BURLINGTON
BEST OF
SUMMER 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. 3 $4.95
Summer on the Lake
Artists at Jericho Plein Air Festival Make a Splash with WND&WVS
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Winter 2014-2014 / Best of Burlington 9
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Contents FE AT U R E S
38
Basin Harbor Club
Fresh offerings
rooted in
family history. by NANCY HUMPHREY CASE
50
Jericho Plein Air Festival
Bringing local
artists
together. by PHYL NEWBECK
60
Hitting the Water
Wnd&Wvs
outfits Vermont’s watersports enthusiasts. by MARK AIKEN
On the cover: Burlington Waterfront. Photo by Natalie Stultz.
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30
36
32 d epartments 21
Editor’s Note
22
Contributors
24
Online Hub
26 Around Town Vermont Public Places Award Winners.
30 Travel Time Giant sculpture exhibition in Canada.
32 Art Scene Vermont Shakespeare Company. by jen rose smith
36 Cheers! Summertime drinks. by jen rose smith
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68 Hot Spot Hen of the Wood. by susan nye
79 Dining & Entertainment Guide 83 Happenings A calendar of events.
91 Advertisers Index 92 Burlington Buzz A conversation with Scott Giles, President/CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. by mike morin
Special Advertising Section
46 Summer Finds 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 2015. 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 it o r ’ s n o te
Summer Fun What’s your favorite activity this season? Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, boating, or simply relaxing, the Burlington area has it all. If you like watersports, stop in to see Russ and Roxanne Scully at WND&WVS for paddleboards, windsurfers, and surfboards, plus all the related clothing and accessories you’ll need (page 60). If you’re a newcomer to these sports, take advantage of the camps and lessons they offer. It’s definitely the time of year for taking advantage of the chance to be outdoors. Several artists head out to do what they like best at the Jericho Plein Air Festival (page 50). If you’re a painter or an art lover, or if you’d like to learn how to paint, read our story and then check our website for more information. In this issue we’re visiting the Basin Harbor Club (page 38), and we’re dining out at Hen of the Wood (page 68). We’re also dropping in on the Vermont Shakespeare Company (page 32), which is staging Romeo & Juliet during August. Don’t miss it! However you spend your time this season, the rest of the staff and I hope your summer days are filled with the people and things you love most. Enjoy!
Note: Page 38 of our recent Trend Watch issue features a kitchen with countertops by Burlington Marble & Granite. The general contractor for the project was Peregrine Design/ Build, and the photo is by Susan Teare.
Deborah Thompson Editor editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ Best-of-Burlington-Life-and-Culture-in-theChamplain-Valley-Magazine/185081471716
TWITTER: @BurlingtonVTmag
Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 21
B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N
Contributors Mark Aiken 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.
Phyl Newbeck
Nancy Humphrey Case Nancy is a contributor for The Christian Science Monitor and has been published in Northern Woodlands, Chicago Tribune, Mothering, Cricket, and other magazines. She enjoys writing about Vermont’s landscape and culture from her home in Hyde Park.
Susan Nye
A former flatlander from New York City, Phyl lives in Jericho, where she has learned to stack a mean pile of firewood. When she’s not skiing, skating, bicycling, swimming, or kayaking, she writes for several local publications. Phyl is the author of Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers: Interracial Marriage Bans and the Case of Richard and Mildred Loving.
Writer, photographer, and chef, Susan is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout New England. Her blog, Around the Table (www.susannye. wordpress.com), is filled with her favorite recipes and stories about family and friendship. When she’s not writing or cooking, Susan is hiking, biking, or kayaking near her New Hampshire home.
Jen Rose Smith
Natalie Stultz
Jen 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.
Natalie is a Vermont photographer whose editorial and commercial work appears nationally. Her photographic stories reflect a spirited and vivid sense of place.
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ONLINE HUB
www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Online Extras Summer Cocktails Try a new drink mixed with spirits made in Vermont.
Farm to Plate
Painting Inspiration
Vermont is making great strides toward healthier food. Get the facts on our website.
After reading our story about the Jericho Plein Air Festival, you may be inspired to take a painting class this summer. Find out where online.
Sign up for our eNewsletter
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• 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 July 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@bestofburlingtonvt.com or share your comments on our site or on social media. You might even see your name in our next issue. 24 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
around town
Vermont Public Places Award Winners planning and design promote positive public use Recently, The Vermont Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects; the Vermont Planners Association; the Vermont Chapter of the American Institute of Architects; the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vermont Section; and the Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Council jointly announced the winning submittals to the 2014 Vermont Public Places Awards. Honor awards were presented to: n
ity Hall Park, Burlington—City of Burlington, Burlington City Arts, Wagner Hodgson Landscape C Architecture, Lincoln Brown.
n
iddlebury Riverfront Park, Middlebury—Town of Middlebury, LandWorks, Civil Engineering M Associates, Marble Works Partnership.
n
pen Space Report, South Burlington—City of South Burlington, South Burlington Open Space O Committee, T. J. Boyle Associates, Front Porch Planning & Design.
n
he Vermont Downtown Action Team—Vermont Department of Housing & Community T Development, City of Barre, Town of Brandon, Town of Brattleboro, Town of Northfield, Town of Waitsfield, Town of Warren, Town of Waterbury, Town of Wilmington.
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aterbury State Office Complex Redevelopment Project, Waterbury—State of W Vermont, Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services, Freeman French Freeman, Goody Clancy, SE Group, Engineering Ventures, Rist-Frost-Shumway.
Jeff Hodgson, ASLA, says of Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture’s award for City Hall Park in Burlington, “City Hall Park is the living room of downtown Burlington. We enjoyed the opportunity to explore options through the public participation process with Burlington City Arts and to ultimately come up with a solution that brought this much beloved park into the 21st century.” w
City Hall Park was designed by Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture. Rendering by Lincoln Brown.
OnlineExclusive For the list of nine Merit Award winners and more information, go to www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.
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TRAVEL TIME Photos courtesy of Domaine Forget de Charlevoix
Giant Sculpture Exhibition in Canada DOMAINE FORGET WELCOMES 16 WORLD-CLASS WORKS
Renegade, Chakaia Booker. Athlete, Terrence Karpowicz.
If you’re looking for a unique getaway this summer, consider heading north. Starting this June, visitors to the Quebec City region will have the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind giant sculpture park, as Sculptures by the Sea, the first exhibit of its kind in Canada, opens to the public at Domaine Forget in Charlevoix, Quebec. Admission is free. Sculptures will be on display through spring 2017. Domaine Forget, a not-for-profit cultural center set on a magnificent 100-acre setting located approximately two hours by car from Quebec City’s famed restaurants, historical sites, and nightlife, will host Sculptures by the Sea, a unique exhibition and Canadian premiere for 16 giant works by some of Europe and North America’s most important sculptors. Sculptures on display for the first time in Canada include La Tour by American sculptor John Henry, Portal by Albert Paley, and La Rein du Fleuve by Doug Schatz. Throughout the summer, visitors can also enjoy a series of concerts from the center’s renowned program of classical music, making Domaine Forget one of the most unique destination experiences in Canada this year. w
WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2015 WHERE: Le Domaine Forget 5, rang Saint-Antoine Saint-Irénée (Québec) G0T 1V0 (418) 452-8111
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La Tour, John Henry.
ART SCENE S P O N S O R E D B Y V er m ont F ra m e G a m e by j en rose s m i t h P h otos by Jan N ag l e
Vermont
Shakespeare
C OM P A N Y
C r e at i n g a b e a u t i f u l , c o l l e c t i v e e x p e r i e n c e
“Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene.” More than 400 years have elapsed since an audience first heard the opening lines to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which the Vermont Shakespeare Company is staging this season to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Yet, when the players take the stage at the August 1st debut, the scene is one that Elizabethan theater goers might recognize. This production, like the original, is open air, so the actors’ lines blend with the sounds of wind, birds, and frogs, with the forest for a backdrop. 4
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Clockwise from far left, bottom: Bottom, Titania, and her Fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Caliban in The Tempest; Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; John Nagle, executive director; Jena Necrason, artistic director; Ariel in The Tempest.
Art Scene is sponsored by Vermont Frame Game
Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 33
ART SCENE
According to Jena Necrason, the artistic director of the VSC, there’s no better way to see the play. “There are so many references to big ideas about time, and the gods, and destiny and fate,” she says. “When you’re in the open air—as they were at the Globe—you can connect to those much more concretely. The actors have the natural world at their fingertips, which is a magnificent challenge.”
Community Ties Jena and her husband, VSC executive director John Nagle, founded the company in 2005 while still living in New York City. Until moving here a year ago, they traveled to the Champlain Valley each summer along with several of the actors and production crew. But the VSC has put down deep roots in Vermont; some players are drawn from the local community, and the company has ties to the theater program at the University of Vermont. The VSC also accepts high school and college students from throughout the state for internships that offer aspiring thespians the chance to contribute to a Shakespeare production. “It’s a unique opportunity,” says Jena, “because we’re such a small company. Interns are a part of the production team, and they get hands-on experience. It’s really empowering for them.”
Iconic and Relevant This is VSC’s first tragedy, but John and Jena have long wanted to stage one here. They felt that an anniversary year was perfect for Romeo and Juliet—it is familiar and iconic but with powerful themes undiminished by time. “It’s about the all-encompassing energy and passion of youthful first love,” she notes. “It’s just so human and universal. It’s something we can all connect to.” The pair—who met on the set of Richard III—believe firmly in the ongoing relevancy of Shakespeare’s work. 34 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
Clockwise from far left: Actors prepare to go on stage; Beatrice dances in Much Ado About Nothing; Caliban and the clowns in The Tempest; Demetrius and Lysander protect Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“What we love about it is that every single time, it’s different,” Jena explains, “and each time I see a show, even if I’ve worked on it, I see something acted or presented in a new way that brings a different level of enlightenment about a play, a character, or even a word.” Jena also thinks it’s important to have a compelling, personal reason to stage a play, especially one that’s as well known as this one. This year’s production will explore not only romantic love but also the script’s darker, more challenging themes. “It’s about the idea that children pay for the dysfunction of their parents,” Jena says, “and it’s going on right now all over the world. There is an ancient grudge and a cycle of violence.” The broader tragedy of the play, she points out, “is that the only thing that breaks it is the death of the children.”
Creating a Connection As they plumb the familiar script for new insights, John and Jena bring extensive but contrasting experience to the process, giving depth to the VSC’s theater. John has an MFA from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and has acted in, directed, and produced many of the bard’s plays. Jena began her career as a dancer and is the head of movement at New York’s prestigious Stella Adler acting studio. She brings that movement-based approach to her work at the VSC, inviting the actors to “use their bodies as a storytelling tool, because the more physical it is, the more the audience actually connects to the ideas.” That connection is the ultimate goal of their productions. “Shakespeare was meant for the people,” says Jena. “It should feel inclusive; it should feel like we are all witnessing something together.” And she sees that collective experience every year, watching audiences that are held rapt as dusk falls over the final acts. The sunset and the stars are part of the spell. “It’s really quite beautiful,” she says, smiling. w
Vermont Shakespeare Company P. O. Box 24 North Hero, VT (877) 874-1911 (toll free) www.vermontshakespeare.org
For tickets to this year’s production, visit www. flynntix.org. For more information, call (800) 877-9411 or visit www.vermontshakespeare.org. Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 35
CHEERS! b y J e n R o se s m i t h
Summertime Drinks c e l e b r at e t h e s e a s o n
Summertime in Vermont
is as sweet as it is brief, and it can feel a bit frenzied too, as we shuttle between picnics by the lake and outdoor festivals, determined to get a season’s worth of swimming and socializing in before the weather begins to cool. But summer is also the perfect time to slow down, stake out a place on the porch, and settle in to wait for the fireflies. Warm evenings are ideal for lingering in the garden with friends or for outdoor dinners beneath the stars. In other words, summer is cocktail season. The last several years have seen a distilling renaissance in the Green Mountain State, and you could easily stock a home bar with spirits that are made or bottled here. The products are
Montagne Verdi By Jen Rose Smith
This libation gets a rosy hue and herbal bite from Orleans Bitter, a drink that blends local ice cider with red currant, dandelion, gentian, and angelica, with extraordinary results. It recalls Campari, the classic Italian amaro, but has a mellowing sweetness from the apples and berries. It pairs best with a gin that has substantial backbone to stand up to the herbal notes in the Orleans Bitter. 1 oz Orleans Bitter by Eden Ice Cider 11⁄2 oz gin 3 ⁄4 oz lemon juice 1 ⁄2 oz simple syrup Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and serve with a twist of lemon peel.
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Sour Cherry Smash By Michael Dunn, General Manager, Misery Loves Company, Winooski
This drink channels a tropical vacation via the Green Mountains—think North Beach in July, dancing to the strains of a local reggae band. A smash is the perfect opportunity to use the freshest, juiciest fruit you can find, and Michael notes that this drink invites experimentation. He suggests you try it with your favorite berries or with herbs like mint or basil. Just add any additional ingredients before muddling, and enjoy! ⁄4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tsp sugar 9 sour cherries, fresh or frozen (available at City Market) 2 oz Dunc’s Mill Backwoods Rum Splash of soda water
3
Muddle the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add rum and ice, and stir for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass and top with ice, a splash of soda water, and a sour cherry garnish.
as diverse as the artisans themselves, who work with raw materials from apples to whey, or who find, blend, and bottle spirits from some of the world’s best barrels. This time of year, these spirits are perfect mixed into cool, refreshing cocktails that highlight the season’s bright flavors and vivid colors. These recipes are a great place to start, and they feature Vermont spirits in drinks that capture the essence of summer, from a sophisticated twist on ice cider to a fruity, beach-ready smash.
The Spring Forward By Erin Bell, SILO Distillery
Ginger liqueur gives subtle heat to this juicy cooler, which pairs SILO’s award-winning bourbon with a refreshing citrus blend. The bourbon is made in small batches using Vermont corn and rye, and aged in American oak barrels. It has just enough sweetness to balance the grain’s heat. 11⁄2 oz SILO Bourbon Whiskey 1 ⁄2 oz ginger liqueur 11⁄2 oz ruby red grapefruit juice 1 ⁄2 oz fresh lime juice Seltzer water Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain onto fresh ice in a tumbler or double rocks glass and top with seltzer water and a twist of grapefruit peel. w
OnlineExclusive Find more cocktails featuring locally made spirits online at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com. Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 37
Basin Harbor Club Fr e s h O f f e r i n g s R o o t e d i n Fa m i l y H i s t o r y by nancy humphrey case
In essence,
the scene at Basin Harbor Club is the same as it has been for decades. The dining room of the Main Lodge bows out to embrace the morning-blue water of the harbor, where a boat engine purrs and halyards clink against the masts of waiting sailboats. Little waves lap the North Dock, and at the south end of the resort’s 700-acre property, dappled light filters through leaves stirring in the breeze, playing across woodland trails that run between the 18-hole golf course and the rocky ledges of Lake Champlain. 4
The Homestead is the oldest operating inn on Lake Champlain.
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Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 39
On the other hand, the resort owned by the Beach family for 129 years has responded to changing times, continually revising itself to accommodate the needs and wishes of its clientele. Facilities for conferences and weddings have been added, a fitness center built, and a host of programs developed that give guests opportunities for engaging in new and expansive areas of interest. For example, besides playing golf or tennis, guests at Basin Harbor can take a cooking class, kayak with a guide to see eagles nesting on shoreline cliffs, see local farmstead cheese being made, or take a tour boat out to see an underwater shipwreck with the help of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that transmits images to a screen on the tour boat. “We call it active tranquility,” says Bob Beach, who owns and manages the resort with his sister, Pennie Beach. “It’s not about hype for us; it’s genuine Vermont. We love this land and we like to share it with people.”
Fresh, Local Food The latest development aimed to please guests and enhance Basin Harbor’s sustainability is Fresh Food Farm—an on-site, one-acre vegetable farm that will provide a significant part of the produce consumed in the four dining venues on the property. For several years, executive chef Christian Kruse has worked closely with local farms to supply the resort with meats and produce for the 1,000 meals served here on average each day. About 70 percent of all the food prepared at Basin Harbor—including virtually all the produce—is locally grown. For example, each winter Chef Christian sits down with Rachel Schattman of Bella Farm in Monkton and shares his vision for the coming season’s menus, then Rachel grows many of the ingredients for him that summer. Now he will do the same with Basin Harbor’s own farmer, Megan Browning, as well, and guests will relish the enhanced flavor of food prepared the same day it’s picked. Because of the small size of her farm, Megan plans to grow mainly herbs, microgreens, and vegetables that don’t need a lot of space, such as carrots, beets, radishes, kale, and tomatoes. With a background in production agriculture and experience in educational programming at Shelburne Farms, Megan looks forward to growing food for Basin Harbor’s kitchens as well as connecting with guests. “I’m psyched to build this farm as a tool for teaching folks about where their food comes from,” Megan says. She will offer weekly farm tours in sync with Chef Christian’s kitchen tours.
A Return to Family Tradition While the idea of connecting guests to food sources is new, the farm itself is a return to what was. Bob and Pennie’s ancestors moved to Vermont in 1800 and farmed land near the lake. Their grandfather, Allen Penfield Beach, graduated from the University of Vermont in 1911 with a degree in agriculture, but while still
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Pennie Beach, Bob Sr., Bob Jr., and Sarah Morris, third, fourth, and fifth generation hosts.
four on-site restaurants A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Chef Christian Kruse worked in Seattle, San Francisco, and New York before settling at Basin Harbor Club. As a result, he picked up eclectic elements of different cuisines, and he enjoys playing around with them at the different styles of restaurants on the property. Christian describes his signature cuisine as contemporary American with Vermont and New England influences. All four restaurants feature the best food Vermont offers. View complete menus at basinharbor.com.
MAIN DINING ROOM Fine dining overlooking the lake and Adirondack Mountains. Sample dinner: Fresh Food Farm Chilled Summer Gazpacho; Bella Farm Mesclun Mix with Fresh Food Farm Vegetables and Tarragon Vinaigrette; Braised Vermont Lamb Shoulder with Fried Artichoke Hearts, Navy Bean Cassoulet, and Charred Leeks.
ranger room Sumptuous poolside lunch buffet, including a popular sundae bar, served in the summer months only.
the north dock Al fresco dining right on the water with live music. Italian, Asian, and New England cuisine. Sunday—Dockside Grille Tuesday— Harbor Fair Dinner with carnival games and s’mores Thursday—Lobster Dinner
the red mill restaurant Casual dining in a renovated 1940s sawmill. A favorite of locals. Gourmet sandwiches, salads, grilled local meats, burgers, etc. Lunch menu—11:30am–3pm Pub menu—3–5pm Dinner menu—5–9pm (Mon–Fri, 5–10pm Sat & Sun) Kids’ menu
Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 41
Sunnypines Cottage and the Surprise Garden.
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in college, he talked his father into selling the family’s two farms and buying the land at Basin Harbor from a relative instead. “In his senior year, they took a school trip to the Miner farm in Upstate New York—now the Miner Institute,” Bob says. “It was a gentleman’s farm owned by a multimillionaire who invented the coupler for railroad cars. When my grandfather saw the Miner farm, he said, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to continue the farm at Basin Harbor and take in summer boarders,’ and that’s what he did. He kept Jersey cows in what is now the Town Hall Theater, raised pigs, and grew vegetables, and he named it Fresh Food Farm.” As the resort evolved, farming faded into the background. For the past 20 years, Basin Harbor
Club has dabbled in growing vegetables and exotic garnishes and composted all food waste, but most of the gardens have been filled with flowers. Gracing the grounds and providing material for floral arrangements are 24,000 annuals as well as flowering shrubs. A greenhouse was already in place, so the Fresh Food Farm seemed a fitting initiative. “I view it as sustainable agriculture coming back to the property,” Bob says.
The Past Comes Alive Allen Penfield Beach left his mark on the property—and on his grandson—in other ways too. He wrote a local history and Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 43
planned to move a stone schoolhouse to the property to house a museum. In 1985, selectmen approached Bob about a stone schoolhouse in nearby Panton that was falling apart. “If you move it and restore it, you can have it,” they told him. Bob took up the challenge and hired a stonemason to deconstruct the schoolhouse, labeling each stone, and to rebuild it on the resort’s property. Repurposed, it became the first, modest home of the now hugely successful Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, a nonprofit that conducts underwater archaeological research and offers rich educational programs, including historic longboat-building projects and team rowing that nurture self-esteem in at-risk youth. Bob, who was keen on hunting for arrowheads in his youth, qualified because of an ancestor’s role to participate in the bicentennial reenactment of the taking of Fort Ticonderoga. He hosts daily cruises around the lake on a 48-passenger boat and shares stories about the area’s exciting past. He also gives history walks and talks on the resort’s property. Perhaps more than anything else, it’s this vibrant enthusiasm for local history that gives Basin Harbor Club genuine life and distinguishes it from other beautiful places to stay and dine in Vermont. Add to that stunning scenery and outstanding cuisine, and it’s no wonder Basin Harbor Club continues to prosper. w
Basin Harbor Club 4800 Basin Harbor Road Vergennes, VT (802) 457-2311 basinharbor.com
OnlineExclusive Find out more about healthy local food and how farm to plate collaboration is working in Vermont at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com. 44 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
BEST OF BURLINGTON 2015
Summer finds Stella Mae
Orange Leaf
Mason Brothers
Find this season’s hottest trends at Stella Mae. 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, and Chaser. We also offer an online experience at stella-mae.com.
Orange Leaf is the ultimate dessert experience! We’re a self-serve, choose-your-own-toppings frozen treat destination unlike any other. We work hard to make the best froyo you’ve ever tasted and are committed to becoming a valuable partner in your community. Our customers love our awesome froyo, fun people, and cool spoons.
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.
192 College Street Burlington, VT (802) 448-3772 www.orangeleafyogurt.com
11 Maple Street Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-4221 www.greatsalvage.com
96 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-2800 www.stella-mae.com
Boutiliers Fine Art Materials and Custom Framing A fixture in downtown Burlington since 1925, we offer 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.
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Vintage Jewelers
Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery
Vintage Jewelers proudly specializes in fine antique and estate jewelry, engagement rings, and wedding rings. Every piece is hand-selected by the owner to offer an exceptional choice of only the finest treasures. Marking the important design periods from early Victorian through 1960s modern, we also offer custom design, restoration, and appraisal services.
Fore 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. Original artwork can be taken home on a trial basis before purchasing. 86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com
125 College Street Burlington, VT (802) 862-2233 www.vintagejewelers.net
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, Matix, and Ben Sherman. 106 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.spellboundvt.com
Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 47
ECCO Clothes
Shelburne Vineyard and Tasting Room
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.
Join us for a taste and tour and let us share our adventure growing grapes and making award-winning wines in Northern Vermont. Then relax on the patio to enjoy expansive views of the vineyard with a glass of your favorite wine or a wine and cheese pairing. You can check our website and Facebook page for our concert and special event schedule, and don’t forget to ask us about planning your own event with us!
81 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 860-2220 www.eccoclothesboutique.com
Open 7 days a week all year May–Oct 11am–6pm Nov–Apr 11am–5pm
6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com
Argento Laraine Fine Jewelry A family-owned fine jewelry store conveniently located in beautiful Williston, Vermont, Argento Laraine specializes in antique and vintage diamond bridal jewelry, as well as designer fashion collections, custom design, jewelry repair, and colored gemstones. They also offer a beautiful estate collection and original handmade pieces. Whether you’re simply looking for a meaningful gift or are ready for an engagement ring, they are willing to spend as much time with you as needed to find exactly what you want. 166 Sycamore Street, Suite 140 Maple Tree Place Williston, VT (802) 871-5115 www.argentolaraine.com
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Sweet Grass Gallery & Gifts
Morse Farm
Nestled in the historic village of Williston, Sweet Grass Gallery & Gifts features the works of more than 50 talented Vermont artists and food producers. We offer an impressive collection of fine art, jewelry, pottery, woodenware, floor cloths, fiber art, greeting cards, and more! We also have a selection of Vermont maple products including syrup, candy, jelly, and even maple-scented soap! Sweet Grass Gallery is proud to be a Vermont Hand Crafters Affiliate Gallery. Vermont Hand Crafters is the oldest and largest juried art organization in the state of Vermont.
Summertime means creemees! And the best creemee, according to Yankee Magazine, is one from Morse Farm in Montpelier—it made the “Editor’s Choice” list for Best Maple Creemee. Morse Farm is an eightgeneration maple farm. Come see the sugarhouse, woodshed theater, maple trail, and a huge gift shop with mail ordering and free tasting.
8016 Williston Road Williston, VT (802) 872-1636 www.sweetgrassgalleryvt.com
Open daily 9am–8pm during the summer www.facebook.com/themorsefarm
1168 County Road Montpelier, VT (800) 242-2740 www.morsefarm.com
Tue–Sat 10am–4pm
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. 105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657-3872 www.petracliffs.com
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Jericho Plein Air Festival BRINGING LOCAL ARTISTS TOGETHER by PHYL NEWBECK ph o t o s b y m i ch a el m a r r a f F i n o u nle s s o t he r w i s e n o t e d
It was five years ago that an artist, a gallery owner, and a former artist who worked as a nonprofit business consultant got together in a renovated 1860s’ English sheep barn in Jericho Center. The barn had been converted into a gallery celebrating the work of noted American landscape painter Emile Gruppe in one room with rotating exhibits in another. The three were hoping to do something to bring local artists together, and they hit upon the idea of hosting a plein air (outdoor) art festival in Jericho. 50 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
The first Jericho Plein Air Festival was a rousing success, and each year has brought more artists. Organizers decided to cap the number of attendees to prevent the festival from growing too large, but within two weeks of sending out the notice for this year’s event, all the slots were taken by a combination of newcomers and returnees. Most of the artists are Vermonters, but
Capturing scenes on canvas are (from far left) Walt Pasko, Norma Jean Rollet, and John Weaver.
many come from other New England states and as far away as California, Colorado, and Kansas. The artists convene at the gallery for a complimentary breakfast at 7am, and then fan out to mapped sites around the area, with many spending at least part of the day at either the Jericho Center Green or Jericho Settlers’ Farm, which is next to the gallery. This year’s festival will take place on July 18th. 4
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“A whole new world of artist friends has opened up my eyes. They’ve given feedback, both good and bad, because that is how you improve. Everyone is so encouraging.” Encouraging People to Appreciate their Talents Although the impetus for the festival was to have artists get together, gallery owner Emilie Alexander says it has also served the purpose of introducing art lovers to the artistic process. At the end of the day, the artists bring their pieces to the gallery where they are hung for roughly three weeks. Visitors who stopped by in the morning to see the outline of a work are amazed to see the finished products that were completed in less than a day. When Barbara Greene helped create the festival, she thought of herself as a former artist. Barbara had exhibited and sold her work three decades earlier but then put her artistic side on hold. While planning the event with Emilie and artist Jane Morgan, she was still in the process of pushing herself to get started again. The group decided they needed a logo, and Barbara sketched out something that Emilie and Jane immediately decided to use. Emboldened, Barbara picked up her paintbrushes again. “Getting involved with my own painting that first year was really an encouraging piece for me,” she says. Louanne Nielsen had always carried a camera during her walks in the woods, but after a women’s nature retreat, she began to carry a sketchbook as well. Emilie convinced her to come to the first Jericho Plein Air Festival, but Louanne was skeptical that she had enough talent to take part. “I wasn’t sure I should go,” she says, “but I went and sat under one of the apple trees with my colored ink pens.” Encouraged by others at the festival, Louanne took painting lessons, and now it’s rare a day goes by without her doing some sketching. “A whole new world of artist friends has opened up my eyes,” she says. “They’ve given feedback, both good and bad, because that’s how you improve. Everyone is so encouraging.” Louanne doesn’t mind having people ask her questions during the festival. “When people ask me how I can do plein air work, I tell them I love 52 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
Above: Chelsea Lindner of Artists’ Mediums paints at Jericho Settlers’ Farm. Below: Thale Herschede and Karen Nastuk, both from Massachusetts, enjoy painting on Schillhammer Road.
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Right: Jim Gallugi paints at the Barber Farm. Below, from left: Folks gather just outside the gallery. Photo by Barbara Green. Framing under the tent at the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery.
to draw, so why not share that joy with other people?� she says. These days, Louanne has a line of greeting cards and considers it her mission to get other people to appreciate their own talents. She has been to the Jericho Plein Air Festival every year since its inception.
Learning from Other Artists Barbara notes that the festival is a great way for newcomers to learn from those who have been painting for a long time, as well as for professionals to step out of their comfort zone and try something different. At the festival, artists happily provide tips and suggestions to each other as well as to those who come and watch. “Being there generates enthusiasm for 54 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
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“These events are often about I like this festival because and not competitive.”
Phil Laughlin.
what you’re doing,” Barbara says. “I think it has expanded the horizons for so many people and helped educate folks about painting.” Bennington native Tony Conner is a member of the New England and Vermont Watercolor Societies who has exhibited his work in national juried exhibits. He teaches classes across New England and the mid-Atlantic states, but this will be the 56 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
being with other artists. it’s low key and friendly
fourth year that he has set time aside in his schedule to drive up to Jericho. Tony picks different locations for his morning work but generally returns to the Jericho Center Green in the afternoon, where he connects with other painters. “These events are often about being with other artists,” he says. “I like this festival because it’s low key and friendly and not competitive.” 4 Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 57
Fiona Cooper Fenwick enjoys the day.
Tony enjoys talking to some of the new painters who remind him of the days when he was just getting started. “Like most people, I wasn’t very good,” he says “and this reminds me about those days, which is very valuable.” Tony likes having the chance to help the newcomers perfect their craft. “Most people are born with some talent,” he says “but it takes some time to hone it. This is a setting where nobody is judging you.” People from Jericho and beyond look forward to the annual event and the opportunity to watch artists in action. “It’s an exciting time for our community,” Emilie says. “It was just an idea to get artists together, and it’s taken on a life of its own. We feel really good about it.” For more information about the festival, visit emilegruppegallery.com. w
OnlineExclusive Find out where to take painting lessons and buy art supplies online at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com.
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Hitting the Water WND&Wvs outfits vermont’s w at e r s p o r t s enthusiasts by Mark Aiken
It started as a pact between high school friends. “We promised each other that when we finished college, we would move to California and surf,” remembers Russ Scully, owner of Burlington’s WND&WVS surf shop and clothing boutique. By the time Russ and his high school buds moved into a house on the beach in Santa Barbara, Russ’s future wife Roxanne (he met her in college at New York’s St. Lawrence University) had joined the group. They lived and worked in Santa Barbara and surfed up and down the California and Baja coasts for six years. “There’s lots of surfing history and culture in that area,” says Russ. “I really embraced that culture and lifestyle.” 4 Boards, fashion, and accessories are all available from Vermont’s only stand-up paddle lifestyle shop. Photo by Mark Aiken.
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Today, with Roxanne, Russ co-owns WND&WVS, a retail store and clothing boutique that carries all the gear, accessories, and clothing relating to wind and wave sports on Lake Champlain. When I caught up with Russ, he was just returning from surfing in Puerto Rico and from a stand-up paddleboarding event in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. “I get plenty of water time,” Russ says. Don’t get the wrong idea—Russ is no “surf bum.” Even after college, when he was surfing up and down the West Coast, he was working at a desktop publishing firm and taking night classes in graphic design. He eventually launched a web development and multimedia company called Scully Interactive in 2000. By that time, he and Roxanne had moved back East to be closer to relatives as they started their own family, and Russ was already well versed in multitasking. This skill is so inherent in Russ that is difficult to talk about WND&WVS without also taking note of the couple’s many other business ventures.
Real Estate First Before opening WND&WVS, the Scullys first tested the commercial real estate market in Burlington. Their first acquisitions were a building on Pine Street that formerly housed an auto parts shop and, just blocks away, a former gas station on Shelburne Road. Russ
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Clockwise from top left: Russ in the Outer Banks, WND&WVS windsurfing camp, Roxanne surfing in Puerto Rico, Russ stand-up paddle racing, interior of The Spot, Stand Up for the Lake event, Rox finishing a long paddle on the lake.
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approached the owners of the popular fast Mexican-food restaurant New World Tortilla to operate The Spot restaurant for him because he loved their product. They declined, saying they were too busy to take on anything new because they were in the process of looking for a new location. It turned out they were looking for more space—something more along the lines of the former auto parts shop, which was in the midst of a renovation. They struck a deal, and New World Tortilla became Russ’s first tenant. “In a way, it was good that the first business we worked with was well established,” he says, noting the restaurant’s loyal following. Meanwhile, all the other businesses in Scully-owned buildings are small but growing locally owned start-ups. In the building next door to New World—a former Meineke Muffler (again, a building with a history in the automotive industry, although this is coincidence, says Russ)—are organic café EcoBean, aromatic apothecary Lunaroma, Budnitz Bicycles, Salon Cruz, and, of course, WND&WVS.
Restaurant Next As Russ and Roxanne began tackling the gas station project, several things came to light. First off, says Russ, “The building is a Phillips 66 Batwing.” In other words, it is constructed
Clockwise from top left: Russ and Roxanne host their annual WND&WVS party and fundraiser for Rachael Miller’s nonprofit organization, The Rozalia Project. Gear galore. The popular WND&WVS logo shows up on hats, tee shirts, and other items.
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in the iconic architectural style of the mid 20th century full-service station. “It’s on the historic register,” he adds. Historic sites, of course, can’t be knocked down or significantly changed, so the building would remain as is. Which is to say, while heavy on character, it was light on square footage. Although they were new landlords, they realized that a 1,400-square-foot building could bring in only so much revenue, so they decided to operate their own restaurant and, hopefully, out-earn the building’s potential as a real estate investment. “We felt Burlington had a shortage of breakfast places,” says Russ, clarifying that the city had good breakfast restaurants, just not enough of them. Reminiscing about some of their favorite surfer spots in Santa Barbara (the Mesa Café comes to mind), Roxanne, who had worked in restaurants during her time out West, went with a beach and surfer theme and founded The Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 65
Roxanne and friends catch waves during the Scullys’ latest winter venture, surf trips to Rincon, Puerto Rico.
Spot. She brought in Shannon Lipkin to manage the restaurant, and the result is Burlington’s own surfer breakfast place.
Catering to the Modern Surfing Lifestyle While Roxanne was getting The Spot off the ground, Russ started catching a bug—the windsurfing and kite-surfing bug. This is not a big surprise; he was already an avid surfer. He learned from instructor Rachel Miller who, in 2009, connected Russ with another Best of Burlington writer, Sarah Tuff Dunn, who wrote a New York Times article about stand-up paddleboarding, then a relatively new sport, using Russ as an independent and unbiased product tester. “That provided the genesis for the shop,” Russ says. The article gave him exposure, and the product-testing experience gave him the opportunity to compare brands. “People kept asking me where they could buy these things. I said, ‘I’m going to do this!’” he says. Russ reached out to the paddleboarding company he liked best and started selling boards out of The Spot. Finally, after enough would-be paddleboarding customers got thoroughly confused when they walked into a breakfast place, Russ realized he needed a dedicated retail space. Similar to the decision to open The Spot, the Scullys chose the real estate space in their three buildings with the least earning potential. In the front of this space, manager Ali Marchil66 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com
don oversees WND&WVS. In the back, Scully Interactive manages e-commerce and design clients, while Russ himself continues to multitask, keeping an eye on all the business ventures. Like The Spot, WND&WVS gives you the feeling that you’re on the beach with a thatched checkout counter and shelves teeming with bikinis, flip-flops, and sunblock. With seasonal clothing lines and a constantly moving lineup of Starboard and Naish paddleboards, kite-surfing setups, windsurfers, and surfboards, the shop carries everything any watersports enthusiast could need. In the summertime, WND&WVS also works to grow the sport, holding summer camps, lessons, and organizing a Stand Up for the Lake event. In the colder months, they offer trips to Puerto Rico. “It’s the modern surfing lifestyle,” says Russ. “You want to balance your job so you have stability, but maintain a level of flexibility to get on the water when the weather’s right.” w
WND&WVS 688 Pine Street, Suite C Burlington, VT (802) 540-2529 www.wndnwvs.com
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Hen of the Wood
serving vermont’s bounty
The goal of most chefs is to
have their own restaurant. Eric Warnstedt is no different, and his dream came true at Hen of the Wood one week before his 30th birthday. A Southern transplant, Eric grew up in Florida and North Carolina. He started cooking in college. “It just clicked for me,” he says. He went on to earn a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in Miami. Like many young cooks, he bounced around the country a bit. He honed his skills with an internship in Colorado and three summers at the Inn at Shelburne Farms. In the off season, he traveled until finally leaving the South behind for Vermont’s long winters and wonderful sense of community. 4
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Hot spot by susan nye P h o t o s b y NATA L I E STU L T Z
Bottles of wine and champagne are chilled in preparation for the evening’s diners.
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Fresh, Local Products The farm to table movement was still in its early days in Vermont when Eric opened Hen of the Wood in 2005. “My goal was [to have] a restaurant that does more than create delicious food and serve it beautifully. I wanted to know where the food came from and have a relationship with the growers and producers. Family-owned and family-run farms, ethical production, and sustainability are core values at the restaurant.” Pastry Chef Andrew LeStourgeon agrees. “Hen of the Wood is a good place to work. Like all the staff, I appreciate the connection to Vermont, local farms, and farmers.” He adds, “As a chef, I always want to push myself and challenge my ingredients. Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned from Eric is to keep it simple and let the ingredients speak.” 4
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Clockwise from far left: Cheese plate with Sage Farm Sterling, Champlain Valley Creamery Triple Cream, Jasper Hill’s Bayley Hazen Blue, apple butter, red onion jam, toasted and candied hazelnuts, and maple sugar crackers. Chef owner Eric Warnstedt (right) and general manager and co-owner William McNeil. View of the restaurant. A waitress delivers wine.
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As part of Eric’s commitment to fresh, local products, the menus at Hen of the Wood are not only seasonal but also change daily. The critics agree with Eric’s approach. He was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs in 2008 and has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Northeast every year since 2009. General manager and co-owner since 2011, William McNeil shares Eric’s moral compass and philosophy when it comes to food. The Burlington native began working in restaurants as a dishwasher when he was 14. He has a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America and a business
Opposite, clockwise from top left: Beet gnocchi, rosemary brown butter, cipollini onions, and claytonia greens. Grilled pork loin with rye spaetzle and pickled rhubarb jus. Grilled hanger steak with potato puree and roasted red onion. Steak tartare with duck egg and rye crisps. Above: Maple yogurt, maple syrup, buttermilk, and lime zest milkshake.
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Left: Pavlova with vanilla crème fraiche and cranberries. Below: Peanut butter chocolate gianduja with chocolate “dirt,” chocolate ganache, and peanut butter ice cream.
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From left: Sous chef Kevin Sokel, bartender Meg McGinn, and grill cook Nick Frank.
degree. William first met and cooked with Eric during an internship in 2001. They reconnected soon after Hen of the Wood opened. Instead of cooking, William left the kitchen to manage Hen of the Wood’s dining room and waitstaff.
A Memorable Experience The original Hen of the Wood is in Waterbury in an old mill. “It’s a very special place with the waterfall and the beautiful old stone walls,” says Denise Fitzgibbon, the manager of the Waterbury restaurant. She adds, “In the summer, diners can sit outside on the terrace. It’s magical.” With only 40 seats, reservations are strongly recommended. The second restaurant opened in 2013 in Burlington at the Hotel Vermont. “The Burlington restaurant has a more urban feel and casual atmosphere,” says William. The rustic– modern restaurant is divided into three areas and seats 100. “The bar opens at 4pm for drinks and buck-a-shuck oysters, and most nights we’re here until about 1am,” he says. There is a counter for a quick bite as well as the dining Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington
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room for a more leisurely meal. Dinner service begins at 5pm with the last seating at about 10pm. Reservations are a good idea, but if you don’t mind a wait at the bar, walk-ins are welcome. While the two restaurants provide wonderful food and superb service, each has developed its own style. “In Waterbury, most people are looking for a more traditional three-course meal. For many, it’s become a favorite destination for special occasions and celebrations,” says Eric. William adds, “Burlington is more casual. Whether at the bar, dining counter, or main room, our guests tend to gravitate to our small plates and relax over several different dishes.” “In both Burlington and Waterbury, our focus is on great food and training our people to ensure seamless service,” says William. Denise agrees and adds, “We are all really proud of what we do. The entire staff shares Eric and William’s passion for great food and service. We do our best to give people a memorable experience.” Part of that experience is the open window into the kitchen so you can see the chefs in action. Jay Canning, a partner at the Hotel Vermont, enjoys watching the chefs at work. Jay likes to stop by the Burlington restaurant late in the afternoon for a glass of wine and a few oysters or the restaurant’s signature mushroom toast. “My favorite spot is the counter. I can see what’s going on, and sometimes they’ll slip me a bite,” he says. Jay adds, “All the accolades are well-deserved. The food is excellent, the service superb, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.” w
Hen of the Wood – Burlington 55 Cherry Street (802) 540-0534 Open daily Dining room: 5–10pm Bar: 4pm–12am
Hen of the Wood – Waterbury 92 Stowe Street (802) 244-7300 Tue–Sat 5–9pm Learn more about Hen of the Wood or use their online reservation system at www.henofthewood.com.
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special advertising section
Summer 2015
Dining Guide Great places to eat 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 Happenins” Wed nights. $$ 160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com
Noonie’s Deli We’re famous for the best and biggest sandwich in the region. Featuring freshly made bread, daily soup, and quiche specials, salads, sweet treats, and more. Eat in, take-out, or have it delivered— seven days a week! $$ 30 Main St #110 Burlington, VT (802) 495-5195 www.burlington.nooniesdeli.com
Guild Tavern
Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25
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. $$ 1633 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 497-1207 www.guildtavern.com
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Beyond the Menu
special advertising section
dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area
`
The Spot Enjoy our surf-style ambience and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$ 210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com
Windjammer Restaurant
Featuring American fare, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and an extensive salad bar. Specialty cocktails, craft beers, and a Wine Spectator wine list complement both the restaurant and pub menus. Supporting Vermont farms, producers & businesses since 1977. $–$$ 1076 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-6585 www.windjammerrestaurant.com
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Red Hen Bakery and Café
J Morgans Steakhouse
Famous hearth-baked breads, plus an excellent selection of freshly baked pastries—croissants, scones, cookies, mapleglazed sticky buns, and more. Soups and sandwiches made in house, featuring local ingredients. Fine wines, beer, cheese, and specialty grocery items. $–$$
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. $$
961B US Rt. 2 Middlesex, VT (802) 223-5200 redhenbaking.com
100 State Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-5222 www.jmorganssteakhouse.com
Pascolo Ristorante
El Cortijo
Handmade Italian cuisine, featuring fresh pastas, wood-fired pizza, house salumi, Northeast seafood, and homemade gelato sundaes. An exciting Italian wine menu complements the casual fare, celebrating everything from the subtle complex wines of Piemonte to the bold beauties of Italy’s Southern regions. $–$$
Farm-to-taco experience in the historic 1950s’ Oasis diner. Tacos, burritos, and Mexican-style entrées made with local ingredients and expressed in fun, fresh ways. Fresh-squeezed margaritas and handcrafted cocktails served in a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Full menu available all day. Lunch, dinner, take-out. $–$$
83 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1613 www.pascolovt.com
189 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1668 www.CortijoVT.com
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Happenings
SUMMER 2015
A Calendar of Events
June 21
Richard Thompson Electric Trio MainStage, 7pm
FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org
June 26–27
The Little Mermaid, Jr. FlynnSpace, 26, 3 & 6pm; 27, 1 & 4pm July 7
2015–2016 Sneak Preview Event
July 12
“Weird Al” Yankovic MainStage, 8pm
MainStage, 6pm
Happenings is sponsored by Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival
June 16–21
Vermont Stage Presents The Bake Off FlynnSpace June 21
Larry Bissonnette Opening Amy E. Tarrant Gallery, 1pm June 21
Larry Bissonnette Mini Film Fest FlynnSpace, 3pm June 25
National Theatre Live: The Audience Palace 9 Cinemas, 2 & 7pm
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HAPPENINGS July 16
National Theatre Live: Everyman Palace 9 Cinemas, 2 & 7pm
July 31
July 16–19
Lewis Black
Bat Boy, The Musical FlynnSpace
MainStage, 8pm
July 30–August 2
Once on This Island FlynnSpace
VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
TD Bank Summer Festival Tour As if a summer’s evening in Vermont weren’t magical enough already, the VSO conjures up a dreamscape of enchantment. Wizards, witches, and trolls, oh my! Our musical sorcery spirits you to Middle Earth—then safely back to your picnic spread. As always, concerts conclude with the spectacular “1812 Overture,” marches, and fireworks.
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SHELBURNE FARMS June 18, 23, 25, 30, July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
House & Formal Gardens Tour at the Inn
1622 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8442 www.shelburnefarms.org June 26
Edible Forest Gardens and Commercial Food Forestry, an Evening with Eric Toensmeier 6–8pm
July 1
Mountain Top Inn, Chittenden, 7:30pm July 2
Riley Rink at Hunter Park, Manchester, 7:30pm July 3
Grafton Ponds, Grafton, 7:30pm July 4
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, 7:30pm July 5
Trapp Concert Meadow, Stowe, 7:30pm July 9
Suicide Six Ski Area, South Pomfret, 7:30pm July 10
Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow, 7:30pm July 11
Three Stallion Inn, Randolph, 7:30pm Please visit www.vso.org or call (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 for additional information.
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HAPPENINGS
Shelburne Farms continued July 2, August 13
Moonlit Campfire Enjoy sitting around a campfire on a warm summer evening, fun activities, s’mores, and a visit from live OFES raptors. 6:30–8:30pm July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26
Community Evenings at the Farm Gates open at 5:30pm; concert starts at 6:30pm July 9, August 27
Farm to Table Dinner Along the Shores of Lake Champlain Reception at 5:30pm; dinner at 7:30pm July 15, August 12
Sun to Cheese Tour 1:45–3:45pm July 18
Create a Fresh Flower Arrangement 10am–12pm July 19
Vermont Cheese Makers Festival 10am–4pm July 23
An Evening of Bats Barry the Bat Guy will discuss bat benefits, rabies, and white nose syndrome; then you’ll head outside to watch the evening flight of the bats from their bat house. 7:30–9pm
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July 4
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Gates open at 5:15pm for picnicking; concert starts at 7:30pm
July 24
Bats in the Barn 7:30–9pm July 25
Garden Tea Party at the Inn 1–3pm July 25
Green Mountain Draft Horse Field Day 1–2pm August 2
19th Annual Vermont Fresh Network Forum 5–8pm August 3–9
Open Farm Week All day August 4
Farm to Ballet Performance Gates open at 5pm; show at 6:15pm August 9
Shore Explore 9am–4pm August 9
Wild Mushroom Foraged Dinner 4pm
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HAPPENINGS
Other Noteworthy Events Through September 13
Exhibit: Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, www. echovermont.org June 16–20
Burlington Wine & Food Festival Waterfront Park, www.burlingtonwineandfood festival.com June 21
Father’s Day Train Ride Main Street Landing, 12pm July 3
The Big ShaBANG: Food, Fireworks, and Fun Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org July 3
Burlington Fireworks Train Main Street Landing, 5:15, 6:45 & 8:15pm
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June 27–28
Abenaki Heritage Weekend
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org
July 4
Independence Day Commemoration Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org July 5
Fourth of July Weekend Train Ride Main Street Landing, 3pm July 11–12
Racing Weekend Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org July 17–18
Vermont Brewers Festival Waterfront Park, www.vtbrewfest.com July 17–18
Fizzy Fest! While the Burlington Waterfront is abuzz with the Vermont Brewers Festival, be sure to visit ECHO for sweet deals and a different type of brew, suitable for all ages! ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, www.echovermont.org, 10am
July 10–12
Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, www.gostowe.com/balloon
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HAPPENINGS
July 30–Aug 2
Festival of Fools Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park, www.churchstmarketplace.com August 2
The 10th Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival Waterfront Park, 8am–5pm
August 15
Rabble in Arms Reenactment Weekend Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, www.lcmm.org August 15
Farm to Ballet Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte, farmtoballet.org, 6pm August 23
Farm to Ballet Von Gal Farm, farmtoballet.org, doors open at 5pm; performance at 6pm August 27–September 24, Thursdays
Stowe Mountain Resort Concert Series Church Street Marketplace, in front of City Hall, with Joshua Panda (Aug 27), Rick and the Ramblers (Sep 3), Kat Wright (Sep 10), Busk and Rye (Sep 17), and Radio Underground (Sep 24). www.churchstmarketplace.com August 28–September 6
Champlain Valley Fair Featuring Jake Owen, Little Big Town, Meghan Trainor, and more! Visit the website for a list of events and schedule. Essex Junction, www.champlainvalleyfair.org
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BEST OF
BURLINGTON
A&N Stoneworks, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Acme Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Adirondack Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Alex & Ani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ann Roche Casual Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Arbortrek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Argento Laraine Fine Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . 48 Aristelle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bare Esthetics Medical Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Ben & Jerry’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Bevo Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Birdseye Design and Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Bouchard-Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 & 87 Bouteliers Fine Art Materials and Custom Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Boyden Valley Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Broadleaf Landscape Architecture . . . . . . . 74 Burlington Marble & Granite. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 CSWD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Catamount Restaurant Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover City Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Clear Choice MD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Conant Metal & Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Cushman Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Cynthia Knauf Landscape Design. . . . . . . . 86 Davis & Hodgdon Associates. . . . . . . . . . . 77 Dear Lucy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 DiStefano Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 ECCO Clothes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 & 48 El Cortijo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Farmhouse Tap & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Fjall Raven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Frog Hollow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Grand Isle Art Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Green Pasture Meats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Guild Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Hickock & Boardman Insurance Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Hickock & Boardman Realty. . . . . Back cover Inside Out Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Inspire Kitchen & Bath Design . . . . . . . . . . 57 Interior Design by Keeping Good Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 J Morgans Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Jacob Albee Goldsmith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Jay Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Jess Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Kiss the Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Koenig Cedar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Lake Champlain Chocolates. . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Landshapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
a d vertisers in d e x Liebling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Little Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 MD Cosmetics Medical Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mason Brothers/Architectural Salvage Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Massage Envy Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Mirror Mirror. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Morse Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Nonnie’s Deli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 & 80 Orange Leaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Otter Creek Awnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Outdoor Gear Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Pascolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Peregrine Design/Build. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Perrywinkle’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Petra Cliffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Piecasso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Red Hen Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Red House Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Richard Henry Behr Architect. . . . . . . . . . . 57 Rodd Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Roth Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Saint Michael’s Playhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Shelburne Meat Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Shelburne Vineyard and Tasting Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Spellbound Vermont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 & 58 SportStyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Stella Mae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 & 46 Stowe Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Stoweflake Balloon Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Stowe Mountain Resort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sugarbush Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Sweeney Design Build. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sweet Grass Gallery & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Automaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Mortgage Guy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 The Optical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Spot Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 & 80 Timberlane Dental Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Tom Moore Builders . . . . . . Inside front cover UVM Health Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 University Mall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Vermont Bed Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Vermont Frame Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Vermont Furniture Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vermont Paint Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Vintage Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Wake Robin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Windjammer Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Windows & Doors by Brownell. . . . . . . . . . 44 WND&WVS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 295-5295 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net.
Summer 2015 / Best of Burlington 91
BURLINGTON BUZZ BY MIKE MORIN
A Visit with
Scott Giles President/CEO of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation talks about funding higher education How does VSAC guide families in funding college education? Deciding which college to attend is one of the most important financial decisions high school students and their families will make in their lifetimes. Each year, we host three college-planning sessions for more than 1,000 high school sophomores and juniors and their parents. This year we asked the students to tell us why they came. One of my favorite answers was “to squash the fear.” We try to achieve this two ways—by providing information and counseling to help families navigate the process and by providing the financial aid they need to pay for the program they have selected. Are there any new laws that parents and students should be aware of before acquiring financial aid? Vermont now provides every high school junior and senior with two ways they can get college credit while they are still in high school—early college and dual enrollment. For families of high school seniors who are in the process of making decisions about college for next year, it’s important to look closely at your financial aid award letters. Make sure you know the difference between “gift aid” that does not need to be repaid and “loan aid” that does. Many families focus on the size of a scholarship without taking into account the actual remaining cost.
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The current administration is proposing making community college tuition free with America’s College Promise. Is this a good idea? President Obama’s vision for an educated workforce is one we share. VSAC’s goal is to make sure every Vermonter can pursue studies after high school. Today’s economy demands a skilled workforce. Education and training after high school are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. Vermont’s reputation for high-quality education is at risk unless we support policies that make education and training after high school a reality for all Vermonters. What do you see for college financing in the next decade? For 50 years, VSAC has worked with Vermont students and their families to provide the tools and means to pursue their education and career goals. To provide postsecondary education and workforce training access for all, Vermont must ensure that no one is shut out due to lack of information or inability to pay. Student grants and scholarships—whether state, federal, or private—are essential elements in motivating Vermonters to pursue education beyond high school, in making college more affordable by reducing debt burdens, and in guaranteeing that Vermont has the skilled workforce it needs. Knowledge, resources, and support will empower students and families to make the best choices in pursuing, and financing, their postsecondary aspirations. w
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