Ever have one of those experiences where that meal that you had way back when comes back to you, and your mouth waters, and somehow you are savoring it all over again? Here are some of my recent local deja vu foods:
-Veal Osso Bucco at 39 Main. It even comes with a little spoon to scoop out the marrow. Wonderful color, well rounded flavor. They sold out the night I was there. This is also offered at the Putney Inn and is just as delectable.
- Yukon Gold Fries at the Riverview. Make sure you are getting it with the Garlic Mayonnaise. That makes it. Skin on, crispy, chewy. Excellent accompaniment for cheap margaritas (on Tuesdays). Bring friends.
- Fess Parker Pinot Noir at Peter Haven's. Yes, I could go to the local wine shop and get my own bottle. But the fact that Tom knew our order, saw that I was looking for a light red and recommended this no hesitation made it smoother and fruitier than I'd expected. He gives a good history of the wine, too.
- Maple Creme Brulee at 39 Main. Amazing how so many places in town offer this, yet each one is so different. This is how creme brulee should be, creamy, pale, subtle. A sheer glassy sugar crust.
- Sweet Mesquite Burger at the (former) Sweet Mesquite. It was especially great on Wednesday margarita nights. Large juicy patties, fresh LTO. Needs only ketchup and mustard, as with any good burger.
- Lotus Fried Rice at Cafe Lotus. This was a one-shot deal at their grand opening (it's not on the regular menu, though I hope it will be). Fried rice that is not clumpy or sticky. Light flavor, vegetables that don't overcrowd the palette. And, ah, the lotus seeds. Yum!
- Plain Cheesecake at the Twilight Tea Lounge. Light, filling, cheesy. Subtly sweet with a slight tartness. No crust, good brown rim. No crumbs left on my plate. Accompanies all teas well--even the medicinals.
- Cranberry Scones at Mocha Joes (on Tuesdays). Both bakers make great pastries, but I like the saltiness of Andi's recipes and the imperfect shape of them. And the way they fall apart like layers of mica in the hand.
- Salmon Cakes with Caviar and Cream at the Chesterfield Inn. Good crunch. All flavors meld together well. Hearty enough to pair with a glass of Cote de Rhone. Follow with Rosemary-Almond Crusted Rack of Lamb.
- Rosemary Lamb Roll Up at Sarkis Market. An occassional special on their dry erase board. Was told that it's usually there on Gallery Walk nights. We'll see. Tender juicy lamb earthy and slightly nutty. Try it with kusa and extra hot sauce.
- Roasted Guinea Hen at TJ Buckley's. Moist, not the least bit gamey. Melt in your mouth texture. Forget why you came or where you're going. Served with white bean cassoulet.
- Everything Sticks with Cream Cheese at Amy's Bakery. These are usually sold out before noon. Cheap rolls. The perfect Everything recipe: salty, chewy, crunchy, ambiguously nutty. Creamy cheese smooths out the flavors and sweetens it just a bit. Great to bring for brunches or any other potluck obligation.
- Red Snapper at Anon's Thai Cuisine. Whole fish, flaky inside, crunchy out. Curried and enough for two people.
- Dream Cake at the Twilight Tea Lounge. Sadly, no longer on the menu. A dense white cake that crumbled well. Rosemary, lavender, cream make complex flavors. Went well with lemon curd or creme freche.
- Nut Shakes at the Brattleboro Food Co-op. Smooth mix of hazelnut and almonds. Drinkable body. I like to top mine with a drizzle of honey.
- Chocolate Brownies at Diamond Cow Bakery. Buttery, dense, dark, crumbles like healthy soil. Walnuts add a touch of earthiness. Reminiscent of all my high school crushes.
- Berkshire Brewery Coffeehouse Porter. Coffee and beer at that the same time??? Yes. Smooth, dark, has a body I'd take home if only...
- Rainbow Roll at the Shin La. Meaty pieces of tuna and salmon nestled between avocado, eel, shrimp. Rice is firm, slightly tart. One roll is filling. Especially with miso soup and salad.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake at Coffee Country. Drenched in lemon flavor. Perfect yellow color and plenty of seeds. I like the ones with a visible sugar crust.
***There is so much good food in this area. This is just a sampling. Hope it inspires you to go be adventurous on your outings.