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Last updated:
7/7/2008
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First published in Business People-Vermont, August 2007. In that issue: Sugarbush Resort, Silver Palace, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Laggis Brothers, Media 2.0, Dining Out, Meet the Press
Dining Out
For the size of the area and its population, there is an inordinately large number and an unusually high caliber of establishments. The following short reviews of some of our favorites are meant to help you decide which of the many restaurants you won’t want to miss. Click the thumbnails for larger images.
 Chow!Bella Café & Wine Bar —
28 N. Main St., St. Albans. Chow!Bella and its partner, Encore!, are in adjoining spaces combined in a charming, Old World style. Diners enjoy exciting, upscale dining in the spacious, elegant, newly renovated dining rooms. Booths provide privacy and comfort. Sample microbrews are on tap at the inviting Italian granite bar. A charming brick room in the back provides private space for business meetings, conferences or just plain fun. There is ample space for dancing. Open Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. www.chowbella.us. 524-1405.
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 Junior’s Italian —
85 South Park Drive, Colchester, left from Exit 16 off I-89 North. Family owned and operated, Junior’s Italian offers classic recipes from the Old Country. This destination spot for authentic Italian has something for everyone: casual fine dining inside or out, traditional pizzeria, scrumptious bakery, full-service bar, space for private events. Experience the taste and hospitality that everyone is talking about! On- or off-site catering available. Delivery and takeout. Lunch and dinner. Free WiFi for business diners. Dinner reservations recommended. Dining Room: 655-0000. Pizzeria,take out and delivery: 655-5555. Bakery and catering: 655-5282. www.juniorsvt.com.
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 Leonardo’s Pizza —
83 Pearl St., Burlington; 1160 Williston Road, South Burlington. A hometown favorite, Leonardo’s pizza has been often voted “Best Pizza” by local surveys. Take it out or have it delivered, but do try the creative offerings that come with an array of toppings — with a particularly wide selection of vegetarian favorites. The Leonardo’s works or vegetarian works are two great choices. There’s free delivery, and Leonardo’s offers corporate charge accounts. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 862-7700.
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 Leunig’s Bistro —
115 Church St., on the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington. Experience Leunig’s and you’ll believe its motto: “The spirit of an Old World café in the heart of downtown Burlington.” It has charming decor, creative food and a well-appointed bar. At the corner of Church and College streets, Leunig’s offers a prime spot for downtown people-watching (or for being seen). Start your Saturday or Sunday with Leunig’s special-blend coffee and fresh orange juice. Serving lunch, dinner and brunch. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.. to 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 863-3759. www.leunigsbistro.com
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 Mexicali —
On the green at Maple Tree Place, Williston’s Mexicali Authentic Mexican Grill is a popular spot for lovers of the true, tangy flavors of Mexico. Inexpensive and casual, its menu covers the basics, with interesting variations on burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, tamales, nachos, chiles rellenos and quesadillas. Try one of the homemade salsas, with your choice of zing ranging from mild to XXX hot. Daily specials on food and drinks. Awesome food and Fantastic margaritas. Catering available. Open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 879-9492; www.mexicalivt.com.
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 Starry Night Café —
5371 U.S. Route 7, North Ferrisburgh. Midway between Middlebury and Burlington in a renovated cider mill sits this fine-dining restaurant. Chef David Hugo prepares creative American cuisine using traditional techniques with a focus on freshness and simplicity and featuring local, seasonal and organic produce wherever possible. Appetizers range from fresh Maine crab to steak tartare. A favorite entrée is grilled lamb chops with tequila, lime and chipotle butter. Prices start at $5.50 for appetizers and $15 for entrées. Desserts include crème brûlée with ginger shortbread. Reservations recommended. Open Wednesday through Sunday 5:30 to 9 p.m. 877-6316; www.starrynightcafe.com
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 T Bones Restaurant and Bar —
38 Lower Mountain View Drive, Colchester. A family-owned restaurant next to the Hampton Inn. Tastefully redecorated to reflect Vermont’s way of life and its history. The menu provides a variety of moderately priced choices. Beef-lovers will enjoy the King of Steaks, a 12-ounce, center-cut New York sirloin; baby back ribs are slow-roasted and smothered in sauce. Steaks are USDA choice and hand-cut on the premises. The menu also features favorites such as grilled Cajun skillets, rib-eyes, prime rib, clam chowder and pasta dishes. The bar boasts a large model train that periodically circles overhead and a long list of martinis. The Business Express Lunch will get you on your way quickly. Open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 654-8008.
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 Three Tomatoes Trattoria —
Since 1992, Three Tomatoes has been serving great Italian food on Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace. Three Tomatoes has become a landmark for casual, fun family dining. A custom-built, wood-fired brick oven bakes the best thin-crust pizza this side of Napoli. From pasta to panini, the chefs at Three Tomatoes prepare simply delicious, wholesome and healthy food. Menu specials include fresh seafood, lamb, chicken and sausage grilled on hardwood charcoal, as well as fresh salads, antipasti and lots of vegetarian pasta dishes. Serving lunch and dinner. Summer patio dining on the Marketplace. Privite dining room available for up to 30 people. 83 Church St. in Burlington. Call 660-9533.
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 Toscano Café/Bistro —
27 Bridge St., Richmond. Opened by chef Jon Fath, a 1995 graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, and his wife, Lucie Bolduc-Fath, this cozy little bistro offers Old World charm in downtown Richmond, just 20 minutes from Burlington. Fresh flowers on the table and soft candlelight create a romantic ambiance. The menu features rustic Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood and veal, fine Italian wines and Vermont microbrews. Appetizers include crab cakes with saffron aioli, and Prince Edward Island mussels with white wine, plum tomatoes and basil. Entrées include wild mushroom ravioli with Gorgonzola sauce, Parmesan-crusted salmon with saffron risotto, and beef tenderloin with peppercorn demi. Soups and desserts, such as crème brûlée and cappuccino chocolate mousse, are made in-house. Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday; dinner Tuesday through Sunday; brunch Sundays. 434-3148.
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 Windjammer —
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington. You can expect simple, classic cuisine at the Windjammer. The fish is fresh, steaks are hand-cut on the premises daily, and the salad bar has the freshest produce available. The Windjammer is known for its prime rib, slow-roasted all day with the right seasonings, making it juicy, tender and delicious. Try it alone or paired with combos of steak, seafood or the house favorite, teriyaki chicken. The restaurant features a boat-shaped salad bar, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and cold salads and fixings that complement each dinner entrée. Serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and dinner only on Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations accepted. 862-6585.
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