Bite Club Event at Bluebird Tavern

[Julia]

Because in a sea of standard pub fare this community of foodies is open to creative new twists on the classics. Plus the out of the way location is a great way to escape the sometimes overcrowded downtown scene in search of a new favorite dish - can't wait to find my own!

[carlyvt]

The beer beverage category is just as wide and varied as wine.  But, did I ever have to go to any beer tastings at the five different VT restaurants I have worked in?  Nope.  Why not have a place where thought and care go into creating a food product that equals the quality, and complements the flavors, of the beer being served?  And where the staff is knowledgeable enough to steer you in the direction of a brew you might like with your meal?  Especially in Vermont - where we have the highest number of microbreweries per capita, and a strong localvore/foodie movement.

[live2eat]

When I was growing up, my Dad and his brother owned a tavern at the Jersey shore where the "food" consisted of slim jims, pickled pig's feet, and hard boiled eggs.  Although such establishments still hold some nostalgic charm for me, a pub with terrines, mortadella, guanciale and pancetta would be a welcome addition to Burlington.  Plus, any chef who is “obsessed with oysters” needs to share that obsession with the rest of us.

[VTAndy]

"Why do you think Burlington needs a 'gastropub."

I have fond memories of a "Beisl" that I frequented when I lived in Vienna.  A Beisl is the Viennese equivalent of a trattoria or bistro. It is a place to meet up with a friend for a drink and have a tasty meal from a seasonally changing menu, while enjoying a comfortable atmosphere.  My favorite Beisl was a place where the chef played with local dishes without getting too far away from tradition.  A place like this becomes a favorite and before long, you can drop in and expect to run into friends and acquaintances -- a "great good place."  Places like this help define communities, become a point of pride, and set the bar higher for the use of seasonal ingredients and aesthetically thoughtful decor.  I can't wait to try the food -- and the atmosphere -- at this new tavern.
-Andy

[PTofStA]

Vermont has numerous unique microbrews that are renowned at international beer fests, yet there are no establishments with food that equals the beer quality.  As a person who loves to enjoy eating out with a good brew, it is definitely time to enjoy sitting down to a fantastic meal matched perfectly to my beer of choice.  Enter, Bluebird Tavern.  With the copper bartop and bright creative lighting, not only will it be a great place to grab a beer and some food, but it should have nice ambiance as well!

[HillyAyn]

Don’t get me wrong – the tried and true classics of Burlington brewpubs are comforting in their own right; a t-shirt, a beer, a burger and fries, a sunny day on Church Street… But honestly: Some days you feel like a nut – Some days you don’t! 

A gastropub in the North End is the perfect variation to the inevitable summer question: “What’s for dinner?”  Slightly removed from the hustle and bustle, the Bluebird Tavern seems like an eclectic addition to the usual eating options of Burlington.  I am looking forward to the opening of this casually refined meeting place.

(And getting a sneak peak on Tuesday to brag to all of my friends about wouldn’t be bad either!) 

[wboykinm]

This fine city needs a gastropub because sometimes - just sometimes - you need the middle ground.  Sometimes you want a full meal or a beer on its own, and on those days Burlington is your town.  But sometimes you roll in from a tough day at work and find yourself craving local tapas equivalents with strong brews to offset the drudgery.  Sometimes you don't want the WHOLE VPB burger and - dare I say it within the borders of Vermont? - sometimes you want a European beer.  We need a gastropub to give us a cone of frites and a snifter of altbier, and comfort while we consume them.  This is the middle ground we need.

[Rhea]

I can see it now….a long days work, a simple friendly invite with friends to dinner and the always feared question “so where should we go to eat”. This question always puts a wrench in the day as you sit there and ponder what would satisfy the impatient taste buds. As you sit at your desk hoping only for a great meal and some time to unwind, you go down your food rolodex that you have memorized. Each place you think of seams the same as the next just one down the street from another. Just as you’re ready to throw in the towel, you remember the new gastropub, slightly different yet it brings all the same ideas you love and it’s little off the beaten path. So you say “what the heck” make the suggestion to your group. The relief of the decision makes the day easier and eager stomach preparing for the meal. So to answer the question “why Burlington needs a gastropub” its not only for something new and different but also to make the long days of impatient taste buds, eager stomachs and indecisive groups of friends a little easier to get through.       

[tonyo]

                                              Ode to the Gastropub

With pint glasses in hand
And Oysters on the half shell
We are living the good life
By our smiles you can tell
For we are in a place
That does not have a drive-thru
There are no toys with our meal
Just great vittles and an icy cold brew
Yes, the is the place we love
It is where elbows rub
One and all raise your pint
and give cheers to the GASTROPUB !

[dancinggirl]

What a great time!!!! this is going to be my new after work hang out. The food was excellent and uncommon.
Pan seared scallops with Bacon Jam, Oysters with lemon Minaret (sp?), corn dogs a la boyden farms, house frites, with fresh herbs deep fried with the potatoes, Pork Terrine in Pancetta, divine.
I loved the use of fresh herbs, the beer selection and most of all the atmosphere!!!
The staff was wonderful, friendly and attentive.
You will also be able to get a great burger here.
Cheers!