Monday, December 12, 2011

Just Off the Grill

Local Food: While Spanish goats first arrived on America's shores far to our south in the 16th century, they are prized for their ability to adapt to a variety of brush, scrub and brambles, so they require less care than cattle or sheep who need grass. In the Green Mountains, we might be more familiar with "The Lonely Goatherd" than the luxurious soft cashmere and lean meat - particularly succulent when grilled - of Spanish goats. Vermont Chevon Meats in Danville helps us with our first foray into the world of goat meat, and their meat is particularly suited to the deep spices available from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean. For his opening salvo, Steven rubs the goat leg with Vadouvan, a French spice derived from Indian sources. Like goatherders the world over, Steven turns the leg over fire on the grill, and then he braises it overnight in Caledonia Spirits Black Currant Mead, with garlic from Sandiwood Farm and Cipollini onions from Leslie White. The tender meat is served off the bone with a sweet turnip raita, a South Asian sauce made with yogurt from Butterworks Farm , cilantro and honey.

At the Bar: Remember our Sunday and Monday drink specials. This Sunday, December 18th we offer a $2.50 pint of Rock Art, a $4 glass of Boyden Valley Seyval Blanc or Riverbend Red. The Apple Cider car, with Green Mountain Organic Vodka, apple cider and Vermont apple brandy, is offered for $5.

Around the Galaxy: Galaxy recently announced an upcoming swap with the Center for an Agricultural Economy. In January the bookstore will move to locate between Claire's and the Buffalo Mountain Co-op. Look forward to more events in collaboration with Claire's and evening hours to bring two great things - books and food - closer together. Keep apprised here.

Music Notes: Spider Roulette joins us this Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 for their first visit. Check out the trio playing acoustic blues, roots and Americana.

Local Events: This Saturday, December 17 is the Open House at the Hardwick Inn building in downtown Hardwick. Visit local businesses, including S & J Fitness, who are celebrating their 6th anniversary. From 9-5, celebrate with Julie and Steve with door prizes, food and discounts.

Also stop by Vermont Glass Workshop in Hardwick for their 28th Annual Open Studio on Saturday, December 17 from 10-5. You can find ornaments, firsts, seconds, experiments and even a demo by Harry Besett.

Getting Ready for the Holidays: Buy a gift certificate now until New Year's Eve and we will donate 10% of sales to NOFA-VT's Farm Share Program. When you pay with cash or check, get 5% off!

Spend New Year's Eve with us and The Butterbeans, who will be joining us from 7-9 on December 31. Every reservation of two or more made by Friday, December 30, at noon, will enjoy two desserts as a gift from us, and all our New Year's Eve guests can enter to win the Grand Prize Drawing, a Valentine's Day dinner for two.

We will be closed December 24 and 25 so our staff can celebrate the holiday with their families and friends.

Reminders: 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. Claire's is closed every Wednesday.

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 significantly reduced those fees this year.

Click on the image above to get a closer look!

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