us for a taste and tour of the winery and to learn about our adventure growing grapes and making wine in northern Vermont. Stay a while to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine on our canopied patio overlooking the vineyard. Check our website or visit Shelburne Vineyard on Facebook to learn about concerts and events, and don’t forget to ask about planning your special event here! 6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com Open daily 11am–6pm, May–October; 11am–5pm November–April
Stella Mae Petra Cliffs Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School focuses on climbing and mountain-related education and recreation, accessible to all ages and abilities. We offer premium instruction and services through experience-based education in an inspiring atmosphere for families and friends to gather for a challenge and fun. Petra Cliffs is also home to an indoor ropes course for birthday parties, teams, and groups.
Cooler weather is upon us, and it’s time to freshen those wardrobes. Located on the Church Street Marketplace, Stella Mae carries a carefully selected shoe, clothing, and accessory collection. Brands include Frye, Sam Edelman, Coclico, Donald Pliner, Jeffrey Campbell, Alternative, Dolce Vita, and Chaser. We also offer an online experience at stella-mae.com. 96 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-2800 stella-mae.com
105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657-3872 www.petracliffs.com
Jamie Two Coats A magical place in the heart of Shelburne Village filled to the brim with your favorite things! Beautiful dolls, wonderful wooden toys, fun dress up, creative art supplies, Lego, Playmobil, and Bruder trucks. A great place to pick up that last-minute party or birthday gift. 54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3221 Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 11am–5pm
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Edo We are a new salon with an eco-friendly state of mind. Come in for a new look or treat yourself to an all-natural aromatherapy pedicure! We are also proud to offer safe-for-you smoothing and straightening treatments, facial threading, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and aromatherapy prescriptions by a certified aromatherapist. Look good and feel great with our all-natural options. 5247 Shelburne Road Suite #207 Shelburne, VT (802) 985-5552 www.edohair.com Like us on Facebook.
Mason Brothers Offering a wide selection of reclaimed and antique building materials, Mason Brothers’ Architectural Salvage Warehouse’s 13,000-square-foot warehouse is filled with fireplace mantels, stained and beveled-glass windows, lighting, hardware, columns and pillars, marble and pedestal sinks, claw-foot tubs, windows, furniture, and unique artifacts. 11 Maple Street Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-4221 www.greatsalvage.com
Salaam & The Men’s Store A savvy boutique on Church Street Marketplace featuring our own locally made Salaam line as well as a fantastic selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women by your favorite brands such as Desigual, Lucky, and Ben Sherman. 90 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.salaamclothing.com
Vermont Farm Table Shop locally this season! Vermont Farm Table offers a wide variety of unique household items handcrafted here in Vermont. Whether you’re looking for something big or small, we can help you find the right gift for everyone. Gift certificates available. 206 College Street Burlington, VT (888) 425-8838 www.vermontfarmtable.com
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Building or renovating a home or workplace is never easy. The endless details that continually arise can overwhelm—details that seem, no matter how well you plan ahead, to come out of nowhere to derail the best-laid plans and carefully created budgets. And when construction comes to a close, the actual decorating and furnishing can be just as daunting. Enter Michelle Holland, co-owner with her husband, Hudson “Tucker” Holland III, of Michelle Holland Interiors and Patina Antiques and Home Furnishings in Shelburne. If you want beautiful yet functional antique or reproduction furniture—and you don’t want to get blindsided by the never-ending details—Michelle Holland can help. 4
Patina and Michelle Holland 52
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by MARK AIKEN
Holland worked closely with clients to design these elegant yet livable spaces to meet the needs of two busy families. Above left: A den in Charlotte. Above: A great room in Stowe.
Interiors
F u r n i sh i n g a n d d e c o r at i n g with style and experience Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington 53
Left: A place for everything was central to the design of this Stowe kitchen with adjoining butler’s pantry and extensive mudroom. Below and right: Some of the unique antiques and artisan works that may be found at Patina.
In addition to having the eye and taste of a seasoned interior designer, Michelle brings experience that most designers don’t have. “I have a degree in mechanical engineering,” she explains. Having worked as a project manager for automaker Toyota for years, she is accustomed to (and unfazed by) enormous projects with lots of moving parts and players. “Things come up. It’s inevitable,” she says. “What makes a difference is how you react and how you manage problems.”
Knowing Her Clients Don’t get me wrong; design work is not all problem solving. “I love getting to know a client and really getting into a groove with them,” she says. It is this effort to get to know clients that Robin Gershman, owner of Oxygen Yoga in Stowe, appreciates. Michelle designed Gershman’s Stowe home, her Stowe yoga studio and store, and another home in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Michelle meets with clients to discover their goals, and then she presents them with options. “I wanted a house that would work with my busy family—I have three children, a husband,
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two cats, and a dog—but still be livable and elegant,” Gershman says. “Everything Michelle has done for me has been perfect.” Meanwhile, her favorite aspect of her work is the creative part. For example, during a family vacation in a rustic retreat in northern Michigan, she returned home full of ideas for New England clients. “I love getting inspired by what I see around me,” she says. Kerry O’Brien, owner of Commando, the South Burlington-based lingerie and hosiery company and another client, agrees. “She has great taste, but she also takes into account our needs,” O’Brien says.
Support Team When clients hire Michelle Holland to design their spaces, they don’t just get Michelle Holland. When Allen Simon, the previous owner of Patina, located at the intersection of Harbor Road and Route 7 in Shelburne Village, decided to move out of the country in 2010, Michelle and her husband Tucker purchased the shop. “It was a great combination of antiques and Allen’s own furniture,” says Tucker Holland. Now, under the Hollands’ watch, the shop still offers some of Simon’s pieces in addition to functional antiques, English and American country furniture, and painted pieces from Quebec. “We’ve brought in other talented Vermont artisans,” says Tucker. 4
The Old Store, circa 1857, in the heart of Shelburne is the home of Patina and Michelle Holland Interiors.
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Above: Patina offers a unique collection of antiques, fine reproductions, and artisan works. Right: A comfortable corner in a Burlington living room design by Michelle Holland Interiors.
In addition, Michelle and Tucker have taken over the operation of Nantucket House Antiques (www.nantuckethouse.com) in Nantucket, founded by Tucker’s parents in 1974. Tucker’s mother Sandi, still involved with the Nantucket store, has been a designer for more than 40 years. Back in Shelburne, the word patina refers to something whose appearance has been made beautiful through age and use. The very building that houses the shop, constructed in the 1850s to house Tracy’s Store, is a perfect example: standing straight and true of solid brick, it catches the eye but gets the job done. The same can be said of Michelle Holland Interiors; she has the skills and resources to do her job, but she pays attention to the tastes and goals that really matter—those of her clients. w
Patina and Michelle Holland Interirors 5288 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985–5609 www.patinavt.com www.michellehollandinteriors.com 56
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Overlook Celebrates a Shelburne Son
Overlook at the base of Shelburne Falls. Above: Eli Holland pauses to take inspiration from an older brother. in part to a grant of $25,000 from the Hudson-Webber Foundation made possible by Hudson’s grandfather, the fund raised $75,000, which the Hollands wanted to put to use for the commu-
The LaPlatte River runs through the center of Shelburne, directly behind the shops that make up Shelburne Village. Historically the site of mills and other industrial businesses circa the time of Ira Allen, today Shelburne Falls is the centerpiece of the LaPlatte Nature Park, a growing network of trails. Now, there is a new way for the public to enjoy Shelburne Falls: a beautiful (and handicap accessible) stone overlook
nity of Sheburne. In meeting with town officials regarding upcoming projects, the walkway and overlook leaped out at Tucker. “When we brought Hudson home from the hospital that beautiful day, we took the long way home,” he remem-
made you smile,” says Hudson’s father,
bers. The family crossed over Shelburne
Tucker Holland.
Falls on Falls Road that day.
When Hudson passed away, friends
The overlook and the nature paths
constructed in memory of Hudson
and family wanted to reach out in his
Holland IV, who died inexplicably in 2005,
connecting Shelburne’s community
memory. The family established the
just eight days after his birth. “He always
garden, the village shops, and the falls
Hudson Holland IV Memorial Fund. Due
are part of an ongoing community
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A stairway to heaven: The natural beauty of the LaPlatte is easily witnessed from the new overlook in tribute to Hudson Holland IV.
development project that will eventually include paths along both sides of the river. Several other grants, including one from VTRANS and one from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), funded the project. The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps worked on the northern end of the trail while Eagle Scout Chris Major built a bridge as part of his scout project. “It was important to us that it be a community project,” says Tucker, who credits Kate Lalley’s architectural design work, Scott McArdle’s work at the Vermont Community Foundation, and the support of the Shelburne Paths and Recreation Committee. “My favorite aspect of the project is that we are finally able to celebrate and make accessible Shelburne Falls,” says Rob Donahue, former chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. “What this and other recently completed path projects say about Shelburne is that the majority support the development of paths, trails, and overlooks, particularly along the LaPlatte River.” And it gives us a way to always remember one of Shelburne’s sons, Hudson Holland IV.
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get s m a r t by DEAN WHITLOCK PHOTOS by T i m G ood r ich
Don’t Make
Heat,
MOVE IT! Last fall,
David Lansky of Burlington retrofitted a pair of small heat pumps into his 1970-era home, keeping the old oil-fired boiler for domestic hot water and supplemental heat. The next time he had his oil tank refilled, he says, “I was stunned at how little we had used.” In fact, he had cut the fuel needed for heating in half, if not more. Last year, too, builder Jonathan Shaw of South Hero had a heat pump system installed in a new home he built for himself. Though he was on the grid, he decided to install solar-electric panels to offset most of the electricity he’d need to heat the house. And it worked. “I’m making twice as much electricity as I need for heat,” he reports, adding that he used less than half a cord of wood in his small stove (and it got down to 13 below last winter). “I just threw in a couple of logs a few times to see what it would feel like.” 4
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d
VERMONT ENERGY
Above: Casey Magdon connects the indoor and outdoor units that run the heat pump. Right: Bruce Lacross assists in the attic.
S AY S H E AT P U M P S A R E C AT C H I N G O N d
d
d
d
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get s m a r t
Clockwise from above left: Marshall Paulsen and Mark Stephenson, owners of Vermont Energy since 1985. John Gilmour services the heat pump. A recent heat pump installation in Charlotte provides heating and cooling. Bruce Lacross fastens the unit in the attic. A ceiling recessed system provides heating and cooling from the heat pump.
A Good Solution These two very different examples illustrate the benefits of technological advances Mark Stephenson calls “a game-changer for Vermont.” Stephenson, president and general manager of Vermont Energy Contracting & Supply in Williston, has been in the energy business for 30-plus years. After graduating with a bachelor of arts in
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energy resource policy analysis, he moved to the private sector, installing and maintaining windmills, and later working as a carpenter on energy-efficient homes. With his Vermont Energy business partner Marshall Paulson, he has focused on the mechanical systems inside homes, which allows them to promote quality, energy-efficient systems without being so dependent on federal tax credits. Along with traditional heating and cooling systems, Vermont Energy has installed several hundred heat pumps in homes and small businesses, but the past five years have seen a tremendous increase in interest. The reason is Stephenson’s game-changer. “Savvy people who have heard about the new coldweather heat pump technology have been calling us asking, ‘I’m running the numbers. Is this real?’” One of those people was David Lansky, PhD, a statistician who had done his research. “It takes a lot less effort to move heat than it does to make it,” he explains. And that’s what heat pumps do: move heat from a place where it isn’t needed to a place where it is. They can do it backwards, too, providing central air conditioning by pump-
ing summer heat outdoors (and dehumidifying the building at the same time.) Heat pumps don’t make new heat by burning something; they absorb heat from the air, water, or ground. This is because the refrigerant in a heat pump’s piping can absorb a tremendous amount of heat when it evaporates and will get even hotter when it’s compressed. Early refrigerants could extract heat from air as cold as 25 degrees Fahrenheit—which is fine for North Carolina. A decade ago, concern about ozone depletion and leaky cooling systems led to the development of entirely new refrigerants that are both easier on the ozone layer and more efficient at heat transfer. Compressor technology improved as well, to the amazing extent that new heat pumps can absorb heat from the air at 18 degrees below zero. “From being a good solution for North Carolina,” Stephenson says, “heat pumps became good solutions for Vermont.” 4 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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Clockwise from top left: John Gilmour and Tim Baker install and service oil and gas boilers. The quiet outdoor heat pump unit by the deck provides heating and cooling to the home. Kevin Viens installs an outdoor condenser.
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Cutting Cost and Energy Use Stephenson adds that heat pumps are very easy to install, operate, and maintain, unlike some of the complicated systems Vermont Energy has installed for builders of “net-zero” homes. Those systems are very efficient, he says, but they’re not for everyone. “In most homes and small businesses, it’s hard enough to get the owner to change filters.” Apart from filters and an annual service checkup, heat pumps require little more than adjusting the thermostat and waiting 30 seconds. Installation costs are very competitive with new and replacement LP gas and oil furnaces, particularly boilers, and that’s not even counting the built-in air conditioning. And while
new high-efficiency gas boilers can save 10 percent on fuel costs, heat pumps can save up to 50 percent. For Stephenson and many of his customers, saving money on energy costs is only half the reason for installing heat pumps. The other is reducing energy use as a whole. That’s why Jonathan Shaw installed solar panels and is so pleased with the results. “I’m in the negative numbers for electricity now, and the excess is in the peak demand season so it’s good for the power company, too.” 4 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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Kevin Viens installs the indoor wall system that provides heating and cooling from the heat pump.
David Lansky is of like mind. “The appeal for me is that, on the one hand, it cuts our oil cost, but more important, it cuts our total energy consumption. I don’t have the exact numbers in hand yet, but it may be as much as a third.” It goes back to Mark Stephenson’s roots in energy resource policy. “In the long run, we feel that burning fossil fuels in remote sites all over the countryside is not the efficient way to go.” Heat pumps use only electricity, which can be as green as any other source and easier to control region-wide, if it’s produced right. As a commissioner for the Burlington Electric Department, Stephenson has helped steer them toward a green power portfolio that is 98 percent renewable sources, including wind, hydro, and relatively clean and efficient woodpellet power plants. And now, for the home, modern heat pumps. “This technological change is one of the biggest differences I’ve ever seen,” he says, “and with worldwide effects.” w
Vermont Energy
188 Krupp Drive Williston, VT (802) 658–6055 www.vtenergy.com 66 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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R Vermont
Bed Store by SARAH TUFF
YOU SNOOZE, YOU CHOOSE Plenty of moms-to-be have sleep on their minds. But Tara Farrell of South Burlington took it to the next level in 2007 when she decided to make a career shift from managing a temp agency to managing how Green Mountain moms, dads, kids—and pets—get good Z’s. “When I learned I was going to become a mom, I decided that I wanted a slower pace,” says Farrell during a tour of the 7,000-squarefoot Vermont Bed Store on Williston Road, its high ceilings brightened with natural light and its 50-some beds at a crisp, white repose. “At that time, my dad was opening up this store and said, ‘Hey, this is perfect.’” Dad would be Wendell Farrell, who founded Wendell’s furniture in 1999. It has since grown to include three stores (plus a distribution center) with nearly 30 local employees. But while you can find everything from Chesterfields to Med-Lift chairs at Wendell’s, the Vermont Bed Store focuses solely on beds. At a time when the health benefits of a solid night’s sleep are becoming increasingly recognized and appreciated, it’s a good time to be in the bed business. 4
Berkeley Bedroom by Copeland Furniture.
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Clockwise from left: Armstrong Bedroom by Thor’s Elegance featuring the whimsical Wishbone Bed. The Vermont Bed Store in South Burlington. Tara Farrell (left) schedules a delivery for a customer while Steve Morrell cracks jokes. Joanne Stearns of Beautyrest visits the location often to ensure associates have the most up-to-date training on technology and sleep research. The Sarah Sleigh Bed by Copeland features a handcrafted, solid cherry raised panel inset with tiny rubber bearings to absorb subtle movements of the wood while preventing cracking and splitting, inside a rock maple frame. Wood-on-wood glides and dovetail joinery show the synergy of old world craftsmanship and precision technology that sets Copeland’s furniture apart.
Beds for the Whole Brood “Our customers are more aware of the importance of sleep,” says Farrell. “We’re here to give them information, and we can guide them when they run into roadblocks. If you listen to your body and you know about the products, you will find the right bed for you.” And for the rest of your brood, too. While Wendell’s Furniture stashes chocolate around its showroom, it’s a bowl of Dum Dums on a Vermont-made cherry dining room table (one of the few non-bedroom pieces in the place) that sweetens the Vermont Bed Store. The lollipops are a nod to the children who are welcome at the showroom. (Farrell’s 5-year-old son Schuyler makes an occasional appearance.) “There’s always cartoons on,” says Farrell before pointing out a purple-castle loft bed made by Bolton Furniture, based in Morrisville, Vermont. So family friendly is the Vermont Bed Store, in fact, that some customers are shopping for a bed fit not for a king, but for the whole household kingdom. “People have their pets in bed with them,” says Farrell, recalling one customer looking for a product that two 100-pound labs would like. Instead of lots of box springs and traditional mattress fillings, the Vermont Bed Store showcases sleeker platform beds and high-tech products such as Tempur-Pedic and Comforpedic, whose benefits are backed by ocean explorer and conservationist Philippe Cousteau, among others. 4
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“We recently purchased a new bed from the Vermont Bed Store. We worked with Tara Farrell, who was wonderful and made the experience fun. We came in several days in a row to test out the beds, and she worked with us tirelessly. When we finally choose a Tempur-Pedic, the staff went above and beyond and delivered it to us that same day! They were great to work with, from the sales team right through to the delivery and installation team!” — Susan F., South Burlington
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Dedicated to Sleep Solutions “We’ve definitely seen a lot more focus on foam, and a lot more requests for something friendly to the environment—organic, recyclable, nontoxic,” says Farrell, who explains that the better mattresses available today often make box springs a moot point. “It’s just an extra thing that some stores try to sell you,” she adds. As for the bed frames, nearly all can be customized in cherry, maple, walnut, or other woods, and in different designs. But it’s the personalization and the dedication to long-term sleep solutions, says veteran employee Steve Morrell (who jokes that his title is “Attorney General of Sleep”), that really sets the Vermont Bed Store apart. 72
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Top: The store displays many styles of Simmons Beautyrest mattresses. Above: Choices by Tempur-Pedic and Nature’s Rest. Two smaller photos by Paul Boisvert.
“Changing the health, lifestyle, and productivity of customers who really deserve a more restful sleep,” says Morrell, “is the best part of my job.” He shares a story of one customer whose physical challenges made it difficult to find the right bed. “She expected us to give up on her like everybody else,” says Morrell, who helped her find just the right products for her needs and who often uses humor to help nervous customers feel more comfortable with the taxing process Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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Customers enjoy browsing the showroom.
of bed buying. “By the time people get done shopping at other stores, they come in with a scared and very confused look on their faces. It’s my job to make them feel safe. Also, it feels weird lying on beds in a store. It’s kind of a personal part of their lives.” “We don’t give up on people,” adds Farrell. “We’ll let you relax.” They’ll also let you take hours to try out each and every bed, just like Goldilocks, or return with your pillow and blanket from home. “People do fall asleep,” says Farrell. What about Vermont Bed Store employees napping on the job? “Oh, of course!” says Morrell. “How else could I show others what my favorite beds are? Research and development is key in my line of work.” w
Ryan Farrell (with nephew Schuyler and sleep consultant Steve Morrell) directs operations for the three stores and distribution center. Photos this page by Paul Boisvert.
Vermont Bed Store 4050 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 861–7777 www.wendellsfurniture.com
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IN THE KITCHEN by susan nye
Home for Lunch GRILLED CHEESE GROWS UP I grew up in the suburbs west of Boston. Our elementary school was close to home and twice a day we walked, trudged, or skipped back and forth. Yes, twice a day. We were what my mother called the home for lunch bunch. Regardless of how busy she was or how many errands she had, she rushed home at 11:59 to meet us. When the last of her three finally moved on to middle school, she let out a big whoop and kicked up her heels with glee. 4 Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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Middle school meant the school cafeteria and everything that went with it—lousy lunches, long lines, cliques, and more. As much as mom savored the sudden gift of a free hour, we missed the break from school and a decent lunch. I guess we could have brought our lunches, but the only thing worse than the cafeteria food was brown-bagging it. Some things are just not done when you are 13. So what did we miss when we left my mother’s cozy kitchen for the school cafeteria with its enormous tables, meatloaf, and noise? Well, tuna the way we liked it, for one, plus SpaghettiOs, BLT’s, and PB & J’s. But our all-time favorite had to be grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Does back-to-school season make you yearn for this childhood favorite? Back then, tomato soup came from a red and white can, and grilled cheese was made with orange squares on Wonder Bread. The package said cheese, but I’m not convinced. Nostalgia is great, but there is no need to take it to extremes. On the next lazy weekend, get out the griddle and enjoy a delicious fall lunch of grown-up grilled cheese and a hearty bowl of homemade roasted-tomato soup. I’m not big on rules, but certain ones apply if you want a really good, grown-up grilled cheese: Forget Wonder Bread or anything wrapped in plastic. Take a trip to the bakery or farmers’ market and pick up a loaf of your favorite country bread or a good sourdough, rye, or even pumpernickel. It goes without saying, but just in case, use real butter—and butter the bread, not the pan. Don’t skimp on the cheese. Stick to wonderful local artisanal or imported cheeses. Soft cheeses will melt too quickly, but semi-soft, medium-hard, or semi-hard will be perfect. It’s fun to mix different cheeses. Some delicious possibilities include mozzarella, fontina, smoked Gouda, cheddar, Gruyère, and goat cheese. Add a little kick with a smear of great mustard, aioli, pesto, or tapenade; a few caramelized onions or slices of red, ripe tomato; a slice of salty prosciutto or bacon; grilled vegetables; a handful of greens, or thin slices of apple or pear. The list is endless. Let your taste buds be your guide to the countless combinations and possibilities, or try a few of my favorites. 78
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The Alpine Serves 4 About 4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated About 4 oz Emmental, grated 8 slices country bread Dijon mustard 3–4 oz thinly sliced jambon cru or prosciutto Butter, at room temperature 1. Put the cheeses in a bowl and toss to combine. 2. Smear one side of the bread slices with mustard and sprinkle four of them with half of the cheese. Top with jambon cru or prosciutto and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread. Generously butter both sides of each sandwich. 3. Place the sandwiches on a griddle or in a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the bread is golden, about 10 minutes per side. Cook the sandwiches slowly on low heat so that the bread will brown before the cheese melts. Remove from the griddle, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, cut into wedges, and serve with cornichons and pickled onions.
The Goatherd Serves 4 2 small zucchini, trimmed and sliced about 1â „4-inch thick on the diagonal Olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 small red onion, sliced about 1â „4-inch thick 8 slices sourdough bread Tapenade (recipe follows) 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled 1. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill or grill pan to medium high. 2. Put the zucchini in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Lay the zucchini slices on the grill and cook, one minute per side or until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. Remove from the grill and reserve. 3. Put the onion in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Put the onion in a grill pan on the grill and cook, stirring once or twice for about 3 minutes or until tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. Remove from the grill and reserve. 4. Spread a little tapenade on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle 4 slices with half of the goat cheese, and top with zucchini, onion, and remaining goat cheese. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread. Generously butter both sides of each sandwich. 5. Place the sandwiches on a griddle or in a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches slowly on low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden, 8 to 10 minutes per side. Remove sandwiches from the griddle, let sit for 2 minutes, cut into wedges, and serve.
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Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil Pistou Makes about 3 quarts 4 lb plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise and seeded 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 carrot, chopped Olive oil Balsamic vinegar Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1⁄2 tsp dry) 1 bay leaf 3-4 cups chicken stock 1 cup half & half Pistou (recipe follows) 1. Preheat the oven to 375º. Put tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, and carrot on rimmed sheet pans, drizzle with a little olive oil and vinegar, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread the vegetables in a single layer with tomatoes cut sides up. Roast until tomatoes are soft and lightly browned on the edges, about 40 minutes. 2. Carefully transfer the vegetables to a soup pot, add the chicken stock, thyme, and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Let the soup cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf, and process in small batches in a blender until smooth. 4. Return the soup to the pot, add the half & half, and reheat until soup is steaming. Serve with a drizzle of pistou.
Pistou 3 cloves garlic 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves 1 ⁄2 cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Extra-virgin olive oil Put the garlic, basil, and parsley in a small food processor, season with salt and pepper, and pulse to chop and combine. With the motor running, slowly add olive oil until you have a thick, deep-green sauce.
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Tapenade 8 oz dry pack, oil-cured black olives, pitted Grated zest and juice of 1â „2 lemon 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp dry white wine 3 cloves garlic 1 tsp anchovy paste 1 Tbsp capers 1 tsp herbs de Provence â „2 tsp hot pepper flakes or to taste
1
Put all ingredients in a small food processor and process until the mixture turns into a nice paste, adding a little more olive oil if needed. Cover and let sit for up to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Store extra tapenade in the refrigerator. w Susan Nye writes for magazines throughout New England. Named one of the Top 100 Foodie Bloggers of 2012 by BlueStar Range, she shares many of her favorite recipes and stories about family and friendship on her blog at www.susannye.wordpress.com.
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Fall 2013 Dining Guide
El Cortijo A vibrant atmosphere featuring tacos, soups, salads, and entrées prepared with local ingredients and expressed as traditional Mexican fare. Freshsqueezed margaritas and handcrafted cocktails. Late night menu until 1am, Fridays & Saturdays. $-$$ 189 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1668 CortijoVT.com
Great places to eat locally in and around Burlington.
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill Dedicated to showcasing local farms and food producers, our menu features award-winning burgers, comfort entrées, artisan cheeses, vegetarian options, and nightly innovations. The Tap Room delivers highly prized and rare beers. “Special Happenin’s” Wed nights. $$ 160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com
Guild and Company
Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25
Farm-to-table steakhouse featuring dryaged, locally sourced beef grilled over Vermont hardwood. Classic steakhouse entrées, seafood and vegetarian options, an innovative cocktail program, and lighter fare, such as burgers & sandwiches for a more casual dining experience. $$$ 1633 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 497-1207 guildandcompany.com
Fall 2013 / Best of Burlington
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Beyond the Menu
dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts presents its fall lineup, including Alejandro Escovedo and Shelby Lynne, Reggie Watts, Diana Krall, LA Theatre Works’ The Graduate, Dr. John, the Broadway National Tour of The Addams Family, Step Afrika!, Cirque Éloize, Anoushka Shankar, Kyle Abraham, and Cirque Alfonse.
discover
J Morgan’s Steakhouse Vermont’s cutting-edge steakhouse featuring over 20 steaks aged and hand cut in-house, 12 daily seafood dishes, and an award-winning Sunday Brunch. Located on Montpelier’s historic State Street. $$ 100 State Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-5222 jmorganssteakhouse.com
www.flynncenter.org. 153 Main Street Burlington, VT (802) 86-FLYNN FlynnTix box office www.flynncenter.org www.flynntix.org
Leunig’s Bistro Burlington’s best bistro for over 30 years. Serving local food with a worldly accent. Every meal provides the panache of Paris and the value of Vermont, right in the center of town. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. $–$$ Between Church and College Streets Burlington, VT (802) 863-3759 www.leunigsbistro.com
Pauline’s Cafe
Step out and Discover Burlington!
The Spot
Chef owned, featuring American cuisine, from casual to fine dining, local and wild food, and our famous crab cakes! Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Private dining rooms. Open daily. Lunch, dinner. Sunday brunch. $–$$
Enjoy our surf-style ambience and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$
1834 Shelburne Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-1081 www.paulinescafe.com
210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com
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photo credit: Frédéric Silberman
Happenings
Fall 2013
Calendar of Events
December 2
October 28
The Addams Family MainStage, 7:30pm
FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org
October 4
September 6–7 uuu
MainStage, 7:30pm
Reggie Watts MainStage, 8pm October 9 uuu
Diana Krall
Ain Gordon: Not What Happened
October 23
FlynnSpace, 8pm
The Graduate MainStage, 7:30pm October 25
Dr. John MainStage, 8pm
September 22
The Johannes String Quartet FlynnSpace, 7pm September 26–27 uuu ppp
September 21
Ethan Lipton + His Orchestra
Aparna Ramaswamy
FlynnSpace, 8pm
FlynnSpace, 8pm
September 28
Alejandro Escovedo MainStage, 8pm
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HAPPENINGS November 1 uuu
Step Afrika! MainStage, 8pm November 4
Cirque Éloize MainStage, 7:30pm November 8
Upright Citizens Brigade FlynnSpace, 7pm November 9
James “Blood” Ulmer FlynnSpace, 8pm November 16 uuu
Noveller FlynnSpace, 8pm
November 21–23
Sandglass Theater FlynnSpace, 8pm
VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Made in Vermont Music Festival This year several of our extraordinary principal players share the spotlight in music by Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart. The program also includes the latest in our growing library of new music by Vermont composers. September 20
Johnson State College, 7:30pm September 21
Vergennes Opera House, 7:30pm September 22
Haskell Opera House, 4pm September 26
Lyndon State College, 7:30pm September 27
Bellows Falls Opera House, 7:30pm September 28
Chandler Music Hall, 7:30pm September 29
BFA Performing Arts Center, 3pm September 30
Castleton State College Fine Arts Center, 7pm
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November 21
Anoushka Shankar MainStage, 7:30pm November 23
Kyle Abraham MainStage, 8pm
The True Story of Peter and the Wolf: A Woodwind Quintet Halloween Family Concert October 19
Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 11am October 19
Bellows Free Academy Performing Arts Center, 4pm October 20
St. Michael’s College, McCarthy Arts Center, 4pm October 27
Middlebury College, Mahaney Center for the Arts, 2pm Please check the VSO website at www.vso.org or call (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 for additional information.
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HAPPENINGS
ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER/ LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN 1 College Street, Burlington, VT (877) ECHOFUN, www.echovermont.org
September 7–8
Wildlife Movie Marathon Weekend View ECHO’s wildlife movies and come dressed as your favorite wildlife animal! September 14–15
Exhibit: Cool Moves Come explore how things are moving all around us! Cool Moves will be at ECHO through January 6, 2014. September 18
Magnificent Monarchs Join us for this preschool program as we investigate the mysteries of the monarch butterfly. 11:30am September 25
Apples Join us for an apple story, an apple craft, and to taste test a variety of local apples. 11:30am October 12–14
Movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend A weekend of specialized demonstrations and activities to celebrate the Cool Moves traveling exhibit at ECHO. November 23–December 1
FamilyFest We’ll be highlighting our four ECHO-produced Indigenous Films and posting traditions for the holiday season with crafts, activities, buttons, and a sharing wall for your favorite memories.
SHELBURNE FARMS 1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985–8442 www.shelburnefarms.org Hours: 9am–5:30pm daily
September 7
Wild Mushroom Foray 9:30am–12pm September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5 & 12
Shelburne Farmers’ Market Come to the Shelburne town green and find our booth full of fresh veggies, cheese, and beef, along with the produce and products of many local farmers and artisans. 9am–1pm
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September 11 & October 9
Sun to Cheese Tour A behind-the-scenes look at dairy farming and cheesemaking! 2–4pm September 11
Rebuilding the Foodshed: Remapping our Expectations for the Food We Share—An Evening with Philip Ackerman-Leist Check website for time. September 15 uuu
Emergent Universe Oratorio Music composed by Sam Guarnaccia will include a series of paintings by visual artist Cameron Davis. Both art and music are inspired by the documentary film Journey of the Universe, produced by Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim. 3pm
ppp
September 21
35th Annual Shelburne Farms Harvest Festival Music, food, farm animals, dancing, storytellers, educational exhibits, demonstrations, horsedrawn hayrides, and hands-on activities for children of all ages. Info: (802) 985-8686, www.shelburnefarms.org 10am–4pm September 24
Educator Workshop: Education for Sustainability Summit 10am–6pm September 28–29
Champlain Mini Maker Faire Part science fair, part country fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of families and individuals celebrating the do-it-yourself mind-set. Info and tickets: www.champlainmakerfaire.com Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 11am–4pm
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HAPPENINGS
October 3
Share the Harvest A fundraiser to benefit NOFA-Vermont’s Farm Share Program. 7:30–11am October 4–20
Of Land and Local Art Exhibition A multidisciplinary, statewide art exhibition designed to initiate a dialogue about issues surrounding the Vermont landscape. October 5
Tour Two Great Country Houses: The Brick House and Shelburne House 1–4pm
ppp October 6
Terrific Tractors & Other Cool Machines 10am–4pm October 19 & 23
Our Common Planet Workshop Series at Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge A series of workshops that link the new standards with the places we love. Visit website for times. Through October 3
Exhibit: Wyeth Vertigo Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum
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Other Noteworthy Fall Events Through October 31
Exhibit: Larger Than Life: Quilts by Velda Newman Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Exhibit: Trailblazers: Horse-Powered Vehicles Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Ogden Pleissner, Landscape Painter Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Exhibit: The Art of Peril: Fires, Shipwrecks, and Other Disasters Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Exhibit: The Alphabet of Sheep by Patty Yoder Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Exhibit: Lock, Stock, and Barrel: The Terry Tyler Collection of Vermont Firearms Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through October 31
Exhibit: Something Old, Something New: Continuity & Change, American Fine Furnishings 1700–1820 Info: (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum September 15 & 29
Shipwreck Tour Info: www.lcmm.org Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 1pm
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BURLINGTON BUZZ BY MIKE MORIN
Meet Brian
Boardman
h i c k o k & b o a r d m a n r e a lt y
Brian lives in Burlington.
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance lists 10 of the greatest places to live and has Burlington rated as number 2. Why is the city rated so highly? To start off, it is a beautiful city, architecturally and aesthetically, offering easy access to nature in what I like to call its “front and back yards.” In our front yard, we have a gorgeous lake with the Adirondacks as the backdrop. In the backyard, we have the Green Mountains and renowned resorts for enjoying winter. Our proximity to a major metropolitan area, beautiful Montreal, is a real bonus that many people don’t appreciate. On top of all that, we have a highly educated workforce fueled by the area’s colleges and universities, a world-class health care facility at FAHC, and outstanding arts and culture.
fortunate to live in Burlington and wake up each day looking forward to work. My challenge is balance. I tend to be a workaholic and am trying to balance work with family time, play, and my passion—travel!
Do you ever miss your days in the fast-paced world of currency trading on Wall Street? It was certainly an adjustment when my wife Brooks and I first moved here. I did miss the camaraderie of the trading desk and the international travel at first, but I quickly readjusted to life in my home state. My friends from Wall Street who come to visit are so envious of my lifestyle here. I love what I do and am so
What activities do you enjoy as a Vermont family? In the fall we put the boat away, then soon after we pull out the skis and snowboards and head into the “backyard” to hit the slopes! Year-round our family enjoys the vibrancy of downtown Burlington, whether it’s shopping, dining at a great restaurant, or taking in a fabulous show at the Flynn Performing Arts Center. w
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Which of your many nonprofit involvements is your greatest passion these days? I am partial to Fletcher Allen Health Care. Even with all the changes and transitions in health care, they continue to receive national awards and recognition for the quality of the care they provide. The hospital is recognized nationally for its cardiac care. My other soft spot is Spectrum Youth and Family Services. This organization is the safety net in our community for our at-risk and homeless youth.
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