Culinary Beer & Dining Travel Destinations

Culinary Beer & Dining Travel Destinations Northern Vermont: Burlington

Brew, Coffee & Dining in the Green Mountain State

by Armand Vanderstigchel

The state of Vermont has in past years quickly garnered a reputation of a culinary and beer brewing wonderland for travelers across the world. The state’s lack of commercial manufacturing has spurred a creative growth of homegrown artisanal cottage industries, as a form of expression as well survival. From the famous Vermont Teddy Bear to the Green Mountain Coffee brand- and let us not forget Ben and Jerry ice-cream- the creative Vermonters have stolen our hearts and taste buds with their ideas and creativity.

For folks that enjoy a great micro-brew beer, there are breweries all over the map. Popular beers from Vermont are Fiddlehead, Magic Hat, Harpoon, Trout River, and AlChemist to name few. The combination of clean water, creative labor and farm land have been instrumental to the growth of the beer culture. The existence of many colleges and universities is also a benefactor, since students love beer pubs and enjoy trying new experiences that include a local cultural feel intertwined with supporting local causes.

This year I decided to enjoy a short culinary winter tour of some areas of Vermont.

While heading north on Interstate 91N in Massachusetts via Interstate 90 from Albany, I checked the historic town of Deerfield exit. It is home of the flagship store of the famous Yankee Candle company which during winter seasons is decorated to the hilt, with a historic candle making shop and seminars. Steven Spielberg used candles from the historic section of the store for his legendary 1997 movie AMISTAD. There is shopping featuring cooking equipment, local products, maple syrup and toys.

Driving further north, my destination Burlington, Vermont, immediately confirmed its reputation as the snow capital of Vermont, as snow came down rapidly- no surprise it being rooted close to the Canadian border near Montreal and Quebec.

My first destination is the Church Street district, in search for American Flatbread Hearth. After frantically in the cold filling the parking meter with quarters while barraged by falling snow, I quickly crossed the street in search for warmth and shelter.

This is the place for local brews and fabulous flatbreads topped with local, organic ingredients baked before your eyes in an open, wood-fired oven and home of Zero Gravity Craft Brewery. The beautiful igloo-shaped open fire pizza oven in the romantically lit restaurant is a treat to observe.

American Flatbread Hearth

The flatbreads are pizza-like round shaped and come in two sizes. They arrive quickly to the table and are super crispy. A flight of their homemade beer is strongly recommended!

For dessert head next door to their sister restaurant Monarch & the Milkweed for a hot cup of cappuccino paired with homemade desserts while overlooking the scenic park adorned by old fashioned street lanterns. Afterwards one can head down to Church Street to indulge in some shopping at local Vermont product stores such as the Vermont Flannel shop for authentic quality flannel clothes or pamper yourself with Vermont’s famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice-cream-Irresistible!

The following morning, I decided to explore some more of the downtown and enjoy a brisk walk along the historic harbor of the Lake Champlain waterway which during the revolutionary French- English war, was a vital part of ferrying troops and supplies. With brunch on my mind, The Farm House Tap & Grill is the recommended spot- famous for local food, “Best Bourbon Bar” award and Vermont’s finest beers presented on 30 taps.

They serve the best burgers in town infused with local Vermont Cheese and home-made frites! The House Charcuterie BoardPâté, Duck Rillettes and Chicken liver mousse, is highly recommended as well the Cheddar Grits & Eggs with sunnyside up Eggs, Bratwurst and Kale Chimichurri.

South of Burlington is Shelburne- home of Fiddlehead Brewery and The Vermont Teddy Bear Company. At the entrance, a gigantic teddy bear is present to enhance your selfie moment. Check out the Village Wine and Coffee on Shelburne Road specializing in over 800 wines in stock. The coffee shop sells Fair Trade organic coffees and High Meadows Bakery pastries.

Bleu Northeast Seafood, located inside the downtown Burlington Marriott hotel, overlooking Lake Champlain is a great dinner pick. Crispy Calamari with shaved Fennel and Harissa aioli arrives decoratively with an excellent dipping sauce. Swordfish Romesco and Cider glazed Salmon with Sweet Potato Hash have Vermont hints intertwined. Brulee Cake with Blackberry puree and Meringue is exceptional.

The Hotel Vermont directly next door is a great place for an after-dinner drink at its restaurant Juniper - specializing in local cuisine with a great bar. This boutique hotel represents proudly its namesake in terms of decorations and local product practice. The lounge fireplace permeating that pleasing burning wood aroma is wonderful on cold snowy nights with a nice glass Bourbon slipped between your fingers, while enjoying snacks and Vermont Cheese boards.

After this late evening brief interlude of fire place bliss, I navigate the icy roads back to the hotel with another snow forecast in development

The Farm House Tap & Grill

Bleu Northeast Seafood

in the overnight hours - to be continued in our February issue!