A Seasonal Treat from the Sea

Local Food: Soft-Shell Crab is in season quite briefly, so stop in and enjoy them while you can!  Blue crabs surface from hibernation in the ocean floor during late spring, and then molt their hard shells, which are replaced by soft, flavorful and edible shells.  The sweet, briny and juicy crabs are best when prepared simply.  Steven dusts the crab with cornmeal from Butterworks Farm and lightly fries it.  Spicy and bitter radicchio and sweet baby spinach from Hazendale Farm are tossed in a honey dill vinaigrette, with honey from Caledonia Spirits and dill from Pete's Greens.  Housemade ramp aioli adds the final rich and creamy touch to the dish.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, June 10 we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc or Shelburne Vineyard Whimsey Meadow Rosé. The Orleans Royale, with Eden Vermont Ice Cider Orleans and prosecco, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy:  On Thursday, June 14th, join Bethany Dunbar for the world premier of Kingdom's Bounty. The book showcases the best of our region's locally produced and prepared foods - which you can enjoy at Claire's before the event. Beginning at 5:15 join Bethany and several producers for dinner. The event is not ticketed but reservations are required and there are a couple of spots left. Call Galaxy at 472-5533 for details and to reserve your spot! The book event begins at Galaxy at 7. Be sure your calendar is marked for Alison Bechdel on June 19th!

Music Notes: Hardwick's own The Butterbeans join us Thursday, June 7 at 7:00.  Support local music and come down for a foot stompin' good time!

Local Art: Join us on Monday, June 11th for an artist reception with Elizabeth Nelson. Stop by to admire her Symbolic Landscapes show now at Claire's, and see more of her art online.

Local Events:  Our next dance party, The June Bug, is Friday, June 8 from 10-2 with DJ DMD making his debut! Bring your dancing shoes and ID, DJ DMD will bring the floss.  $5 suggested music donation. Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night get free non-alcoholic drinks and a $10 gift card!

The Children's Parade is Saturday, June 9th at 11:00 in East Hardwick.  Bring the kids or just come to watch.  The parade starts at Hardwick Chiropractic and goes to the First Congregational Church.  Prizes are awarded for best costumes, and there is free ice cream for everyone! Fun activities and demonstrations, plus live music and a plant swap at the Grange Hall will follow.  Lineup begins at 10:30.  For more information, contact Rachel Kane at 472-6021 or rkane@vtink.net

Hardwick Second Saturdays Series continues Saturday, June 9th with a Contra Dance and Potluck Dinner at Hazen Union. Potluck begins at 5:30, dance at 6:30, with Rickey Holt calling.  For more information or to sit in with the band, call Alana at 472-5584.

Reminders: We will be open Wednesdays starting July 4th for the summer!

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 until July 4th.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 reduce those fees.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!