Sweet Potatoes in a Variety of Costumes

Local Food: Despite the early arrival of winter's snow - conveniently melted away - we still have the flavors of Thanksgiving to keep us cozy. Like sweet potatoes. The versatile root vegetable provides a needed Vitamin A fix, good for healthy skin and vision, and its flavor profile is so versatile that it works in both sweet and savory plates. At Claire's, Steven mashes them with caramelized onions and sage, making the perfect accompaniment to the grilled pork loin served along with kale. Mashed sweet potatoes also accompany the vegetable fricassée, adding a subtle creaminess to the sautéed radishes, fennel, edamame and peppers. Steven mixes sweet potato fries in with the poutine to add a bit of toothsomeness. Look for them on the dessert menu too - sweet potato and dark chocolate make a decadent and healthy end to your meal.

At the Bar: Come in to enjoy our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, November 6 we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Brewery Vermont Hop Harvest, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. Our Spiked Celery Cider, made with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, muddled celery and Champlain Orchards cider, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: The one, the only Rusty DeWees celebrates his birthday at The Galaxy Bookshop on November 15th at 7PM. Don't miss the cake and the chance to hear The Logger introduce his new book, Scrawlins II.

Music Notes: Audrey Bernstein and the Young Jazzers join us this Thursday, November 3 at 7:30. They present a stylized mixture of vintage and modern sounds, and perform an eclectic mix of jazz standards including ballads, swinging up-tempos and Bossa Nova.

Local Events: Glover artist Ben Barnes paintings of what Darshana Bolt calls "rusty automotive relics, nestled in Vermont landscapes that range from bleak to beautiful, from mountains to Mobil stations" are now on display at Claire's. Meet Ben at the Art Opening on Monday, November 7 from 4-6.

Reminders: 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.

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Maple Pudding Cake, Back by Popular Demand!

Local Food: Thanks to multiple requests from people craving the sticky sweetness, our maple pudding cake is ready early this year, with a few new twists. Steven bakes the pudding cake, creating a sweet syrupy pudding sauce under the crispy, chewy cake topping. Pumpkin from Nancy Kish at Agape Hill Farm is added to balance the sweet maple syrup from Caledonia Farm. A cool scoop of eggnog ice cream from Strafford Organic Creamery is a new addition, as are the maple roasted pears, with pears from Provender Farm in Cabot. The resulting combination of flavors makes a sweet and rich finish to your meal. Enjoy it with a cappuccino or Espresso Martini, made with Vermont White Vodka.

At the Bar: Come in to enjoy our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, October 30 we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. Our Cranberry Margarita made with cranberry juice from Vermont Cranberry Company, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Archer Mayor returns for his annual visit on Tuesday, October 25th. Don't miss the ever entertaining Archer, and remember signed books make excellent gifts. Archer's 22nd Joe Gunther mystery Tag Man features perhaps his most intriguing criminal to date. Come to Galaxy Tuesday at 7 to get the latest.

Music Notes: The Littlest Birds, a cello-banjo duo touring from Mammoth Lakes, CA will join us Thursday, October 27 at 7:30. Be sure to catch their blend of old-time, bluegrass and folk sounds.

Local Events: A community discussion on Vermont's health care future will be held at the Hardwick Town House on Tuesday, October 25 from 6:30-8:00. Representatives Lucy Leriche, Linda Martin and Sam Young will host the discussion and use your questions, concerns and ideas as a jumping off point to a lively and informative discussion. The event is a chance to consider all viewpoints, share your thoughts and ask questions. Family friendly and light refreshments will be served.

We are saddened to say goodbye to our neighbors at the Highland Lodge, who recently annouced they have closed their doors after 57 years. We'll miss you!

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Sour Grapes? Make a Graple Collins

Local Food: Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard, a local treasure just outside Hardwick, grows hardy and unusual fruit and nut trees and vines, including the Arctic Kiwi, Autumn Olive, Black Walnut and over 10 varieties of grape. We like the plump, purple King of the North grape to infuse Green Mountain Organic Vodka for a tart, fresh sweetness. We add Caledonia Farm maple syrup to balance the flavors and add some depth, and a splash of Green Mountain Organic Maple Liquor. And there you have our Graple Collins, served on the rocks and topped with soda water. This refreshing fall cocktail is a delicious way to toast Vermont's enticing agricultural landscape.

At the Bar: Come in to enjoy our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, October 23 we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek Oktoberfest, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Traminette or Cabernet Franc. Claire's Cosmo, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka and Vermont Cranberry Company Cranberry juice, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: On Tuesday, the 18th, Galaxy welcomes Willard Sterne Randall reading from Ethan Allen: His Life and Times. And then tag, you're it - on October 25th Archer Mayor introduces his 22nd Gunther mystery at 7PM.

Music Notes: Singer/Songwriter Paul Cataldo joins us this Thursday, October 20 at 7:30. Don't miss him belting out original songs about mountains, rivers and roads.

Local Events: Visit Caledonia Spirits & Winery at their Open House this Saturday, October 22 from 10-6. See where Barr Hill Gin and Vodka, Caledonia Mead and Dunc's Mill Rum are being made, at 46 Buffalo Mt. Commons Drive (through Lamoille Valley Ford) in Hardwick.

This Saturday, October 22 at 6:00 is the Indian Dinner and Live Dance performance to benefit Child Haven International at Hazen Union. Check out the Sari Fashion Show, live music and dance performance. Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under. Volunteers are needed- call Rachel at 472-5755 to sign up, or stop by the Buffalo Mountain Coop.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Is it Chili Yet?

Local Food: With Vermont in the midst of a Mexican food renaissance, Steven puts a Green Mountain spin on a favorite from the city of Puebla, the chile relleno. He stuffs a sweet Carmen chili pepper from Pete's with Maplebrook's mozzarella and ricotta as well as Grafton cheddar cheese, adding a mix of cilantro and red onions from Riverside Farm with garlic from Sandiwood Farm. The stuffed sweet chili is battered and fried, resulting in a crispy chili with a melty cheese inside. In keeping with traditional flavors, Steven makes a slightly sweet and tart salsa verde of tomatillos, also from Sandiwood Farm. A light salad of fennel, Valentine radishes and sunflower sprouts from Peace of Earth Farm balances the richness and adds a bite of spice to the mild relleno.

At the Bar: Come in to enjoy our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, October 16 we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River Rainbow Red, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. The Cantaloupe Cocktail with Green Mountain Organic Gin, melon and ginger ale is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Willard Sterne Randall will come to Galaxy to discuss his book Ethan Allen: His Life and Times. This event was originally scheduled in August and cancelled in the wake of Irene. Come to Galaxy to welcome Mr. Randall, Distinguished Scholar in History at Champlain College and Pulitzer nominee, Tuesday October 18th at 7PM.

Shake it Like a Leaf: Celebrate the harvest and shake off all the hard work of summer with a dance party at Claire's! Get your groove on with DJ Nukem this Friday, October 14 from 10pm-2am. Bring your ID and dancing shoes! 21 and over only please.

Music Notes: Bluegrass trio Freddy & The Weeds join us this Thursday, October 13 at 7:30. Their non-traditional jams mixed with old favorites are not to be missed!

Local Events: Enjoy a magical walk through the Hardwick Trails lit by hundreds of pumpkins. Cider, donuts and a very friendly story-telling witch can be found at a bonfire gathering at the half-way point. The Pumpkin Walk begins at 6:00 on Sunday, October 16.

On Saturday, Vermont Vaudeville brings When It Rains It Pours to the Hardwick Town House at 7:30P.M. The show is for all ages and features the world's only Toilet Paper Tightrope! Get the details here.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Get Shorty!

Local Food: Beef short ribs so tender they melt. Starting from Snug Valley Farm, the ribs are brought to our kitchen where they are rubbed with cinnamon and fennel, then grilled to bring out the smokey rich goodness of the meat. Steven braises the rib with Champlain Orchards apple cider and Otter Creek Oktoberfest. Aromatics like onions from Riverside Farm, garlic from Pete's and celery leaves from Sandiwood Farm add a fresh depth to this fall flavored plate of yummy. The season's start is official with the arrival of root veggies to accompany the short rib, including roasted rutabaga and turnips, as well as fingerling potatoes. Steven's answer to the short rib challenge is perfectly complemented with a glass of Shelburne Vineyard's newest variety, New World Red, made exclusively with Vermont grapes.

At the Bar: Come in to enjoy our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, October 9 we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's Brown Ale, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. The Cranberry Crush with Vermont Cranberry Company cranberry juice, spiced rum and ginger ale is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Willard Sterne Randall will come to Galaxy to discuss his book Ethan Allen: His Life and Times. This event was originally scheduled in August and cancelled in the wake of Irene. Come to Galaxy to welcome Mr. Randall, Distinguished Scholar in History at Champlain College and Pulitzer nominee, Tuesday October 18th at 7PM. Also, Galaxy will be at The Lakeview Inn on Sunday, October 9th for the book signing following a panel discussion and dessert with Marialisa Calta, Marian Burros, Judith Jones, Jeff Roberts and Bronwyn Dunne. The topic will be Home Cooking & the Development of America's Culinary Landscape. For reservations contact Bronwyn Dunne at 802-860-5022.

Music Notes: Art Edelstein and Mike Fullerton are the Borealis Guitar Duo, joining us Thursday, October 6 at 7:30. Don't miss their music from the Celtic Lands with forays into American, Scandinavian and Klezmer music.

Shake it Like a Leaf: Celebrate the harvest and shake off all the hard work of summer with a dance party at Claire's! Get your groove on with DJ Nukem on Friday, October 14 from 10pm-2am. Bring your ID and dancing shoes! 21 and over only please.

Local Events: Dine with us this Thursday, October 6 to help support NOFA-VT's Share the Harvest annual event that benefits their Farm Share program. The Farm Share program is a great way that limited-income Vermonters can afford to purchase CSA shares of fresh produce from their local farmers.

Vermont Vaudeville presents "When it Rains it Pours" on Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 at the Hardwick Town House. Be sure to catch their all-ages show overflowing with comedy and music, and featuring the world's only toilet paper tightrope!

Reminders: Beginning in October, we will return to our fall schedule and close on Wednesdays.

We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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