Rat-tat-touille

Local Food: Summer's vegetables can shout out their arrival, but Steven coaxes a subtle melody from them with his ratatouille. A dish of sautéed summer vegetables that Juila Child once said "perfumes the kitchen with the essence of Provence," ratatouille is started in our kitchen with squash from Mystic Morning Farm, onions from Harvest Hill, Riverside's garlic scapes, and tomatoes, eggplant and peppers from Pete's. Bright basil and fennel add their pungent aromas. The ratatouille is the perfect companion to a chicken breast, roasted with dill and fennel butter, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Crispy onion rings and a bit of mashed potatoes round out this flavorful summer dish.

At the Bar: Don't forget our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, August 14 we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River Rainbow Red, a $4 glass of Fresh Tracks Farm Rosé or East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The basil lemontini is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Be sure you have August 23rd on your calendar for an evening of celebration at Galaxy when David Budbill reads from his new book of poems Happy Life. The evening begins at 7PM.

Music Notes: Hillside Rounders join us Thursday, August 11 at 7:30. Support Vermont music and enjoy the mix of bluegrass, country and Americana!

Local Events: The grand opening of the Fiber Shop at The Agape Hill Farm in Hardwick is this weekend, August 12 and 13 from 9-4. See the new store and workshop space and check out fiber products.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Summer, Chilled, in a Bowl

Local Food: What better companion for a summer day than a bowl of chilled gazpacho? Spanish in origin, gazpacho is the perfect way to enjoy the peak of our summer harvest. This soup is lively and cool because the vegetables aren't cooked. Though a traditional gazpacho holds the red of the tomatoes in its color, Steven's variation ranges from a pale amber to a slightly green hue. He combines Boothby Blond Cucumbers from Provender Farm in Cabot, a sweet and delicate heirloom variety with a creamy yellow color, with massive Beefmaster Tomatoes and spicy jalapenos from Pete's. Onions from Harvest Hill and garlic scapes from Riverside add a bit of bite and complexity to the gazpacho, and cilantro and basil round out the vibrant and tangy flavor of the soup.

At the Bar: Don't forget our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, August 7, we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's Wildflower Wheat, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Berry Caipirinha is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: This week Galaxy features two new books to help you take advantage of summer in Vermont. The Joy of Cheesemaking: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Making, and Eating Fine Cheese is written by Jody Farnham and Marc Druart, both from the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese. The book is in paperback for just $14.95 and is packed with great pictures, practical information, and delicious recipes including Mossend Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes featuring Bonnieview Cheese. After you've had that, you'll be fueled to enjoy the mountains with the latest edition of the Green Mountain Club's Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont.

Music Notes: The Butterbeans are back! Take a break from the heat and enjoy their old timey and jazz tunes as they play the songs that should always be played.

Local Events: S & J Fitness and AWARE will host Healthy Choices Camp for girls grades 6-8 on Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12 from 9-noon each day. The girls will play games, eat healthy snacks, exercise, make friends and laugh! Cost is $75- register by calling 472-3242.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Farm to Kitchen to Table

Local Food: Farm to table always involves a stop in the kitchen. For pork ribs in particular, that means time and heat to coax their juicy tenderness and complement their rich flavors. Taking pork ribs from Pete's, Steven rubs in warm and smokey spices like chile and mustard, adding maple sugar for sweetness. Next, he grills the ribs for that vital bit of charcoal and caramelization. Finally, the ribs are braised slowly in Hill Farmstead Brewery's Double Galaxy Imperial IPA, with its notes of citrus and hops, along with the long awaited first onions of the season from Bill Half at Harvest Hill Farm in Walden. These ribs are served with a creamy, herbacious polenta and a sauté of peppers, golden squash from Harvest Hill and another first of the season - corn - from Riverside Farm for a level of sweet crunch.

At the Bar: Don't forget our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, July 31, we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Sunny & 75, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Traminette or Lincoln Peak Marquette. The raspberry lemon drop is offered for $5. And many thanks to Duncan Holaday and all our students for last weekend's invigorating Cocktail Class.

Around the Galaxy: On Tuesday Alex Smith of Greensboro and Elye Alexander of Craftsbury join us to talk about their work as translators. Their most recent project is the translation of The Devotion of Suspect X, a bestselling book in Japan and China. Come to Galaxy on Tuesday at 7 to hear about Alex and Elye's collaboration on this and many other translations from the Japanese.

Music Notes: Neon Campfire, a lo-fi Americana duo with a slight European aftertaste, join us Thursday, July 28 at 7:30. Read about their recently released albums reviewed by Dan Bolles at Seven Days here.

Local Events: New Leaf Designs Eclectic Nursery owner Lynette Courtney will share her professional secrets at her Deadheading Clinic on Sunday, July 31 from 1-3. Learn some of the most important skills a gardener can have to extend bloom time and keep seeds from becoming weeds with a single snip. Bring scissors and/or pruners to 281 The Bend Road in Greensboro Bend. Call 533-9836 or email newleaf@vtlink.net to register.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check - credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Earn Your Degree at Cocktail Class

Cocktail Class is back, with special guest Duncan Holaday, our renowned local distiller who has just embarked on a new adventure with Dunc's Mills Maple and Elderflower rums. Duncan is founder of the oldest existing distillery in Vermont, where Vermont Gold Vodka was born and Vermont Spirits once housed. He distills his rum in the traditional way, from cane sugar, and adds Vermont maple and elderflower to this unique barrel aged local spirit. On Saturday, July 23 from 4-5 pm, learn from a master what cocktails bring out the complex flavor of each variety, and how to mix rum with the flavorful produce of Vermont. Free Admission and specials on cocktails and flights if you are so inspired.

Attend four classes to earn your degree - a gift card at Claire's or The Galaxy Bookshop.

Scamorza? More than Mozzarella

Local Food: Steven's mother-in-law recently asked about Vermont cheese. "Does anyone in Vermont make Scamorza?" Mike's mom wanted to know from her California home. Similar to mozzarella, this stretched curd cheese was a favorite childhood treat shopping with her mother on Saturdays in Boston's North End. Intrigued, it didn't take Steven long to find Scamorza "affumicata" (or smoked) from Maplebrook Farm, and he uses the cheese for a touch of creaminess in a cool and crisp summer salad just right for these dog days. Provender Farm in Cabot brings us the first crop of sweet and crunchy snap peas, mixed with Pete's first heirloom tomatoes and purple beans. Provender Farm's light, leafy greens go along with scallions for a rich variety of textures, flavors and colors. The vinaigrette of garlic scape oil and red wine vinegar brightens up the plate.

Our New Hours!
Now Open for Dinner All Week
Open at 2:30
Free WiFi with coffee and bar service
Dinner seatings available 5-9, 5-8 Sundays
Blunch every Sunday from 11-2

Cocktail Class
Saturday, July 23, 4-5
Featuring Duncan Holaday of
Dunc's Mills Rum
Free Admission
Cocktail and Flight Specials

At the Bar: Cocktail Class is back, with special guest Duncan Holaday, our renowned local distiller who has just embarked on a new adventure with Dunc's Mills Maple and Elderflower rums. Duncan is founder of the oldest existing distillery in Vermont, where Vermont Gold Vodka was born and Vermont Spirits once housed. He distills his rum in the traditional way, from cane sugar, and adds Vermont maple and elderflower to this unique barrel aged local spirit. On Saturday, July 23 from 4-5 pm, learn from a master what cocktails bring out the complex flavor of each variety, and how to mix rum with the flavorful produce of Vermont. Free Admission and specials on cocktails and flights if you are so inspired.

Don't forget our Sunday and Monday drink specials. On Sunday, July 24, we offer a $2.50 pint of Wolaver's Wildflower Wheat, a $4 glass of East Shore Vineyard Cabernet Franc or Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc. The Black Raspberry Gimlet features Green Mountain Organic Gin and Larry Brochu's black raspberries, for $5.

Around the Galaxy: On Tuesday, July 26 Galaxy welcomes area translators Alex Smith and Elye Alexander. Their most recent project has brought them attention from many quarters, including The Wall Street Journal. They will talk about their translation process and The Devotion of Suspect X on the 26th at 7PM. And put August 23 on your calendar to welcome David Budbill's new collection of poems, Happy Life. The book, with a stunning cover by Lois Eby, is available now for your reading pleasure.

Music Notes: Plank House Band, "a tasty little Cornet and Banjolele duo, playing the popular music of yesterday," join us Thursday July 21 at 7:30. The Hardwick duo are also part of Vermont Vaudeville and put on a show that is not to be missed.

Local Events: Summer Music from Greensboro begins this Tuesday, July 19 at 8:00 at the United Church of Christ. Adults are $18, seniors $17 and students $10.

The Craftsbury Chamber Players perform at the Hardwick Town House on Thursday nights - don't forget the free mini-concerts for children and their friends earlier in the day at 2.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check- credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Beets and WiFi

Local Food: This month, we get to enjoy the first crop of beets from Pete's, roasted to bring out their crisp, earthy and supple sweetness. Steven uses Chiogga beets, also known as candy stripe, as well as golden and red beets to emphasize the variety of color, texture, and flavor. Utilizing the entire plant, he adds the deep greens of the beets for crunch and to balance the moist roasted roots. Light and tangy goat cheese from Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery makes for a creamy touch, and spiced pecans are added for crunch. Steven tops the salad with a dill horseradish vinaigrette, made with dill from Riverside Farm and horseradish from Rabbi's Roots.

Our New Hours!

Now Open for Dinner 7 Days

Open at 2:30

Free WiFi with coffee and bar service

Dinner seatings available 5-9, 5-8 Sundays

Blunch every Sunday from 11-2

At the Bar: Remember our drink specials every Sunday and Monday. For Sunday, July 17, we offer a $2.50 pint of Trout River Rainbow Red, a $5 glass of Shelburne Vineyard Riesling or Lincoln Peak Marquette. The Tequila Sunset features 100% agave Milagro tequila, lime juice and Fresh Tracks Rosé.

Coming up at Cocktail Class: Duncan Holaday of Dunc's Mill will join us for our next cocktail class on Saturday, July 23 from 4-5. Learn about the new Vermont made rums and cocktails you can make with them. Admission is free, and you can enjoy a flight of the rums and a cocktail special.

Around the Galaxy: Anne Stuart, Greensboro's bestselling master of romance, puts the sizzle in summer starting at 7 on Tuesday, July 12. Anne Stuart will read from her newest installment in The House of Rohan series and lead a discussion about entering the world of ebooks. Anne Stuart will also introduce a newcomer to the world of romance, Kristina Douglas, who has just penned the first in a series, The Fallen: Raziel. The event is free and open to all.

Local Music: Art Edelstein and Mike Fullerton are the Borealis Guitar Duo, joining us Thursday, July 14 at 7:30. They play music from the Celtic Lands with forays into American, Scandinavian and Klezmer music.

Local Art: The art opening for Hardwick artist Ken Leslie is Monday, July 18 from 4-6. Stop by to greet Ken, admire his art and enjoy some drink specials.

Local Events: The Craftsbury Chamber Players 2011 season kicks off in Hardwick on Thursday, July 14 at 7:30. You can enjoy their performances in Burlington every Wednesday through August 17, and in Hardwick every Thursday through August 18.

Reminders: We appreciate it when you use cash or a check- credit card companies charge us a fee that really adds up.

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Cherry on Top

Local Food: Hedelfingen Sweet Cherries from Champlain Orchards are here, and they are popping up all over the menu. Steven roasts the cherries to bring out their sweetness and serves them with the rich pork belly from Winding Brook Farm, along with pickled rhubarb and broccolini from Harvest Hill Farm. The maple and black pepper grilled pork loin is accompanied with a sweet cherry compote. For dessert, the tart cherries complement the silky and sweet mascarpone cheesecake. Cherries are for Blunch too, in a compote with honey from Honey Gardens and rhubarb, served with spiced pancakes and Chocorakers French Toast. Look for our cherry infused whiskey at the bar soon.

We are now open seven days a week through August!

At the Bar: Remember our drink specials every Sunday and Monday. For Sunday, July 10, we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Whitetail Ale, a $4 glass of Fresh Tracks Rosé or Boyden Valley Big Barn Red. Our new cocktail, the Tomato Zinger features Green Mountain Organic Gin, sweet cherry tomatoes, lime juice and a salted rim, specially priced at $5.

Coming up at Cocktail Class: Duncan Holaday of Dunc's Mill will join us for our next cocktail class on Saturday, July 23 from 4-5. Learn about the new Vermont-made rums and the cocktails you can make with them. Admission is free, and you can enjoy a flight of the rum or a special cocktail.

Around the Galaxy: This week Galaxy celebrates the arrival of David Budbill's new book of poetry, Happy Life. The book's striking cover features Lois Eby's painting. David will read from his work at Galaxy in August and you can get your copy now. In the meantime, put the sizzle in your summer on July 12 when Greensboro's master of romance Anne Stuart & Kristina Douglas appear to introduce a hot new series plus the latest installment in The House of Rohan, Shameless.

Music Notes: Hardwick favorites The Butterbeans are back this Thursday, July 7 at 7:30. Support local music and dance to their old timey, jazz and bluegrass tunes.

Local Events: A benefit concert for the Jeudevine Library will be Saturday, July 9 at the Hardwick Town House from 7-9pm. Admission is $8, $5 for seniors and students and kids are free! Help support the fund for the new Youth Services Librarian while listening to some great local music by Laslo Cameo, Tracy Wolters and the Flood Family. For more information call the library at 472-5948.

On Sunday, July 10 Kenji Bunch and his Bluegrass Allstars play a benefit for the Craftsbury Chamber Players at 7PM in Craftsbury.

Reminders: We are open daily after 2:30 for coffee and espresso drinks, 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.

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