Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (crew84row)

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:05:57 GMT

Wow nice report WJ....Sparked old memories for me. I had a long interesting breakfast at Eaton's way back in 1972 with soon-to-be-leaving students at what was then Royalton College (now defunct I believe). While I don't recall the food, the talk over breakfast spurred me in a different direction in my search for a college to attend.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (harriet1954)

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:45:52 GMT

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip report, WJ. In fact, one day when my manager was out, I showed all the photos on this (which are VERY nicely taken) to a colleague whose son lives in Burlington, VT, just to see if she knew any of the places. The only place she has been to is Chez Vachon, and she liked it very much. I would definitely do this same trip; you made it look so appealing! Snow and all!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:52:05 GMT

buffetbuster

Oh, that maple cream pie looks wonderful. It has been years since I have had anything like it. I don't usually plan a trip to New England during the cold weather months, but that pie might force me to make an exception!

Excellent report WJ. What could possibly be more New England than a sugar house? But, didn't your time in Pittsburgh convince you that you should have gone with kielbasa on your poutine?

Buffetbuster

I have a feeling that pie may find itself on a top 10 list.

When I first visited Chez Vachon about 8 or 9 years ago, I went with the steak tips and haven't been able to get past them since.

By the way-on an aside I'm still waiting for Pamela's in Pittsburgh to start serving fries and colelsaw on their pancakes

Of course let me know if you make it to Vermont this winter!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (buffetbuster)

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:34:27 GMT

Oh, that maple cream pie looks wonderful. It has been years since I have had anything like it. I don't usually plan a trip to New England during the cold weather months, but that pie might force me to make an exception!

Excellent report WJ. What could possibly be more New England than a sugar house? But, didn't your time in Pittsburgh convince you that you should have gone with kielbasa on your poutine?

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:25:25 GMT

Nancypalooza

Referring way back up the thread, I've never had a chicken pie like your 'expected' example. They always have veggies in them. Maybe another regional variation thing? That turkey/cheddar/apple sandwich looks so tasty.

Nancy,

A while back, the Sterns had mentioned in one of the roadfood books that New England Chicken Pie is basically straight chicken and gravy versus Chicken Pot Pie which includes veggies. I was expecting a pastry shell top versus a "two biscuit" top, however upon further review, the biscuit top was exactly how the Sterns described the chicken pie at the Bryant House. This meal was very similar to the Chicken over Biscuits meal I had the night before at P & H, however the version at P & H was ordinary and the one at Bryant House was superb.

Incidentally I forgot to mention the two best single items on the trip were

The Maple Cream Pie at P & H Truck Stop
and
The Corn Chowder at Soup & Greens.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (Nancypalooza)

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:23:16 GMT

Referring way back up the thread, I've never had a chicken pie like your 'expected' example. They always have veggies in them. Maybe another regional variation thing? That turkey/cheddar/apple sandwich looks so tasty.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (joerogo)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:45:43 GMT

wanderingjew, You sure pack a lot into a couple days

That whole grain maple mustard looks really good.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (Ralph Melton)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:13:33 GMT

Great report. I wish that we'd been able to visit a sugar shack on our New England trip, but it was the wrong time of year.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (kaszeta)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:06:46 GMT

Ohh, and one minor correction... it's "Simon Pearce", not "Pierce".

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (kaszeta)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:06:01 GMT

One of these days I'll have to figure out what WJ looks like, since he seems to hit up all my haunts...

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (RibDog)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:04:29 GMT

I always enjoy your trip reports, WJ. Thanks for posting them!

John

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (ScreamingChicken)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:33:10 GMT

New England is on our list of places to visit once the kids have moved out and I hope that when we finally do get there Bryant House still has that chicken pie on the menu - it looks great!

Brad

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (leethebard)

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:02:18 GMT

What a wonderful time I've had travelling along...beautiful country...and great food!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (CajunKing)

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:14:31 GMT

Dale

Your trip reminds me I live in the WRONG section of the country!!!!

Your choices of stops and meals has been an awesome experience through the NE.

Thank You

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:28:43 GMT

Sunday October 31

Less drizzle and wet snow this morning. It was just a gray dreary day. I stopped at a coffee house in downtown Rutland featuring mediocre New England coffee and then it was off to another Sugar House about 5 miles outside of town.

Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice

in Mendon VT. Another Pancake house, gift shop and sugar house rolled into one
As I entered, I was greeted by this crew who chose to dine outdoors.

Offering a slightly more rustic interior than Eaton's

The menu offered just as much of a variety

and they were more generous with the real maple syrup

Although even the much smaller portion size at Eaton's the morning before was more than adequate..

After reviewing the menu's variety of pancakes I was again torn between the Pumpkin Pancakes and the Sugar and Spice Pancakes (maple cinnamon baked right in) the waitress told me I could get half of each. Which I did.

Both were good, but I think the pumpkin pancakes edged out the Sugar and Spice Pancakes.
Once again my only disappointment was when I asked about the hash, the waitress told me it was from a can....Oh well, no hash for me this weekend.

After checking out of my hotel, I slowly headed the right direction towards home but had plenty of stops to make along the way...
My first stop being of course..

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland..

Noting my previous comments to pumppantry, when I first visited the Wayside Restaurant 9 years ago, while people watching I observed that the scene reminded me of something out of a Norman Rockwell. Painting. Not only the restaurant itself, but the people inside the restaurant. I remember mentioning it to someone who told me that Norman Rockwell was from Vermont. Well I later found out that he was actually from NY but spent his heyday living in Vermont and just about all the models who posed for him were from Vermont , so now it all makes sense..

Of course this is the artist himself and he is mostly famous for the front cover prints of the Saturday Evening Post.

This has always been my favorite Norman Rockwell print, not sure why but I always got a kick out of it.

And here he is with our own Paul Smith

I spent over an hour just looking at all the displays. Although there is a gift shop, I didn't get anything.

I then continued on and a general store in Bridgwater Corners caught my attention. I walked in and saw this

Monday Morning's Breakfast. It tasted fresh the next morning and reminded me of Allie's Donuts Old Fashions right here in Rhode Island.

Continuing on towards Main Street Woodstock, I passed some Roadfood landmarks such as Blanche and Bill's Pancake House- perhaps another time....

I did decide to stop here.

The Woodstock Farmer's Market in Woodstock VT offering fresh locally baked goods, produce, and a deli I was tempted by the pumpkin bread and the frosted lemon blueberry muffins, but knew if got them I'd be in trouble. I did end up picking up dinner for the evening which I'll reveal later. First it's approaching lunch time.

Heading back to Quechee VT I stopped at the Roadfood reviewed Simon Pierce Restaurant.

This was actually the first restaurant where there was a wait for lunch- although it was only about 15 or 20 minutes... The wait time wasn't bad at all. I admired some of the glassware in the gift shop.

When I sat down, I've got to say that I had probably the best seat in the house

This was the view from my table.

Each meal begins with

Traditional Irish brown bread and scones and I started out with

The Vermont Cheddar Soup.

For my main course ...

The hearty Shepherd's Pie served with greens in a light vinagrette...and for a couple of bucks more- goat cheese.

This was a perfect lunch to conclude my trip...

After lunch, I headed downstairs to watch the glassblowers in action..

I then took the 3 hour drive back home and was home by 5pm......

Later on that evening....I enjoyed my "take out" from the Woodstock Farmers Market

The Vermont Special....
All natural Vermont Turkey and Vermont Cheddar with apple slices on locally baked whole wheat bread and maple mustard. What a way to bring a little bit of Vermont home to Rhode Island.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (mr chips)

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:12:21 GMT

Dale, I did eat the crackers with Tillamook cheddar, rather than Vermont cheddar. it was still pretty good..

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:01:09 GMT

Mr Chips
When I first brought common crackers back with me to Seattle (where I was living at the time) after my second visit to Vermont in 1993 I couldn't get past buttering up those bad boys and never thought twice to dip them in milk and enjoy them with real Vermont Cheddar.

Edwmax

I see cattle and automatically thought "gal" I guess I have a hard time telling the two sexes apart.

Nancy

When I ordered chicken pie I guess I was expecting this...

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (Nancypalooza)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:53:17 GMT

I do not know what I did but there you go. :)

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (Nancypalooza)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 23:53:15 GMT

So neither chicken pie was what you were expecting? Tell me more about what you were expecting. Looks like a gorgeous fall weekend, and maple cream pie . . I never knew such a thing existed. :)

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (edwmax)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 21:51:55 GMT

Good report ... Great pics ....OH, the young Gal that kept mooing for attention is a HE!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (mr chips)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:25:01 GMT

Again an outstanding report. I ordered the Vermont Country Crackers over them over internet from the Vermont Country Store and ate them with milk and cheddar cheese. Found them to be a great snack.
Someday i hope to visit a New England or Quebec Sugar Shack as it is type of place that is not present out west.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 17:03:46 GMT

Saturday October 30

Imagine my surprise when I woke up and discovered a little bit of slushy snow on my car!
On my walk the previous night through downtown Barre, I discovered a coffee house which I planned to visit this morning before leaving Barre for breakfast. I enjoyed two cups up dark roast at Espresso Bueno. Since they only had a medium roast readily available, barista was kind of enough to make the dark roast fresh per cup.

I then headed south bound on I89 for breakfast.

I discovered Eaton's Sugar House in South Royalton VT while looking up pancake and sugar houses on the internet- (at least I thought I discovered it) with favorable reviews on the web this place was a must- A working sugar house, gift shop and pancake house in one.

The interior of the restaurant definitely has that Vermont country kitchen feel and

and the menu provides a history of the place.

This is the view from my window while waiting for breakfast to arrive

Each pancake breakfast comes with real maple syrup

the menu notes that they had to recently cut down on the serving size due to expenses from 3oz to 2 oz, but it was still more than enough for my apple raisin walnut pancakes.

Which were quite good. The menu offers country grain, blueberry, buckwheat, apple spice and other pancakes as well. I would love to go back and try the buckwheat- or better yet a buckwheat-blueberry combo if it's offered.

My only gripe about Eaton's Sugar House is I asked the waitress about the hash on the menu and unfortunately it's from a can so I didn't get any..

After leaving, I was surprised that the Stern's have never been to Eaton's and was looking forward to reporting my new find, however when I returned home, I happened to look at the Stern's 1983 edition of Goodfood and discovered a review of The Vermont Sugar House in Royalton- I checked-same address and phone number as listed on Eaton's Website and there doesn't appear to have been a change of ownership in years, so it appears that the Stern's have in fact visited previously the restaurant- damn! Foiled again by the Stern's!

Keeping the theme of the trip, my next stop was

The New England Maple Museum in Pittsford VT
An interactive museum with everything and anything you needed to know about the history and processing of maple syrup with several interactive displays.

I thought the halloween decorations were a nice touch.

What I thought was cool was some of the recorded dialogue from old Vermont farmers providing a description of the process.

After enjoying the museum, I headed further south for a very large lunch at a legendary roadfood establishment...

The Bryant House in Weston VT
located next door to

The Vermont Country Store but we'll get to that later..

I've been wanting to check out the Bryant House for quite some time and I'm glad I finally made it here

I started out with the only in VT classic

Common crackers with milk and a wedge of cheddar- These sturdy crackers are plain- but solid and substantial- just like your typical old time Vermonter- the crackers held up sturdily to the milk that was poured on top of them. An occasional bite of the slightly sharp cheddar completed this classic yankee meal- but this was only the beginning!
My main course hasn't arrived yet... no...wait...it's coming now..

I thought I was getting chicken pie, you know like the kind they serve at Dottie's Diner in Woodbury CT- however this arrived- it actually reminded be alot of what I had the night before at the P & H truck stop, however this version I thought tasted better. Perhaps I should have gotten the pot roast the night before...

After my gut busting lunch I was stuffed. And spent the day digesting my meal by walking around the VT Country Store...

Which even has it's own scale museum!

Or if you choose, you can purchase your own

your own handsaw walking cane...
however...

I had a few Roadfooders in mind when I saw this particular product!

I also had the chance to check out

The Weston Country Store and

Vermont Cheese Emporium across the street..

Afterwards I headed to Rutland VT which is where I was staying for the night. After checking into my motel, I walked around downtown Rutland and enjoyed a couple of Otter Creek Octoberfests. Unfortunately I was still full from lunch so dinner was out of the question. Instead I headed back to my hotel to watch game 3 of the world series..

I'll complete the final chapter tomorrow.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (wanderingjew)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 15:53:42 GMT

pumppantry

Unfortunately I did not make it to The Wayside this time around. I've been there a few times before, my last visit being in 2008. Although it's ironic that you mentioned the place because it was my initial experience on my first visit to the Wayside back in 2001 that precipitated my most recent trip. I'll explain it in my third installation which I should complete tomorrow.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (TnTinCT)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 15:36:16 GMT

YUM! Thinking it's time to make corn chowder, now you've put the idea in my head! Looking forward to more story.

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (ayersian)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 11:42:18 GMT

WJ, we visited the Farmers Diner a couple of weeks before you for a review. It's in the queue to be posted soon! We did not hit the ice cream place next door but had some later in downtown Woodstock that was quite good (but expensive). Keep 'em coming, sir! Chris

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (Stephen Rushmore Jr.)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 09:57:05 GMT

Great photos and write-up!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (ann peeples)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 07:47:27 GMT

Always fun to follow your trips, WJ, and this one was no exception!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (leethebard)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:12:07 GMT

Colorful report and some great looking food. Thanks so much!!

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (UncleVic)

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:02:47 GMT

Great report! Craving corn chowder and a beer now...

Re:Sugar Shackin' it in Snowy Southern Vermont (mr chips)

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:48:29 GMT

Nice report. It's fun when areas fairly close -by have such delightful roadfood.