Finger Lickin' Good

Local Food: If you never imagined chicken nuggets at Claire's, we have news for you. Steven starts with earthy, rich and smooth chicken livers from Deb Hart at Windy Acres, soaks them in batter, and fries them until they develop a golden crust and a tender interior. Dusted with smoked paprika and cumin to add a hint of spice and smokiness, the livers are paired with a mild salsa of tomatillos from Rowan Farm and jalapeno and cayenne peppers from Pete's Greens. Just the right balance of rich flavors, indulgent textures, and bright acidity.

Around the Galaxy: For Halloween hiking, pick up a copy of the newly arrived Haunted Hikes of Vermont, and see if you dare check out any of the trails that are rated on a ghostly scale after you have read it. Filled both with fanciful legend and practical trail information, the book has something for every member of the family. Author Tim Simard will be at Galaxy to talk about his new book on Tuesday, October 19th at 7PM.

Music Notes: Fresh Greenes join us this Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 for their first performance at Claire's. Come in and enjoy the original music by father-daughter duo Chris and Juliana Greene on vocals, guitar and keyboard, with Sarah Cannon on fiddle.

Local Events: The Hardwick Fall Film Festival takes place this weekend at the Hardwick Town House. The festival, organized by Harriet Wood and David Rodgers, features four films by independent Vermont filmmakers. Take a look at the full schedule here.

Kiado Cruz, community organizer for food sovereignty in a rural community near the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, will speak at the Hardwick Town House on Monday, October 18 at 7:00. Cruz will address sustainable agriculture and community participation that are instrumental in the current autonomous movements in Oaxaca and Chiapas. The event is sponsored by the Highfields Center for Composting, The Center for an Agricultural Economy, The Buffalo Mountain Food Co-operative Learning Exchange, and New England Witness for Peace.

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. We will return to our regular Sunday dinner hours on October 17, seating arriving guests from 5-8. 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.