Monday, August 16, 2010

The Cutting Edge

Local Food: There is one thing that Californians who settle in Vermont miss the most - the artichoke. Notoriously prickly and stubbornly finicky about climate, the artichoke is actually a type of thistle that has resisted cultivation outside Mediterranean zones. Steven grew the vigorously defensive but delicious buds as a boy in his mother's community garden, so you can imagine how his mind started to work when he read in the Times Argus about cutting edge Vermont farmers who, this summer at least, have had success with artichokes. Finding a nearby source at Harvest Hill Farm in Walden, Steven halves each artichoke for baking, carefully removes the choke, and fills with a blend of herbs from Rowan Farm and ricotta cheese from Maplebrook Farm, with toasted bread crumbs on top. Served with crispy croutons to dip along with the tender artichoke leaves, the plate is finished with a rustic relish of grilled pepper and eggplant from Pete's Greens.

Around the Galaxy: Leon Thompson returns to The Galaxy Bookshop for a lively discussion about where to find the Real Vermont. His book, Not Too Awful Bad: A Storyteller's Guide to Vermont, is a humorous guide to travelling the state, from the perspective of a native Vermonter. Leon Thompson is a graduate of Lyndon State and writes for the St. Albans Messenger. Come to Galaxy Tuesday at 7PM for a fun evening of exploring Vermont.

Music Notes: We are pleased to welcome back The Rustbucket Brothers this Thursday at 8:00. Support local music and dance to their rootsy American country and rock.

Local Events: Stop by Claire's between 2:30 and 4:00 on Tuesday, August 17 as the Craftsbury Chamber Players rehearse. Enjoy bar and coffee and service and baked goods as well.

Don't forget about Kingdom Farm & Food Days, a regional celebration of food and agriculture hosted by High Mowing Seeds, the New England Culinary Institute and the Center for an Agricultural Economy on August 21 and 22. New this year is a bike tour hosted by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center on Saturday, a great opportunity to work up an appetite for all the great food that the weekend features.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9. Please note we have extended our Summer Sunday dinner hours and will seat guests until 9:00 pm. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you reserve a table with us, as it helps us plan a relaxed and hospitable experience for you and all our guests. To show our appreciation, when you call, email, or stop by to make a reservation, you will be entered into our weekly drawing for a $20 gift card for your next visit.

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