Good morning, and welcome back!

We're two weeks into January, which means resolutions are still (mostly) intact, the holiday glow has faded, and winter is settling in for the long haul. The days are still short, the weather is still doing its thing, and for some of us, getting outside requires a level of commitment that feels borderline heroic.

Luckily, there's always something in Burlington's food scene to keep things interesting…and to give us something to do that doesn't involve ice melt or checking Accuweather.

We made the drive to St. Albans this past weekend to try out Café Monette, and it was a genuinely excellent experience from start to finish. The space itself strikes a rare balance…elegant without feeling stiff, and relaxed without feeling too casual.

Chef Adam Monette brings serious credentials to the kitchen, including a background in culinary education and a win on the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. That foundation shows up quickly, especially in the baking. We started with a loaf of house-made bread — one of many they turn out every day — with a crackly crust, soft interior, and Vermont Creamery butter. It disappeared fast, and for good reason.

Service was a standout throughout the evening. We were warmly greeted at the door, and our server was knowledgeable, wonderfully engaging, and attentive without hovering…the kind of service that makes the whole meal feel comfortable.

On the wine side, Mike paired his entree with a velvety Ultraviolet Cab from Napa, which worked perfectly with the gnocchi. We appreciated the care they’ve put into the wine program overall…it’s clear it matters here. I’m still in Dry January mode, so I opted for the interesting-sounding maple grapefruit Paloma from the NA menu…nicely made with fresh grapefruit. Would I have preferred the wine? Of course. But it was a fun alternative.

Between the standout cuisine, comfortable space, and excellent service, Café Monette is a welcome addition to the region and well worth the easy drive from the Burlington area.

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The concept comes from Stephanie Mack, a longtime entrepreneur who launched the Healer Center after navigating her own health challenges and realizing how fragmented — and exhausting — the path to healing can be.

The food is in the hands of Matt Boynton, whose background is far broader than a “health food.” His experience spans fine Chinese cuisine at A Single Pebble, scratch barbecue in high-volume kitchens, and more recently work with the Howard Center.

Dinner is offered Tuesday through Thursday, with two seatings each night, and served family-style. Menus are strictly compliant with Autoimmune Protocal: grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nightshade-free, using organic produce and wild-caught fish or 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised proteins. Specific allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

The format is straightforward: four generous courses, shared plates and a communal table alongside other seating. “Shoes off” is encouraged, kids are welcome (and expected to eat the same food), and alcohol is intentionally absent. Instead, there are thoughtful zero-proof options like Curious Elixirs and herbal teas. Pricing is simple ($50 per adult, $15 for kids 10 and under), with pre-payment required to secure your seat.

NutrientNook isn’t trying to be all things to all people. Instead, it’s offering something genuinely useful: a night off for people tired of navigating food restrictions, and a table shared with those who understand where they’re coming from.

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If you need a reason to embrace winter instead of just enduring it, Ice Bar at Hotel Vermont might be it. Tickets just went on sale for this year's edition, happening February 27 and 28 in the hotel courtyard.

We've been many times —on balmy nights that felt like spring, in bone-chilling cold, and in the middle of full-on blizzards—and it's always a good time. The only real downside to a warmer year is watching the ice sculptures melt a little faster than you'd like.

Ice Bar tends to sell out, so if this sounds like your kind of winter outing, grab tickets sooner rather than later.

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Last Sunday capped off a full weekend of cleaning and organizing the house…the kind that deserves a drink at the end of the day. Mike went the WhistlePig route and made himself an old fashioned. I, still firmly in Dry January territory, had to get more creative.

It’s worth noting that Free Spirits also makes a tequila, gin, vermouth, and an Aperitivo Italiano. I haven’t worked my way through the rest yet, but they’re officially on my radar. After all, the end of January still seems far off…

Read the full interview, including the lessons that has shaped bramble’s approach to cooking, the farmers he relies on, and why simplicity still matters.

Winter may slow things down a bit, but it also makes the fun stuff feel more rewarding. Here are a few things on our radar right now..

Adventure Dinner is hosting a cozy, candlelit Ramen Night tomorrow night, January 16. It’s exactly what you want on a cold January evening: warm bowls, comforting flavors, and the kind of setting that encourages slowing down and staying awhile. Seating is limited, so check out the availability and make your plans.

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And on Saturday, Barr Hill is leaning fully into winter with their Winter Weiner Party at their Montpelier tasting room. From noon to 5 p.m., the outdoor bar will be open, the grill will be going, and Sugar on Snow will be on offer. No tickets are required, and while the party happens outside, the indoor bar will also be open (reservations recommended). It’s casual, playful, and exactly the right kind of excuse to get outside.

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On January 22, Frankie’s is hosting a Sicilian Wine Dinner in collaboration with 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions, and this one is something to pay attention to. Inspired by a recent trip to Sicily, the evening centers on a five-course menu rooted in old-world Sicilian and Southern Italian cooking: handmade pastas, seafood-driven dishes, expertly butchered meats from neighboring farms and wines from small Sicilian producers. With just 12 seats, served in Frankie’s private dining room and hosted alongside Josh Turka of 5th Quarter, it’s an intimate dinner, and one that’s likely to fill quickly.

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Also worth flagging right now is an excellent wine deal from Shelburne Vineyard: they’re offering their Louise and Iapetus Subduction at just $14 a bottle. If you’re looking to restock, try something local, or simply have an excuse to visit the tasting room, this a great value to check out while it lasts.

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Looking ahead to February, Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne is launching Little Village, a weekly program for young children ages 1½–5 and their caregivers. Meeting Thursday mornings, the two-hour, fully outdoor gathering centers connection to the land through song, unstructured play, simple farm snacks, creative time with natural materials, and gentle seasonal farm work. It’s a thoughtfully designed offering for families seeking meaningful time together in rhythm with the farm.

In closing…file this under the “Most Vermont-y Thing We Can Imagine” this week…

This winter, Ski Vermont is bringing together two of Vermont’s favorite things with its Specialty Food Day Tour. On select dates throughout the season, ski areas around the state host Vermont food and drink producers right at the mountain…a chance to taste, sip, and meet the people behind the products, right between runs (or instead of them).

Snow, fresh air, local food, and a good excuse to linger outside…honestly, it doesn’t get much more Vermont than that. The full schedule is worth a look.

As always, thanks for reading. Here’s to good food, good wine, and getting outside anyway.