There's a stubborn optimism that defines Vermont in early May. The Farmers Market opens, whether it's 70 degrees or 47…the waterfront spots unlock their doors right on schedule…the outdoor events start up and go on no matter what, because waiting for perfect weather in Vermont is a losing proposition (believe us…we know).

Vermonters don't wait for ideal conditions to enjoy themselves. They just put on another layer and show up anyway. You know the type….like the guy walking his dog in shorts when it's 40 degrees out, completely unbothered, because we had one day that hit 65 and that's good enough for him (oh, wait…that would be my husband).

This week's issue is full of opportunities to do exactly that. It’s time to get out there…we’ll see you soon.

Somewhere probably around the age of ten or twelve, I developed a pattern of showing up to the dinner table with a book. It seemed perfectly reasonable at the time. I was a big book nerd…and why waste a meal when you could also be reading? My parents, on the other hand, had different ideas. The book went away, and dinner went on.

I've been thinking about that lately, seeing so many couples and families sit down to a nice meal out at a restaurant and spend most of it looking at their phones. The impulse is the same, really…the screen has just become electronic. But my parents understood something important…the reason you’re there isn’t entirely about the food. The point is really more in the sitting down together.

According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, one in four Americans ate all of their meals alone the previous day in 2023. This was a 53% increase from 2003. And “countries where people share more meals have higher levels of social support and positive reciprocity, and lower levels of loneliness.”

As it turns out, we’re eating together less, and it’s impacting all manner of our well being

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In the cuteness department…Vermont Cider Lab has dropped a new cider made in partnership with the Essex Resort & Spa, and the faces of the operation are two goats named Stewart and Penelope…collectively billed as the Lazy Goats. They say the cider is smooth, refreshing, and a little playful…on brand for both the cidery and the goats.

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Beer lovers in the New North End and beyond will be pleased to hear that Upper Pass Beer has officially opened this week at the former Simple Roots Brewing space in the North Avenue Shopping Center. The Tunbridge brewery has been distributed statewide, but this is their first Burlington home, and it comes with the promise of bringing back the small-batch sours, lagers, and barrel-aged beers that were difficult to produce at scale. Food truck pop-ups and live entertainment are part of the plan.

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Five chefs, open flames, small plates, and friendly competition…the Hanksville Hoedown is on the calendar for Saturday, May 31 at The Field in Huntington. If you know these names, you already know you're going: Nick Frank (Hen of the Wood), Taylor Adams (The Tillerman), Stefano Cicirello (Poco), Avery Buck (Farmers & Foragers), and Forest Hanson (The Hindquarter) will go head-to-head in an afternoon of live-fire cooking. Tickets through the link in the @hanksvillegrills Instagram bio.

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Some not-so-happy news on the restaurant scene. According to Melissa Pasanen at Seven Days, The Café HOT. beloved breakfast sandwich spot at 198 Main Street will close this summer. Brother owners Allan and Travis Walker-Hodkin told Melissa they’re planning to head back to New York to be closer to family. The café will close when a new tenant takes over the space.

This Moms’ Day weekend is shaping up to be a good one.

For the beer lovers…on Friday morning, May 8, for one day only, Hill Farmstead cans are landing at Fifth Quarter Provisions in Waitsfield. They're expected around 10 a.m., there are no pre-orders, and quantity limits are a mystery…plan accordingly.

Also on Friday: Saratoga Olive Oil on the Church Street Marketplace is hosting a block printing workshop with artist Camielle Alywin from 3 to 5 p.m. You'll carve an olive oil-inspired stamp and use it to print a tea towel ($20) or paper print ($10). It’s a low-key, easy Friday afternoon.

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Looking for things to do with Mom this weekend? The Burlington Farmers Market opens for the season on Pine Street this Saturday, May 9, with a full slate of amazing vendors. The first market of the year has a special energy, and it's a natural Mother's Day morning outing. While you're in the neighborhood, AO Glass right across the way is hosting a Mother’s Day pop-up market from 10 to 2, with local makers selling jewelry, cards, wall art, natural skincare, mugs, vases, and more.

And on Saturday evening: the 5th Annual Kingman Fest takes over Kingman Street in St. Albans from 5 to 9, with a concert starting at 7:30. It's free, all ages, and rain or shine…a true block party with tons of food options including sliders, pizza, crepes, charcuterie, BBQ from Mill River Brewing, cotton candy, and All Times Sparkling Cider sampling.

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Sunday is Mother's Day, and there are several options are worth knowing about. Also…be aware that this is also the kickoff weekend for graduations, with Champlain College’s on Saturday and St. Mike’s on Sunday…so act quickly if you’d like to think there’s a chance of a restaurant reservation this weekend…

Original Skiff at Hotel Champlain is offering a Mother’s Day brunch on the waterfront from 10 to 1…think Lobster Benedict, filet mignon and eggs, shrimp & grits, and stuffed brioche French toast. There’s free 2-hour parking in the garage; reservations strongly recommended.

In an apparent late-in-the-game decision, Matryoshka’s Bakery will be featuring a Mothers Day Brunch menu from 10 to 1 at their location on Shelburne Road. Indulge in a delicious menu featuring classics like The Good Time Breakfast Sandwich, Cajun sausage gravy & biscuits, Philly steak and eggs and more.

For a few unique offerings in Burlington…Homeport on Church Street is throwing a Tropical Disco Party from 10 to 4, with a mimosa bar, chocolate fountain, photo ops, and moms-only sales. You probably know someone who would love this even more than a fancy menu.

And here’s an delightful pairing: La Di Da Pizza on North Winooski is offering an add-on of limited-edition Chambord Raspberry Chocolate Truffles with pizza orders through Sunday, May 11. They’re handcrafted by chocolatier David Glass, whose cakes have been featured in Zabars, Whole Foods, and other national retailers. You can order through their site or by phone from 3 to 9 p.m. daily, and limited quantities are available.

Over in Essex, Bramble has a four-course prix-fixe menu for Mother’s Day from 10:30 to 4:30, and the menu rises to the occasion. Choose your main course, from the wagyu steak and eggs, cheesy polenta, and avocado hollandaise, to the brioche French toast with whipped orange ricotta and wild berry compote. If someone at the table wants to really celebrate, there are oysters and estate caviar on the list. Get your reservations in now.

Just a few doors down in the Essex Experience, Salt & Bubbles is running all-day brunch at the wine bar…and if you can't get a reservation, the bottle shop is stocked with plenty of Mom’s favorites.

And back to the Mad River Valley…the Inn at the Round Barn Farm is hosting a proper Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea from noon to 3:30…enjoy savories, scones, and sweets made in-house by Innkeeper Ashley Woods, paired with British and Vermont Artisan teas.

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Getting into next week…on Monday, May 11, Wilder Wines is hosting a wine bar takeover with Slobodne wines, a young family-run estate in Slovakia making natural wines that are not easy to find in Vermont. They're only hitting a handful of U.S. stops, and the format is casual…no reservations, with wines available by the glass, bottle, or flight, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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And it may not feel like it this week, but the patio dining season is kicking off and Spot on the Dock reopens on Wednesday, May 13, on Burlington's waterfront. And right across the parking lot: their sister location, The Sweet Spot, is already open for the season…enjoy creemees, coffee, and baseball-themed flavors, courtesy of their neighbors at the Vermont Lake Monsters. Open daily from 9 a.m. to10 p.m.

Before you go, we're trying something new…and we need your help.

We're going to start asking you questions. No multiple choice, no survey forms…just a straight reply to this email.

This week's question is as follows:

What's the one thing that always confuses you when you're choosing wine at a retail store?

Maybe it's the labels. Maybe it's the regions. Maybe it's the fact that two bottles look pretty similar, and yet one is $14 and one is $47. Whatever it is, hit reply and tell us. We’ll read every response, and your answers may very well help shape a future issue of The Tasting Room.

Consider yourself a co-conspirator.

Happy Mother’s Day. See you next week.