Boomin' Barre

Newly renovated, re-opened All Fired Up Tavern [1] in Barre is back, and "it's a totally different business," according to co-owner Ann Fiore. "A lot of people were getting take-out, and the feedback I was getting is that they loved the food, but not the atmosphere."

They've changed the restaurant's look by adding a front and a back bar, "lots of granite" and 14 plasma TVs. Plus, Fiore brought on board exec chef and co-owner
Zachary Lord, formerly of Boston, to improve the restaurant's food. "We have two wood-fired ovens imported from Italy," she explains. "Now we're utilizing the ovens the way we should be." In addition to pizza, they're using them for comfort foods such as mac 'n' cheese, French onion soup and "ribeye steaks with a nice gorgonzola sauce," boasts Fiore.

In November, Mexican joint El Sol [2], currently located in Berlin, will move to a location right across the street from All Fired Up. Scott Gundry, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Jennifer, is looking forward to having a larger location. "Right now we have 20 seats," he says. In Barre, "we'll have approximately 144."

The current kitchen doesn't have an oven, but the new one has two, so Gundry intends to add enchiladas to the menu alongside his super-popular flautas, tostadas and fajitas. He's also planning daily specials featuring his homemade "salsas and sauces." The all-vegetarian rice and beans will remain unchanged.

Stay tuned for other upgrades, such as salsa lessons taught by Cheyenne Roberts, co-owner of the nearby Pit Stop Diner [3]. Another bonus: late-night hours. Dundry plans to serve food until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends.