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!