Forage

Local Food: Though wildly different from each other, ramps and fiddleheads are foraged in spring and hit our menu this week. With some peaking earlier in the season, which illustrates our range of microclimates, Fiddlehead Farm in Greensboro is going strong. Fiddleheads have a slightly nutty flavor, similar to asparagus. Right now, Steven fries them in a beer batter along with with other vegetables, accompanied by mayo made in house. They also add just the right complement to the trout from Mountain Foot Farm, prepared with brown butter and herb sauce. Ramps, also called wild leeks, have a mild flavor, similar to onion, so they serve to enhance the ingredients on a plate or can stand out on their own. Steven just started foraging to include the ramps with the beer battered vegetables. Also look for his ramp pesto, or enjoy our Ramptini cocktail from the bar, made with pickled ramp juice.

Remember, if you forage for ramps and fiddleheads, harvest responsibly.

Around the Galaxy: Bill Schubart visits the Galaxy on Tuesday at 7PM to talk about his new book Fat People. His book is a fictional look at the emotions and experiences of those who live to eat, and Bill will also speak about his own complicated relationship with food.

Music Notes: Tiffany Pfeiffer returns this Thursday, May 12 at 7:30. Don't miss the musician who Dan Bolles of Seven Days calls a "remarkably talented songstress." Her "classic jazz vocal aesthetic with modern beats, flavors and rhythms" is not to be missed!

Local Events: Ed Smith, author of The Vegetable Gardener's Bible, will provide insights on vegetable gardening at the Craftsbury Public Library on Sunday, May 15th at 4:00. The program is free, and will provide gardeners with ideas about obtaining higher yields, composting, and how to have a weed and pest free garden.

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.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!