Hi again!
Holiday plans are coming in hot, wine racks are filling up, and our subscriber giveaway is still rolling. Just a reminder that new readers who subscribe to The Tasting Room between November 15 and December 15 will be entered to win two tickets to next year’s Burlington Wine & Food event; we’ll pull a name on December 17. If you know someone who’d love this kind of thing, pass this along…and kindly remind them you expect them to bring you along if they win….
(And have no fear…we’ll have opportunities for current subscribers, too!)
STARTERS…
One of the real pleasures of putting on Burlington Wine & Food is getting to know the restaurants, retailers, and producers who are behind so much of the food and drink we love here. Up close, you see how naturally they bring people together, around tables and over bottles.
Not surprisingly, those same places also happen to be natural sources for gifts meant to be shared with people you care about…a bottle you’d happily open yourself, a restaurant gift card that guarantees a good night out, or something edible or drinkable that doesn’t sit on a shelf. These are the businesses whose work is woven into how people connect and celebrate, they’re often right around the corner…and they are waiting to help you this season.
BITES + BOTTLES
We finally made it to Fancy’s, the little, new-ish spot tucked into the Old North End…and it immediately landed in the “We’ll definitely be back here often” category. The room is intimate (maybe 30 seats, bar included), warm and welcoming…perfect for the frigid winter night.
Both of our cocktails hit the same note: warming, interesting, and exactly right for the season. The Hi Fidelity (rye, applejack, fernet, Lambrusco syrup, lemon) was surprisingly easy to drink for something so creative, while the Sherry Buzz (rum blend, amaro dell’Etna, amontillado sherry, coffee, Angostura) was dark, mellow, and incredibly satisfying on a cold night.
The food was delicious across the board. Standouts included a toasted sesame Caesar with broccoli and charred Napa cabbage (vegan), mushroom croquettes (also vegan) that disappeared quickly, and whipped feta with cranberry chutney and hot honey. The scallops in coconut curry deserve special mention. Anything with beets is normally a “hard no” for me, but our server cheerfully checked with the kitchen and came back with a clear answer: yes, the dish would arrive bright beet pink, but the curry would take the lead. She was absolutely right. A highlight of the night.
And then there’s the bread. The house-made Za’atar focaccia is some of the best bread we’ve had in Burlington, period. Add in the brightly colored, attention-getting painted mural of food and drink along one wall and the easy hum of the room, and Fancy’s feels like a place you’ll want to linger.
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December feels like the right time to indulge a little, and La Reprise, the wine shop, wine bar and restaurant located in the former Dedalus spot on Pine Street, is leaning in to the moment. For the holidays, they’re offering pre-orders for fresh white and black winter truffles, along with a three-night truffle dinner series running December 19, 20, and 21.
For the dinners, the focus is a seasonal à la carte menu designed to be elevated with generous truffle add-ons…the kind of meal that invites lingering and ordering one more glass. To round things out, they’re pouring a special lineup of Piedmont and Burgundy wines, available by the glass and bottle, chosen to pair naturally with all that truffle richness.
Truffle season is short, the holidays move fast, and this is one of those windows that’s easy to miss. Pre-order truffles for a festive meal at home, book a table for the dinner series, or do both…winter decadence, right at the perfect time.
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If your idea of holiday shopping already involves a stop for a drink, a coffee or dinner along the way, the Burlington Business Association’s “Gifts for the Givers” program is a nice bonus. The premise is simple: shop at participating local retailers and restaurants, hang on to your receipt, and bring it to another participating spot to receive a small perk…anything from a free drink or food discount to something more indulgent (yes, half a dozen oysters makes an appearance).
Participants at press time included Kestrel Coffee Roasters, Hen of the Wood, The Archives, Vermont Pub & Brewery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Ski Rack, Lucky You, Homeport, Patagonia and J Skis. It’s a nice excuse to treat yourself while you shop for others AND support local businesses.
Along similar lines, here’s a very Vermont collaboration worth knowing about: Lake Champlain Chocolates is also teaming up with Claussen’s to add a little bonus to holiday plant shopping. When you purchase a Claussen’s-grown poinsettia, you’ll receive a free gift of salted caramels from Lake Champlain Chocolates as a thank-you...a nice reminder that some of the best holiday moments happen when local businesses work together
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Cole’s Cookie Company began the way a lot of good Vermont food stories do…someone baked something irresistible, word got around, and suddenly a hobby turned into a full-tilt operation. Nicole Citro spent years running an insurance agency before realizing that the cookies she baked on the side were consistently stealing the show. She took the leap, and now she’s turning out oversized, deeply flavored cookies that seem designed for maximum joy…crisp edges, soft centers, and just enough embellishment to make each one memorable.
And her holiday lineup is downright fun. You’re not just choosing “chocolate chip” — you’re choosing The Grinch (a green tinted sugar cookie with green sprinkles and a chocolate heart), Reindeer Tracks (a peanut butter cookie with PB morsels and a marshmallows cream center), Candy Cane (chocolate with peppermint chocolate pieces), Gingerbread, Red Velvet, Butter Pecan, Holiday M&M, Salted Toffee Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan and The “802” maple walnut cookie…a whole parade of limited-release flavors tailor-made for December. They’re playful, generous, and built for sharing (or not, depending on your mood). If you need an easy win for a holiday dessert or hostess gift, this is a nice place to start (they’re available through Christmas)!
TASTEMAKERS
Each week, we feature three quick questions with someone bringing something creative, thoughtful, or downright fascinating to the food and wine scene here in Vermont and beyond.
This week, we caught up with David Abdoo, owner of Waterworks Food + Drink in Winooski. David has been a defining presence in Burlington-area hospitality for nearly five decades, from opening the Chickenbone Café, a legend from the ’80s and’90s, to playing a role in launching the beloved Pizzeria Verità, before launching Waterworks. In 2015, David resurrected the iconic restaurant space in the Champlain Mill, reopening it in its original location after it had been closed for the better part of a decade.
THE LONG POUR: THE SPOILS OF THE HOLIDAYS
by Mike Stolese
The Christmas season is rapidly approaching… and with just over two weeks to go, we thought we’d jump in to help with one of the annual challenges: shopping for the “hard-to-buy-for” wine lover on your list.
For this guide, I’m focusing on red wines…the kinds of bottles that feel especially right this time of year. Rich, comforting, and perfect for lingering by the fire, they’re wines that quite literally warm the cockles.
Each of these selections brings something distinct to the table. Some, like Rioja and Barolo, lean more toward a medium-bodied profile, with higher acidity and lighter tannins. These are wines of finesse and structure, offering elegance without weight. Others deliver more presence on the palate, with added richness, depth, and a long, satisfying finish.
The common thread? They all rise to the occasion. Any one of these bottles will put a holiday smile on your wine lover’s face… whether it’s opened at a festive dinner or poured while wrapping paper is flying.
All six wines retail for under $100, and every one earns its price tag. I took a worldly approach to the list, pulling from Spain, California, Italy, and France. And since Italy has always been my first love, it’s no surprise that two Italian selections made the cut.
These are special wines—thoughtful, expressive, and perfect for a season that calls for something just a little elevated. You’ll find the full list of recommended wines in the printable guide below… a handy companion for your holiday shopping.
Enjoy!
THE GOODS
We felt this was the perfect time to share a few local foodie finds we think would make thoughtful gifts (or useful splurges you’ll enjoy yourself, long after the holidays). Selections include a mix of Vermont-made goods and an occasional well-chosen favorite from beyond the state. Some links may be from affiliates, which earn us a small commission from each purchase to help us support the newsletter.
Brio Coffeeworks’ gift packs bundle some of their best-loved coffees into an easy, good-looking gift…perfect for hosts, co-workers, or anyone who takes their morning cup seriously. Vermont-roasted and reliably excellent, they’re as useful as they are thoughtful.
Narin MacDonald is a Vermont chef who took years spent in professional kitchens and applied that experience to knife-making, creating tools designed for real-world prep and long hours at the board. His Narin M Knives are for the serious cook in your life… purposeful, well-balanced, and built to perform day after day.
Along the same lines of beautifully made things…I spotted this rotating crystal whisky glass by Tsuki Glass online, and immediately pictured it on a Vermont bar cart. The design looks thoughtfully and elegantly made, and the slow, mesmerizing spin seems like it would make those deep-winter evenings feel just a bit nicer.
The Vermont Brownie Company has a well-earned reputation for rich, indulgent brownies that travel well and please just about everyone…and their holiday gift boxes make that especially easy. In addition to a festive, limited-run Candy Cane brownie as seen on their Instagram, their seasonal offerings include assorted brownie and cookie gift boxes designed for sharing, shipping, and stress-free gifting.
And speaking of gift boxes… Shelburne Gift Company is offering its latest holiday collections, with several options designed especially for lovers of Vermont food…there are boxes focused on maple, breakfast essentials, and specialty local snacks of all kinds. It’s a business we’re proud to have been part of, and new owner Nikki continues to bring the same signature care to every detail.
WHAT’S ON
As we move into the heart of the holiday season, Vermont is full of gatherings that celebrate flavor, craft, and community. From hands-on workshops to festive pop-ups, here are the events that caught our attention this week, each with a little something for those who love good food, good drink, and good company.
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If you’re in the mood for something playful and festive, Adventure Dinner is kicking off the holiday spirit with a Christmas bar pop-up on Friday, December 13. Expect themed cocktails, immersive décor, and the kind of tongue-in-cheek holiday flair Adventure Dinner is known for. Space is limited, so reservations are required if this one’s calling your name.
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For anyone craving a slower, more hands-on holiday moment, Specs will host a “Make Your Own Holiday Cards” block-printing workshop on Sunday, December 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. Jen Berger of At the Root will guide participants as design and print cards in a relaxed café setting…a cozy, creative afternoon built around good coffee (or cocktails), good conversation, and something genuinely personal to send this season.
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In-store tastings are one of the easiest ways to find the right bottles to serve at your holiday celebrations, or to give with confidence as gifts. Village Wine & Coffee in Shelburne is hosting an in-store sparkling wine tasting on Thursday, December 11, from 3 to 7 p.m., as part of Shop Late Shelburne, with holiday bubbles being poured while local merchants stay open late. And the following Thursday, December 18, Salt & Bubbles in Essex will host a holiday wine tasting featuring a curated lineup designed for festive tables, entertaining, and seasonal gifting.
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A favorite family tradition returns on Sunday, December 21, when The Essex Resort & Spa hosts Breakfast with Santa, with two morning seatings at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Expect a festive meal, a visit from Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer. This event tends to sell out every year, so getting tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
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And while New Year’s Eve may feel a ways off, Waterworks is already gearing up for a standout celebration…and tickets are moving quickly. The party takes place in the River House, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the night running through 12:30 a.m. Expect music by DJ Luis Calderin, dancing, lite bites, and a free drink ticket included with admission. Tickets are $60, and space is limited…so if this sounds like your kind of New Year’s Eve, it’s worth locking it in now.
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And before we sign off, a small moment of seasonal joy: thanks to @travellikealocalvt on Instagram, we were reminded of the oversized “butter sculpture” quietly existing along Route 100 near Warren. In a month full of cookies, casseroles, and celebrations, it feels oddly appropriate that a massive stick of butter is just…out there, doing its thing. File under, “Only in Vermont.”
Here’s to the small joys of the season… 🍷