Favorite Vermont Resto for a Blowout/Celebration?

[UmamiGirl]

There are only three restaurants I've found so far that truly deliver on outstanding food/ambiance/and service for big deal occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, but I'm always looking! For my birthday this year I'm going to Michael's on the Hill, but my other two stand-bys are Hen of the Wood (amazing food, a bit more casual than Michael's) and Trattoria Delia. Past disappointments included the Inn at Shelburne Farms, Cafe Shelburne, and, farther afield, Rabbit Hill Inn.

So what's your favorite go-to place for a big-deal occasion? We can travel, but prefer to stay within an hour or so's drive of Burlington. Has anyone tried the Pitcher Inn in Waitsfield? I was tempted by the $100 tasting menu but am reluctant to spend that kind of money without hearing from someone who has tried it.

[tonyo]

Your list certainly hits the highlights.  I would add The Kitchen Table Bistro (Richmond) and Friends Lake Inn (Chestertown , NY, about 1.5 hour drive).  The new place in New Haven, Tourterelle (that is likely spelled incorrectly) which was Roland's, has a great ambiance and food reviews have been positive do far (can't comment on food as I have only experienced a wedding reception there). There is a glut of fast food. casual theme, pub places around hre but the list for "fine dining" certainly is a short one.

[UmamiGirl]

The Friends Lake Inn looks great, thanks for the recommendation! We'll file it away for a future getaway. I liked Roland's a lot, and would like to try Tourterelle, perhaps for brunch, in the near future. While I like the Kitchen Table Bistro, it just always seems a bit casual/bistro-ish for big deal celebrations. Of course, I haven't been there for a couple of years. Any must-have dishes? Thanks again for your reply!

[siliconghost]

Kountry Kart Deli is probably the best place to rent out a private area.

Or Applebee's

[Suzanne Podhaizer]

There are only a few local restaurants that I trust on important evenings. Here are a couple that haven't been mentioned:

I just had an excellent meal at The Green Cup in Waitsfield, and would certainly recommend it for a special occasion. However, for a romantic evening, I would recommend requesting a table in the back dining room rather than the main dining room.

I think the food at L'Amante is excellent, although the dining room can get a bit loud. Still, it's one of my favorite restaurants in Burlington proper.

I've had the tasting menu at The Pitcher Inn and it was fantastic — possibly the best meal I've had in Vermont. They recently changed the concept of the restaurant there, so I'm not sure what impact that has had on the tasting. 

[siliconghost]

There are only a few local restaurants that I trust on important evenings. Here are a couple that haven't been mentioned:

I just had an excellent meal at The Green Cup in Waitsfield, and would certainly recommend it for a special occasion. However, for a romantic evening, I would recommend requesting a table in the back dining room rather than the main dining room.

I think the food at L'Amante is excellent, although the dining room can get a bit loud. Still, it's one of my favorite restaurants in Burlington proper.

I've had the tasting menu at The Pitcher Inn and it was fantastic — possibly the best meal I've had in Vermont. They recently changed the concept of the restaurant there, so I'm not sure what impact that has had on the tasting. 

What about Parima? The waitstaff and bartenders are all new, and awesome, the space is excellent, Frank Lloyd Wright designed acoustic lounge, and great food recognized by the government of Thailand.

I hate thai food, and I still go there for the Ginger Lime martinis... or anything w/the blue cheese olives.

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[CathyResmer]

Hey, thanks for reminding me to ban you, siliconghost or whatever your name is.