Rustic Luxury in the Mad River Valley
Citrus and Carrot Salad The Mintnight Sky cocktail tional. Seated by the fire, I started with a silky carrot soup crowned with coconut foam and dried herbs, followed by pillowy gnocchi stuffed with butternut squash and ricotta, drizzled with brown butter, and topped with crispy sage. My husband, Matthew, savored a hearty roasted duck breast cassoulet, while our son, Elliott, made a surprisingly adventurous dive into a Bronzino tataki, followed by grilled octopus with dill crème fraiche and roasted cauliflower. We rounded out the evening sharing indulgent desserts— a chocolate and raspberry tart and a feather-light tiramisu that vanished in seconds. Our cocktails were just as divine. I sampled the Mintnight Sky # 2, a beautiful beverage that pleases the eye before the first sip is taken. It’ s a quirky concoction of vodka, wild blueberry Amaro, and Fernet Mente, combined and adorned with a Luxardo maraschino cherry and a wheel of dried lemon. So unusual, so delicious. I can also recommend the Moss Glen Mule, made with Mad River rum, ginger beer, Crème de Violette, pomegranate, sage, and lime. 275 Main offers al fresco dining in the warmer months, where you can relish your meal by the pretty back garden and Freeman Brook.
If you’ re looking for a more casual vibe, the Tracks Tavern offers a cozy fire-lit setting with a billiard table, refined pub menu, and the same commitment to excellence. Both restaurants are open Wednesday through Sunday, and wine lovers will swoon over the Inn’ s 500-bottle wine list and private cellar. Of course, you don’ t have to be a guest at the Inn to enjoy a meal in either establishment, but part of any guest’ s stay includes breakfast, which is a lovely morning top off to an enjoyable and relaxing night in one of their rooms. We found the berry crêpes to be a highlight, but the classic eggs-your-way, home fries, bacon, and toast also hit the spot.
Wellness in the Mountains
To unwind after a day of indulgence, we visited the new Wellness Center at The Pitcher Inn, located in an historic farmhouse just across the street. The moment you walk in, your senses will be bathed in tranquility— the smell of burning incense, the sounds
76 VERMONT MAGAZINE