Thanksgiving

Local Thanks: As the holiday season approaches, we pause to offer thanks to the many members of this community who make Claire's possible.  We are fortunate to have new farms and producers, like Peace of Earth Farm, Hatch Brook Gardens, East View Farm and Citizen Cider, who bring new products every week.  Our old friends at Pete's Greens, Riverside Farm, Winding Brook Farm, Snug Valley and Hazendale remind us of the importance of maintaining valued relationships.  As we continue to strive to  keep 70 cents of every food dollar within 15 miles, we thank all of our supporters for helping us keep on supporting the Hardwick community.  We will be closed this Thursday so our staff can spend the day with friends and family, and we wish you a happy day with your family and loved ones.  We are open as usual on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and throughout the coming week except Wednesday.

Shop LOCAL:  Between Black Friday at the box stores and Cyber Monday online, stop by our local merchants.  Friday, Saturday or Sunday, buy a gift card or bring in a receipt from one of our locally-owned retailers when you dine with us, and enter into a drawing for dinner on New Year's Eve.

At the Bar: We thank you with bar specials Friday, Saturday as well as Sunday and Monday. Enjoy a $3.00 pint of Wolaver's Oatmeal Stout, a $4.75 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Cranberry Crush, with Vermont Cranberry Company juice, spiced rum and ginger ale, is offered for $6.  Every Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: On December 1st, Galaxy will be honored to celebrate 24 years as your community bookstore! Come between 11 and 1 to meet Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and buy her new book True Colors, and enjoy specials and special treats all day. Read more about it here. On Thursday, November 29th, Galaxy joins Sterling College in welcoming Nancy Marie Brown for a discussion of her new book Song of the Vikings. Come to the Sterling Barn Lounge at 6:30 to hear more about Vikings.

Music Notes: We will be closed this Thursday, November 22nd for Thanksgiving.  Join us next Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 for Jen Corkins!

Local Events: Caledonia Spirits and Winery will host an Open House this Saturday, November 24 from 10am-5pm.  See where Barr Hill Gin, Vodka and Elderberry Cordial are made, and taste their spirits and wine with local cheese.  Start your holiday shopping early and enter to win door prizes! For more information, call 472-8000 or email tanya@caledoniaspirits.com.

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!

Cauliflower Crisp

Local Food: A crisp isn't just for dessert!  Steven makes a savory crisp with cauliflower from Hatchbrook Gardens, roasted to bring out their earthy and nutty flavor.  Macoun apples from Burtt's Apple Orchard in Cabot are sautéed to add a bit of sweetness next to Steven's bacon, made from Snug Valley Farm pork belly.  Whole grain mustard crema made with Hill Farmstead Brewery Society & Solitude #5 and Sweet Rowen milk adds a bit of spice and creaminess to complement the earthy flavors of the crisp. Steven tops the dish with crunchy breadcrumbs and bakes it until brown and the flavors have combined.  The cauliflower crisp is a warm and cozy way to start your dinner.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, November 18th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art Midnight Madness, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. Our Maple Manhattan, with whiskey, maple syrup and Urban Moonshine Organic Bitters, is offered for $5. Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: On Friday come to your bookstore to celebrate My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop, a new collection of essays from writers across the country in celebration of their favorite bookstores. Howard Frank Mosher will be at Galaxy to introduce his essay about The Galaxy Bookshop!

Music Notes: Spider Roulette join us this Thursday, November 15th at 7:00.  They'll play something for everyone, from blues to folk, jazz to country, and maybe even an Irish waltz!

Local Events: Share your poetry and stories at the Jeudevine Library at the Tellebration on Thursday, November 15th at 7:00. Are you a writer? A poet? A storyteller? Come to the library to tell your story (true or traditional) or read your poetry or other work and join in with the national storytelling celebration started in 1989.  Each participant will get ten minutes.  The first ten to arrive and sign up to be Tellers will get a Tellabration slot.  Light refreshments will be served.  Call the library at 472-5948 for more information.

There is still time to support Highfields Center for Composting's campaign to fund their compost heat recovery research system.  Donate until November 18th!

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.

As American as Mom and Apple Pie

Local Votes: Election Day is here, and while we get to put the campaigns behind us, it also reminds us of our duty as citizens and our right to a voice in self government. On Tuesday, vote with your mother in mind, and come to Claire's after the polls close or after the talk at The Galaxy Bookshop, watch the results over a special cocktail, and enjoy a slice of apple gingerbread upside down cake.  Celebrate your victory or drown your sorrows among friends.  We'll have a whole cocktail menu dedicated to the election and drink specials that parody the campaign, like a Cayman Island Account with rum, ginger beer, and Domaine de Canton, or a Job Creator, with Citizen Cider Unified Press, Elderflower Rum and Elderberry Cordial, either for $6 each.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. Sunday, November 11th we offer a $2.50 pint of Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Big Barn Red. The Vermont Toddy, with Dunc's Mill Maple Rum, Domaine de Canton and Earl Grey tea, is offered for $5. Monday enjoy a pint of Switchback with Grilled Cheese for $8.50.

Around the Galaxy: This Election Night at 7PM, 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. Put Friday, November 16th on your calendar to celebrate the release of My Bookstore, a new collection of essays from writers across the country in celebration of their favorite bookstores. Howard Frank Mosher will be at Galaxy to introduce his essay about The Galaxy Bookshop!

Music Notes: Flat Top Trio join us Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 with their bluegrassin' honky tonkin' music. With a sound deeply rooted in the spirit of real country and bluegrass music based around the heartbeat of a flat top guitar, the Trio projects a sound that is unique and timeless.

Local Events: Second Saturdays Contra Dance is this Saturday, November 10th at the Caledonia Grange #9 on Church Street in East Hardwick. Calling is by Hannah Otten, with live music by American Toad.  The evening begins with a potluck supper at 5:30, followed by dancing at 6:30.

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!

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!