As we head into the weekend, I have three things on my mind: beer, spring and outdoor cafes. No I'm not a lush, but I am Irish and it's a great time to be. Here in the Mill City St. Patrick's Day feels like a holiday and I don't know why our esteemed city officials haven't declared next Tuesday, March 17 Green Day. Must have slipped their minds. With all the belt-tightening going on at City Hall, seems they've lost their taste for green beer. But we, the proletarians, have not. I was going to do a round-up of the pubs I love so well, but going pub-hopping on March 17 is like hitting Times Square on Dec. 31 — a wee bit mad. I suggest visiting the Irish haunts during the day. Emerald Rose in Billerica has music and food specials like Irish lamb stew beginning at 11:30 a.m. Where are you spending the day?
In keeping w/ the green theme, I’m heading to Vermont to tap a few maples next week. Anyone recommend a good eatery in the Green Mountain State? Stop back March 23 for the spring edition of Gourmet Gal. Cheers!
Surely you know about Simon Pearce! http://www.simonpearce.com/CSTM_Restaurants.aspx This restaurant situated next to a water fall AND a covered bridge and with real live glass blowing in the workshop it is very nice indeed! They have a Vermont cheddar cheese soup which a often call Spanish fly in a bowl when you factor in the whole settign etc.!! even if you're not headed to Quechee, at least check out the website for next time!
Vermont actually is pretty big for a small state, so it depends on where you go. I like the Stowe area and have been to Blue Moon Cafe and Michael's on the Hill. Stop at Harrinton's (Ham - multiple locations) to see if they sell ham sandwiches, with their honey mustard. The best lunch deal around, although all shops may not have a deli counter.
I've heard good things about Simon Pierce, as well as Hen of the Wood (in beautiful Waterbury). I've always wanted to try one of the NECI places (see http://www.necidining.com/).
If you're in the Londonderry area, stop at Taylor Farm for smoked gouda. If you're in Manchester (very pretty), go see Orvis. Imagine an upscale LL Bean, and you can fish there...
Ah, VT, nothing like it. Glass blower is right. You would be remiss not to go to Simon Pearce in Quechee. It is truly a one of a kind place. The restaurant is outstanding and you will enjoy your food served on the top notch SP glass and pottery of course. Make sure you get a table in the part that sits over the waterfall. While in Quechee, stop at the Cabot store on Rt 4 where you can sample more cheddar than you can handle. Attached next door is an antique mall with some crazy stuff. Next to the Cabot store is an overpass where you can park and look down at Quechee Gorge.
We stay in a place near Windsor, so we always hit the Harpoon Brewery. They have just remodeled, it's a great place to get lunch and sample the beer. Here's a video of the space (skip to 6:00 to see the space) http://www.hereforthebeer.com/leviathan-quad-harpoon-brewery/
Harpoon has a limited 100 barrel series which currently is a special Catamount Maple Wheat beer which is addictingly tasty.
There is a Simon Pearce next door to Harpoon as well. It's their main factory, so you can see glassblowing and there is a shop, but it's not nearly as quaint as the one in Quechee and there is no food.
Definitely will be spending the after work hours at Peddler's Daughter in downtown Nashua. Great spot for authentic Irish fare and affordable brews. Only issue is the last couple times I have gone the bar has been so packed that merely getting a beer is next to impossible, so I can only imagine how busy they will be tomorrow.
Hey GG, you on vacation again? I headed downtown to The Old Court. The band upstairs was a lot of fun. They played a mix of Irish and rock tunes. It was a good night. Lots of people!