Prohibition Pig - Waterbury, VT

Who says you can't find good 'ole barbecue in the New England States? I found North Carolina Style barbecue and a lot more at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, VT, just 35 minutes south of Burlington, VT. Then "follow your nose" to the best aroma in town...the smell of smoked pig and beef brisket!

Prohibition Pig was founded by a North Carolina transplant who has combined the Vermont fresh-farm-to-table concept with a Southern twist. Incorporate into the mix an extensive bourbon, whiskey and beer menu and you have the makings of a "plum bodacious" time in a casual saloon setting.

My best discovery at the Prohibition Pig was the double fried chicken wings with a jalapeño honey maple mustard sauce. My heaven!! It was by far, the BEST chicken wings I've ever had! The heat is subtle, and sneaks up on you like the devil himself. The honey maple mustard sauce balances the heat with the sweet. By the time I was finished, my lips and tastes buds were saying, "thank you"!

The other ladies at the table enjoyed the beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. We shared a delicious plate of homemade "skinny" fries and a pickled vegetable dish with cauliflower, carrots, brussel sprouts and beets. (We had to have something healthy, before we could enjoy dessert.) And speaking of dessert, we shared a decadent dark chocolate bread pudding with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream!

My thanks to the hotel concierge for the recommendation, my "road trip ladies" for a fun time of tours, food and friendship and the very accommodating service at Prohibition Pig.

4½ Valcooks Aprons 

Prohibition Pig

23 S. Main St.

Waterbury, VT 05676

(802)244-4120

prohibitionpig.com

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Juniper at Hotel Vermont - Burlington, VT

My love for Burlington, VT continues to grow with yet another exquisite dining experience at Juniper at Hotel Vermont. The restaurant and hotel is located just two blocks from Lake Champlain on Cherry Street. 

Most Vermont restaurants use local meats and vegetables and provides a "farm to table" menu. But, Juniper has perfected the preparation of these ingredients to impress the most savvy gastronome!

I perused the eclectic menu, and chose for my appetizer, the chilled artichoke and fennel soup with toasted hazelnuts, roasted artichoke and pollen. Yes, POLLEN! The chilled artichoke soup had such a delicate, light flavor and a balance of textures with a light creamy potato base. 

For my main course, I selected the grilled beef striploin with fresh picked runner string beans and lovage potatoe salad. Others at the table ordered the fried chicken and homemade buttermilk biscuits, pan seared monk fish, fresh picked mushrooms with gnocchi, and pork anticuchos with quinoa. 

You must try the side dishes! The roasted radishes were so tasty and delicious! I'm going to try to duplicate them as soon as I return. Tender, juicy and tasty; but so healthy. The pickled watermelon was also a must try and a pleasant surprise. 

The meal was topped off with a delightful bottle of Marquette 2013 wine from Vermont winery Shelbourne Vineyards. The wine was chosen exclusively for the name, (WE ARE MARQUETTE), but was a great pairing for the feast and enjoyed by all.

Juniper is casual, yet quaint. It has a full bar and ample raised patio seating for fun with family, friends or business associates. Friendly service. 

4½ Valcooks Aprons

Juniper at Hotel Vermont

41 Cherry Street

Burlington, VT 05401

(802)651-5027

hotelvt.com

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L'Amante Restorante - Burlington, VT

I never believed in "love at first sight" until today. Burlington, VT is my new "love"! All it took was the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain, nestled between the Adirondack & Green Moutains and an amazing dinner at L'Amante Restorante.

L'Amante, located at 126 College Avenue, is just a few blocks up the hill from Lake Champlain. I knew I was in for a treat when I smelled the wonderful aromas and caught sight of the dishes being served to the tables. Fortunately for me, we had a wonderful waitress who alerted me that only two of the daily specials remained. I hurriedly requested one of them. Lucky me!

For an appetizer, I enjoyed one of the house specialties, Squash Blossom Fritters, stuffed with Taleggio Cheese, drizzled with honey and truffle oil. Magnificent! Light, airy, with just the right amount of this flavorful cheese, the delicate blossoms were enhanced by the honey and truffle oil. 

The special of the evening (of which I was fortunate to order) was 1½ pound lobster, lightly seasoned, steamed and removed from the shell. The lobster was then placed on top of a risotto cake, garnished with asparagus and topped with a delicate sauce. Amazing! But what made the dish special was the risotto cake. It was not the usual consistency; firm, not too cheesy and a delicious crispy top. 

If you want to "fall in love", come to Burlington. If you want to sustain it, add L'Amante to your restaurant list!

4 ½ of 5 Valcooks Aprons

L'Amante

126 College Street

Burlington, VT 05401

(802)863-5200

lamante.com

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Joni's Diner - Lake Geneva, WI

Go back in time at this original 1954 diner, Joni's. This quaint little restaurant began in Pennsylvania 60 years ago, then shipped across 8 states and brought back to life in Lake Geneva, WI. 

From the minute up drive up to the parking lot, you'll enjoy viewing the authentic steel design of this "old school diner. I was greated warmly by Dustin, the waiter, who gave me my choice of the comfortable booths or a stool at the large counter. I choose a booth. While perusing the menu, music from the 50's and 60's era such as Frankie Valle, the Supremes, The Beatles and Aretha Franklin got me in the mood for breakfast.

Joni's menu consists of mostly fresh, homemade ingredients. The eggs are from the locally raised, Yuppie Hill. I feasted on the "off the bone" ham, eggs over hard, potato pancake with Apple sauce and sour cream and a homemade biscuit. The potato pancake and biscuit were from their original family recipe. Both were outstanding! The biscuit was especially delightful with a consistency unlike most you run across. 

Looking out of the large windows with green & gold striped awnings, you bound to see a few Harleys pass by. You are in Harley country!

Joni's Diner found it's new home in Lake Geneva only a year ago, but hope it will be a mainstay. They had me wanting to don Bobbie socks, a hoop skirt and satin letter jacket (aka Laverne & Shirley) while enjoying a delectable breakfast. Heeeeey!! (In my best Fonzie voice)

4 Valcooks Aprons

Joni's Diner

111 Wells Street

Lake Geneva, WI 53147

(262)348-9565

jonisdiner.com

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C Chicago - Chicago

Presentation is everything, but so is the exceptional seafood and service experienced at C Chicago. The latest in innovative seafood, C  Chicago is a "chip off the block", Chicago Cut - one of the most successful steak houses in Chicago. They boast of seafood from all over the world, served fresh from waters to your table within 18 hours!

It was a night out with "my girls" for my belated birthday celebration. I chose the Citrus Cured Sea Trout for an appetizer. It was like reaching the pearly gates to "Seafood Heaven". The dill sauce with watermelon radish was a touch of genius. My main course was the Shellfish Bouquet. It consisted of steamed/chilled shrimp, lobster, king crab, oysters, and mussels. My friends ordered a variety of Whole Fish, such as Branzino, Red Snapper, and Dover Soles. The fish is grilled whole and filleted table side. Of course, I sampled it all - much to my delight.  For those who prefer steaks, you're covered. The steaks are from their other restaurant, Chicago Cut. Prime and delicious!

To accompany your main course, you MUST order the impressive side dishes. They add the appropriate balance to your meal. I highly recommend the sautéed collard greens (amazing), quinoa and the roasted squash & cauliflower vegetables. 

Portions at C Chicago are small.  But, I promise you, your taste buds will be tantalized, and you will savor every bite! I felt it was just enough, left me satisfied and no waste. (I hate to waste delicious food.)

Save room for dessert! Again, small serving, but just enough to satisfy and oh...sinfully delicious! The pineapple cake was my favorite.

I thoroughly enjoyed the active vibe. The atmosphere is open, airy and multileveled. Perfect for parties, business dining, get togethers with friends or date night. Valet parking is available. Business or smart casual attire. Pricy, but well worth it. 

When booking your reservation at C Chicago, request Daniel as your waiter. By far, the most attentive service I've experienced! He seemed to always be there when you need him without being intrusive. Thanks again Daniel for making our evening exceptional from beginning to end. 

5 Valcooks Aprons/Golden Apron Award

C Chicago

20 West Kinzie

Chicago, IL 

(312)280-8882

cchicago.net

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Folk Art Restaurant - Atlanta

I asked my friend, Cathy to take me to a different kind of breakfast place. And that she did - Folk Art Restaurant in Atlanta. Folk Art's motto is "Artful Eats for the Simple Folk". I'd characterize it as "FORK ART for the palate!" I was excited from the moment I sat down and perused the eclectic southern breakfast menu. I had a difficult time choosing which one of the culinary masterpieces to try. The menu is extensive and curious. They also offer gluten-free items. 

We decided to sample a variety of items from the menu starting with breakfast appetizers. (Hey, you only live once!) Of particular interest were the bacon dipped in pancake batter and deep fried and the sweet potato beignets. The bacon dipped in pancake batter was surprisingly tasty. I tend to stay away from deep fried, greasy foods, but this was good! A lover of authentic beignets, I would consider the beignets as sweet potato hush puppies due to their consistency. 

For my main breakfast, I ordered the lobster omelette with grilled onions and Gruyere cheese. Divine! The omelette was light, fluffy with chucks of lobster. Of course it came with corn grits and toast with homemade peach preserves. 

You'll love the rustic early 50's gas station motif with folk art, advertising prints and hubcaps lining the walls. It has a screened in porch for an outdoor-country feel. Dress is casual and service is helpful & friendly. Limited parking on the side shared with other next door restaurants. Folk Art is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take a look at their mouthwatering menu online. I dare you! 

4 Valcooks Aprons

Folk Art Restaurant

465 N. Highland Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30307

(404)537-4490

folkartrestaurant.com

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Luciano's - Duluth, GA (Atlanta)

You've heard the saying, " you can't judge a book by its cover". Well, you can't judge a restaurant by its location. Luciano's, on Sugarloaf Parkway, nestled in an upscale strip mall in the Duluth suburb of Atlanta, is one such restaurant! I have dined at this restaurant previously, and vowed for it to be my first stop, restaurant of choice, whenever I visit Atlanta. You walk in thinking ordinary, but you walk out thinking extraordinary! 

Its authentic Northern Italian cuisine boasts of homemade pastas, sausages and fresh seafoods. My favorite dish is the seafood diablo with homemade linguine. I order it every time - it's just that good! I prefer it over the squid ink linguine, but their pastas are homemade and change daily. This exquisite dish has lobster, mussels, clams, scallops, fish and shrimp in a spicy tomato broth. You will want to take some of it to go just to experience the taste of the enhanced flavors once they have settled. This dish is definitely "heaven on a plate"!

Luciano's homemade sausage and rigatoni is also divine! It is spicy and savory all in one bite! This also makes a great leftover/late night snack. The warm Italian bread is complimented by an amazing tomato-red pepper sauce topped with Parmesan cheese. Careful, you'll be tempted to enjoy seconds of the bread and sauce, but you don't want to fill up to quickly. You have an outstanding meal to enjoy!

The desserts are delicious. Hopefully when you dine at Luciano's, they have the warm, out of this world bread pudding with a chocolate sauce! (Remember, you're in the South.) They did not have it on my latest visit. Guess I'll just have to go again...SOON!

Luciano's has a modern Mediterranean decor and warm atmosphere.  Dress is smart casual. Parking is free and not a problem. Very good, friendly service. Great wines and drinks. So on your next visit to Atlanta, visit Luciano's. It worth the drive!

5 Valcooks Aprons

Luciano's - Sugarloaf

6555 Sugarloaf Parkway

Duluth, GA 30097

(770)255-1727

www.lucianositaly.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"