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!