After a weekend at the Red House in NH, we decided to meet up with Sarah (a high school friend of mine) and Dan (her husband) in Brattleboro, which was on the way home for us, and not too terribly far away for them. Alex dutifully scoured Chowhound for recommendations, which are few and far between for non metropolitan areas, but better then nothing. There seemed to be 2 options (of the non high-end variety) – a diner or Thai. The diner seemed like a better bet in Vermont, and they make there own ice cream which is a real winner in Alex’s book.
The look was very classic diner – an old car that at some point at additions built on (the back and the front). The feel was… cold. Very cold. My guess, or my hope, is that the heat hadn’t been turned on for the season yet. And it wasn’t crazy warm like it is in NY now. I got split pea soup, meatloaf with sweet potato fries and cole slaw, and Indian Pudding for dessert. The soup was good, I am still not entirely sure if I love split pea soup, and I don’t have many to compare it against, but it was nice – filling and hearty with out being overly rich or salty. The meatloaf was good, moist enough to not need the gravy (though gravy is always good). Sweet potato fries were awesome, they are what sweet potato fries should be, among the best I have had. The coleslaw was fine – a good, though non-traditional. foil for the richness of the meatloaf, though I prefer a more vinegary slaw in general, which this was not.
I am somewhat fascinated by Indian Pudding, I have only had it at one other restaurant, so I am learning about what it can be – basically corn meal cooked with milk and sweetened (molasses or maple syrup) . Texturally (which is the interesting part) think really loose polenta (or grits). I had it with coffee ice cream, which was an interesting counterpoint to the strong molasses flavor, but interesting in a good way. The textural contrast of the ice cream and the pudding is the best part of it for me.
All in all a nice meal. Nothing for the record books (except maybe the fries), but a good place to know about, and someplace we could go back too next time we need nourishment in Brattleboro.
B-
Dude! You never had the indian pudding at the Deerfield Inn? They should take away your diploma.