Best of Burlington - Winter 2014

BURLINGTON

BEST OF

Winter 2014-2015

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

VOLUME 8 NO. 1 $4.95

Area Cross-Country Ski Trails Lake Champlain Chocolates AO Glass Works

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Winter 2014-2014 / Best of Burlington 9

Contents FE AT U R E S

52

Skiing Close to Home

Exploring the

area’s cross-country trails.

by PAMELA HUNT

60

Making Connections Through Chocolate

Lake Champlain

Chocolates/ South End Kitchen/Blue Bandana. by sarah zobel

76

Used, with Character

Architectural

Salvage Warehouse resells used furniture and building materials. by mark aiken

Cover photo by Jack Ballard 10 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

68

41

d epa r tments

xx 27

34

15

Editor’s Note

16

Contributors

18

Online Hub

20

Gatherings

27

Season’s Best Home for the holidays.

34

Art Scene AO Glass Works. by dean whitlock

41 Community Spotlight Cookies for Good. by sarah tuff

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68

What’s in Store The Optical Center. by nancy humphrey case

85

Dining & Entertainment Guide

87 Happenings A calendar of events.

92 Burlington Buzz John Brumsted, MD, president and chief executive officer, The University of Vermont Health Network and The University of Vermont Medical Center. by mike morin

Special Advertising Section

48 ’Tis the Season Shopping and fun things to do in our local Burlington area.

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 coffeetable publishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC,Š 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

SFI-00665

SFI-CS-A-HC

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e d i t o r ’ s n o te

The Best of Winter

What’s at the top of your list of favorite things this season? Is it the holidays, arriving all wrapped up in ribbons and bows, encircled by twinkling lights, special surprises, and hearts full of cheer? Or is it the magical outdoors, white and glistening, that invites you to come out and play? No matter what you enjoy most about winter, you’ll find it in this issue.

We’re paying a visit to Lake Champlain Chocolates (page 60), so get your sweet tooth ready. Almost anyone on your list would love a delicious gift of their beautiful confections. We’re also dropping in on South End Kitchen and Blue Bandana, so come along for information on cooking classes and much more.

Another great gift idea comes from Cookies for Good. Besides treating your family and friends to a wonderful snack or dessert, your purchase helps end homelessness, thanks to the efforts of Sugarsnap Catering, Cabot Creamery, and the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). Find out more in our story by Sarah Tuff on page 41.

After all the holiday indulgences, head out for some physical activity at local cross-country skiing and snowshoeing areas. From Red Rocks to the Intervale and more, the Burlington area offers lots of options (page 52), so round up your friends and have a great day.

Whatever you look forward to during this special season, the rest of the staff and I wish you a wonderful winter filled with all your favorite things.

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

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 15

B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N

Contributors Mark Aiken

Paul O. Boisvert

Mark is a freelance writer and ski instructor from Richmond, Vermont. A marathoner and triathlete, he and his wife, who is also an endurance athlete, are completely immersed in a new (to them) endurance sport—parenting.

Paul’s love of photography began when his father gave him a camera when he was eight years old. He now takes acclaimed photographs for such publications as the New York Times, several magazines, and commercial clients. Paul’s travels have taken him all over the world, but Lake Champlain always draws him back to his home state.

Natalie Stultz

Sarah Tuff

Natalie is a portrait and lifestyle photographer whose editorial and commercial work appears nationally.

She blends her unique sense of place and enjoyment of people into every assignment. Her photographs create interest and enthusiasm for business and personal branding.

Sarah writes on health, fitness, travel, and more for a variety of regional and national publications.

She lives with her husband, Carlton Dunn, and their two young children in Shelburne, Vermont.

Dean Whitlock

Sarah Zobel

Dean cut his creative teeth on journalism, tech writing, marketing, and fiction before hanging out his freelancer’s shingle. He lives in Thetford, Vermont and has published two young adult novels. He loves to lead workshops for budding authors in local schools and libraries.

Sarah writes about health and wellness and parenting for regional and national publications. She lives with her husband and two sons in Essex Junction, Vermont.

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ONLINE HUB

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Online Exclusives Love that Cider!

Find recipes for Warm Vanilla, Caramel Apple Cider, and more.

Featured Video Watch a video showing the glassblowing process at AO Glass Works online at www.bestof burlingtonvt.com.

Lake Champlain Chocolates s Go to our website to watch a video about how the company is tied to the community.

Sign up for our eNewsletter www.bestofburlingtonvt.com What does our newsletter include?

3

SIGN UP TODAY!

• A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers • Local event listings from our calendar • Special offers from Best of Burlington and local businesses • Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles and much more

CLICK ON OUR ONLINE CALENDAR TO January

SEE LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND YOU CAN ADD YOUR OWN EVENT FREE! JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE . . . bestofburlingtonvt.com

Feel free to drop us a line at ryan@coffeetablepublishing.com or share your comments on our site or on social media.

You might even see your name in our next issue.

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Gatherings ENJOYING EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Athleta’s Grand Opening f or your a c tive l i f esty l e Church Street welcomed its newest store, activewear retailer Athleta, on September 30, 2014. Best of Burlington magazine had the honor of hosting the grand opening event as Athleta opened its doors to more than 450 eager partygoers from all over the area. Bevo Catering provided scrumptious bites and wine for the enthusiastic crowd, and Sabrina, owner of South End Studio, was on hand to give away free yoga classes. The nonprofit group Girls on the Run was also in attendance. 4

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G AT HER IN GS

Judging from the happy faces and the overflowing shopping bags, organizers agree that Athleta’s grand opening party was a huge success.

Visit the Athleta website at athleta.gap.com. Click on “Find a Store” and then “Vermont” for more information and a calendar of local activities including yoga, pilates, Jazzercise, and more. w

Athleta

Send photos of your event to editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com.

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1 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 652-1837

season’S best

home for the

Holidays

‚ Deck the halls and trim the tree. Tis the season for celebration, marked by memorable gatherings with family and friends. Set the scene with grandmother’s china, crystal goblets, your best silver, and fresh greens. Tiny white lights and soft candlelight create an inviting glow. 4

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 27

Candles in rustic clay pots make a unique centerpiece.

Decorate pots with spray snow, fill with sand, secure candle firmly in center, and tuck in rosemary and berries.

2 Hot Chocolate Top off Christmas Eve activities with rich, creamy hot chocolate. For the grownups, add a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream for a special treat.

Serves 4

3 cups whole milk 1 1â „2 cups half & half 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped 1 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp instant espresso or coffee powder 4 cinnamon sticks, for garnish

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Heat the milk and half & half in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates; stir until melted. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso and whisk vigorously. Reheat and serve immediately. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick.

Decorate place settings with whimsical ornaments, a string of beaded garland, and holiday cookies. Provide small bags for guests to carry their treasures home.

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Mulled Cider Cold, snowy nights call for a warming beverage.

Serves 8

4

2 quarts apple cider 3 cinnamon sticks 2 whole allspice berries or 1 â „2 tsp ground 2 whole cloves 1 orange, thinly sliced Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.

Serve hot in mugs.

OnlineExclusive For more cider recipes including Warm Vanilla, Caramel, and more, go to www.bestofburlingtonvt.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 dean w h i t l oc k P h otos by pa u l bo i svert

AO Glass Works BLENDING ART AND FUNCTIONALITY

The new AO Glass Works store and showroom on College Street gleams with light shining through enchanting glass figures, flowing glassware, colored dishes, and—perhaps most striking—the unique glass pendants on light fixtures manufactured by Hubbardton Forge of Castleton. 4

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Art Scene is sponsored by Vermont Energy

Clockwise from top left: The Arentzen Ohlander AO Glass Works logo, created by local graphic designer Byron O’Neill, on the store window at 194 College Street.

The transfer from a glassblowing iron to a punty iron makes it possible to work on the opening of a glass piece.

Truly unique are the larger pieces with graphics by AO Glass Works. Tove and Rich with a batch of glass mittens created as ornaments and hanging vases. Beautifully modern and exquisitely crafted, Hubbardton Forge’s Link Pendant featuring AO Glass Works hand-blown glass offers adjustable, low-voltage lighting with several glass colors and options. The creamer works for cream as well as maple syrup and also serves as a vase, Vermont-chic style.

The shopping bag vase makes flowers look their best. Red, white, and blue striped and kurbits patterns on the AO signature Hipster Globes.

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ART SCENE

Above: The feature on the bases of these champagne and snaps glasses is created by dipping hot glass in baking soda. Right: A modern take on a Grandmother’s Pitcher.

Below: A visitor contemplates the bag vases for her Intervale flowers. Opposite page: Available year-round, glass pumpkins conjure thoughts of fairytales as well as harvest time.

Bottom right: New this year is the state of Vermont glass ornament. It’s in good company with AO hearts and Champ, our lake monster.

From Oslo to Burlington

While the functional glass and sculpted figures reflect AO Glass Works’ roots as a small craft workshop, the pendants for Hubbardton represent their transition to a growing business grounded in small-batch manufacturing and a modern entrepreneurial spirit.

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Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander, the A and O of AO Glass Works, met in 1994 at the Orrefors Glass School in Sweden, brought together by a shared fascination with glassblowing. Rich, following in the footsteps of his aunt, Glenda Arentzen, a studio goldsmith, and her partner, glass pioneer Rick Harkness, was studying European glassblowing traditions. Tove grew up in the region, known as the Swedish Glass Kingdom. A talented artist with a love of physical activity, Tove had glassblowing in her blood.

They operated their own small glass studio in Oslo for eight years before coming to Burlington. In 2011, they moved into a charming brick building in the South End.

Beautiful and Functional “AO Glass Works really started there,” Tove says. “We worked hard on our Vermont startup, and today we create large, one-off artistic pieces, lighting, tableware, and affordable gift items. We have quite a pragmatic attitude to creating glass. All our glasses and bowls are dishwasher safe because the composition of the glass makes it quite durable. It’s meant to be used.”

Other specialty items include a Vermont ornament, a colorful soap dish originally created for Hotel Vermont, and handengraved names and dates on purchases.

Tove, a talented illustrator, also engraves custom images like bicycles.

“Bicycles are such a symbol of freedom here,” Tove explains. “I appreciate the amount of common sense when it comes to environmental concerns in our state.”

“Our customers are often looking for a

gift for a particular person, so we create pieces that will resonate on an emotional level with individuals,” Rich adds. “Sculpted figures and small, functional items with an aesthetic layer meet that need.”

Some of the smaller items, like the glass polar bears, are created specifically for nonprofits—Polar Bears International and Special Olympics Vermont, for example.

These artistic alternatives to traditional fundraising gifts like tee shirts and towels have inspired everyone involved.

A similar “reinvention of the business” was the move to College Street.“It has a local energy, and the visibility and traffic are really incredible,” Tove says.

Forging New Relationships The process of glassblowing provides opportunities to make each piece just a little bit different. Glass is a fluid medium at 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 37

ART SCENE variation comes in, usually intentionally, but sometimes simply because molten glass never stops flowing. Every glass polar bear is an individual, and shoppers will study them long and carefully before choosing the one they feel is just right. Still, the pieces are similar enough that they can be produced in batches, which makes them suitable for production on a commercial scale.

With that in mind, AO Glass Works approached several high-quality manufacturers, offering to produce locally made components.

Following their success with Conant Metal & Light and two firms in New York, they reached out to Hubbardton Forge.

The timing was right: The Castleton company, just celebrating its 40th anniversary, was already exploring the idea of engaging local craftspeople to enhance the design aesthetics of the glass components in their light fixtures.

Despite an obvious difference in size (Hubbardton Forge has 200 employees; AO Glass has six), the two companies have much in common. Hubbardton Forge was founded by two blacksmiths who started in the rural craft tradition before making the transition to smallbatch, craft-based manufacturing. As a business, AO Glass stands now where Hubbardton Forge was 30 years ago.

In addition to producing alternative glass components for some of the existing Hub-

AO Glass Works 194 College Street Burlington, VT www.aoglass.com

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bardton Forge fixtures, Rich says, “We were able to help them realize their design goals by showing them what was achievable, based on our expertise in glass as a medium.” The result has been a good working relationship in product design based on respect for each other’s skill and aesthetic sensibilities, and they are now working together to create entirely new fixtures in 2015.

Looking Toward the Future The new location on College Street has also turned out to be a showcase where Hubbardton Forge can display their fixtures in an appropriate setting that reaches the design public—homeowners, architects, interior designers, and vendors. The partnership is another step toward the future envisioned by Rich and Tove.

“We want to create a business that will provide employment at a living wage while still promoting the aesthetic value of our products.”

At the same time, they want to retain the pleasures that come with handcrafting.

“Our workshop is a hot, loud, very fluid work environment where the flow of the glass directs the flow of the process. It’s fun to work there with a dedicated team of craftspeople who share our skill and enthusiasm for the work.” And produce such a gleaming range of aesthetically satisfying objects. w

Top: Unique ornaments handblown in the studio at 416 Pine Street. Above: The AO wedding and friendship vases and stemless red-rimmed wine glasses. Below left: Timeless gifts. Right: All AO functional ware is dishwasher safe.

OnlineExclusive Watch a video showing the glass-blowing process at AO Glass Works online at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.

Just Desserts COOKIES FOR GOOD TA K E S A B I T E O U T OF HOMELESSNESS

Will it be ginger molasses or oatmeal raisin? Doublechocolate cherry almond or peanut butter? The fact is they’re all great choices. Because whether you’re biting into one of these cookies, buying boxes as company gifts, leaving a plate for Santa, or bringing a platter to a Christmas party, you’re helping to give a stranger shelter. 4

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That’s because Cookies for Good are exactly that: baked treats with benefits. The product of a unique partnership among Sugarsnap Catering, Cabot Creamery, and the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), the program sees a huge chunk of baked cookie sales going directly toward ending homelessness.

“People want to make a difference, and they don’t always know how,” says Roberta MacDonald, Cabot’s marketing chief, who approached COTS in 2008 with the idea of collaborating on a community project. “This makes it easy.”

Snapping to It

Sugarsnap owner Abbey Duke and baker Sarah Howley bake and package Cookies for Good.

Thirty-five percent of all revenue from the cookies goes directly to COTS to fund homeless prevention programs.

By 2010, the recipe for Cookies for Good was ready, thanks to South Burlington’s Sugarsnap Catering, which had just moved from its tiny storefront near the Intervale to a 4,000-square-foot facility at Tech Park, with ample room to bake cookies by the dozen—or the 10 dozens. During a recent tour of the facility, Sugarsnap founder Abbey Duke shows off a monster-sized mixer, responsible for producing some 250 cookies per batch for an annual average total of 30,000.

“A lot of people help with scooping,” says Abbey with a laugh. She estimates that a year’s worth of Cookies for Good requires about 320 pounds of butter—Cabot, of course—and 3,000 cups of King Arthur flour. “We showcase a lot of Vermont products,” she adds. Other locally sourced or produced ingredients include Maple Meadow eggs from Salisbury, Barry Callebaut chocolate from St. Albans, and, for the java hazelnut flavor, Middlebury’s Vermont Coffee.

Available to order online, over the phone, or in person at Sugarsnap, the cookies come in nine flavors and cost $1 apiece, with 35 cents from each sale—essentially the entire profit margin—going directly to COTS. Sugarsnap also includes the cookies in each of the sandwich, salad, and soup packages that the catering company prepares for parties and business meetings.

That all adds up to nearly $40,000 that has been funneled toward getting people out of the cold and snow through the consumption of cookie dough.

“We’ve come up with an entirely new model for creating a sustainable revenue stream to alleviate homelessness in our community,” says Rita Markley, the executive director of COTS, which uses the funds to provide direct cash assistance for rental arrears when unexpected contingencies such as reduced work hours or car repairs cause people to fall behind. 4

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Spreading Sweet Solutions And when it comes to “unexpected,” Cookies for Good has had other benefits too. Sure, as Abbey Duke points out, you don’t even need to know about the program to have your sugar-craving fix help fix the greater Burlington community. “All the cookies we sell are Cookies for Good,” she explains. But since word of mouth has helped spread the good news about the cookies, Northern Vermont has really warmed up to the program—and to going a step beyond just helping the homeless.

“Cookies for Good has allowed us to educate the community about the issue of homelessness and how little it takes, sometimes, to prevent homelessness for a family,” says Rita Markley.

“Many different law firms, businesses, and financial service groups order Cookies for Good for their clients and for their own events. Each time they do, it creates an occasion to connect them with the reality that many struggling Vermonters are facing and the solutions they’re helping to provide by ordering through Sugarsnap.” 4 Baker Sarah Howley prepares dough for oatmeal raisin cookies.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 45

That sounds pretty sweet to some other states too, with nonprofits in Ohio and beyond beginning to stir up their own solutions through a model that Cabot is now working on sharing beyond Vermont’s borders.

There’s also the collaboration among a larger business, a smaller business, and a nonprofit that makes Abbey feel good about working and networking in Northern Vermont. “An important piece of my philosophy is about partnerships,” she says. “We couldn’t have done this on our own—we all need each other.”

It’s a message that rings especially true during the holiday season. Long after the last crumbs have been swept off Christmas-tree-decorated tables, however, the bakers behind Cookies for Good see serious staying power.

“Cookies represent home, and they’re never going to go out of fashion,” says Abbey, whose personal favorite is the bittersweet chocolate orange. The three other varieties not mentioned in the nine-flavor lineup are chocolate chip— always the most popular—coconut cardamom with black sesame, and lemon poppy seed. Knowing about Cookies for Good makes it an easy choice. The only tough decision is whether to dip one into an icy-cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. w

Cookies for Good Sugarsnap at ECHO 1 College Street www.thesnapvt.com Sugarsnap at Tech Park 30 Community Drive, Ste 9 South Burlington, VT (802) 861-2951 www.cookiesforgood.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Jess Boutique

Petra Cliffs

Jess is a beautiful designer boutique on the Church Street Marketplace. This holiday season, make someone you love feel special with bags from Diane von Furstenberg, cashmere from 360 Sweater, a stunning dress from Nicole Miller, or amazing jewelry from artisans around the world. Jess has everything you need to make your holidays sparkle.

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.

98 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 660-4004 www.jessboutique.com

10 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657-3872 www.petracliffs.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 collection of handmade and fair trade crafts and gifts, including an affordable and varied selection of amazing jewelry. Art consultation, picture hanging, and art trial services available.

86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com

Fjällräven Burlington Available at Fjällräven Burlington, this large backpack in classic Fjällräven style is made from strong, G-1000 waxed fabric with details in natural tone leather. The main compartment has an internal laptop pocket, a padded bottom, and side pockets.

It also has a removable seat pad and a snow lock.

Perfect for both everyday use in town and for time spent outdoors.

50 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 448-7197 www.fjallraven.us

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shopping & fun things to do in our local Burlington area!

Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room

Skin Deep Medical Aesthetics

Join us for a taste and tour and let us share our adventure growing grapes and making wine in northern Vermont. Then relax in our upstairs loft with a glass of your favorite wine and expansive views of the vineyard. You can keep up with our concert and special-event schedule on our website and Facebook, and don’t forget to ask us about planning your own special event or holiday party here! We also have gift baskets, gift certificates, and corporate gift packages.

We are doctor-owned and have the knowledge, experience, and ambience you’ve been looking for. We offer the best-priced Botox in the area plus fillers, peels, laser hair removal, sclerotherapy, and results-driven skin care. Gift certificates are available in any denomination!

6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com

Beauty Is Its Own Reward – Welcome to Skin Deep Medical Aesthetics

55 Main Street, Suite 1 Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-3742 www.skindeepvt.com

Open 7 days a week all year.

Nov­–Apr 11am–5pm May–Oct 11am–6pm

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, ABS, and Laundry; shoes from Steve Madden, Seychelles, and Dolce Vita; and handbags by Liebeskind, Hobo, and Tano. 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

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Boutiliers Fine Art Materials and Custom Framing A fixture in downtown Burlington since 1925, we offer on-site professional custom framing and the largest selection in the area of the finest art supplies from around the world. Come discover the artist in you!

22 Church Street 2nd Floor Burlington, VT (802) 864-5475 www.boutiliersart.com Mon–Sat 10am–6pm Sun 12–5pm See us on Facebook.

Architectural Salvage Warehouse 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

Morse Farm Whether you’re sharing the taste of Vermont with friends and family across the country or across the street, Morse Farm 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. Looking for a corporate gift that makes an impression? Contact Morse Farm for a quote on Vermont Maple Syrup packaged with your company’s logo.

1168 Country Road Montpelier, VT (800) 242-2740 maple@morsefarm.com www.morsefarm.com

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Spellbound Vermont Spellbound Vermont is a fashion-savvy new store on Church Street. Formerly known as Salaam & The Men’s Store, Spellbound is your place to buy the locally made Salaam line. Also find a fantastic selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women. Brands include Desigual, Alternative, Lucky Brand, Matrix, and Ben Sherman.

106 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.spellboundvt.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Jamie Two Coats

Stella Mae

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 holiday or birthday gift.

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, Miz Mooz, Dolce Vita, Sorel, Bailey 44, and Chaser. We also offer an online experience at stella-mae.com.

54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3221

96 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-2800 www.stella-mae.com

Mon–Sat 10am–6pm Sun 11am–5pm

L.L. Bean Burlington Town Center welcomes Vermont’s first L.L. Bean, adding to the mall’s mix of exclusive stores found nowhere else in the state. The 18,290-square-foot store will feature two levels showcasing an assortment of active and casual apparel and footwear and outdoor gear including hiking, fly-fishing, kayaking, and camping products. It will also include L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, which will offer a wide variety of demonstrations, clinics, and introductory hands-on activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, archery, and fly casting, all designed to make it as easy as possible for people to engage in outdoor activities for health, fitness, and recreation.

Hannoush Jewelers Take her breath away with River of Love, a magnificent, sophisticated, sterling silver heartshaped pendant in half satin/polished finish with one row of diamonds.

University Mall South Burlington, VT (802) 658-0707 www.hannoush.com

49 Church Street Burlington, VT (800) 441-5713 www.llbean.com/btc

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e x p l o r e t h e a r e a’ s c r o s s - c o u n t ry t r a i l s

by pamela hunt

Vermont’s winter weather may drive

some to hunker down in front of the woodstove, mug of hot cocoa in hand. But for Nordic skiers, a layer of fresh, sparkling snow under crisp, blue skies is an invitation to play that can’t be declined. Although several world-class ski resorts are within an hour’s drive of Burlington, good cross-country skiing for all levels—complete with wildlife viewing—can be found without even leaving the city. 4

Opposite: Al Dworshak enjoys trails at the Intervale. Photo

by Katharine Montstream. Above: No one’s using the picnic pavillion at Red Rocks during the winter, but plenty of people enjoy the ski trails. Photo courtesy of South Burlington Recreation & Parks.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 53

Intervale – Ethan Allen Homestead Spread over 350 acres along the banks of the Winooski River, the Intervale becomes a snowy wonderland each winter. Ski tracks weave through meadows, zigzagging around stubbly cornstalks poking through the snow. The shush of rhythmically gliding through the powder is interrupted only by the chattering of downy woodpeckers zipping from tree to tree or mallards sounding a panic alarm before madly sputtering into the air. Though much of the property requires skiers to break their own trails, volunteers machine-groom approximately three miles for skate skiing and classic skiing, weather permitting.

To ramp up excitement about coldweather fun, the Intervale Center hosts a Wintervale event at least once each season—more if conditions cooperate—with help from Burlington Parks and Recreation, Skirack, Local Motion, and Winooski 54 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Valley Park District. This family-friendly gathering features free ski and snowshoe rentals, skiing demonstrations and lessons, guided nature walks, kids’ activities, and food and drink. Because of its flat landscape, the Intervale offers the perfect place to firm up beginners’ wobbly legs before tackling more difficult terrain.

Abutting the Intervale’s land, the Ethan Allen Homestead has several additional miles of well-marked ungroomed routes for skiers looking to extend their journey.

The longest follows the Winooski River, ending in a loop called the Peninsula Trail.

Beaver-notched trees border the path to the open areas where deer sometimes prance through the blanketed fields. The Homestead Loop leads to the parking lot for the museum and restored home of Ethan and Fanny Allen. Though closed in the winter months, the buildings provide an interesting glimpse into Vermont’s history.

To get there: The Intervale trails start

Left: Dogs as well as people enjoy the Intervale. Photo by Katharine Montstream.

Below: A group at the Intervale reviews the basics before heading out.

just north of Gardener’s Supply on Intervale Road, off Riverside Avenue. For the Ethan Allen Homestead, from Route 127, take the North Beaches exit. The road to the homestead is off the exit ramp. 4

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 55

56 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Left: Sunshine brightens a trail at Red Rocks.

Above: Skis await their skier at Red Rocks.

Photos courtesy of South Burlington Recreation & Parks.

Red Rocks Perched on the edge of Lake Champlain, Red Rocks Park in South Burlington offers 100 forested acres to explore. Though the twoand-a-half miles of paths are not groomed, fresh snowfall brings out enough skiers and snowshoers that tracks form quickly.

The main trail splits after passing the “wolf pine”—an old-growth white pine that, although surrounded by younger trees now, once grew in open sunshine, as evidenced by its widespread branches. The route on the left climbs slightly as it heads toward the lake, flattening out at a four-way intersection between two loops that form a rough figure eight. The path diagonally across from the intersection flanks a moss-covered cliff before turning to loop back toward the water, where the trees open to expose a dramatic overlook with a view of the lake. Crossing back through the four-way intersection, skiers can really warm up their legs on the steepest hill in the park. It’s not a difficult climb compared to mountain trails, and some might even be tempted to turn around at the top, speed back down, and do it again. Once over the crest, the course descends until it merges with the main carriage road leading back to the parking area.

To get there: The trailhead is on Central Avenue, off Queen City Parkway. 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 57

Burlington Country Club Whether you’re looking for a leisurely outing on the gently undulating greens or a fast run down the hardpacked sledding hill, the Burlington Country Club offers another intown option for skiers. Like Red Rocks Park, the course is not groomed, but its popularity and proximity to the University of Vermont and the downtown area ensure that its 150 acres of snow won’t remain pristine for long.

Sunshine during the day tends to firm up the tracks, resulting in a smooth, fast ski by late afternoon. Skiers of all levels, from families with small children bundled up against the cold to racing team members clad in spandex suits, routinely enjoy this course. The club does block off delicate areas, such as putting greens and sand traps, but there’s still plenty of space left for exploring.

To get there: Parking is available at the clubhouse, which can be accessed from South Prospect Street.

When the snow begins to fly, there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy it. Here in Burlington, nature’s playground is just outside your back door. w

The Intervale Center 180 Intervale Road Burlington, VT (802) 660-0440 www.intervale.org

Ethan Allen Homestead Ethan Allen Park 1006 North Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 864-0123 www.ethanallenhomestead.org

Red Rocks Central Avenue South Burlington, VT (802) 846-4108 www.sburlrecdept.com/parks

Burlington Country Club 568 S Prospect Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-4683 www.burlingtoncountryclub.org

58 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 59

Lake Champlain Chocolates by the Numbers, Annually • 850,000 chocolate bars made • 650,000 truffles made • 1 8,000 quarts of Vermont heavy cream used • 13,000 pounds of Vermont butter used • 5,000 quarts of Vermont milk used • 2,100 pounds of Vermont honey used • 200 gallons of Vermont maple syrup used • 3 most popular holidays for sending chocolate: Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day

60 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Making Connections Through

Chocolate

l a k e c h a m p l a i n c h o c o l at e s / s o u t h e n d k i t c h e n / b l u e b a n d a n a

by sarah zobel Photos by Jessica Anderson Photography

Lake Champlain Chocolates might be forgiven for resting on its chocolatecovered laurels. The 32-year-old company, which produces some 1.3 million pounds of chocolate annually, consistently ranks among Vermont’s top five tourist destinations, with more than 200,000 people stopping by its factory store in Burlington every year. Its products are sold nationwide by over 1,800 specialty food retailers in 49 states, where blissful consumers enjoy champagne truffles, peanut Five Star bars, apple cider caramels, milk chocolate almond bark, dark chocolate–dipped apricots, organic Fair Trade hot chocolate, and many other delights. But the one thing Lake Champlain Chocolates hasn’t done is rest. 4

Lake Champlain Chocolates’ three retail stores offer a multisensory experience.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 61

Beyond Chocolate When the company decided to offer demos and tastings a few years ago, owner Jim Lampman and his staff realized that the space at their location on Pine Street wouldn’t accommodate them.

A former plumbing-supply warehouse standing empty next door, however, did offer space, and plenty of it—enough for LCC to establish two distinctive offshoot businesses—South End Kitchen and Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker.

“As the South End Kitchen came to life next door to the chocolate factory, it became a space to give customers a chance to be more hands on,” says LCC’s marketing director, Cathy Wisloski. “Education and chocolate is the intersection that the space uniquely lets us occupy.”

Today, the South End Kitchen is bustling, with plenty of room for those classes, including knife skills, savory cooking with chocolate, cheesemaking, a Sunday baking club, and the ever-popular chocolate-bar making. Some instruction is specially tailored to kids and includes weeklong camps during school vacations.

The space is also available for private events including corporate retreats, bridal showers, and birthday parties. “There’s a dynamism to this space as the seasons change and as we grow and learn,” says Cathy.

It’s also a restaurant. Although the building is capacious, a fireplace and expansive stone hearth give it a cozy feel, and locals stop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or Thursday through Saturday, dinner. They enjoy traditional fare including burgers (beef or portobello), wings, and huevos rancheros, but also pork molé made with cocoa nibs from Blue Bandana, 62 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

The South End Kitchen is a great place to gather, eat, and learn.

LCC ice cream and milkshakes, and hot chocolate with handmade vanilla marshmallows. The emphasis is on local, and Vermont ingredients routinely found on the menu include cheese, maple syrup, apples, cider, and produce. That tradition goes back to the company’s founding; Cathy says LCC has been “part of the local food ecosystem through chocolate for 32 years.” 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 63

Students get hands-on instruction in popular baking and chocolate-bar making classes.

From Bean to Bar Perhaps the most local source is visible through one glassed wall on South End Kitchen’s south side: Blue Bandana Chocolate Maker’s entire operation, from bean to wrapped bar. Blue Bandana was launched in 2012 by Eric Lampman, director of research and development (and Jim Lampman’s son), three years after he took a trip to the Dominican Republic, where he saw the harvesting and drying processes of cacao beans up close. “[Blue Bandana] started as a way to learn 64 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

more,” says Eric, “and then it became an opportunity to not only bring back more information but also to network and find supply connections.

It’s a long-term look at how we set ourselves up for the future, and to integrate more traceability with our supply chain.”

He now works directly with Guatemala- and Madagascar-based farmers who supply Blue Bandana with the beans that go into its single-origin bars, which have cocoa contents upwards of 75 percent. Eric is working with a farmers’ associa-

tion in Guatemala whose producers had been focused only on domestic sales but are now soliciting input from Blue Bandana on which beans to cultivate.

“As they do new lots of fermentation and drying, they’re sending us samples, and we’re doing some evaluation tests, giving them our feedback,” he says. That also means the farmers no longer feel compelled to sell to “coyotes,” middle men who typically amass beans from multiple growers and then resell them, en masse, to a chocolate maker or exporter, resulting in a lower-quality product.

Though Blue Bandana chocolate may one day be used in LCC products, with fruit, nut, or caramel add-ins, for now, Eric’s goal is to learn about varietals—like grapes, cacao beans are not all of a kind—while keeping an eye on quality and building partnerships with the producers.

“Chocolate’s not a candy. Chocolate’s a food,” says Eric. “These are fermented and dried seeds

of a fruit. When we think of chocolate as a Snickers bar or our caramel bar, we forget that’s where it’s coming from. So this is our way to dive into where our cocoa comes from in a fully transparent way, and we hope that in time we can make this work so it becomes a supply for the larger side of our company, Lake Champlain Chocolates.” In the meantime, the Blue Bandana bars, which had been available locally and online, had their nationwide launch in September. 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 65

Sticking to Their Roots Although fans don’t have to come to Vermont to enjoy Lake Champlain and Blue Bandana chocolates, the Lampmans (Jim’s daughter and Eric’s sister, Ellen Lampman Reed, is head of sourcing and purchasing for LCC) want them to feel as though they have.

Despite the company’s reach, they’ve opted not to grow too big, choosing not to make 100,000 bars a day and sell to superstores because that didn’t feel right for the business, which was started in the kitchen of the Ice House when Jim was that restaurant’s owner.

“That’s the pride we have in what we’re doing,” says Eric. “The quality, using Vermont ingredients as much as possible.”

It’s a sensibility that carries over from the selection of ingredients to the company’s commitment to the larger community, with some $40,000 worth of chocolate donated to area nonprofits annually. And on a broader scale, Lake Champlain Chocolates’ global focus has led to its earning Fair for Life Social and Fair 66 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Visitors will discover even more chocolate on the menu at the South End Kitchen.

Trade certification, with 95 percent of its chocolate Fair Trade certified; it’s also committed to expanding direct trade with cocoa farmers and developing organic and non-GMO products.

The business continues its rapid evolution, but like a piece of pure, dark chocolate, it’s healthy.

“We made a conscious decision to say we’re not going to grow in a way that’s going to get out of control or remove us from Vermont,” says Eric. “We’re rooted here on Pine Street.

We’re rooted here in Vermont.” w

OnlineExclusive Go to our website to watch a video about how the company is tied to the community.

Lake Champlain Chocolates 750 Pine Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-1807 www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

South End Kitchen 716 Pine Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-0505 For information about upcoming classes, go to southendkitchenvt.com/classes.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 67

A Lens on The

Optical Center

68 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

W HAT ’ S IN STORE by nancy humphrey case Photos by paul boisvert

Gary King, owner of The Optical Center

w h at m a k e s a business last?

on Church Street since 1979, never went to business school, is not affiliated with any eye doctor, and doesn’t pay his employees commissions. Yet his business, which consists mainly of selling prescription eyeglasses and non-prescription sunglasses, has weathered economic downturns and kept its home in the historic brick building with the clock out front while other independently owned Church Street businesses from decades past have closed or moved to less-prestigious locations. And when Gary started out, Burlington had four independent opticians, but The Optical Center is the sole survivor. Not only that, it’s thriving. What’s Gary’s secret? 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 69

Quality Products and Personalized Service Gary has high standards for the products he sells and services he delivers. He carries quality brands such as Oliver Peoples, Barton Perreira, Starck Eyes, and Paul Smith, and in sunglasses Ray Ban, Maui Jim, and Oakley.

But he doesn’t limit his inventory to what is well known. “There are hundreds of frame manufacturers out there, and styles change every year,” Gary says. “We constantly look 70 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

at different frame companies and reassess our stock based on customer feedback.” An inhouse lab allows The Optical Center to do a better job of precisely fitting lenses to frames and to do it more quickly and accurately.

Gary also credits The Optical Center’s longevity to having reinvented his business about 15 years ago, when it became apparent that there was a market for more non-prescription sunglasses. “I made a decision to put more emphasis on the non-prescription

The original tin ceiling and intricate cabinetry that grace the interior of The Optical Center make it the perfect setting for an optical store. With over 600 frames and sunglasses on display, The Optical Center has eyewear for everyone!

side, and our business increased substantially.”

More than 50 percent of the store’s inventory is dedicated to non-prescription sunglasses.

But the crux of the answer is Gary himself. It’s why a customer who was moving away recently made a point to come in and thank Gary and his employees—Melanny Baker, Nathan Mitchell, and Widad Hayyat—and to tell them he was going to miss them, which really touched Gary.

And it goes back to his early experience in this industry. 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 71

Floey and Melanny work together to rearrange the display of Maui Jim sunglasses.

Building the Business Having grown up in Keene, New Hampshire, Gary knew after attending two years of optician school in Framingham, Massachusetts, that he didn’t want to settle in a big city. He learned that The Optical Center, then owned

by Herb and June Davis, needed a technician.

Gary ended up working for Herb for several years until he retired. “He was pretty sharp,” Gary says. “He had excellent customer service skills. He made customers his friends.”

When Herb retired, Gary “begged and borrowed” money from family and from the Merchant’s Bank in order to buy the business with a partner. The timing was not fortuitous.

Just as he was struggling to get on his feet, construction began on the new Church Street Marketplace.

“We were open, but there wasn’t much business,” he says. “One day I went to work and there were trenches dug up in front of our building. Another day, a backhoe was parked in front.”

But a decade later, he was able to buy out his partner. A strategic move was to buy the property at 107 Church Street in the early ’90s.

“I told myself I needed to acquire property on Church Street in order to survive there,” Gary recalls.

One of the very few original businesses remaining on the street, Gary remembers the 72 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Gary King shows some of the Oliver People’s collection, one of several exclusive eyewear lines that can be found at The Optical Center.

skepticism surrounding the proposal to turn Church Street into a pedestrian mall. “There was a lot of negativity in the Burlington community,” he says. “Many locals didn’t support the idea. Thank goodness there was a group that was very positive about it. But it took about 10 years to take off.” 4 Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 73

Enthusiastic About the Community Having been in the business 40 years, Gary is still excited about it. “It’s a really fun business,” he says. “I still enjoy it.” What aspect of the business does he most enjoy? “The people,” he says without hesitating. “They’re very, very interesting folks from all walks of life.” He’s had customers from all 50 states and most Canadian provinces as well as many other foreign countries. The Optical Center, on several occasions over the years, has been visited by well-known actors and actresses.

But one senses that Gary is just as keenly interested in talking with anyone who walks through his door. The Optical Center opticians take special care when fitting children for eyeglasses. “Their face shapes are so different, and their bridges not developed; it’s hard to get a quality fit for them,” Gary says. He suggests parents bring children in first to get a feel for what they need, then Gary orders four to six frames for the child to try on at the next visit.

“It’s a custom process,” he says. Similarly, he will go out of his way to please an adult customer with a special request. One customer who had moved to New York but was visiting Vermont wanted to reorder a worn-out frame, but it was no longer being made. King searched his suppliers and found a frame that the lenses could be retrofitted to. Years ago, a hot-air balloon pilot wanted to dress the part, right down to wearing a monocle. He asked 74 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Left: Nathan helps a customer choose Maui Jim sunglasses.

Gary if he could provide one, and Gary made a monocle for him.

Enthusiastic about community, Gary tries to support as many charities as possible. Instead of charging customers for small repairs, he suggests they put something in the donation jug on his counter earmarked for various charities. This year donations are going to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Here, perhaps, is Gary’s genius and the secret to his success: “Treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s no big secret,” he says. “It’s pretty simple.”

The Optical Center’s wide range of eyewear includes “turbo fan” snow goggles with a built-in batterypowered ventilation fan to prevent fogging. Made by Smith Sport Optics, they fit over glasses or are available with a custom prescription insert.

Perhaps this is why Gary has retained employees for so long. Melanny Baker and Nathan Mitchell apprenticed with Gary and have been with him for 20 years and 15 years, respectively. Widad Hayyat started full time in 2013 and is on track to apprentice with Gary.

Florentina Ioana has been covering weekend hours since 2008. “They are all very valued employees,” Gary says. w

The Optical Center 107 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-4683 opticalcentervt.com

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 75

76 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Used, With Character a r c h i t e c t u r a l s a lva g e warehouse resells used furniture and b u i l d i n g m at e r i a l s by mark aiken Photos by paul boisvert

Reduce waste. Reuse old materials. Recycle used parts. Support the environment. Make money doing it. That is the business model at Architectural Salvage Warehouse near the Five Corners in Essex. Located in a 13,000-square-foot building near the railroad tracks, Architectural Salvage Warehouse deals in used, discarded, and restored building materials, furniture, fixtures, and knickknacks of every kind. “We keep 80 to 100 tons of building materials out of the waste stream each year,” says owner David Knox. “I don’t like seeing things go to waste.” 4

Left: Brian Barclay, a 10-year employee, works hard to keep everything organized.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 77

Learning on the Job

Clockwise from top left: Store sign on building at 11 Maple Street in Essex Junction. Store entryway with an industrial kitchen table made from salvaged planks from an 1840 building in Essex Junction, antique wooden freezer door, and vintage ceiling lights. An 1800 federal mantel from Massachusetts and repurposed winebottle wall sconces. A small sample of the extensive antique door hardware selection.

Assortment of different styles and periods of antique doors. Collection of wooden corbels and cast-iron brackets. Masonic temple chairs and large painting from historic Carbur’s Restaurant formerly on St. Paul Street in Burlington.

78 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

David’s entry into the salvage business began when he and his wife Laurie purchased their first home—a fixer-upper duplex in Burlington. “We just couldn’t afford a house that was in good repair,” explains David. They fixed up one unit, rented it, and moved into the other. By the time they fixed their own unit, they were ready to rent it and move on to another fixer-upper.

Always on a budget, they began frequenting local architectural salvage warehouses. When Dave Mason, owner of Mason Brothers Architectural Salvage, placed an ad for a manager, David applied for the position. David had managed people in restaurants for years, but he had no professional construction or restoration experience. By 2000, however, he had learned plenty fixing up apartments. And better still, he came to

Mason Brothers with an understanding of what the business’s customers wanted and needed.

David took the job in 2000, and in 2005 he bought the company. A couple of years later, as the economy began to slow down, John Farrell, owner of Architectural Salvage Warehouse in Burlington, decided to sell his business. “It was an opportunity for us to double-down,” says David. He bought the outfit from Farrell—and its website, greatsalvage.com. Mason Brothers’ inventory of basics combined with the more high-end and specialty items of Farrell’s business to cover a complete spectrum.

David moved all inventory to the Mason Brothers’ Essex location but kept the Architectural Salvage Warehouse name. Today, many still refer to his business as “Mason Brothers”—a moniker David no longer uses but doesn’t discourage either. “They had a reputation as a great business,” he says. 4

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 79

A Lot of Stuff For some, stepping into Architectural Salvage Warehouse for the first time could feel intimidating. “There’s a lot of stuff in here,” David says simply. Truer words were never spoken: there are 1000 used doors; he sold 300 used radiators last fall; and there are innumerable knobs, hooks, latches, and fixtures. David takes materials when they come in, and he has the space to store them until there is demand for them (“You’re not going to sell radiators in the summer,” he says) or until he and his team can clean them up for display.

Many materials come from soon-to-betorn-down houses and buildings. Before the wrecking ball comes, David purchases salvage rights and brings a team—usually himself and a helper or two (depending on the size of the job)—to remove anything that might be potentially valuable to a customer. It’s dirty work (often requiring breathing masks or respirators).

“My favorite thing is saving something that at first sight doesn’t appear to have any value,” he says. For example, in a 1960s-era A-frame in Stowe where the golf course now stands, David discovered a cork wall—1000 square feet covered with 1-square-foot cork 80 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Left: Selection of weathered antique sliding barn doors and working hardware. Above: Todd Watkins, owner David Knox, and Brian Barclay.

tiles. “Hideous!” David remembers.

“And everyone thought I was crazy to bother with it.” David thought the tiles seemed cool, however, and painstakingly removed them.

The trick is walking the fine line

between recycling and reusing everything and understanding potential value and return. “There’s a duality to it,” says David, a self-described pack-rat who would just as soon save everything—a trait no doubt passed to him from the mother and grandmother who brought him up. “My grandma was frugal,” he says, referring to her gigantic balls of aluminum foil and rubber bands that she would use over and over. In the salvage business, however, it doesn’t make sense to save certain things. Like two-by-four studs, which after cleaning and de-nailing would never be more affordable than new lumber in a woodlot.

Conversely, in the case of the cork tiles, they started selling at a dollar per tile.

When he realized how rare and desirable they were, he raised the price. “We still sold every one,” he says. 4

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 81

Used and Organized David makes his living selling old stuff that would otherwise be destroyed and moved into the waste stream. Why buy used? It’s often less expensive. Other materials David markets have historical significance. Some of his customers work on projects that require materials from a certain era or architectural style and David meets their needs.

Other customers—even some working on brand-new homes or additions—will shop at David’s store to find items with character and personality. Sometimes brand new is impersonal, and home and business owners want to give their spaces personality. “We have stuff in nearly every restaurant in Chittenden County,” David says.

David’s job blends many of his character traits. He believes in being frugal and not wasteful. He is not afraid of grueling manual labor. “Demolition is different than reclamation,” he says—a good reason why he prefers to do his salvage work himself. He sees items in working condition, he removes them himself (with the help of his team), and his people restore them and display them. In the midst of demolition, a contractor may see an old radiator, for example, as an obstacle to the job. For David, the radiator is the job.

Finally, David is organized. While the aisles of the warehouse seem to burst haphazardly with odds and ends, there is order to the chaos. “There’s nothing more frustrating than knowing you have something but not being able to find it,” he says. For example, the doors are arranged by number of panels, then by 82 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Vintage bathroom sinks, claw-foot tubs, and an assortment of towel bars, mirrors, and medicine cabinets.

width, then by height. Like a book-lover who has arranged thousands of books by title, author, subject, and genre, David’s door area is an example of extreme order. “I’m a little OCD,” he laughs.

In the end, David makes a difference. When a structure gets knocked down, why throw away perfectly usable materials that may add character and history? “If a house was wellbuilt with high-end materials two hundred years ago,” says David, ”then it is still a wellbuilt house with high-end materials today.”

When the decision gets made to knock down a structure, David is there to salvage anything of value—furniture, slate-roof tiles, posts, beams, flooring materials, and even stones from foundations. Very often, these materials prove useful and valuable once again. “It’s the Yankee tradition,” David says. “Don’t throw stuff away.” w

Architectural Salvage Warehouse Essex Junction, VT (802) 879–4221 www.greatsalvage.com Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 83

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ContaCt John or robin Gales at 802-295-5295 or CoffeetablepublishinG@ComCast.net 84 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

special advertising section

Winter 2014-2015

Dining Guide Windjammer Restaurant

Great places to eat in and around Burlington

Featuring American fare, vegetarian & gluten-free options, as well as an extensive salad bar. Specialty cocktails, craft beers & a Wine Spectator wine list complement both the restaurant & pub menus. Supporting VT farms, producers, and businesses since 1977. $–$$ 1076 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-6585 www.windjammerrestaurant.com

Pascolo Ristorante

Serving handmade Italian cuisine, featuring fresh pastas, wood-fired pizza, house salumi, Northeast seafood, and homemade gelato sundaes. An exciting Italian wine menu complements the casual fare, celebrating everything from the subtle and complex wines of Piemonte to the bold beauties of Italy’s Southern regions. $–$$ 83 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1613 www.pascolovt.com

Prohibition Pig Located in Waterbury, Vermont’s food and beverage crossroads, we feature New England’s largest & best curated selection of craft beer, proper cocktails, and eclectic wines with a full menu featuring barbecue, vegetarian, and cozy American fare. $–$$

Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25

23 South Main Street Waterbury, VT (802) 244-4120 www.prohibitionpig.com

Winter 2014-2015/ Best of Burlington 85

Beyond the Menu

special advertising section

dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area

`

Guild Tavern Wood-fired grill featuring dry-aged, locally sourced beef, pork, and poultry.

Casual tavern fare, classic steakhouse entrées, seafood and vegetarian options, innovative cocktail program, awardwinning wine list, and weekly specials. $$ 1633 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 497-1207 www.guildandcompany.com

Red Hen Bakery and Café

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

A vibrant atmosphere featuring tacos, soups, salads & entrées prepared with local ingredients & expressed as tradiional Mexican fare. Margaritas made with fresh-squeezed limes & handcrafted cocktails. Late night menu until 1am, Fridays & Saturdays. $–$$

160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com

189 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1668 www.CortijoVT.com

J Morgans Steakhouse

Famous hearth-baked breads, plus an excellent selection of freshly baked pastries­­—croissants, scones, cookies, maple-glazed sticky buns, and more.

Soups and sandwiches made in house, featuring local ingredients. Fine wines, beer, cheese, and specialty grocery items. $–$$

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. $$

961B US Rt. 2 Middlesex, VT (802) 223-5200 redhenbaking.com

100 State Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-5222 www.jmorganssteakhouse.com

86 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

El Cortijo

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 Happenins” Wed nights. $$

The Spot Enjoy our surf-style ambience and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$ 210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com

Happenings

WINTER 2014–2015

Calendar of Events December 4

Sweet Honey in The Rock MainStage, 8pm

January 10

Stand Up, Sit Down & Laugh FlynnSpace, 8pm January 18

Johannes String Quartet FlynnSpace, 7pm January 23

Grease Sing-A-Long-A MainStage, 8pm

FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org

December 12

A Christmas Carol MainStage, 7pm January 8

Mat Fraser & Julie Atlas Muz FlynnSpace, 7:30pm

January 17

Camille A. Brown & Dancers MainStage, 8pm

Happenings is sponsored by Almost Home Dog Rescue and Rehab

December 11

Sister Act

MainStage, 7:30pm

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 87

HAPPENINGS

Capitol Steps

444 Natalie MacMaster

MainStage, 8pm

MainStage, 7:30pm

February 15

February 19

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Gregory Porter

MainStage, 2pm

MainStage, 7:30pm

February 7

February 18

February 21

Shantala Shivalingappa MainStage, 8pm February 26 January 30

4 4 4

Kristina Wong Terri Lyne Carrington Quartet MainStage, 8pm February 2

444 Nice Work If You Can Get It MainStage, 7:30pm

88 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

FlynnSpace, 7:30pm February 27 444

Fred Hersch Trio FlynnSpace, 8pm

ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER/ LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN 1 College Street, Burlington, VT (877) ECHOFUN, www.echovermont.org Through January 4

December 16

Exhibit: Coffee: The World in Your Cup

Café Scientifique: Coffee

December 2, 6

Story Explorers: When It Starts to Snow

6pm December 23, 27

Story Explorers: Jack Frost

10:30am

10:30am

December 9, 13

January 20

Story Explorers: You Are a Lion!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

10:30am

Family-friendly programming honoring Dr. King.

10am–5pm

December 13–31

January 27–May 10

Illuminate the Lake Features three Saturdays with visiting mammals. December 13: meet opossum, porcupine, groundhog, skunk, and arctic fox. December 20: meet and learn about Siberian huskies. December 27: meet and learn about reindeer.

December 16, 20

Story Explorers: The Shortest Day of the Year 10:30am

Exhibit: Playing Together: Games February 12

ECHO After Dark: FeBREWary Goes Dark An exploration of dark beer.

7–9pm February 21–March 1

Champ Festival Celebrate the mystery and majesty of our beloved Lake Monster, Champ.

10am–5pm

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 89

HAPPENINGS

Other Noteworthy Winter Events November 28

Santa Parade and Lighting Ceremony Church Street Marketplace, 12pm December 6

The Toys Take Over Christmas UVM Theatre, www.uvmtheatre.org, 10am, 2 & 6pm December 6–7

Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont First Baptist Church, Burlington, www.flynntix.org, 8pm Sat, 3pm Sun December 9, February 10

Aspiring Naturalist Teens Monthly Program Shelburne Farms, www.shelburnefarms.org, 4:30pm December 13

Winter Gifts Shelburne Farms, www.shelburnefarms.org, 9:30 & 11:30am February 18–22

Much Ado About Nothing UVM Theatre, www.uvmtheatre.org, 18–21, 7:30pm; 21 & 22, 2pm

OnlineExclusive Go to www.bestofburlingtonvt.com for a full listing of area events this winter.

90 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

BEST OF

BURLINGTON

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

December 6

Masterworks: Burlington Flynn Center, 8pm December 12

Holiday Pops Barre Opera House, 7:30pm December 13

Holiday Pops Flynn Center, 7:30pm December 14

Holiday Pops Paramount Theatre, 3pm December 18

Brass Quintet/Counterpoint Warren United Church, 7:30pm December 19

Brass Quintet/Counterpoint Jay Peak Resort, 7:30pm December 20

Brass Quintet/Counterpoint The White Church, 5pm December 21

Brass Quintet/Counterpoint Manchester First Congregational Church, 4pm December 22

1-800-Got-Junk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 A&N Stoneworks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Acme Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Adirondack Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Almost Home Dog Rescue & Rehab. . . . . . 87 Architectural Salvage Warehouse. . . . . . . . 50 Aristelle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bevo Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Blodgett Bath Showplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Boutilier’s Fine Art Materials & Custom Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bouchard-Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Broadleaf Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Brown & Davis Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Burlington Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Burlington Marble & Granite. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Burlington Town Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Catamount Restaurant Group. . . . . . . . . . . 24 City Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Conant Metal & Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Contemporary Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Co-op Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Cushman Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 ECCO Clothes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 & 48 Echo Lake Aquarium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Edo Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 El Cortijo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Fjällräven Outerwear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 & 49 Flynn Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Guild Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Hannoush Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 & 72 Hickock & Boardman. . . . . . . . . . . Back cover Inside Out Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Inspire Kitchen Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Interior Design by Keeping Good Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 J Morgans Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Jamie Two Coats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Jay Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover Jess Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 & 49 Kiss the Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Kitchen Design by Becky White . . . . . . . . . 55 LL Bean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Lake Champlain Chocolates . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Liebling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Little Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Mirror Mirror. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

advertisers inde x Morse Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 PT 360. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Pascolo Ristorante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Peregrine Design/Build. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Perrywinkles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Petra Cliffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Photo Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Piecasso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 PierVana Hair & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Prohibition Pig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 & 85 Ramsay Gourd Architects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Red Hen Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Red House Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Rice Lumber Kitchen Design Center. . . . . . 59 Rice Memorial High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Saint Michael’s College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Shelburne Meat Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Shelburne Vineyard Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Skin Deep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 & 83 Smuggler’s Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 South End Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Spellbound Vermont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sportstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Stella Mae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 & 51 Sugarbush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Sweeney Design Build. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 The Automaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Craftsmen Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Farmhouse Tap & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 The Optical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 The Spot Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 & 86 Timberlane Dental Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Timothy Grannis Jewelry Design. . . . . . . . . 90 Tom Moore Builders . . . . . . Inside front cover University Mall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 UVM Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Vermont Bed Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vermont Custom Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Vermont Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Vermont Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Vermont Frame Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Vermont Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Vermont Naturopathic/ Dr. Nielsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Vermont Tent Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Windjammer Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Windows & Doors by Brownell. . . . . . . . . . 45 WND & WVS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Brass Quintet/Counterpoint Brandon Congregational Church, 7pm Please visit www.vso.org or call (800) VSO9293, ext. 10 for additional information.

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 295-5295 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net.

Winter 2014-2015 / Best of Burlington 91

BURLINGTON BUZZ

BY MIKE MORIN

A Conversation with

John Brumsted, MD

Why was the decision made to make a name change?

We need to make it easier for people to understand the type of care they can access throughout our network. This name change emphasizes our academic core and helps us educate patients about the access they have to outstanding, nationally recognized health care, right here in their backyard. By making people aware of this care available right here, we’ll keep more health care dollars local, and many people will avoid the financial burden associated with traveling hundreds or thousands of miles for comparable care at potentially higher costs.

What is the public’s perception of this type of branding change?

We have received strong support. Research has shown that when members of a community understand that their hospital is connected to an academic medicalcenter network, they are more likely to use that facility for care and to recommend it to others.

President and chief e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e r, The University of Ve r m o n t H e a l t h N e t w o r k and The University of Ve r m o n t M e d i c a l C e n t e r

We understand that patient education is already paying off.

The importance of patient awareness about the services we provide is illustrated beautifully in this example. Tom Evslin, a local high-tech entrepreneur, was considering going out of state for care when he learned through research that the best place to receive care for his heart condition was at Fletcher Allen. Based on his experience, Tom and his wife Mary donated one million dollars to fund atrial fibrillation research and founded the Cardiovascular Angel Club, enabling philanthropists to fund potential breakthroughs in cardiology at the hospital. It is very gratifying to provide this type of care and to see the support we receive from the community.

How will this improve health care in this region?

By collaborating as a network instead of competing, we can share knowledge and resources so our patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right place. As The University of Vermont Health Network, our providers will deliver care to the people in this region that is better coordinated, higher quality, and informed by the latest medical know-how.

How does a University of Vermont partnership make this a strong health institution?

The University of Vermont Health Network name also fosters the academic mission across the system. With an integrated health care system, we have an opportunity to train the next generation of physicians, nurses, and other providers in a clinical environment of the future—one that emphasizes coordination and integration—and to provide expanded opportunities and access to clinical research. w

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