Five Great Places to Dine, Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is the biggest little city in the state, and offers a surprising array of dining and entertainment options for a city of its size. Both cultured and funky, Burlington really does offer something for everyone. Entertainment options abound, and there's a huge variety of dining options right downtown. Next time you have a chance to visit, consider checking out one of the following establishments - popular both with visitors and with locals like me. All of the following restaurants lie within a block or two of Church Street, the pedestrian-only main drag that makes up most of downtown.

1) A Single Pebble

133-135 Bank Street - (802) 865-5200
http://www.asinglepebble.com/

A Single Pebble is the place that I bring friends and family visiting from out of town without fail. The menu is almost exclusively traditional Szechuan Chinese made with fresh ingredients and served family-style, on a big lazy-susan in the middle of your table. I think nearly everyone has had a bad experience with "family style" dining at one point or another, owing to being plopped down at a table with perfect strangers and asked to share a meal. Fear not, gentle reader - at A Single Pebble, you will be seated with your party alone. Luscious soups, and entrees of three different sizes give even small parties an opportunity to try a number of dishes, and that's just what I suggest - rather than ordering large entrees for your table, order as many smaller items as you think you'll be able to eat, and experience the breadth of the menu. There's a large vegetarian selection, and most of the meat dishes can be prepared with meat-free alternatives that are every bit as tasty as their animal-based counterparts. The restaurant features a full bar, and according to my wife, they make one of the best cosmopolitans in the state. I won't bore you with my suggestions, as you simply can't go wrong ordering fro the menu, but you simply must try the mock eel - apparently a traditional preparation style for eel, but made with carefully sliced gourmet mushrooms. A Single Pebble is always busy, so you'll definitely need reservations. Prices are a little high, but far from unreasonable. Don't miss it.

2) La Trattoria Delia

152 Saint Paul Street - (802) 864-5253
http://www.trattoriadelia.com/

I have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for this place, as it's where I asked my wife to marry me - much to my surprise, she said yes! Personal stories aside, though, this restaurant offers the very best Italian dining in the city, and that's saying a lot. Cozy and dim, entering the dining room is like entering another world. Beautiful wood and stone walls encircle the dining area, all drawing the eye to a beautiful stone fireplace. All of this is highlighted by softly playing Italian music - mostly opera, making for a true sensory experience. The menu, quite expansive, is not to be believed. Traditional pasta dishes sit side by side with veal and wild boar preparations that will knock your socks off. Since shortly before our engagement, this has been a regular favorite of ours. The perfect place for a romantic dinner - the staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and the presentation is absolutely top-notch. The bar can serve up most anything you might want, and they offer a selection of grappa and coffee drinks for after dinner. Like most nicer Italian places, the deserts are out of this world. Prices are lower than I expected them to be, and reservations are highly recommended. Vermont has an interesting take on dress-codes - we don't tend to follow them too closely. You won't be out of place if you dress for dinner, but it's not the requirement that it might be elsewhere.

3) Vermont Pub and Brewery

144 College Street - (802) 865-0500
http://www.vermontbrewery.com/

Beer lovers, rejoice! At the Vermont Pub and Brewery, you can experience some of the very best beer that the state of Vermont has to offer, and Vermont prides itself on our beer. Greg Noonan, the mastermind behind the brewery, brews up some truly impressive and award-winning beers. The smoked porter is a consistent award-winner, and is made with grains smoked on-premises. When it's available, it goes fast, so try it if you can, the same is true of the Wee Heavy - a strong Scottish Ale. Every beer on the menu, though, is made with an attention to detail and style that really shines through, and depending on your tastes, you're sure to find something that agrees with you. They're about more than just beer, though, so if you're not a beer person (god forbid), there's still a lot to be said for lunch at the pub. The menu features pub food at it's best, with soups, salads, burgers, snackers, and some traditional pub favorites like a ploughman's lunch, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and toad-in-the-hole. The décor is bright, clean, and comfortable, and the prices are just about the best you'll do downtown. There's a large dining area, making for a family-friendly environment. The building features a lot of stairs, including several flights down to the restrooms, so it's not the best choice for those with mobility problems. Walk-ins are welcome, and it's a great place to rest your tired feet from walking up and down Church Street all day.

4) Ri Ra - The Irish Pub

123 Church Street - (802) 860-9401
http://www.rira.com/locations/burlington/

Yeah, it's a small chain, but very much part of Burlington's culture. Ri Ra is everything that you want in an Irish Pub. Traditionally decorated and furnished, the pub is comfortable and features televisions for those who want to follow sports, but placed appropriately so that they don't overpower the atmosphere. Ri Ra makes for a quiet lunch stop, an upbeat dinner, and a wild evening. It's a popular evening spot for local college students and 30-somethings, featuring live music and special events like trivia night frequently. Besides the obligatory Guinness, you can get a burger, some awesome curry-fries, and some really special traditional dishes, including my favorite - the Irish Breakfast - a real traditional fry-up featuring everything from eggs to black pudding (if you don't know what black pudding is, try it before asking what's in it. You'll thank me).

5) Church Street Vendors
Up and down Church Street

This last one may be a bit of a cop-out, but during warm weather, the variety available from Church Street's vendors is impressive. Savory and sweet crepes, sausages, pizza, egg rolls, fried rice and dumplings, kettle corn - the street rivals the midway at the fair for tasty food. In the summer, you can enjoy your meal with entertainment, as well, stopping to watch one of the many street performers who frequent the area.

Whatever you choose to do in Burlington, make an effort to check out these wonderful places on the shore of Lake Champlain. You'll certainly remember the experience.