Crumbs 

It could be wurst … Das Bierhaus, located on lower Church Street, finally has some regular hours.

The second floor, which is decorated like a ski chalet but with flatscreen TVs, is open Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. The downstairs dining room will be serving dinner by reservation only on Friday and Saturday.

What’s happening the rest of the time? More soft openings for Facebook fans.

“It’s a large operation, and that’s why I’m holding off on the grand opening,” says owner Nick Karabelas. “We’ve bitten off as much as we can chew at this point.”

- Suzanne Podhaizer

Sampling the new bar menu at The Belted Cow Bistro in Essex feels kind of like belonging to an exclusive supper club. The petite list of casual offerings premiered last Tuesday and is available only to customers seated at the resto’s eight-person bar.

Chef John Delpha says he’s decided to limit the menu’s availability to minimize difficulty for his kitchen crew of two and make the experience special for diners. What’s he serving? Smoked pork-belly sliders with kimchee cole slaw, for one thing. Delpha’s take on poutine involves hand-cut fries showered in peppercorn gravy and hearty helpings of McKenzie bacon and Cabot cheddar.

McKenzie meat makes another appearance in a $3 hot dog. Modeled after the famous New York System wieners prepared in Providence, R.I., it comes slathered in Michigan-style meat sauce, mustard, chopped onions and celery salt.

The dog isn’t the only economical option. Unless diners add extra toppings to their local burger (on challah with caramelized onions and cheese), nothing will run them more than $10 — not even the sizable pizza topped with tomatoes and Maplebrook Farm mozzarella.

Now there’s a reason not to try to snag a table.

- Alice Levitt

Commuters passing through the Winooski rotary on Monday may have noticed the windows of Tiny Thai covered in newsprint.

Never fear: The popular restaurant hasn’t called it quits. According to a sign posted on the door, “Tiny Thai will close for remodeling on Monday, January 25, for 7 to 10 days.” Another sign asks customers to visit the location in Essex or call that store for more information.

Unfortunately, when Seven Days called, the staff members in Essex were unsure what changes were happening at the restaurant’s other home.

- Alice Levitt