As I write this, I’m supping on a blueberry-kale smoothie — because, about a week from now, Vermont Restaurant Week will swing into gear and I’ll need some space, as it were. This year, the gargantuan event, which we begin planning in January, is longer than ever — 10 days. That’s a lot of calories, especially considering there are 104 restaurants taking part, from Burlington to the Upper Valley — even a restaurant in Lyme, N.H. is joining in!
You may have noticed that Seven Days is extra bulky this week; nestled inside is the VRW menu guide, packed with delectable-sounding dishes such as broiled oysters with garlic-bread crumbs (at Rí Rá’s Whiskey Room) and a grilled Ayer Farm lamb burger (at Antidote in Vergennes). Personally, I needed to tackle the guide in increments, as there’s so much to pore over and so many decisions to be made.
Even for those not hell-bent on total indulgence, though, it’s possible to stay (relatively) healthy over the course of this event. Fields Restaurant in Jericho is dishing up a chopped kale salad with pickled shallots and feta; Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen in Barre is stuffing quinoa ravioli with spring vegetables and serving them in a pool of tomato-soy broth.
In other words, there’s something for every palate — vegan, carnivore or in between. Just be sure to make your reservations before everyone else does.
The photo above is courtesy of Red Clover Inn in Mendon.
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