Bite Club Event at Bluebird Tavern

[escargotone]

Burlington needs a gastropub because,
great food in a welcoming environment,
would mirror and reinforce our reputation,
as a destination with friendly people, 
great food and a beautiful location.

[irishshantynibby]

A gastropub (or "gastro pub") is a British term for a public house which specializes in high-quality food a step above the more basic "pub grub.  I've been to Ireland 3 times and England, Scotland and Wales.  This is exactly what Burlington is looking for in a new restaurant.  Changing from Tortilla Flats to the Bluebird Tavern sounds exciting, challenging and fun!!

[hally429]

I believe we need a gastropub in Burlington because there is a lot of interest in locally grown foods that will serve more than just a higher end audience.  This type of restaurant would serve well as a crossover between our typical pubs and higher end restaurants such as Leunig's. 

[davevt]

Very exciting to see the new forums! Hopefully we can all learn about some excellent, local restaurants that we may not have heard of before. If only we had these forums a couple years ago, I would have learned about the wonder that is the Alchemist far earlier than I did.

Speaking of the Alchemist, a gastropub is a perfect choice to replace Tortilla Flat. Especially if the Bluebird is going to focus on local foods. Imagine being able to drink a beer brewed in Burlington, while eating food grown in Burlington. Now *that* makes a happy localvore.

Definitely looking forward to trying out the new place. And, let's all help get the word out, because until now, I had no idea we had such a great new restaurant about to open in B-Town.

Hope to be selected and see you all at the Bite Club Event.

[freeheeler]

The relaxed, easy going, community atmosphere of a gastropub invites good cheer and straightforward dishes, without sacrificing on quality of food. Burlington definitely doesn't need any more pub food, but gastropub quality and inventiveness? I'll take it.

[lagourmande]

Really looking forward to a new resto in B-town - the more the merrier!!   

Great local brews here in the Burlington area and great local food sources - to combine it all together into a nice casual atmosphere will be great.   

There are quite a few resto's around here to enjoy good wine paired with high-end local food, but the idea of combining good local beer with some great food is still new to the area.  The Alchemist started the trend, but it will be nice to have something similar right in Burlington, in an up and coming area.

They're going to have "poutine?"  Can't wait!

[kristenesvt]

Although I'm always curious about new restaurant happenings in Burlington, I have to admit that I was stumped by the term "gastropub".  After doing a quick search, I found a quote which put it all together for me. Art Culinaire says, "They arose from a conscious effort to promote great food in well-loved places."  Burlington is both well-loved and all about promoting great food - that's why we need a gastropub!  The Riverside Ave location is both out of the way and convenient, providing a great tie-in to the another well-loved place promoting great food - the Intervale. 

[waterl]

Burlington could use a gastropub because... a nook like the Bluebird Tavern would be a welcome addition to Burlington's pub scene.  Honestly, Burlington could use a pub that serves food a step above "pub grub."  With it's new decor and friendly blue hues it will be a welcome site.  Its location by the Winooski River is a thriving, growing area with business neighbors Sugar Snap, Intervale and Pho Hong. The building's shape sexily hugs the landscape appropriately.  The location is walking distance from Winooski's growing downtown, on the bikepath and bus route.  I am very excited for Aaron's flair of flavors showcasing tasty comfort food cooked to perfection with care and local ingredients, not to mention the beer! Come on down to the Bluebird I'll be telling my friends.  "Meet me after yoga (close by in the Mill Building)."  "Meet me on a Sunday to watch the game."  Or better yet, visit post a nearby Lake Monsters Game!  It's the perfect location and a very welcome addition, did I mention the good food and beer!  Sign me UP.

[kat321123]

We Burlingtonions (Burlingtonites?) love our beer and pub food.  But more importantly, we love GOOD food with good ingredients.  A gastropub is going to bring us the best of both worlds and everyone I've talked to about it can't wait. 

Not to mention the fact that Bluebird, from what I've seen, is pouring their heart into every aspect of the design of the restaurant and with that attention to detail, I can only imagine how great the food and ambiance is going to be.

--Kate

[Skater Mom]

Burlington has quite a few nice pubs but all with the same old pub fare.  Bluebird Tavern, a new gastro pub in Burlington is something new for us to enjoy.  A place where people can get together for good company in a comfortable atmosphere and enjoy an evening of good fun and food.

[jamvt70]

We need desperately Bluebird Tavern in this area because Burlington is long overdue for
the sophisticated, yet comfortable dining opportunity. Even the term gastropub is new to Vermont.
I am looking forward to the high-quality, local, and refreshing menu. The Bluebird Tavern will bring Burlington's
dining options up a notch!

[LeighC8]

Why do we need a gastropub? Why DON'T we need a gastropub?

I like a pub as much as the next gal, and I can't live without Switchback. But I also like good food. It seems to me that in Burlington, never the twain shall meet. The food is fine at most of the bars I go to, but if I want a great meal, I have to forego the pub atmosphere in favor of fancy schmancy. I'm holding out hope that Bluebird Tavern is the answer. And just so we're clear: I'd never knock any of the local sports bars -- they have their place and I still go. But good food? And good beer? Bring it on!

[Decisive]

Suzanne - In a review and plea to NYC's gastropub scene, or lack thereof, Eric Asimov answered parts of your question in today's NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/dining/reviews/24pour.html?_r=1&ref=dining .  Perhaps you should send him an invite to the BlueBird?  Article is definitely worth reading to get a sense of what's going on in the Beer + High quality food dept.

[malpaflea]

...because Burlington's other pubs are alarmingly gastro-free.

[debenste]

To quote Eric Asimov in today's (06/24/09) NYTimes: "Is good food too much to ask now that we can take good beer for granted?"