Affogato

Local Food: Torn between dessert or coffee?  Why not have both in an affogato? A traditional Italian dessert, affogato, or "drowned" in Italian, is ice cream drowned in espresso.  Possibilities are endless in this classic dish.  Steven scoops rich chocolate ice cream from Strafford Organic Creamery in a chilled glass, and tops it with a shot of bold Fair-trade espresso (caffeinated or decaf) from Vermont Coffee Company.  The final touch to this grown-up milkshake is delectable whipped Butterworks Farm cream, with just a touch of sweetness. This dessert is the perfect way to enjoy ice cream this fall without getting a chill!

Fair Trade Month is almost over! Until November, we'll buy you a free cappuccino (regular or decaf), made with espresso from Vermont Coffee Company, when you order dessert with your dinner or Blunch - just tell your server you'd like to support Authentic Fair Trade!

At the Bar: Celebrate your victory or drown your sorrows with us on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6th.  We'll have drink specials that parody the campaign, featuring a Cayman Island Account with rum, ginger beer and Domaine de Canton, and a Job Creator, with Citizen Cider Unified Press, Elderflower Rum and Elderberry Cordial, for $6 each.

Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, November 4th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Midnight Madness, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Apple Dunc, with Dunc's Mill Elderflower Rum, Caledonia Spirits Elderberry Cordial and Citizen Cider Unified Press, is offered for $5.  Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: On Election Night, exercise democracy at The Galaxy Bookshop with Greg Pahl, energy expert and author of Power From the People: How to Organize, Finance, and Launch Local Energy Projects. Using examples from around the nation and the world, Pahl explores how power is being moved into the hands of communities through distributed energy programs and energy-efficiency measures. The book is available now at Galaxy, so take a look and come with your ideas and questions on Tuesday, November 6th at 7PM.

Music Notes: Big Hat, No Cattle, Vermont's newest old time western swing trio join us this Thursday, November 1 at 7:00. Support local music and don't miss their honky tonk tunes!

Local Events: Once again the ghosts and goblins will come out of the pages of the books in the library to haunt and trick and treat all those who dare to enter the library walls!  There will be a game to play for an extra treat!  The Halloween Reading Raffle winners will be pulled at 7pm.  Six winners will be chosen to win gift certificates to The Galaxy Bookshop.  For more information, call the Jeudevine Library at 472-5948.

There is still time to support Highfields Center for Composting's campaign to fund their compost heat recovery research system! The project will only be funded if the $40,000 goal is reached by November 18th, so donate now!

Reminders: We are now closed on Wednesdays.

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. 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!

Onion Rings

Local Food: Onions have been a part of human agriculture so long they were likely grown in India, China and the Middle East before recorded history.  Onions were revered by ancient Egyptians, who believed the spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternal life, and the name is likely derived from Latin "unus" from the unity or oneness of the bulb.   Today we can find the versatile vegetable in a variety of forms - pickled, grilled, sautéed, roasted and of course, fried.  As Jonathan Swift said in his poem Onions, "For this is every cook's opinion, no savory dish without an onion."  Simplicity is best in Steven's version of the comfort food favorite, onion rings.  Steven dips onions from Sandiwood Farm and Mystic Morning Farm first in buttermilk from Butterworks Farm and then in a flour and cayenne pepper mixture.  Those with a gluten intolerance may opt for the cornmeal batter instead.  Next the flavorful onion rings take a quick trip to the fryer, where they crisp up to perfection.  The crunchy onion rings with a bit of kick are served with a cool blue cheese dipping sauce made with Mossend Blue cheese from Bonnieview Farm.  Start your meal with onion rings, or try them with your burger.

For Fair Trade Month in October, we'll buy you a free cappuccino (regular or decaf), made with espresso from Vermont Coffee Company, when you order dessert with your dinner or Blunch - just tell your server you'd like to support Authentic Fair Trade!

And for Co-op Month, working members at Buffalo Mountain, Plainfield, Adamant and St. Johnsbury can use their 10% discount at Claire's every Monday night in October. City Market and Hunger Mountain members can enjoy a 3% discount on Mondays in October when paying with cash.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, October 28th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Midnight Madness, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Hot & Dirty, with jalapeno infused vodka, is offered for $5.  Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: Here in Vermont, we know that it's fall when Archer Mayor has a new book coming out. Galaxy welcomes Archer on Tuesday, October 23rd when he introduces his 23rd Joe Gunther mystery, Paradise City. Come early for drinks catered by Claire's.

Music Notes: Neil & Max join us for their debut performance this Thursday, October 25th at 7:00pm.  Check out their eclectic mix of old-time, bluegrass and original fiddle, banjo and mandolin Americana tunes!

Local Events: Get Excidered!  Cocktail Class is back at Claire's this Saturday, October 27th from 4-5pm with special guest Kris Nelson of Citizen Cider.  Learn about different hard ciders from the master.  We'll also discover which cocktails bring out the complex flavor of the cider.  Free admission, and specials on cocktails and flights if you are so inspired.

Rusty Dewees will be at the Hardwick Town House this Friday and Saturday night with The Logger's Loggerween, a tricky treatful version of The Logger show with Rusty's new jokes, stories and music.  The shows begin at 8:00 both nights.  Tickets are $21 and available at Connie's Kitchen or by calling 888-8838.

Reminders: We are now closed on Wednesdays.

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. 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!

Whole Hog

Local Food: The Nottermans of Snug Valley Farm in East Hardwick have been raising pigs for more than 20 years, and this year they decided to step up production and make enough pork to share.  This summer, Ben Notterman raised 15 crossbred Landrace and Tamworth, the latter traditionally known as a "bacon breed" for its lean and fine-grained meat.  From snout to tail, Steven goes whole hog on the plate this fall, starting with bacon that is cured and smoked in-house.  Fresh ham from the thigh of the pig is dry rubbed with Maine Sea Salt to enable the curing process, creating a delicate product similar to Italian prosciutto that will be ready for the early spring menu.  Steven braises "country style ribs" that are actually chops cut from the thick shoulder end of the loin for a tender, juicy dish.  Pork jowls are slow-roasted overnight with a maple syrup and jalapeno spice rub, reminiscent of barbecue sauce, and served with sautéed apples, spicy mustard greens and green tomato ginger jam.  And soon, head cheese will be back on the menu, a surprising delicate treat made with the head of the pig.  Finally, don't forget about Ben Notterman's favorite- the boneless pork chop Steven cooks with sugary maple and spicy black pepper.

For Fair Trade Month in October, we'll buy you a free cappuccino (regular or decaf), made with espresso from Vermont Coffee Company, when you order dessert with your dinner or Blunch - just tell your server you'd like to support Authentic Fair Trade!

And for Co-op Month, working members at Buffalo Mountain, Plainfield, Adamant and St. Johnsbury can use their 10% discount at Claire's every Monday night in October. City Market and Hunger Mountain members can enjoy a 3% discount on Mondays in October when paying with cash.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, October 21st we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Graple Collins, with grape infused Green Mountain Organic Vodka, maple liquor and Vermont Sweetwater Maple Soda,  is offered for $5.  Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: On Tuesday, October 16th, meet community leader Susan Clark and democracy scholar Woden Teachout and learn more about the concept of Slow Democracy. In their new book, Clark and Teachout document the range of ways that citizens around the country are breathing new life into participatory democracy. Just as slow food encourages chefs and eaters to become more intimately involved with the production of local food, slow democracy encourages us to govern ourselves locally with processes that are inclusive, deliberative, and citizen powered. Be sure you have October 23rd on your calendar for Archer Mayor's 23rd Joe Gunther mystery introduction at Galaxy.

Music Notes: Karen Krajacic and Jon Rose will join us this Thursday at 7:00.  Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Karen has been touring with the harmonizing female duo Folk By Association for over ten years.  Lead guitarist Jon Rose joins her for a set that draws heavily from folk, rock, country and Americana.

Local Art: Join us one week from today, October 22nd, as we welcome artist Frank Woods.  Stop by and meet Frank and enjoy drink specials and snacks from 4-6pm.

Local Events: Dance the night away and support composting and "clean" energy!  Our next dance party, Heat it up, benefits Highfields Center for Composting's Compost Heat Recovery System. This Friday, October 19th from 10pm-2am, heat up the dance floor with DJ Zach for a good cause - Proceeds from the $10 suggested donation at the door will go towards the $40,000 fundraising goal for this project.  Learn how to donate more during the party! Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night get free non- alcoholic drinks and $10 gift card.

The 4th Annual Indian Dinner to benefit Child Haven is this Saturday, October 20th at Hazen Union High School.  Family activities begin at 4:30, followed by dinner at 6:00.  Stay after dinner for the sari fashion show, live music, door prizes and a silent auction! Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children under 12.  To volunteer or donate, contact Rachel or Kate at 533-2296.

Get Excidered!  Cocktail Class is back at Claire's Saturday, October 27 with special guest Kris Nelson of Citizen Cider.  Learn about different hard ciders from the master.  We'll also discover which cocktails bring out the complex flavor of the cider.  Free admission, and specials on cocktails and flights if you are so inspired.

Reminders: We are now closed on Wednesdays.

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. 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!

Local and Global

Local Food: October is all about good food traditions from far and near, marking both Fair Trade Month and Co-op Month.  While fair trade standards should mean supporting small farms, farm cooperatives, and family farms, it can be more confusing than ever.  Many fair trade certifications like Fair Trade USA include large plantations, and these programs actually allow only a small portion of a product like chocolate to be sourced from certified growers.  That's why, when we have to turn to farms far from our doors, we look for authentic fair trade products that are entirely fairly traded.  Our authentic Fair Trade certified and sustainable partners include Vermont Coffee Company, who helped form the North American Fair Trade Stakeholder Council to increase transparency and accountability, and Equal Exchange and their Stand With Small Farmers campaign.  Steven's rich and chocolatey mini pot de crème features their authentic fair trade chocolate, so you can feel good about your dessert indulgence!  For the month of October, we'll give you a free cappuccino (regular or decaf), made with espresso from Vermont Coffee Company, when you order dessert with your dinner or Blunch - just tell your server you'd like to support Authentic Fair Trade!

And for Co-op Month, Buffalo Mountain, Plainfield, Adamant and St. Johnsbury working members and staff can use their 10% discount every Monday night in October at Claire's. City Market and Hunger Mountain members can enjoy a 3% discount on Mondays in October when paying with cash.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, October 14th we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Apple Cider Car, with Smugglers' Notch Vodka, Flag Hill Farm apple brandy and apple cider, is offered for $5.  Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: Constance Hale brings verbs to life on Tuesday, October 9th at 7PM when she talks about her new book Vex, Hex, Smash and Smooch and discusses everything from linguistic history to quirky uses of language today. Come to Galaxy early to enjoy drinks catered by Claire's - beer, wine, and other beverages will be available beginning at 6:30 (cash only please). Galaxy has just received Archer Mayor's latest, Paradise City. Be sure to have October 23rd on your calendar for his visit to Hardwick.

Music Notes: Blue Fox joins us this Thursday, October 11th at 7:00.  Check out what Pamela Polston of Seven Days calls his "deep-lazy-growly-sexy" vocals and "ultra-strength" guitar playing.

Local Events: Visit Walden Heights Nursery & Orchard on Saturday, October 13th from 11-4 for an Apple Tasting Extravaganza.  Taste test nearly 100 varieties of apples, tour the farm and sample fresh pressed cider!

Dance the night away and support composting and "clean" energy!  Our next dance party, Heat it up, benefits Highfields Center for Composting's Compost Heat Recovery System. On Friday, October 19th from 10pm-2am, heat up the dance floor with DJ Zach for a good cause - Proceeds from the $10 suggested donation at the door will go towards the $40,000 fundraising goal for this project.  Learn how to donate more during the party! Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night get free non- alcoholic drinks and $10 gift card.

Reminders: We are open seven days this week.  We will resume our winter hours and close on Wednesdays beginning October 17.

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. 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!

An Apple a Day...

Local Food: An apple a day keeps the doctor away - and satisfies your sweet tooth as well as cravings for savory.  The first apple trees at Burtt's Apple Orchard in Cabot were planted at the Orchard seven years ago; they opened for pick-your-own in 2009.  Now with over 35 varieties, Steven has plenty to choose from when he's looking for the perfect apple for one of our unique plates.  Start your dinner with the Beet and Apple Salad, with earthy beets and Mossend Blue cheese from Bonnieview Farm complemented by crispy and sweet apples and toasted almonds.  Or, the Baked Apple filled with creamy Farmer's cheese from Sweet Rowen Farmstead and smoky bacon.  Steven mixes sautéed apples with cranberries for a sweet and tart compote served along side the Pork Chop from Snug Valley Farm, with its hint of maple.  The grand finale is dessert, with Steven's famous Apple Gingerbread Upside Down Cake.  Crisp and juicy Honeycrisp apples are baked on the bottom with the new and spicy ginger from Pete's Greens, creating just the right top for the moist and flavorful cake once it's flipped upside down.  Apples are also at the bar in the form of cider - try our variation on a Sidecar, which we call "the Apple Cider Car," with cider, vodka and Vermont apple brandy.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, October 7th we offer a $2.50 pint of Trapp Helles, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Ginger Lemon Fizz, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, housemade ginger syrup (with ginger from Pete's) and lemon juice is offered for $5.  Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy:  With the next event, Galaxy introduces bar catering by Claire's Restaurant. Starting at 6:30 you may order a drink (cash only please) to enjoy as a part of the event, which will begin at 7. On Tuesday, October 9th, Constance Hale visits Galaxy to introduce her new book, Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing. Synthesizing the pedagogical and the popular, the scholarly and the scandalous, Hale combines the wit of Bill Bryson with the practical wisdom of William Zinsser. She marches through linguistic history to paint a layered picture of our language - from before it really existed to the quirky usages we see online today. On October 10th, Constance Hale and Zoe Fitzgerald Carter will lead a workshop in Greensboro called First Person Plural: Crafting Stories from our Lives. Look here for more information.

Music Notes: Tom Gregory joins us this Thursday, October 4th at 7:30.  New to Vermont, Tom is a songwriter/performer from Omaha, Nebraska.  He has been writing songs and performing since 2004 with a style that can be described as Midwestern Blues-Folk, with acoustic songs that are ripe with soul.

Local Events: The annual Share the Harvest fundraiser will be held this Thursday, October 4th to benefit NOFA-VT's Farm Share Program. The program helps limited-income Vermonters afford CSA shares from their local farms. On October 4th, restaurants, co-ops and food stores will participate in Share the Harvest by donating a portion of the day's sales to the program. Both Claire's and Buffalo Mountain Co-op in Hardwick will participate.

The Heart of Vermont Chamber of Commerce presents its 29th annual Fall Foliage Craft Fair at the Hardwick Elementary School from 9-5 on Saturday, October 6th.  The fair features candles, jewelry, pottery, quilts, handmade greeting cards and other fine arts and crafts.  Snacks and lunch will be on sale all day.  Beginning at 11:30 the Hardwick Kiwanis will hold their annual chicken barbecue on S Main St. across from the elementary school.  Don't miss the Open House hosted by the Hardwick Historial Society from 10-3:30 at the restored train depot on Church St.

Celebrate the second year of Fall Open Studio Weekend October 6th and 7th, when artistic creativity and the brilliant colors of Vermont autumn go hand in hand. Over 100 artists and craftspeople will open their studios to the public this weekend, giving you the opportunity to learn how art and craft is made at the studios of glass blowers, jewelers, potters, sculptors, weavers, furniture makers and more.  Bring us a receipt of purchase from a participating studio and we'll buy you dessert with the purchase of dinner for two.

Our next dance party, Heat it up, is Friday, October 19th from 10pm-2am. Heat up the dance floor with DJ Zach for a good cause- Highfields Center for Composting's Compost Heat Recovery System. Proceeds from a $10 suggested donation at the door will go towards the $40,000 fundraising goal for this project.  Donate more if you can! Designated drivers who pledge to be alcohol free for the night get free non- alcoholic drinks and $10 gift card.

Reminders: We are open seven days a week until October 10.  We will then resume our winter hours and close on Wednesdays.

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. 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!