The Reds are Coming!

Local Food: The return of the Cold War in a spy swap with Russia brought back memories of the Red Scare, but our local Reds - luscious strawberries - have been lying low because of this year's unusual weather, with some farmers experiencing a late frost that delayed the harvest. Pete's Greens and Hazendale Farm supply us with the sweet earthy berries, and with a lusty red color, their strawberries soak up attention. But they also balance well off savory and sweet preparations as featured players. Steven includes strawberries alongside a crab cake to add a bright tone and sweetness to the greens, sorrel vinaigrette and bacon lardons that accompany it. At Blunch on Sunday, you find them with spiced cornmeal and rye pancakes, honeyed ricotta, and Caledonia Farm maple syrup. For dessert, they are mixed with their red cousin, the cherry, on top of the mascarpone cheesecake and they star on the berry upside down cake. And who could forget about a summertime favorite, Steven's praline ice cream sandwich with vanilla and strawberry ice cream, topped with strawberries. We're also working on strawberries for our cocktail menu. Stay tuned.

Around the Galaxy: On Tuesday at 7P.M. Vince Feeney will talk about the history of Irish immigrants in Vermont and his book Finnigans, Slaters and Stonepeggers. Everyone is welcome and the event is free.

Music Notes: Hardwick residents Jeanne Segretto Miller and Josh Gould, aka The Butterbeans, perform this Thursday at 8:00. With Jeanne on fiddle and vocals and Josh singing, playing guitar, mandolin and banjo, you won't want to miss this hometown hoedown featuring blues and swing.

Local Events: Vermont Migrant Farmworker Solidarity Project will host a viewing of the new documentary Silenced Voices and the animated feature Neighbors at the Hardwick Town Hall on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00. Following the death of Jose Obeth Santiz Cruz in a farming accident in Vermont in December 2009, his family must come to terms with his death and share stories about the causes, effects and experiences of migration. For more information visit their website.

Along with the Craftsbury Chamber Players and Greensboro Music series, the Unadilla Theater in Marshfield has started its summer season.

We hope you will join us on your way to or from any of these events that flavor our summers in Vermont.