New Vermont Cooking

Celebrating Spring in Hardwick

2012-05-22T12:07:00.006-04:00

Local Food: Spring Festival on Saturday, May 26, marks our four year anniversary, and we'll be open from 10 am to noon to say "hi," "thank you," or for a snack. We'll be offering something new for sale this year- Steven's sweet maple kettle korn or breakfast fries, and Bloody Marys or Mimosas from the bar. Each purchase will enter you into a drawing to win dinner for two that night with a view of the fireworks from our windows on Main Street.

It is hard to believe we've been open four years! As we celebrate our anniversary, we thank all of our supporters for making it happen. Our CSR holders, (coming to an end at the end of May!), lenders and investors, our regulars, those who travel from far and away, and all those in between, we thank you!

The parade begins at 11:00, followed by the festival at Atkins Field until 4:00, with crafts, food vendors, games and rides!

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, May 27th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Big Barn Red or Seyval Blanc. The Claire's Cosmo with Green Mountain Organic Vodka and Vermont Cranberry Company juice, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: On Thursday, June 14th, join Bethany Dunbar for the world premier of Kingdom's Bounty. The book showcases the best of our region's locally produced and prepared foods - which you can enjoy at Claire's before the event. Beginning at 5:15 join Bethany and several producers for dinner. The event is not ticketed but reservations are required. Call Galaxy at 472-5533 for details and to reserve your spot! The book event begins at Galaxy at 7.

Music Notes: Josh Gould of The Butterbeans joins us for a solo gig this Thursday, May 24 at 7:00. Check out his bluegrass/Americana tunes on the guitar, banjo and mandolin.

Local Events: Celebrate the 20th year of Vermont Open Studio Weekend May 26 and 27. Over 250 artists and craftspeople will open their studios to the public this weekend, giving you the opportunity to learn how art and craft is made at the studios of glass blowers, jewelers, potters, sculptors, weavers, furniture makers and more. Our neighbors and glassblowers Harry and Wendy Besett of Vermont Glass Workshop were recently honored for their participation for all 20 years. Also in Hardwick is Ruby Leslie's Ruby Charuby Weaving Studio. Bring us a receipt of purchase from a participating studio and we'll buy you dessert with the purchase of dinner for two.

Reminders: We will be open Wednesdays starting July 4th for the summer!

We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday until July 4th.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Sorrel

2012-05-14T18:30:00.004-04:00

Local Food: It was once used to "refresh overspent spirits" and "to quench thirst," according to English physician Culpeper in the 1800s, and sorrel was also valued for its Vitamin C to prevent scurvy. Today we can enjoy sorrel straight from Steven's own garden, where he harvests the spring herb in its prime, before it turns bitter. The tart and lemony flavor adds a kick to our crab cake with Steven's sorrel vinaigrette. Sorrel adds unique flavor to his house made pasta, with clothbound cheddar and ramp pistou cream. As the weather heats up, look for it in those wonderful spring soups for which Steven is justly famous, and as a light dressing with the mesclun salad. Sorrel also has a place at the bar, tarting up Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin and Vodka.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, May 21st we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art American Red, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Riverbend Red or Seyval Blanc. The Aviation, made with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill, Maraschino Liqueur and lemon juice, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Today at 7, Galaxy welcomes former Vermont governor Madeleine Kunin to discuss The New Feminist Agenda. On the front page of the New York Times Sunday Book Review, Judith Warner writes, "Kunin...is almost unimpeachably right, as she diagnoses what we in America need, why we've never gotten it, and how we may have some hope of achieving change in the future."

Music Notes: Spider Roulette join us this Thursday, May 17 at 7:00. They'll play something for everyone, from blues to folk, jazz to country, and maybe even an Irish waltz!

Local Events: Riverside Farm's annual plant sale begins this weekend from 10-4. Stop by the farm on Route 16 this Saturday and Sunday. If you can't make it this weekend, stop by on Saturdays and Sundays though June 10th. Call 472-6169 for more information.

Vermont Vaudeville presents Perfect Harmony, two nights of comedy, music and spectacle at the Hardwick Town House. Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at 8:00, Vermont Vaudeville will show their community centered, live entertainment, great for all ages that features local talents and world touring professionals. Tickets are available at The Galaxy Bookshop.

Reminders: We will be open Wednesdays starting July 4th for the summer!

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Fiddle-ee-dee

2012-05-07T14:30:00.004-04:00

Local Food: This time of year, Steven's labors extend beyond the kitchen, as he spends his mornings foraging for one of Vermont's hidden gems, fiddleheads. Like their equally wild cousin the ramp, fiddleheads, or furled baby ferns, are spring's wild harbingers, and a fleeting delicacy. With a taste similar to asparagus, fiddleheads are crispy and nutty, perfect battered with beer and lightly fried along with ramps and shallots. Grilled Brown Trout from Mountain Foot Farm pairs perfectly with sautéed fiddleheads. They also add a hint of green to a plate of roasted roots and polenta with Landaff cheese. While fiddlehead season may be fleeting, Steven is busy preserving and pickling them for us to enjoy year round, and even at the bar. Our Ramptini will be available soon!

Mother's Day is this Sunday- we're open for Blunch from 11-2 and dinner from 5-8. Each Blunch reservation will be entered to win a $25 gift card for mom!

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, May 13th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Riverbend Red or Seyval Blanc. The Apple Cider Car, made with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, Flagg Hill Farm Apple Brandy and apple cider, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Galaxy welcomes former Vermont governor Madeleine Kunin on May 15th at 7PM to discuss her new book, The New Feminist Agenda: Defining The Next Revolution for Women, Work and Family. The book is available now at The Galaxy Bookshop for Mother's Day giving. Also just arrived an eagerly awaited new book by Sandor Katz, The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes From Around the World.

Music Notes: Blue Fox joins us this Thursday, May 10th at 7:00. Check out what Pamela Polston of Seven Days calls his "deep-lazy-growly-sexy" vocals and "ultra-strength" guitar playing.

Local Events: The Hardwick Farmers' Market starts this Friday, May 11th, with extended hours from 3-6:30.

Vermont Vaudeville presents Perfect Harmony, two nights of comedy, music and spectacle at the Hardwick Town House. Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at 8:00, Vermont Vaudeville will show their community centered, live entertainment, great for all ages that features local talents and world touring professionals. Tickets are available at The Galaxy Bookshop.

Reminders: We will be open Wednesdays starting July 4th for the summer!

We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Turn Up the Volume

2012-04-30T17:34:00.001-04:00

Local Food: Those of us who are hesitant about the turnip just haven't tried the Hakurei variety - a small, delicately flavored version of Japanese origins. These sweet salad turnips are smooth and snow white, and mature early, typically just after radishes, but with milder flavor. Their sweet and punchy flavor is best enjoyed raw and fresh, which Steven uses to add tender and crisp texture to a mesclun salad. He also includes Hakurei from Hazendale Farm and Pete's Greens alongside the pork belly sandwich with kimchi featured on our Blunch menu. The rich and hearty pork butt also gets a touch of the turnips, along with sprouts from Peace of Earth Farm. The spicy green tops of the turnips can be cooked to add a hint of mustard flavor to any plate.

Coming soon: Steven will be serving his cool green gazpacho with Hakurei turnips at the Burlington Wine and Food Festival in June.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, May 6th we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Big Barn Red or Seyval Blanc. The Bemis Block, made with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin, Urban Moonshine citrus bitters and St. Germaine, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Celebrate artist Tara Goreau, creator of the mural now installed at Galaxy. Tara will be putting the finishing touches on the mural on the afternoon of May 5th starting around 1. Stop by after you finish Greening Up, and then from 4-5 celebrate Tara and the mural with a little party. Be sure to have Tuesday, May 15th on the calendar when Madeleine Kunin will discuss her book The New Feminist Agenda at Galaxy.

Music Notes: First Crush join us Thursday, May 3 at 7:00. Enjoy the Montpelier based indie pop duo as they spread their love-sickness!

Local Events: Green Up Vermont Day is this Saturday, May 5th from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Meet at the Hardwick Fire Station. Help beautify our community by participating in Vermont's Annual Green Up campaign. Trash bags and gloves will be available for pickers and 30 "treasure bottles" will be hidden along the roadways for a little extra incentive. With a bit of luck everyone should be able to "pick" a prize.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

What's up Doc?

2012-04-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

Local Food: The use of carrots as a sweet substitute in cakes and other treats dates back to the Middle Ages, when sugar and other sources were scarce and expensive. These carrot recipes came back into fashion during World War II, a time of tight food rations and Bugs Bunny. Now a mainstream favorite, everyone has a prized recipe for carrot cake. Steven starts with shredded carrots from our friend Greg Williams in Wolcott and mixes in a tart cranberries from Cranberry Bob at Vermont Cranberry Company in East Fairfield. He cooks the cranberries with this season's maple syrup from Caledonia Farm in Hardwick, and adds walnuts to the cake batter for crunch. After baking, apples from Champlain Orchards sautéed with maple syrup top the moist cake, along with almond praline crunch. Steven twists the traditional cream cheese frosting by whipping cream from Butterworks Farm with mascarpone cheese from Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery and cream cheese from Champlain Valley Creamery to make a rich and creamy topping.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, April 29th we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Rosé or East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Elderberry Fizz, with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin and Elderberry Cordial and ginger beer, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: On Thursday, The Center for an Agricultural Economy and Galaxy welcome Severine von Tscharner Fleming to Hardwick. Severine directed and produced the film The Greenhorns and is co-editor of the book Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers' Movement. Come see the film beginning at 6:30 at The Hardwick Town House. There is a $5 suggested donation to support The Greenhorns, and the film will be followed by a discussion and book signing with Severine. All the details here.

Music Notes: Folk by Association join us this Thursday, April 26 at 7:00. After more than 10 years of performing, Karen Krajacic and Jill Unger have gained a reputation for both their top-notch vocal harmonies and their grassroots approach to working as independent artists. Said to be both nostalgic and modern, soothing and energizing, Folk by Association is both a throwback and a surprise.

Local Events: The Craftsbury Chamber Players will perform a free concert in Greensboro at the Greensboro United Church of Christ on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30. Hailed as the "Best Chamber Music in Vermont" by Yankee Magazine, The Craftsbury Chamber Players are enjoying their 47th season of making music in Northern Vermont. Donations will benefit the Greensboro United Church of Christ and the Craftsbury Chamber Players. For more information, contact Jim West at 802-586-9814 or jimwest@craftsburychamberplayers.org.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

A Dash of Funky Feet

2012-04-16T18:46:00.005-04:00

Local Food: With early spinach and mesclun already greening up the kitchen at Claire's, ramps or wild leeks are the next spring "green." One of his favorite Vermont flavors, Steven carefully forages each morning in woodlands and along streams for the groups of young ramps, making sure to leave enough plants to return next year. Food writer Jane Snow famously described ramps as having flavor similar to "fried green onions with a dash of funky feet." The distinctive subtle sweetness that accentuates the onion and earthy garlic flavor of the ramp makes it a tasty ingredient, and one we look forward to now that the supply of stored garlic and onions runs low. Steven flavors a number of dishes with the hearty green - including handrolling chopped ramps right into the fettuccine, adding a distinct note. Smokey, grilled ramps give a punch to the ribeye or sirloin steak, and will be sautéed with the mustard greens and spinach to accompany the crab cake. Our ever popular Ramptini will be back soon as well, with pickled ramp juice in place of the traditional olive juice.

At the Bar: Our Sunday drink specials this week will mark Earth Day! As part of the national "Earth Dinner" campaign to promote local food, we're celebrating with the sustainable food advocacy group Chefs Collaborative, and offering our Earth Day Rum Shrub with Dunc's Mill Elderflower Rum, Green Mountain Organic Maple Liqueur, Cynar and Blueberry Shrub for $5. We'll donate a portion of the sales to Chefs Collaborative. Sunday will also feature wine and draft beer specials on some local favorites. And don't forget our bar specials on Monday as well.

Around the Galaxy: Get ready for the Greenhorns! The Center for an Agricultural Economy and Galaxy welcome Severine von Tscharner Fleming to Hardwick on Thursday, April 26th. Severine directed and produced the film The Greenhorns and is co-editor of the book Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers' Movement. Come see the film beginning at 6:30 at The Hardwick Town House. There is a $5 suggested donation to support The Greenhorns, and the film will be followed by a discussion and book signing with Severine. All the details here.

Music Notes: Big Hat, No Cattle, Vermont's newest old time western swing trio join us this Thursday, April 19 at 7:00. Support local music and don't miss their honky tonk tunes!

Local Events: Author and 2011 American Book Award winner Camille T. Dungy will read from her work at Sterling College on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30. Professor in the Creative Writing Department at San Francisco State University, Dungy's honors include an NEA fellowship, two NAACP Image Award nominations and two Northern California Book Awards. For more information, call 586-7711, ext. 110.

You can help fund a USDA inspected on-farm butcher shop at Sugar Mountain Farm! The funds will help purchase materials and equipment and make scarce meat processing slots more available to regional farmers. Find out how you can help here.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

The Bread Bowl is Back!

2012-04-09T17:55:00.001-04:00

Local Food: Remember the classic spinach dip served in a bread bowl? After a recent conversation with his mother-in-law, Steven was inspired to reimagine this tradition with our local tofu and greens, making for a smooth vegan appetizer. He whisks Vermont Soy tofu with spinach from Hazendale Farm and spices it up with dried chiles from Pete's Greens. Shallots and garlic from Eastview Farm add a bit of heat and a lot of flavor. The dip is served warm and creamy in a mini bread bowl from Patchwork Farm and Bakery.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, April 15th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Fresh Tracks Rosé or East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Aviation, with Barr Hill Gin, Maraschino Liqueur and a splash of Lemon, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Welcome Peter Behrens back on Tuesday, April 10th at 7PM. As described in the New York Times Book Review, The O'Briens "follows four generations of an Irish family from the wilds of Quebec at the turn of the 20th century through British Columbia, California, New York, Montreal, Europe and finally to Maine in the 1960s." Peter is a great storyteller. Listen to an interview on NPR with Jacki Lyden to get a hint then come to Galaxy on Tuesday to hear for yourself.

Music Notes: Dave Keller returns this Thursday, April 12 at 7:00. If you have not yet had the chance to see him, don't miss this opportunity to check out his deep soul singing and gritty guitar licks.

Local Events: The 2nd Annual Northeast Kingdom Farm and Food Summit is this Saturday, April 14th at Jay Peak Resort from 9- 5:30. Spend the day attending workshops and networking. New this year is an NEK Tasting and Networking Event where attendees can sample and purchase locally produced specialty foods, wines, cheese and more from 4-5:30.

Also on Saturday, April 14th, Hardwick's Second Saturday Contra Dance Series continues. Traditional New England Contra Dance with live music and a lively caller will begin at 6:30, with mingling and a potluck supper at 5:30. Contact Alana at 472-5584 for more information.

You can help fund a USDA inspected on-farm butcher shop at Sugar Mountain Farm! The funds will help purchase materials and equipment and make scarce meat processing slots more available to regional farmers. Find out how you can help here.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Fond a fondue

2012-04-02T15:39:00.005-04:00

Local Food: Fondue gives us the perfect way to celebrate the wonders of Vermont cheese. Steven creates a version of the classic Swiss dish that melts together Mossend Blue cheese from Bonnieview Farm with bright and creamy Moses Sleeper from Jasper Hill Farm. Sharp Grafton cheddar and smooth and mild goat cheese from Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery round out the fondue, along with a splash of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc. Crunchy apple slices from Champlain Orchards, Matzoh from Patchwork Farm and Bakery and croutons from Elmore Mountain Bread are the perfect dipping tools for the warm and creamy fondue. Heather Stearns of Muddy Creek Pottery in Wolcott created these new fondue dishes just for us! We are thrilled to be able to showcase her beautiful work!

We will be open for Easter Blunch from 11-2 and dinner from 5-8. Call now to make your reservation!

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, April 8th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Whitetail Ale, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Ginger Lemon Fizz, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Peter Behrens returns to Galaxy on Tuesday, April 10th in celebration of his second novel, The O'Briens. This family saga spans the first half of the Canadian twentieth century, and moves from logging camps in Quebec to railroad building in British Columbia. Peter Behrens was recently profiled in the New York Times Sunday Magazine, and interviewed by Jacki Lyden on NPR. Click here for links to these and other articles about Peter Behrens. Also, come to the bookstore on Saturday morning, April 7th to meet local musician Corey Ryder. Corey will be signing his CD and singing some songs from 10:30 to noon. Details here.

Music Notes: Get your helping of Green Mountain soul with The Rustbucket Brothers on Thursday, April 5 at 7:00. Support local music and get down with their rootsy Americana rock and country.

Local Events: Do you love local, artisan, Vermont cheese? A research project at the University of Vermont is seeking participants who frequently purchase Vermont artisan cheese and who are at least eighteen years old. Participants will be asked to take part in a focus group lasting 75-90 minutes to discuss their cheese consumption habits and preferences. A brief cheese tasting will take place, and participants will be offered a $30 gift certificate to a local food market. The focus group will take place at the Vermont Food Venture Center on Monday, April 9th at 5:30. For more information, contact Jake Lahne at jlahne@uvm.edu.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Crisp and Green to Fight the Chill

2012-03-26T14:46:00.000-04:00

Local Food: Even with the sudden return of winter, spinach promises to pop up at farms across Vermont in the weeks ahead. Already, our neighbors are back in action at Hazendale, Eastview, Mystic Morning, and Provender farms, bringing us the tender and buttery green we have been craving. Steven spins a spinach salad in new directions, served both at dinner and for Sunday Blunch. The salad is made with crispy bacon, sweet and spicy shallots from Eastview Farm, toasted pecans and creamy Mossend blue cheese from Bonnieview Farm. A warm poached egg from Sunshine Acres tops the salad, along with a red wine vinaigrette. You can also find a touch of green with the crab cake, mussels and as a complement to the Fettuccine with sage brown butter cream.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, April 1st we offer a $2.50 pint of Trapp Lager, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Bemis Block, made with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin, Urban Moonshine Citrus Bitters and St. Germaine, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Meet author Tovar Cerulli at the Galaxy Bookshop on Tuesday at 7. A vegan-turned-hunter explores the connection between humans and their food sources in his new book The Mindful Carnivore. Plus, be sure to be at Galaxy on Tuesday, April 10th to hear Peter Behrens read from The O'Briens. This family saga spans the first half of the Canadian twentieth century, and moves from logging camps in Quebec to railroad building in British Columbia. Peter Behrens was recently profiled in the New York Times Sunday Magazine, and interviewed by Jacki Lyden on NPR. Peter is coming early for the event to enjoy dinner at Claire's. You can join Peter for dinner and conversation about his work! Click here for links to the articles,and details about dinner with Peter Behrens.

Music Notes: Josh Gould of The Butterbeans joins us for a solo gig this Thursday, March 29th at 7:00. Check out his bluegrass/Americana tunes on the guitar, banjo and mandolin.

Local Events: Mark your calendars for our next dance party The Bunny Hop on Friday, March 30 from 10-2. Put a glide in your stride and come dance! Bring your dancing shoes and ID- 18 and over please. $5 suggested music donation. Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night get free non-alcoholic drinks and a $10 gift card!

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.
We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Vermont Made and Shaken (or stirred)

2012-03-19T15:05:00.002-04:00

Local Libations: With Vermont's booming value added sector, local agricultural has grown from the milk and maple Vermont has long been famous for. Now the cheesemakers and microbrewers have company, and the best of Vermont can also be found behind the bar, with a number of artisanal spirits and mixers produced in the state. We are fortunate to carry five Vermont vodkas, two gins, soon to be three rums, and a whiskey. We celebrate these spirits on our cocktail menu, where you can find something to please your palate. Our Elderberry Fizz features Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin, (made right here in Hardwick!) mixed with the sweet and rich honey, apple and elderberry flavors of their Elderberry Cordial, and topped off with a splash of soda water. Our Mapletini 2.0 celebrates sugar season with Dunc's Mill Maple Rum, shaken with Eden Ice Cider's Calville Blend, with a full-bodied sweetness and slight citrusy notes. Look for drinks featuring Sumptuous Syrups coming soon!

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, March 25th we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek Black IPA, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard's Cabernet Franc or Traminette. In celebration of Maple Open House Weekend, our Maple Manhattan, with whiskey, Urban Moonshine Maple Bitters and maple syrup, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: The vernal equinox signals a change in season, and also the beginning of The Galaxy's new hours. Starting on Tuesday, the Galaxy will be open from 10-7 during the week, and from 10-5 on Saturday. The Galaxy Bookshop welcomes Tovar Cerulli on Tuesday, March 27th at 7PM. Cerulli's debut book, The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian's Hunt for Sustenance chronicles his changing relationship with and understanding of food. The Galaxy will also host a Rural Post Letter Writing Soiree on March 22nd.

Music Notes: Karen Krajacic and Jon Rose will join us this Thursday at 7:00. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Karen has been touring with the harmonizing female duo Folk By Association for over ten years. Lead guitarist Jon Rose joins her for a set that draws heavily from folk, rock, country and Americana.

Local Art: Join us Monday, March 26 from 4-6 for the artist reception for Janet Wormser of Cabot. Her work focuses on creating "an immediacy, a presence on canvas that feels like a natural wholeness."

Local Events: The Third Annual Highfields Compost Cabaret and Silent Auction is this Saturday, March 24 from 7-10 at Old Labor Hall in Barre. The evening is sure to be full of steaming hot entertainment with music and poetry sure to warm your heart and soul- all to benefit Highfields Center for Composting's programs to Close the Loop on local food systems. Suggested donation of $10 to help make Vermont's food and agricultural systems stronger, water and air cleaner, and carbon footprint smaller.

This weekend is also the Eleventh Annual Maple Open House Weekend, a celebration of the maple syrup season and an opportunity for the public to visit one or more sugarhouses throughout the state to learn about sugaring and syrup. Check out Sweet Stone Maple Farm in Hardwick, with live music on Saturday from The Butterbeans, and Fradette's Maple Syrup in East Hardwick.

Mark your calendars for our next dance party- The Bunny Hop on Friday, March 30 from 10-2. Put a glide in your stride and come dance! Bring your dancing shoes and ID- 18 and over please. $5 suggested music donation. Designated drivers get free non-alcoholic drinks and a $10 gift card!

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

2012-03-12T17:07:00.002-04:00

Local Food: Spring has sprung in our kitchen! The first trout of the year comes from Mountain Foot Farm in Wheelock, where they have raised trout since the early 1990s. The trout live in tanks in barns to keep the predation to a minimum, and the trout that go to market are two and one half to three years old. The constantly flowing cold spring water keeps the fish from growing quickly, making it higher quality and better tasting. Another first of the season is sweet and tender spinach from Eastview Farm in East Hardwick. Steven grills the Brown Trout whole and places it on spinach with a warm dressing of sautéed shallots (also from Eastveiw Farm) and smokey bacon. A bright and spicy horseradish and beet sauce, using Rabbi's Roots horseradish, is the final touch to a dish of spring firsts.

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Steven brings corned beef and cabbage back to the menu on Friday, starting with a honey, maple syrup, and beer brine for the corned beef.

At the Bar: We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day at the bar as well, with draft and cocktail specials. And remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, March 18th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Big Barn Red or Seyval Blanc. Try our new Mapletini, with Dunc's Mill Maple Rum and Eden Ice Cider.

Around the Galaxy: The Galaxy Bookshop welcomes Tovar Cerulli on Tuesday, March 27th at 7PM. Cerulli's debut book, The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian's Hunt for Sustenance chronicles his changing relationship with and understanding of food. The Galaxy will also host a Rural Post Letter Writing Soiree on March 22nd.

Music Notes: Flat Top Trio join us Thursday, March 15 at 7:00. Enjoy their Bluegrass and Americana sounds and support local music!

Local Art: Join us Monday, March 26 for the artist reception for Janet Wormser of Cabot. Her work focuses on creating "an immediacy, a presence on canvas that feels like a natural wholeness."

Local Events: The Cabot Maple Fest is this Saturday, March 17 from 9-3 at the Cabot School on Route 215 in Cabot Village. Enjoy the All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast from 9-11, music by Cold Country Bluegrass, Goat Ropers Irish Music, Mono Malo swamp blues funk and much more, including sugar on snow! Contact 563-3147 or jeanniejcabot@yahoo.com for more information.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Getting Ready for the Green

2012-03-05T19:30:00.004-05:00

Local Food: Beer braised chicken is a kitchen staple from Ireland across stout-drinking Europe that Steven discovered while cooking in Alsace, France. Now it provides a showcase for Vermont's amazing array of microbreweries and offers a prelude to St. Patrick's Day. Starting with chicken legs and thighs from our neighbors at Sunshine Acres in Hardwick marinated in Wolaver's dark and sweet Oatmeal Stout, Steven adds a rich jus that starts with the beer, and includes sautéed shallots from Eastview Farm, garlic from Sandiwood Farm, Northern Spy apples from Champlain Orchards, and bacon. Next, the chicken is grilled for a hint of smokey caramel flavor, then Steven braises the chicken in the jus. The moist and tender chicken is served with roasted fingerling potatoes and sweet carrots from Blackwell Roots.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, March 11th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Ridge Runner, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Big Barn Red or Seyval Blanc. Try our French 75 with Barr Hill Gin, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: If it weren't so cold on the UPS truck the books would be hot off the press - The Great Northern Express arrived on Monday and Howard Frank Mosher will be at Galaxy on Tuesday for the World Premier at 7PM. All are welcome and the event is free. Arriving on the same truck was the memoir by Chef Grant Achatz. Life, On the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat is just out in paperback.

Music Notes: Sarah Wallis joins us this Thursday, March 8 at 7:00. Come support Vermont women musicians and enjoy who Dan Bolles of Seven Days says "belongs at the forefront of any conversation about rising young local talents."

Local Events: The March Hardwick Contra Dance is this Friday, March 9 at the Hazen Union School Cafeteria. The potluck begins at 5:30 (please bring your own plates and utensils) and the dance begins at 6:30. Children and beginners are welcome- all dances will be taught. Lausanne Allen will call the dance.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

White Hot

2012-02-27T17:00:00.002-05:00

Local Food: Even if the little snow we've received quickly melts away, we're making winter white and hot! Steven's White Root Soup is made with all the best winter root vegetables available, kind of as a challenge to the rich gem colors of summer. The earthy and flavorful blend of kohlrabi, similar in flavor to cabbage but milder and sweeter, along with parsnips, white beets and celery root from Pete's, are mixed with garlic and onions from Sandiwood Farm. Steven adds the slightly sweet Lake View white wine from Shelburne Vineyard, rich cream from Butterworks Farm and milk from Strafford Organic Creamery. A bit of heat comes from our dried peppers. Steven tops the creamy and cozy soup with crispy onions to add a slight crunch to the winter warm up.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, March 4th we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Riverbend Red or Seyval Blanc. Try the Elderberry Fizz, with Barr Hill Gin, Caledonia Spirits Elderberry Cordial, and ginger beer, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Event season kicks off on March 6th at 7PM with Howard Frank Mosher and the World Premier of The Great Northern Express. Plan to meet your friends next door at Claire's for dinner and then spend a rollicking evening with Howard Frank Mosher. Later in March, come to Galaxy for a Rural Post Letter Writing Soirée - details of these and other upcoming events here.

Music Notes: Tritium Well bring us their radioactive roots, rock and reggae on Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 for their inaugural performance. Check out this quintet and support local music!

Local Events: This Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00pm, area townspeople are invited to a public gathering to explore the need to amend the US Constitution so as to provide that 'corporations are not people' and 'money is not speech' in the eyes of the law and our elections process. This matter is scheduled to be brought before the people of the towns of Hardwick, Craftsbury, Greensboro, Woodbury and Walden (and many others in Vermont) at this year's Town Meeting. Please bring your questions, concerns and information to discuss and share! Discussion will be held at Gagnon's Video Store at #28 Mill Street. Contact them at 472-5285 for more information.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

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Head over Heels

2012-02-20T20:46:00.000-05:00

Local Food: Drawing out the best aspects from all cuts of meat, Steven introduces a delicious and unctuous head cheese to the menu. Using whole pig head and ears from Gopher Broke Farm and the trotters from Sugar Mountain Farm, Steven braises the meat in Sparkling Mead from Caledonia Spirits to intensify the tender, tasty bits. The remaining broth, when cooled, transforms into jelly. The jelly and meat is pressed together to form a kind of cold cut, which Steven then batters in breadcrumbs and fries to a crisp. Served with a spicy mustard dipping sauce of brown mustard seed, Hill Farmstead Everett Porter and pickled rhubarb, the rich and flavorful head cheese is a tasty and unique way to start your meal.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, February 26th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Riverbend Red or Seyval Blanc. Try Claire's Cranberry Cocktail, with Whiskey and Vermont Cranberry Company juice, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Event season kicks off on March 6th with Howard Frank Mosher and the World Premier of The Great Northern Express. Plan to meet your friends at Claire's for dinner and a rollicking evening with Howard Frank Mosher.

Music Notes: Hardwick's own The Butterbeans join us Thursday, February 23 at 7:00. Support local music and come down for a foot stompin' good time!

Local Events: New England's Indie/West-African Psychadelic Funk darlings Barika will perform at the Haybarn Theater at Goddard College on Friday, February 25th at 8:00. Check out their mesmerizing blend of highly danceable polyrhythmic grooves mixed with ethereal dub-scape. Percussionist Jane Boxall opens. Tickets are available at The Galaxy Bookshop.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Sweet Shallots for Valentine's

2012-02-13T17:12:00.002-05:00

Local Food: The Lovinskys at Eastview Farm in East Hardwick brought us their bumper crop of Prisma shallots this year, a true labor of love. They start their shallots from seeds sown in early March in soil blocks, then transplant the seedlings into richly prepared soil in May for a fall harvest. Growing like garlic, with multiple cloves and paper skin, their flavor is much more sweet and mild. Shallots became common in European cuisine after they were introduced from the ancient Levantine city of Ascalon. Steven oven roasts the "queen of the sauce onions" (according to The Joy of Cooking) with the slightly sweet East Shore Vineyard Traminette to make a spicy butter sauce to accompany the ribeye from Snug Valley Farm, as well as the mussels. Shallots also add a nice mellow kick to the crab bake with celery root, lemon thyme crumbs and remoulade.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, February 19th we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Traminette or Cabernet Franc. Try our Whiskey Apple Fizz, made with whiskey, Champlain Orchards apple cider and ginger beer, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: The event calendar is filling up - stay tuned at www.galaxybookshop.com. Event season kicks off on March 6th with Howard Frank Mosher and the World Premier of The Great Northern Express. Plan to meet your friends at Claire's for dinner and a rollicking evening with Howard Frank Mosher .

Music Notes: Flat Top Trio joins us this Thursday, February 16 at 7:00. Support local music and enjoy the tunes of this Bluegrass/Americana group!

Local Events: A family friendly Contra Dance and dessert potluck is this Saturday, February 18 at 7:00 at Sterling College in the Dunbar Dining Hall. Ned Houston will be calling. All are welcome!

There are still reservations available for Valentine's Day dinner! Woo your sweatheart or celebrate your friends and family by making dinner reservations now.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Plenty of Polenta

2012-02-06T18:00:00.006-05:00

Local Food: According to Punxsutawney Phil, we have another six weeks until spring, but Steven's rustic polenta will help keep us cozy along the way. Inspired by cornmeal from Butterworks Farm, Steven's recipe slowly cooks it along with milk from Strafford Organic Creamery. To this he adds lightly salted and cultured butter from Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery, red peppers from Pete's, and places this on a base of onions and garlic from Sandiwood Farm. Pete's kohlrabi is roasted and flavored with onions, sunchokes from Arctic Acres and rutabaga from Blackwell Roots to accompany the creamy polenta, along with a layer of tomatoes Steven preserved last summer. The plate is topped with Landaff cheese, which comes to us from the Erbs of Landaff, New Hampshire, by way of aging in the cellars of Jasper Hill, lending a bright buttermilk tang and savory brown butter notes. The polenta is then baked to a hot, golden goodness. Look for it on the menu later this week!

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, February 12 we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's and a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Traminette or Cabernet Franc. Try our Rubacuori, made with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, Caledonia Spirits Sparkling Mead, Vermont Cranberry juice and ginger liqueur, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Thanks to everyone who came by to warm the bookstore on Friday evening and to DJ Lesson One for creating a great atmosphere. New books are arriving daily. For those of you reveling in Winter, get lost in The Snow Child, a novel by Alaska writer Eowyn Ivey. For those of you looking ahead to Spring, Galaxy has The Beginner's Guide to Growing Heirloom Vegetables. The Science of Yoga, just out and much in the news this week, has arrived at Galaxy and is also available as an ebook.

Music Notes: Jay Ekis joins us this Thursday, February 9 at 7:00. Support local music and be sure to catch the songs that Anaïs Mitchell says "get in your blood and make their way to the heart before you notice what's happening."

Local Events: Vermont winemakers are hosting a statewide Wine and Chocolate Weekend on February 11 and 12 in honor of Valentine's Day. Caledonia Spirits and Winery will be open both days from 12-5pm. Joining them are Magic Spoon Bakery of Hardwick, Eden Ice Cider of West Charleston and Jasper Hill Farm of Greensboro. For more information call Caledonia Spirits and Winery at 472-8000.

Valentine's Day approaches, so plan to woo your sweatheart or celebrate your friends and family by making dinner reservations now. Tell us why you love Hardwick on the Claire's Facebook page, and you will be entered to win Valentine's dinner for two! Thank you to the many folks who have already participated- we love hearing what you have to say!

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Gilding the Chicken

2012-01-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

Local Food: Even if schnitzel is the frugal adaptation of a gold plated dish preferred by 7th century Byzantine Emperor Basileios I - where the color of the toasty bread crumbs resembles gilding - it is delicious. Our gold comes as cornmeal from Butterworks Farm. Steven takes chicken breasts from Sunshine Acres in Hardwick, which he pounds until thin but still succulent. After lightly frying the cornmeal coated schnitzel to a golden crunch, he serves it with a jus of Riverside farm onions, Champlain Orchards apples, Flag Hill Farm apple brandy, and mustard. The plate is served with the traditional roasted fingerling potatoes and mustard, as well as sauerkraut with bacon, offset by sweet sprouts and pickled cauliflower salad.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, February 5 we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. Try our Ginger Lemon Spritzer, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, Ginger liquor, ginger beer and lemon juice, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: DJ Lesson One will be warming up at Galaxy before he moves over to Claire's for the Heartthrob Dance Party. Come downtown with your dancing shoes and step into the Galaxy for a bookstore warming party from 6 until midnight. There is still a lot to do in the new space, but the new books have started arriving so stop by and check out the progress. Blood Bones & Butter is finally out in paperback and Galaxy has a good stack, as well as the eBook for sale.

Music Notes: Chickweed make their debut performance this Thursday, February 2 at 7:00. Support our neighbors Fran Forim, Linda Warner and Abby Maier Johnson!

Local Events: Our Heartthrob Dance Party is this Friday, February 3 from 10-2! DJ Lesson One will be playing your favorites so bring your dancing shoes and your ID- 18 and over. Creative attire encouraged. $5 suggested donation at the door for music. Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night can enjoy free non-alcoholic beverages and a $10 gift certificate.

Valentine's Day approaches, so plan to woo your sweatheart or celebrate your friends and family by making dinner reservations now. Tell us why you love Hardwick on the Claire's Facebook page, and you will be entered to win Valentine's dinner for two! Thank you to the many folks who have already participated- we love hearing what you have to say!

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Feelin' Ducky?

2012-01-23T17:33:00.004-05:00

Local Food: Muscovy duck, raised at Applecheek Farm, is among the most tender and flavorful. Steven slowly sautées the breast to attain the much desired crispy skin and to release some of the luscious flavor from the fat. The duck is finished in the oven, roasted to your desired doneness. Crunchy purple cabbage is marinated in red wine from Shelburne Vineyard, honey, maple syrup from Caledonia Farm, raspberries and apple cider vinegar, along with apples and onions - a sweet and sour zing on the plate. Also served with the duck is spaetzle, translated from German as "little sparrow," which is a tiny, rustic pasta, so called because of its handmade shape. Made with eggs from Sunshine Acres, whole grain mustard and whole wheat flour from Butterworks Farm, the spaetzle is the perfect accompaniment to the moist and rich duck breast.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, January 29th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Traminette or Cabernet Franc. Try our Cranberry Hot Buttered Rum, made with spiced rum, ginger liqueur and Steven's cranberry butter blend, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Galaxy Loves You - Share the love at the Galaxy's Bookstore Warming Party on Friday, February 3rd, from 6 until midnight. Come check out the new space, browse the shelves, then dance on over right next door to Claire's for the Heartthrob party. The Galaxy is open for business! Shelves are still being restocked and a grand reopening awaits many other features of the new space - come in now and check back often to see the progress.

Music Notes: Spider Roulette joins us this Thursday, January 26 at 7:00. Check out the trio playing acoustic blues, roots and Americana.

Local Events: Valentine's Day will be here before we know it, so make your dinner reservation now. Tell us why you love Hardwick on the Claire's Facebook page, and you will be entered to win Valentine's dinner for two! Thank you to the many folks who have already participated- we love hearing what you have to say!

With six miles of groomed trails open, now is the perfect time to visit the Hardwick Trails. On Saturday, January 29 from 9:00am to noon, you can borrow cross country skis and snowshoes for free. Just stop by the log cabin behind Hazen Union. If you'd like to borrow equipment on a different day, call 472-6517.

Mark your calendars for our next Heartthrob Dance Party Friday, February 3 from 10-2! DJ Lesson One will be spinning your favorites so bring your dancing shoes and your ID- 18 and over. Creative attire encouraged. $5 suggested donation at the door for music.

Reminders: This year, we will be open throughout January - daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Cozy Comfort

2012-01-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

Local Food: In Medieval days, meat often was served on a thick slice of bread - a kind of edible plate called a "trencher" that soaked up the gravy - and this was the precursor to a popular American comfort food. Steven introduces an open face meatloaf sandwich to the menu to provide you with some cozy comfort on these cold nights. A mix of meats and flavors go into the loaf, including beef from Sweetgrass Farm in Hardwick, pork from Sterling College, duck from Applecheek Farm, bacon from Winding Brook Farm, and turkey from Agape Hill Farm. The meatloaf is served open face on rosemary bread from Bohemian Bakery, topped with house made aioli. Steven makes gravy with Vermont's own Whistlepig Whiskey as well as onions, and tops it with a salad of claytonia and sprouts.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, January 22nd we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. Try our Maple Manhattan, made with whiskey, Urban Moonshine Maple Bitters and Sweet Stone Maple Farm maple syrup, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Thanks to everyone who helped make the move to Main Street on Monday! Check out our Facebook page for photos - you don't need to be a Facebook user to check it out. Galaxy is now open next to Claire's. Watch for new books arriving, hours changing so that you can stop in before dinner, and lots of exciting things coming soon. Right now Galaxy is open 9-5:30 during the week, and 10-5 on Saturdays.

Music Notes: Bluegrass trio Freddy & The Weeds join us this Thursday, January 19 at 7:00. Support local music and check out their non-traditional jams mixed with old favorites.

Local Events: The 2012 Hardwick Wellness Expo is this Saturday, January 21 from 2-5 at the Hardwick Inn. This is your opportunity to meet local wellness practitioners: yoga teachers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, aroma therapists, reiki practitioners, acupuncturists and more. There will be an on-going raffle of goods and services- proceeds benefit Open Space, a non-profit movement collective. Contact Kelly Fairchild at kfairchild@vtlink.net.

Mark your calendars for our next Heartthrob Dance Party Friday, February 3 from 10-2! DJ Lesson One will be spinning your favorites so bring your dancing shoes and your ID- 18 and over. Creative attire encouraged. $5 suggested donation at the door for music.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Shrub - To Drink!

2012-01-09T11:33:00.005-05:00

Local Libations: As far back as colonial days, a "shrub" was a popular beverage made using vinegar for the preservation of fruit. The odd name, though, has no relation to nature - it was more likely derived from the Arabic word sharab, which is translated as "to drink." With both tart and sweet notes, shrubs today can be a versatile staple at any bar. We make our cranberry shrub with berries from Vermont Cranberry Company, and mash them with raw sugar until they turn into a thick syrup. After a few days, we add raw apple cider vinegar, and the magic begins, as the cranberries bring the sweet and pungent flavors together. When mixed with Green Mountain Organic Vodka and topped with soda water, the refreshing cocktail with its mellowing flavors is slightly reminiscent of Kombucha, but with a kick.

Local Art: Welcome David Smith for an exhibit of his work at Claire's, and explore his interest in the representation of light. The opening reception is Monday, January 16, 4-6 pm. Talk with the artist and enjoy our bar specials as well as a bite.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, January 15th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Ridge Runner, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. Try our Cranberry Shrub, made with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, Vermont Cranberry Company juice and cranberries, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: The Galaxy Bookshop is on the move! This week you will find the bookstore in the back rooms of the Granite Trust building on Mill Street. The Center for an Agricultural Economy is moving to Mill Street on Monday and Andrew and his crew at Vermont Natural Coatings will be working on the floors on Main Street to get the space next to Claire's ready for The Galaxy. Stay tuned to the move and browse at http://www.galaxybookshop.com/ - or come by to visit - we are still open for business.

Music Notes: Singer/Songwriter Paul Cataldo joins us this Thursday, January 13th at 7:30. Stop by and enjoy a cocktail and what musemuse.com calls "good ol' backwoods hippy-esque Country/Folk!"

Local Events: Our friends at Citizen Cider in Essex are attempting the world's first Community Supported Cidery! When you join you can enjoy delicious cider throughout the year at a discounted rate. Learn more about them here.

Reminders: This year, we will be open throughout January - daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Something to Prize

2012-01-02T20:15:00.007-05:00

Local Food: Do you remember ripping through the caramel corn to find the trinket hidden inside the box? With maple instead of sugar, Steven makes caramel corn the prize itself. White Lightning Organic Popcorn comes via Pete's Greens (also available in their CSA share) and is a hybrid variety grown by Loraine and Steve Lalonde just across the border in Quebec. White Lightning has a delicate, crispy and slightly nutty flavor that complements the maple syrup sauce that coats it. The sauce is made by heating syrup from Sweet Stone Maple Farm in Hardwick to a high temperature. The popcorn complements a rich chocolate ganache - made with maple liqueur - and our famous house made maple fluff, though for this plate the fluff is toasted and brings to mind smores around the campfire. The final touch is a salted walnut caramel sauce, creating a landscape of treats for your mouth.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, January 8th we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The French 75, made with Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Galaxy is making the move to Main Street this month, in stages. This week you will find Galaxy in the bank building on Mill Street, and while the bookstore is starting to look different in preparation for the move, there are still new books arriving. Beginning on Saturday, Galaxy will be operating from the back of the bank building to make way for the move. Come visit, and remember you can always visit us virtually.

Music Notes: Blue Fox joins us this Thursday, January 5th at 7:00. Check out what Pamela Polston of Seven Days calls his "deep-lazy-growly-sexy" vocals and "ultra-strength" guitar playing.

Local Events: Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Vermont Food Venture Center this Friday, January 6 from 12:00-5:00. The opening is hosted by the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Northern Enterprises, with guided tours, invited guest speakers and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 with Senator Patrick Leahy.

Reminders: This year, we will be open for all of January. We open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have significantly reduced those fees this year.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Wishing You Good Fortune in the New Year

2011-12-26T17:25:00.018-05:00

Local Food: Celebrate the New Year all weekend, with a combination of good fortune and good local food. To mark the arrival of 2012, Steven is starting his menu with foods traditionally considered harbingers of good luck for the new year, like pork, beans, and sauerkraut. But of course he will make unique variations, like the Jacob's Cattle Beans and pork shoulder that comprise a popular plate of good luck also known as pork butt, or a succulent and crispy pork belly melting along with the beans. And nothing says "good fortune" more than Hardwick's The Butterbeans, whose performance crafts a festive atmosphere from 7-9. Make your dinner reservation before noon on Friday, December 30 and you can enjoy two free desserts as a gift from us, and be entered to win the grand prize, dinner for two on Valentine's Day. Our special New Year's cocktail this year is the Caledonia Royale, made with Caledonia Spirits Sparkling Mead and Elderberry Cordial, offered for $8.

We're also open for Blunch and Dinner on New Year's Day. There's no better way to greet the first day of the year (and fortify yourself after the previous nights festivities) than with a good morning or midday meal, which we serve from 11 am until 2 pm. Call ahead to reserve a table!

At the Bar: If you need a bit of the hair, remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, January 1st we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. Claire's Cosmo, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka and Vermont Cranberry Company juice, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: The Galaxy will be open during regular hours this week, and begin the move to Main Street after the New Year. If you were lucky enough to get a gift certificate during the holidays, this is a great week to redeem it. David Budbill's Happy Life, featuring a gorgeous cover by Lois Eby, is an excellent book to keep close by as the New Year approaches. Keep up to date with the move here.

Music Notes: Cosa Buena join us this Thursday, December 29 at 7:30 for acoustic music with a gentle Latin-Jazz feel. Their sound is romantic while at the same time infused with exciting energy to warm the soul.

Local Events: Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Vermont Food Venture Center on Friday, January 6 from 12:00- 5:00. The opening is hosted by the Center for an Agricultural Economy and Northern Enterprises, with guided tours, invited guest speakers and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 with Senator Patrick Leahy.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have significantly reduced those fees this year.

A Toast to Family and Friends

2011-12-23T17:15:00.002-05:00

We will be closed December 24 and 25 so our staff can celebrate the holidays with family and friends. We'll be back on Monday with more holiday season cocktail specials.

Claire's gift certificates will be available for purchase at The Galaxy Bookshop on Saturday, December 24, from 10-5. Cash or check only please.

Next weekend, spend New Year's Eve with us and The Butterbeans, who will perform from 7-9 pm on December 31. Every reservation of two or more made by Friday, December 30, at noon, will enjoy two desserts as a gift from us, and all our New Year's Eve guests can enter to win the Grand Prize Drawing, a Valentine's Day dinner for two.

On New Year's Day, come in for our signature Blunch from 11 am until 2 pm, or for dinner after 5 pm.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-19T19:37:00.010-05:00

Local Food: Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Boxing Day! Heri za Kwanzaa! Happy Solstice! Bonne Année!

However you celebrate the season, take some time to unwind at Claire's. The cold is finally upon us, and what better way to warm us up than a Cranberry Hot Buttered Rum, made with a spiced cranberry butter created by Steven. Or enjoy a Frothy Nogtini with Strafford Organic Creamery Eggnog and Dunc's Mill Maple Rum to get you in the holiday spirit. Kids can enjoy Eggnog or hot spiced cider. Beef Brisket from Snug Valley Farm arrives just in time to inspire the perfect Shabbat supper on the fourth night of Hanukkah. Celebrate the Solstice or take a break from Christmas shopping and gift wrapping on December 22, and enjoy the sounds of Hazen Union students singing some holiday carols. Stop by on Friday as your family arrives for Christmas weekend.

Spend New Year's Eve with us and The Butterbeans, who will be joining us from 7-9 on December 31. Every reservation of two or more made by Friday, December 30, at noon, will enjoy two desserts as a gift from us, and all our New Year's Eve guests can enter to win the Grand Prize Drawing, a Valentine's Day dinner for two.

We will be closed December 24 and 25 so our staff can celebrate the holiday with their families and friends.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. We will be closed this Sunday, December 25, and will reopen on Monday, the 26th with drink specials including $2.50 Switchback pints, $4 wine and $5 cocktail.

Around the Galaxy: It is the season for eating and giving, and Galaxy has books for both. The Butcher's Guide to Well-Raised Meat will prepare you to make the best of All About Roasting: A New Approach to a Classic Art. Or if you want to sit by the stove and plan for next year's batch of jams, pick up The Fruit Gardener's Bible to make the most of your berry patch. The book is an updated, revised and expanded edition of Lewis Hill's classic Fruits and Berries for the Home Garden, by UVM Extension professor Leonard Perry.

Music Notes: Talented Hazen Union students will be joining us this Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 to get us in the spirit with holiday tunes and more!

Local Events: Get a head start on your garden with High Mowing Seeds. Join their Community Supported Seeds program and receive 10% off seeds for next season! Put your seed dollars towards supporting an independently-owned company committed to meeting your farming needs with high-quality organic seeds. This discount is offered only through December 31, 2011.

Getting Ready for the Holidays: Buy a gift certificate now until New Year's Eve and we will donate 10% of sales to NOFA-VT's Farm Share Program. When you pay with cash or check, get 5% off!

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have significantly reduced those fees this year.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

Just Off the Grill

2011-12-12T21:16:00.002-05:00

Local Food: While Spanish goats first arrived on America's shores far to our south in the 16th century, they are prized for their ability to adapt to a variety of brush, scrub and brambles, so they require less care than cattle or sheep who need grass. In the Green Mountains, we might be more familiar with "The Lonely Goatherd" than the luxurious soft cashmere and lean meat - particularly succulent when grilled - of Spanish goats. Vermont Chevon Meats in Danville helps us with our first foray into the world of goat meat, and their meat is particularly suited to the deep spices available from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. For his opening salvo, Steven rubs the goat leg with Vadouvan, a French spice derived from Indian sources. Like goatherders the world over, Steven turns the leg over fire on the grill, and then he braises it overnight in Caledonia Spirits Black Currant Mead, with garlic from Sandiwood Farm and Cipollini onions from Leslie White. The tender meat is served off the bone with a sweet turnip raita, a South Asian sauce made with yogurt from Butterworks Farm , cilantro and honey.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, December 18th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. The Apple Cider car, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, apple cider and Vermont apple brandy, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Galaxy recently announced an upcoming swap with the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In January the bookstore will move to locate between Claire's and the Buffalo Mountain Co-op. Look forward to more events in collaboration with Claire's and evening hours to bring two great things - books and food - closer together. Keep apprised here.

Music Notes: Spider Roulette joins us this Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 for their first visit. Check out the trio playing acoustic blues, roots and Americana.

Local Events: This Saturday, December 17 is the Open House at the Hardwick Inn building in downtown Hardwick. Visit local businesses, including S & J Fitness, who are celebrating their 6th anniversary. From 9-5, celebrate with Julie and Steve with door prizes, food and discounts.

Also stop by Vermont Glass Workshop in Hardwick for their 28th Annual Open Studio on Saturday, December 17 from 10-5. You can find ornaments, firsts, seconds, experiments and even a demo by Harry Besett.

Getting Ready for the Holidays: Buy a gift certificate now until New Year's Eve and we will donate 10% of sales to NOFA-VT's Farm Share Program. When you pay with cash or check, get 5% off!

Spend New Year's Eve with us and The Butterbeans, who will be joining us from 7-9 on December 31. Every reservation of two or more made by Friday, December 30, at noon, will enjoy two desserts as a gift from us, and all our New Year's Eve guests can enter to win the Grand Prize Drawing, a Valentine's Day dinner for two.

We will be closed December 24 and 25 so our staff can celebrate the holiday with their families and friends.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee, bar service, and baked goods, and free WiFi, with dinner reservations available from 5-9, Sundays from 5-8. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up. Thanks to many of you we have significantly reduced those fees this year.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!