Some kitchens haven’t been updated since 1977, while others are gussied up with fancy counters and shiny appliances that look as though they were meant for a restaurant. But, while marble and stainless steel may add resale value, they aren’t what make a room one of a kind. A resident chef often does. Some cooks are so passionate that their kitchens become reflections of their particular styles. ... Read more

Standing with a lease in hand, Crystal Maderia, owner of Kismet in Montpelier, prepared to make a leap: She was about to move her sweet little breakfast-and-lunch café from out-of-the-way Barre Street to a bigger downtown location. But something stopped her, and it sounds a little like, well, kismet. When her contractor failed to keep their appointment, Maderia realized the new space would never be ready in time for the busy catering season.... Read more

Are certain months deadlier than others?

A Seven Days editor observed recently that, while most sections of the Burlington Free Press have been shrinking, one section has been growing in recent months: the death notices and obituary pages.... Read more

It’s not every state where you can call up an Olympic gold medalist and ask to go snowboarding or skiing with him or her. In fact, it’s not most states. But here in Vermont, we enjoy unprecedented access to the celebrated among us, be they lawmakers or filmmakers, authors or athletes.... Read more

When Fran Stoddard invited Anthony Sini to lunch not long ago, he expected to have a casual chat with his old friend.... Read more

If you haven’t yet made it to Stowe’s Helen Day Art Center to see “Wafaa Bilal: Agent Intellect,” you’ve still got another month, and the powerful installation by the Iraqi-born artist is well worth a visit. But next Monday and Tuesday, you could also watch Bilal — via webcast — get tattooed.... Read more

Vermont thespians, dancers and singers: Been looking for a way to flaunt your talents onstage? If so, some new opportunities present themselves this month.... Read more

It’s almost time again for the Green Mountain Film Festival, happening in downtown Montpelier from Friday, March 19, to Sunday, March 28. After that, from April 9 to 11, film lovers in St. Johnsbury get a taste, thanks to a collaboration between Focus on Film (which puts on the GMFF) and Catamount Arts.... Read more

(Cumbancha, CD)... Read more

(Witty Banter Records, CD, digital download)... Read more