Cozy Comfort

Local Food: In Medieval days, meat often was served on a thick slice of bread - a kind of edible plate called a "trencher" that soaked up the gravy - and this was the precursor to a popular American comfort food.  Steven introduces an open face meatloaf sandwich to the menu to provide you with some cozy comfort on these cold nights.  A mix of meats and flavors go into the loaf, including beef from Sweetgrass Farm in Hardwick, pork from Sterling College, duck from Applecheek Farm, bacon from Winding Brook Farm, and turkey from Agape Hill Farm.  The meatloaf is served open face on rosemary bread from Bohemian Bakery, topped with house made aioli.  Steven makes gravy with Vermont's own Whistlepig Whiskey as well as onions, and tops it with a salad of claytonia and sprouts.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, January 22nd we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red.  Try our Maple Manhattan, made with whiskey, Urban Moonshine Maple Bitters and Sweet Stone Maple Farm maple syrup, offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Thanks to everyone who helped make the move to Main Street on Monday! Check out our Facebook page for photos  - you don't need to be a Facebook user to check it out. Galaxy is now open next to Claire's. Watch for new books arriving, hours changing so that you can stop in before dinner, and lots of exciting things coming soon. Right now Galaxy is open 9-5:30 during the week, and 10-5 on Saturdays.

Music Notes: Bluegrass trio Freddy & The Weeds join us this Thursday, January 19 at 7:00.  Support local music and check out their non-traditional jams mixed with old favorites.

Local Events: The 2012 Hardwick Wellness Expo is this Saturday, January 21 from 2-5 at the Hardwick Inn.  This is your opportunity to meet local wellness practitioners: yoga teachers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, aroma therapists, reiki practitioners, acupuncturists and more.  There will be an on-going raffle of goods and services- proceeds benefit Open Space, a non-profit movement collective.  Contact Kelly Fairchild at kfairchild@vtlink.net.

Mark your calendars for our next Heartthrob Dance Party Friday, February 3 from 10-2! DJ Lesson One will be spinning your favorites so bring your dancing shoes and your ID- 18 and over. Creative attire encouraged. $5 suggested donation at the door for music.

Reminders: This year, we will be open throughout January - 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. Thanks to many of you we have been able to significantly reduced those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!