The Real Estate Issue 2012
Memorial Auditorium’s Uncertain Future; Primed for Downtown Development; Vermont Restaurants for Sale;
RIP Sid Couchey, Cartoonist of ‘Richie Rich’ and Champy
I’m sad to pass along the news that Sid Couchey died yesterday at the age of 92. I had occasion to meet and interview this delightful, funny and humble gentleman for an article in 2010. He was not a household-name cartoonist, but fans around the world knew his work, primarily from the 1950s comic book…
Vermont Senate Scheduled to Vote on Bill Banning “Torture Pens” for Pigs
Most days it’s easy to forget that a civilized society still allows cruel animal-husbandry practices to occur in the name of cheap, abundant food — that is, until you spend a few minutes with an animal welfare advocate. Thankfully, one such abysmal practice could soon be ended for good, at least in Vermont. This week,…
Republican Emerges to Challenge Bernie Sanders — And He’s Got a Colorful Past
An opponent emerges in Sanders’ Senate race. John MacGovern is a former Massachusetts House member who grew up on a commune.
Movies You Missed 29: Columbus Circle
This week in movies you missed: Having one of the swankiest addresses on the planet will not protect you from … evil! What You Missed When an old lady falls to her death in her luxurious penthouse on NYC’s Columbus Circle, cop Giovanni Ribisi investigates. His suspicions are aroused by the victim’s next-door neighbor, an…
Menu Posted: Michael’s on the Hill
This year’s early bird award goes to Michael’s on the Hill of Waterbury. And chef Michael Kloeti didn’t get us his menu first because he was slacking off. Like last year’s stellar maple and ramp menu, he’s put together four courses all centered on a Vermont theme. This year’s menu focuses on beer and cheddar,…
Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, The
7 Woodward Drive, Mendon 802-775-2290map & directions | website Chef Dennis Vieira worked in Paris and Tuscany before arriving at this romantic country inn. The dining room serves dishes such as steak with roasted-garlic-oxtail ravioli and five-spice-rubbed duck breast. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Grilling the Chef: Dennis Vieira, The…
Sorrell Holds D.C. Fundraiser, Illuzzi Inches Closer to AG Challenge
As the vultures circle overhead, Vermont’s potentially vulnerable attorney general, Democrat Bill Sorrell, says he’s gearing up for a fight. Reached Thursday afternoon on his way back from a Washington, D.C., conference of the National Association of Attorneys General, Sorrell said he held a fundraiser Sunday night that netted him “thousands” of dollars for his…
‘Right to Die’ Bill to Get a Hearing in Montpelier Next Week
Since it was introduced last year, a bill that would give terminally-ill Vermonters the right to voluntarily end their own lives has gone nowhere. “An Act Relating to Patient Choice and Control at End of Life” — bill number S. 103 — was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and, despite vigorous lobbying from supporters,…
Eden and Lowell Residents Say No to Superfund Listing
On Town Meeting Day, residents of Lowell and Eden resoundingly rejected a proposal to back a Superfund designation for the Vermont Asbestos Group mine that straddles the border of the two towns at Belvidere Mountain. When I spoke with Lowell selectman Alden Warner a few weeks ago about this proposition, he told me that if…
At Vermont Stations That Carry Rush, Owners Shrug Off “Slut” Comment
Paul Goldman says he’s “appalled” that Rush Limbaugh called Georgetown Law School student Sandra Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute” last week after she told lawmakers in Washington that insurance should cover birth control. But Goldman has no plans to take Rush off the air at the radio station he owns, WVMT 620 AM in Colchester.…
Prophet and Loss
Environmentalist James Howard Kunstler has a new worry: “techno-narcissism”
Rooms to Grow
A refurbished block — and new hotel — will soon take shape in downtown Burlington
News Quirks
Curses, Foiled Again A man wanted on rape charges was arrested after stopping to flirt with a uniformed female police officer on patrol in San Francisco. The 26-year-old man was “obviously enamored,” police Capt. Paul Chignell said, and approached the parked police cruiser to strike up a conversation. When he asked the officer if she…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “Controlled hysteria is what is required,” said playwright Arthur Miller in speaking about his creative process. “To exist constantly in a state of controlled hysteria. It’s agony. But everyone has agony. The difference is that I try to take my agony home and teach it to sing.” I hope this little…
The Great Tastes Keep on Coming!
With 51 days remaining before Vermont Restaurant Week begins, 81 restaurants are already on signed on to offer prix-fixe menus from April 27 to May 4! Thirty of those businesses are new to Restaurant Week. Those include restaurants from never-before-featured towns Bethel and Newport; Vermont’s first Persian restaurant; a James Beard Foundation award nominee and…
Rí Rá Irish Pub
123 Church St., Burlington, 802-860-9401map & directions | website Looking for a taste of the Emerald Isle? This authentic pub serves up a full menu and live music every weekend, including Irish tunes on Sunday. High-def TVs for sporting events, half-price burgers on Wednesdays and Pub Quiz every Tuesday night. More information Reader reviews on…
Le Belvédère
100 Main St., Newport 802-487-91476map & directions | website This upscale eatery has stunning views of Lake Memphremagog and impressive dishes to match. NECI-trained chef Jason Marcoux puts a creative spin on tapas as well as plates of fish and local meats. Once a week, he rolls up the only sushi to be had in these…
Lago Trattoria & Catering
95 Main St., Newport 802-334-8222map & directions | website Ready for chef-owned fine Mediterranean dining on the shores of Lake Memphremagog? Options include grilled flatbread pizzas, frutti di mare and a 16-ounce rib eye stuffed with Gorgonzola. The wine list sports bottles ranging in price from $10 to $200. Closed Sunday. More information Reader reviews on…
Hourglass at Stowe Mountain Lodge
7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe 802-252-3560map & directions | website This upscale bar in the Stowe Mountain Resort serves microbrews, creative cocktails and wines alongside burgers, wraps, salads and steak frites. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $35 Dinner Menu (Homestyle American, Pub Food) Appetizer Heirloom-Tomato SoupWith local cheddar croutons Salad of Gathered GreensWith Vermont-maple-balsamic vinaigrette…
Harrington House Inn and Restaurant
88 North Road, Bethel 802-392-8034map & directions | website The chefs at this restored inn serve traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. The tavern features an extensive wine list and eight beers on tap. Closed Tuesday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $35 Dinner Menu (Contemporary American/Homestyle American) Appetizer Options New England Clam Chowder Warm…
Farah’s Place
147 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-540-3093map & directions | website The exotic soups and juicy kebabs are hits at this homestyle Persian eatery. Save room for rose-scented baklava. Buffet with live band each Thursday. Closed Monday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Blog: Alice Levitt’s Best New Restaurant Dishes of 2011 [01.02.12] Feature: Best…
East Side Restaurant, The
47 Landing St., Newport, 802-334-2340 map & directions | website This place is famous for seafood bisque, as well as prime rib and fresh fish. Bar, booth and dining-room seating available. Breakfast on weekends only. Buffet on Sunday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $10 Lunch Special (Homestyle American) All nonalcoholic beverages are included…
Clean Slate Café
107 State St., Montpelier 802-225-6166map & directions | website Legislators and families alike meet in this historic building for comfort food with a twist. Sunday brunch. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights
Charlie’s Rotisserie & Grill
1160 Williston Rd., South Burlington 802-862-1211map & directions | website Looking for quick homemade food? This casual eatery specializes in rotisserie chicken, homemade tenders, baby-back ribs, wings, sandwiches and made-to-order salads. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Alice Eats: Charlie’s Rotisserie and Grill [08.10.10] Food News: Change at Chicken Charlie’s [12.10.08] $10 Lunch Special Choice…
Black Door, The
44 Main St., Montpelier 802-225-6479map & directions Chef Ignacio Ruiz hails from Madrid, so expect a few native specialties, from a wide selection of tapas to seafood stew. American fare includes the ever-popular burger. Dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $25 Menu (Contemporary American, Spanish) Appetizer Options…
Duino! (Duende)
10 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-660-9346map & directions | website A theatrical theme pervades this international-street-food spot – open ’til 1 a.m. on weekends. Expect dishes from majadra to chalupas; chicken and waffles to tostones. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Blog: Alice Levitt’s Best New Restaurant Dishes of 2011 [01.02.12] Bite Club TV:…
A Southern Writer Lands in Vermont — and Best American Short Stories
Before she moved to Shaftsbury in 2008, North Carolina-born Megan Mayhew Bergman thought of herself as a Southern writer. Now her life is about as quintessentially Vermont as it gets. She lives in an 1834 farmhouse — her veterinarian husband’s childhood home — and tends the farm’s chickens, goats and horse. Inside, four dogs and…
Sweet Sponsorship
A new Mad River Valley business offers up maple trees and products for “adoption”
![Cash Mobbing Waterbury [259]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sevendaysvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/episode259.webp?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Cash Mobbing Waterbury [259]
3/4/12: Sunday afternoon, a cash mob descended on Bridgeside Books in Waterbury. This new national trend has made its way to Vermont just in time for National Cash Mob Day on March 24th. Like a flash mob, cash mobs happen quickly and involve an element of surprise but in this case, the goal is to…
Letters to the Editor
Macedonia Claims Mother Teresa [Re “A Former Mayor’s New Direction,” February 29]: Very interesting article [by Kevin J. Kelley], but “Today, Ferries points out that Albania is best known internationally as the birthplace of Mother Teresa” — not correct! Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia! Vlado Zura Ohrid, Macedonia Kevin J.…
Weinberger Wins Burlington. Wright Loses Third Bid For Mayor. Progressives Gain City Council Seat
This story was reported by Paul Heintz, Kevin J. Kelley and Andy Bromage. Graphics by Tyler Machado. Riding his outsider image to a decisive victory, Miro Weinberger took Burlington City Hall by a wide margin Tuesday night, becoming the first Democrat to hold the mayor’s office in 31 years. Now it’s time for Burlington to learn how…
Live Coverage: Town Meeting Day and Burlington Election Results
It’s a Seven Days tradition: a live chat on election night. And it continues tonight! We’ve assembled a panel of distinguished guests to join us tonight. Here’s the full list. Andrew Stein, Addison County Independent Michelle Monroe, St. Albans Messenger Haik Bedrosian, BurlingtonPol.com Geoffrey Norman, Vermont Tiger Greg Guma, VTDigger.org Neal Goswami, Bennington Banner Andy Bromage, Seven…
Kismet
52 State St., Montpelier 802-223-8646map & directions | website Find cuisine with a conscience at Kismet, where carefully sourced local and sustainable food is on the menu. Anything can be made vegetarian and plenty of gluten-free meals and treats are available, including desserts. Closed Monday and Tuesday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Food News:…
New Moon
150 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-383-1505map & directions | website A warm interior and awesome chandelier lend this breakfast-and-lunch spot a funky elegance. Munch on house-made sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Or build your own, drawing from more than 60 ingredients. Full espresso bar, too. Closed Saturdays. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $10 Lunch…
Pistou
61 Main St., Burlington, 802-540-1783map & directions | website The presentation and flavors are creative and surprising at this ultra-modern market and café. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, and dinner is Wednesday through Sunday. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights Blurt: James Beard Foundation Recognizes Pistou & Hen of the Wood [02.21.12] Taste…
Mr. Pickwick’s Gastropub at Ye Olde England Inne
433 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-7558map & directions | website Stonework and large beams make the inside of this English country inn look like a castle. But the cuisine is European “gastropub.” The extensive selection of potables includes a large wine list, 150 ales and 100 single malts. Brunch on Sunday. More information Reader reviews on…
El Gato Cantina
169 Church St., Burlington, 802-540-3095map & directions | website Tex-Mex mainstays, such as tacos and quesadillas, share the menu here with traditional dishes such as pozole, tamales, barbacoa and elote (Mexican grilled corn). Thirsty? Try a guava margarita or one of 80 tequilas, some with unusual infusions. More information Reader reviews on 7 Nights $25…
