Farm-to-table type dinner for 25?

Submitted by BlueSparklesXx t3_103899l in vermont

Hello Vermonters,

I have family in Essex and we're trying to plan a special celebration dinner for ~25 folks this summer. Would love to find something cozy and local that highlights the best of local VT farm-to-table type dining. We always cook/eat in when we visit so I've never actually been to any restaurants in the region. Any recs for spots within 45min drive of Essex/Burlington that fit the bill? I know about Hen of the Wood and Michael's on the Hill, which both look excellent. This doesn't necessarily have to be fine dining -- just delicious dining in a space with a special vibe that can be privately booked or is quiet enough for several elderly folks who are hard of hearing to stay connected to the dinner convo.

Many thanks <3

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blueberry-spice t1_j2y2nxp wrote

Starry night cafe in Ferrisburgh is excellent, and their entire back room (super cozy enclosed panoramic patio with a fireplace) can be reserved with enough notice. It’s a perfect space for that size party and the food/drinks are consistently excellent

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8valvegrowl t1_j2yew4m wrote

Awesome place, been twice in the past few months. Bonus, it’s where the Godfather of the small town quality VT food renaissance began, RIP Michel Mahe.

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Agile_Asparagus_8015 t1_j2z0vhm wrote

Was gonna type “starry night” too. Perfect spot for your needs. Back room is great.

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OwlBeDamned t1_j2xendf wrote

Michael's on the Hill is fabulous, so you definitely can't go wrong there. I've heard wonderful things about Philo Ridge Farm, which is very much farm-to-table. The restaurant at Shelburne Farms is also quite good!

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readyreadyvt t1_j2zqxqa wrote

Philo Ridge is indeed wonderful; their dinner menu ran $65pp last summer (app/main/dessert).

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j2zzw7g wrote

Checking out all three in detail. Many thanks. Philo Ridge looks gorgeous, and at least or two others have mentioned Shelburne Farms.

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thisoneisnotasbad t1_j2xijgp wrote

You can't get a meal at Michaels on the hill for $25 though. That place is 16 apps and 40 entees. It is worth every penny, just not in the $25 budget.

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[deleted] t1_j2xgf6b wrote

Vermont Fine has a private upstairs banquet room and they would love to accommodate your family! I just went for my fiancés birthday; the food was brilliant and the setting was classy but mellow, not at all uptight. I encourage y’all to give the new chef-owners, Chelsea and Tom a chance to wow you! https://www.vermontfine.com

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8valvegrowl t1_j2ycw1m wrote

It was sad to see Kitchen Table go, but my first impression at VT Fine was solid! Which I’m stoked on since it’s less than 10 minutes from my home!

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shehasafewofwhat t1_j2xg4rx wrote

You should check out adventuredinner.com

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profhere t1_j2y2c54 wrote

-1 for adventure dinner. Had a valentine's dinner with my wife through adventure dinner. It was offensively overpriced even accounting for the valentine's day premium, most dishes came out lukewarm, we left hungry. Diners were pissed; one couple got up before the last course to cut their losses. My wife (who is herself a head chef at a popular farm to table restaurant in VT) tried to reach out charitably to give feedback about what went wrong, never heard back, not even a thanks for your feedback. They contract with chefs and venues, but are not themselves preparing or doing logistics, so inconsistent. And when it does go wrong, you're going to be out in the cold with a hole in your wallet.

Tldr; don't do adventure dinner. High prices guaranteed, but quality control is ymmv.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j3009ut wrote

Hm, ok thanks for feedback. I looked at the website and it's a fun idea but probs out of reach for this kind of thing -- looks like $3500 and up to start with for private events.

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shehasafewofwhat t1_j2z33l0 wrote

That’s too bad. We have a new baby now, so I mostly lust after fancy food on instagram these days rather than actually go out. I’ll be lucky if we get take out and nice wine this Valentine’s Day. 😂

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treezusss t1_j2xuewi wrote

+1 for Adventure dinner. Really unique & thoughtful events

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accepteverything t1_j2xhxod wrote

Tortorelle has a private room or a barn that could work. The setting is beautiful and the food very good.

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8valvegrowl t1_j2ydd9q wrote

Tourterelle has been on my list for more than a decade, this reminds me that I need to make a reservation!

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jujubeee t1_j2y72e2 wrote

If you're willing to take a beautiful drive about an hour from Essex I'd recommend The Black Lantern in Montgomery. Chef Hirsch uses tons of local meat, produce, and dairy. Not just Vermont local but focused on farms in the Franklin County community.

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8valvegrowl t1_j2ydz92 wrote

Thanks for this, I don’t often go up to Jay, but now I might have a reason.

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jujubeee t1_j2yeiv0 wrote

Try the mole chicken, it features chickens raised and processed by me! You'll also see Breezy Acres beef and pork on the menu which is less than a mile from the Lantern and it's amazing quality!

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j2zzmck wrote

It might be a stretch for this crew this time, but my partner and I will add it to our list. Thank you.

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Accomplished-Wish494 t1_j2xrj1a wrote

If you are willing to stretch the distance a bit, The Drake in St Albans has done private events, and the food and service is amazing.

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TheGoldberryBombadil t1_j2xie0g wrote

I had my rehearsal dinner at Jericho Cafe and Tavern with about 30 people and that was perfect for us! They are popular though, so I would make sure to book the party sooner rather than later.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j300e3n wrote

I take it back we have gone out exactly once during our visits to Essex and it was to the Jericho Cafe and Tavern for brunch years ago. Very memorable! Will consider, thank you.

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vtmtct t1_j2ybi4s wrote

Definitely Philo Ridge in Charlotte

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j2zzsti wrote

The photos are heavenly. Omg. Exactly what I was imagining. Will be checking it out.

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8valvegrowl t1_j2ybmxt wrote

I’ll offer an off-the-wall suggestion, but you’d need to act quickly to secure the time. Rent the Cabin/Pavilion space at Mt. Philo State Park and hire a local caterer. JCAT, Bevo, Bluebird, and Mark BBQ, all are excellent for great home-style eats, and y’all can mosey to some great views or spread out. The cabin and pavilion make it pretty weather proof for both the meal and caterer as well. Easy access for older folks, too.

Another cool option is the pavilion at American Flatbread in Warren, but a more limited food selection, I’d imagine.

Michael’s and HotW are excellent, hands down, I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

As a wild card, if folks are more adventurous in their palette, Sushi Maeda has a huge space and the food is incredible. Lots of local ingredients are used there in non-traditional ways. Book them early and give Mike/Paddy/Nick time to plan.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j3000kc wrote

Super fun idea, had not considered. Definitely a possibility as long as its accessible. Thank you!!

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Internal-Fudge8578 t1_j2ys4tn wrote

I love the inn at Shelburne farms, it’s super pricy but so is anything farm to table. The added bonus is that being at Shelburne farms is its own experience, super beautiful and you can make a whole day of exploring the farm before the meal.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j300l7p wrote

Thank you, a few folks have mentioned and I'm definitely checking it out!

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Powerful_Science_923 t1_j2zvlxz wrote

Am an experienced private chef and caterer... if you would be interested in renting a venue (nice air bnb?) I would love to cook for your group. I can send along resume and photos and we can talk budget, menus, service style etc. Just throwing it out there.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j300geo wrote

Thanks for offering, we'll keep this in mind. I appreciate the reply.

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WantDastardlyBack t1_j2xh2ba wrote

I haven't eaten at Junction (Essex Resort - they grow some of their produce and such, but they source locally for the rest), but I know they have a private dining room. I have eaten at Tavern, who also source locally, many times as it was convenient to my mom's Alzheimer's community. Tavern also has private dining in the Timber Room, but I don't know the capacity. The website for Junction says 10 people though. You could ask the Essex Resort if they can do a larger group.

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j300it8 wrote

We're not too far from Junction, I'll pop by and take a look.

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Flimsy_Patience_7780 t1_j2ye831 wrote

Try Farmers and Foragers. They’re a food truck named best in VT, but have also set up a permanent location by the marina at the waterfront. Really wonderful to see the sun set over dinner, and their menu offerings are based on what fresh local ingredients they can get. At one point this past summer they were able to get oysters from somewhere in MA famous for their oysters (not sure where, not a fan of oysters).

Not sure if this is fitting what you’re looking for, but I hope it helps!

*Edit: the Burlington waterfront!

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BlueSparklesXx OP t1_j300ron wrote

Oh I've heard the name, but never tried it. Must be the truck. Will take a look at the brick and mortar. Thank you. Maybe the oysters were from Duxbury MA, from Island Creek ;)

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assholelarry t1_j2ys4df wrote

Does blue paddle still do private events?

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