What life changes would I have to make in order to have BBQ research as part of my job description?
Above: The Bluebird Double Burger; aged cheddar, pickles, onions. Left: Vermont cheese board with house made crackers and accompaniments. photos // Selena Salfen
What life changes would I have to make in order to have BBQ research as part of my job description? Bette told us what she has in mind for the new BBQ restaurant she plans to open on Riverside Drive, where Bluebird use to live. I was trying to concentrate, but I couldn’t stop thinking of the life changes I would have to make in order to have BBQ research as part of my job description. “It will be fun and easy going,” Bette said, “we’re doing our research because we want it to feel good.” Then I heard her say the word roadhouse and thought of Patrick Swazey (RIP). Riverside Drive seems well suited for a BBQ joint, but it worked just as well for Bluebird Tavern, while it was there. But as Bluebird was getting its legs and drawing a crowd
to the outskirts of Burlington, the downtown restaurant scene continued to evolve as well. There are now more high-quality restaurants featuring local food and seasonal menus. Not many people can afford them, but it’s good to know they’re out there. Restaurants have also become more diverse as try to keep up with the expanding palates of Burlingtonites. The call was put out for decent Mexican food and now there’s a taqueria on every God damn corner. “It’s exciting where the food scene is going,” Bette said, “and I hope it continues to grow. All that’s important to us is that we continue to challenge ourselves and evolve.” After a few more questions, Bette left the restaurant wrapped in a long wool coat, thinking of BBQ, I hope. After she left, a server brought over a
golden brown pie exhaling tangles of hot air and moisture, which smelled of winter roots, beef, pickles and butter crust. The first bite was delicious, but I was confused, so I started asking myself questions. How can something be both sweet and savory? Would it be possible for me to crawl inside the pie? Or should I just lay my head upon its soft pillow crust? I took a few more bites and soon the Beef Pie was gone. A pause in the meal gave me the chance to meet the women to our left. Ashley Moore is a dental hygienist in South Burlington and Katelyn Ziegler is the Director of Education at the Shelburne Museum. They had just finished sharing poutine and mussels. I asked about
thread magazine | deep winter 2012 | threadvt.com
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