Eateries

We have really enjoyed our restaurant experiences in the area. I don't think we've had a single unpleasant, non-pizza meal (pizza will be discussed in another post).

A couple of the kids have asked me, "Why does everything taste better in Vermont?" I've speculated a bit: Maybe they slip maple syrup in everything, maybe it's the cheese or the bread or the milk or the butter or the fresh meats and vegetables, maybe it's the lingering French influence. I don't really know the reason, but the kids are right in their observation. Even the food at the usual fast-food restaurants is noticeably better.

Here's a list of the local places we've eaten at so far - it's just off the top of my head, so it may not be a complete list (most pizza restaurants omitted):

• A&W Drive-In in Middlebury* - old-style drive-in with burgers, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, ROOT BEER FLOATS, ice cream, etc.
• Carole's Hungry Mind in Middlebury - coffee house, various breakfast/lunch/snack food items.
• Fire and Ice in Middlebury* - extensive menu, amazing salad bar, wonderful atmosphere. Don't skip the salad bar here.
• House of Pizza in Brandon - good pizza (rarity in this area). Check out House of Pizza on CNN.
• Li's Chinese Restaurant in Brandon - typical Chinese takeout.
• Magic Wok in Middlebury* - great Chinese/Thai food, great service.
• McDonald's in Brandon - slowest fast-food place on Earth, but friendly service.
• McDonald's in Middlebury - typical McD's, though orders are often mixed up.
• Mister Ups in Middlebury* - very nice restaurant in a beautiful setting, terrific menu. Don't skip dessert here.
• Rosie's Restaurant in Middlebury* - family restaurant, dairy bar, good selection/prices, friendly staff. Don't skip dessert here.
• Sheri's Diner in Brandon* - super breakfast/lunch food, some really interesting items, great prices.
• Steve's Park Diner in Middlebury - breakfast/lunch, traditional village diner, local landmark.
• Sully's Place (Patricia's Restaurant) in Brandon* - excellent food in slightly cramped quarters. Weekend prime rib.
• Subway in Middlebury - sandwich shop.
• Two Brothers Tavern in Middlebury - top-notch food in a great location. Sandwich rolls from heaven.
• Vermont Sandwich in Brandon - best sandwiches and wraps.

Places we have intended to visit but haven't gotten to just yet: Cafe Provence in Brandon, Vermont Chowder House in Brandon, China House in Middlebury. I'm sure with time we will be adding more to this list.

Rosie's desserts

We're usually so thoroughly stuffed after meals at Rosie's that we fail to order dessert. Tonight was an exception. Anna, Tori and I were eating dinner without the boys, as they were busy with football. We felt we still had just a little room left after our main courses and made some choices from the dessert menu. Our three selections were fantastic. (I really must remember to bring my camera with me to restaurants so I can share at least the look of the food.)
I had the Brownie Sundae, a hot fudge sundae loaded with terrific vermont whipped cream and served on a chewy brownie. Anna had the Chocolate Cream Pie, of course, though I thought for a second she might try the Lemon Meringue. Tori went for the Toll House Pie. That was truly special. Toll House Pie is essentially a pie made out of cookie dough baked into a pastry shell. Tori had hers warmed and served with a scoop of ice cream. I had to try a little piece. It called to mind the wonderful Cookie Skillet served (on an actual skillet) at the Mister Ups restaurant in Middlebury, but the cookie at Rosie's was more completely baked and airy.
Desserts are definitely not an after-thought at Rosie's.

Rosie's is hiring

Noticed in the Addison County Independent that Rosie's Restaurant in Middlebury is looking for wait staff to work on nights and weekends. (I hope they find some. I enjoy Rosie's and my visits are almost always on nights and weekends. I'd hate to think that my Monkey Bread would be left in the kitchen without a wait person to deliver it to my table.) Daughter Tori has been looking for a job lately, but she's uncertain she can handle waiting tables.