Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Burlington's American Flatbread is on the rise. Last summer at this time, the new eatery was just opening its doors across from City Hall Park. This year, it came out on top in two crucial categories: It's the best place to have dinner in Chittenden County if you're paying, suggesting affordability and a dining demographic broad enough to include babes and babies.

In a larger upset, though, the restaurant beat out long-loved Leonardo's for best pizza. Lucky for Leo, Flatbread doesn't deliver, but it's part of a successful franchise -- out of Waitsfield -- that manufactures the best frozen pizza on the planet. So, if you can't get in to the restaurant on a weekend night, you can always swing by City Market and pick up a cold one.

Outside of Chittenden County, the cheap eater's dining destination of choice is still the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes. Somehow -- in the dead of winter? -- Chef Michel Mahe also found time this year to design the menu for a new restaurant-nightclub in Montpelier: After seven months in operation, the popular Black Door Bar & Bistro is already on our runner-up radar.

Sarducci's won hands-down, though, for best place to have dinner outside Chittenden County if someone else is picking up the tab. A surprising outcome, perhaps, since dining there doesn't exactly break the bank. Conoscenti, Chef's Table, Christophe's -- now those are expense-account eateries. Is selecting Sarducci's an indication of economic decline or a measure of Montpelier's meal-time modesty? Maybe Vermont diners just can't get enough of those wood-fired wonders.

A Single Pebble turns out Asian delicacies from the other side of the world and still ranks number one in Chittenden County for "best place to have dinner if they're paying." They could wok around the clock and still have to turn people away. Last summer, Vermont magazine put chef-owner Steve Bogart on its cover and proclaimed the Pebble "the best restaurant in the great, green state of Vermont."

The competition is stiffer in the a.m. arena -- but with the closing of Waterbury's Mist Grill, the best-breakfast battle is down a serious contender. Last year Penny Cluse cleaned up in Chittenden County. This year Sneakers -- home of the morning "Jump Start" -- chased down the prize for "best Sunday brunch." For breakfast, Penny Cluse is still the chorizo-and-cheese champ.

If you want catfish and grits first thing, go and get it at River Run. The best beyond-Burlington breakfast is plainly in Plainfield. For brunch, central Vermonters are sticking with the NECI-run Main Street Bar & Grill.

The lunch crowd is loyal, too: Readers continue to favor flavors at Eat Good Food in Vergennes, Cobblestone Deli in Burlington, and, for veggie fare, Stone Soup. No time to sit at a table? The pickiest palates grab gourmet-to-go from Fresh Market or shop for natural goodies by the cartful at City Market. Burlington's best bakery -- Mirabelles -- makes sweet and savory croissants.

On-the-go eaters have discovered Hong's Chinese Dumplings on Church Street. The proprietor rolls and fries 'em while you wait. Along with the pork-and-chicken and crab-and-cream cheese, she's got meatless varieties.

Technically speaking, Nectar's famous fries -- sans gravy -- are also veggie. This retro restaurant is flexible and fast. More importantly, it serves until 2 a.m., and the walk-up window stays open for 30 minutes after that. For after-hours eating, it's definitely, well, the best.

Apres ski? This year, The Shed overtook The Matterhorn in a classic Daysie flip-flop.

In Burlington, Red Square is the watering hole of choice --

Ri Ra The Irish Pub came in a close second. No doubt both bars sell plenty of Magic Hat, voted "best Vermont beer." For wine, though, readers prefer the classy atmosphere of Wine Works.

Last year, the grape escape was also runner-up for "best first-date spot." So when the Waiting Room went away, we expected Wine Works would take its place. Or even Muddy Waters, the area's best coffeehouse, where a living-room ambiance lends itself to intimate exchange.

In fact, the number-one hot spot in northwestern Vermont is the Burlington Waterfront. The lake is a lure for wannabe lovers. That should be good news for Roque's, Taste or Breakwater -- except most people didn't mention a food source. So, we're assuming, al fresco? Depending on the season, that could be a real ice breaker.