Local Corn is Still Good Eating

Local Food: The ubiquity of GMO frankencorn has all but given a bad name to one of summer's most delicious crops. But when you pull an ear from a stalk of responsibly grown corn, all your concerns will melt away. Remember, corn is not just a food; for Mayan people of Guatemala and Mexico, it is a spiritual aspect of who they are as a community. We're grateful to John and Johanna Laggis in Hardwick for bringing us their wondrous varieties as part of our community at Claire's. Steven roasts the tricolor ears, which concentrates the sweet notes while adding a bit of smokiness. Cut from the cob, the kernels add a pop of flavor unlike any other across the menu. Tossed with grilled tomatoes, pureed to create a perfect summer soup topped with crispy sage leaves, sprinkled in the heirloom tomato salad along with green beans and savory vinaigrette. You can also find corn served with the Lightship Island Scallops beside oyster mushrooms, squash, cauliflower, tomatoes, greens, bacon and herb butter.

Around the Galaxy: Rowan Jacobsen's new book, American Terroir: Savoring the Flavors of Our Woods, Waters and Fields has arrived! Get a copy and read about our neighbors who produce syrup and cheese, as well as a forest gastronomer from Quebec and avocado growers in Mexico. The book is delicious to read and Jacobsen explores the flavors of the food we are so fortunate to have in ways that extend new depths of appreciation and understanding. Rowan Jacobsen is a James Beard Award winning author from East Calais, and will discuss his book on September 7th at 7 at Galaxy.

Music Notes: Dave Keller returns this Thursday, August 26 at 8:00. 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 Second Annual Food Preservation Day is this Saturday, August 28 at Wheelock Mountain Farm in Greensboro Bend from 10-4:30. Participate in workshops focusing on preserving vegetables, fruits, herbs, dairy and meat. Bring your own preserved goods to sample and barter at the "cocktail hour." Suggested donation is $5-$30. Contact Sharon at 533-2296 for more information.

This weekend is all about Mead. The Buffalo Mountain Food Coop and Caledonia Spirits and Honey Gardens Winery will host a free mead tasting at the Coop on Saturday, August 28 from 12-3. Later in the day, tour the new honey wine distillery and taste mead from 4:30 to 6. From 6-10 celebrate Mead for the Masses, an open house party at the winery with live jazz music from the Perry Heller Trio. Contact Caledonia Spirits and Honey Gardens Winery with questions at 472-8000.

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. Please note we have extended our Summer Sunday dinner hours and will seat guests until 9:00 pm. We serve our special Blunch menu Sundays from 11-2. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

We appreciate it when you reserve a table with us, as it helps us plan a relaxed and hospitable experience for you and all our guests. To show our appreciation, when you call, email, or stop by to make a reservation, you will be entered into our weekly drawing for a $20 gift card for your next visit.