Mad River Valley restaurateurs prove themselves resilient yet again!
Every year, the transition from the bustling winter season brings change to the local food scene as apres-ski crowds depart and thoughts start turning from hot cocoa and roaring fires to sips of sunshine and picnics by the river. This year brought a more abrupt shift. Nevertheless the fine chefs, bakers, brewers, and servers of the Mad River Valley have been doing their part to keep the community well-fed, happy, and healthy. Nearly every establishment that gives the Mad River Green its reputation as “the tastiest village square in Vermont” has continued operations in some form this spring, and they are all excited to share our culinary culture with you.
Part of Vermont’s resilience is found in short, fresh, farm-to-table food supply chains. The valley community has been doing its best to continue delivering fine local produce into your hands and onto your tables. Most restaurants have adjusted their hours, and ask that you either phone in your order or order through their website. Some have been going the extra mile to provide free meals to local workers and families affected by the pandemic, or getting creative and retooling from fine spirits to hand sanitizer (thank you Mad River Distillers)! In addition to following your favorite foodie hangouts individually, you can keep up to date on hours and openings with the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Reporter. Here are just a few of the many establishments flying the Vermont foodie flag this spring:
The Tucker Hill Inn and Pub is currently offering Lobster on Thursdays (fresh, even up here in the mountains) and a new menu for each Friday and Saturday. They are also a door-to-door hike from Wilder Farm Inn on the Mountain via the Millbrook Trail.
The Inn at the Round Barn is offering complete meals for four for pickup or delivery Thursday-Sunday along some of the most scenic country roads in Vermont.
The famed valley oasis Mad Taco is open seven days a week 12-7pm for locally-grown Latin cuisine (and spicy margaritas).
Even during a normal season, American Flatbread does not take (or need) reservations; the friendly atmosphere and delicious food is easily worth a brief wait on their beautiful farm. They are currently offering takeout flatbreads, salads, and deserts Thursday-Sunday evenings. American Flatbread also happens to host the Revolution Mountain Bike Trailhead and a section of the Mad River Path - tacky dirt and twisty trails await!