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Reading, VT · Food & Drink
The Burlington Free Press
Blue Paddle Bistro closes after 21 years in the Lake Champlain islands
A popular, long-running restaurant has announced its permanent closure in the heart of the Lake Champlain islands' busy summer season. The Blue Paddle Bistro has served diners visiting South Hero for more than two decades. Mandy Hotchkiss, who ran the restaurant with chef Phoebe Bright, posted what she termed a “Brief Heartfelt Message to All of You” on the restaurant’s Facebook page Aug. 13. “After 21-plus years, we experienced a perfect storm of circumstances that caused us to come to the difficult decision to end our beloved business,” Hotchkiss wrote. She did not elaborate on the causes but followed up Aug. 14 with some “last photos of our wonderful friends from this past weekend.” From the outside, the announcement seemed sudden. Earlier this month, the restaurant was promoting a musician set to perform there Aug. 29 and encouraging people to make reservations “ASAP.” The Blue Paddle Bistro was known for its dog-friendly nature and “paddle pups” who populated the patio in nicer weather. Bright’s menu featured American fare and drew visitors in summer and for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. Hotchkiss told the Burlington Free Press in 2023 that Memorial Day through October is typically
vtcommunitynews.org
Vermont’s first kava bar creates an alcohol-free third space for Burlington residents
BURLINGTON – On the evening of Tuesday, August 11, about 30 people filtered in and out of Mesmer Kava on Maple Street. Some settled into comfortable chairs with laptops, others sketched in notebooks, and groups gathered around the bar to talk over bowls of muddy, bitter kava, a traditional drink native to the South Pacific.
WCAX
Local restaurant closes its doors after 21 years in the Champlain Islands
Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero has closed its doors after 21 years serving the Champlain Islands.
mychamplainvalley.com
miltonindependent.com
Two Boot Saloon to change hands as owner Bev Bronson retires
MILTON — After more than four decades in the bar and restaurant business — and one previous attempt at retirement — Beverly “Bev” Bronson says this time, she's ready to hit the road. Bronson, owner of Two Boot Saloon on Legion Road, is retiring and...
vermontpublic.org
Chefs and servers on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train keep service on track
BURLINGTON — Just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, Griffin Carrier laid out nearly 170 salad plates on the kitchen counter of the Champlain Valley Dinner Train. Carrier, a first-time cook on the train, and three other cooks had a long night ahead of them. They were responsible for cooking and plating 91 beef entrees, 50 chicken dinners, 27 fish entrees and three vegan ravioli dishes, along with appetizers and dessert.
WCAX
Local restaurant closes its doors after 21 years in the Champlain Islands
SOUTH HERO, Vt. (WCAX) - The Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero has closed its doors after 21 years of serving the Champlain Islands. In a heartfelt social media message Thursday, owners Mandy and Phoebe posted: “After 21-plus years, we experienced a perfect storm of circumstances that caused us to come to the difficult decision to end our beloved business. Thank you all for your support. We will truly miss all our friends who have been so loyal and enthusiastic about the paddle.”
familyvacationsus.com
The Connecticut Restaurant Where Elevated Comfort Food Meets A Stylish Downtown Atmosphere
Some restaurants impress you the moment you walk in; Hudson Malone makes you want to stay awhile. At 323 Main St in downtown Westport, the polished surroundings feel inviting rather than formal, with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering place woven into its stylish setting. Hudson Malone brings elevated comfort...
sevendaysvt.com
Sneakers Bistro Goes Nighttime With Sneakeasy Cocktail Lounge
Sneakers Bistro has been a Winooski breakfast and lunch staple since 1980. Now, it’s keeping the lights on late with the launch of Sneakeasy, an upstairs cocktail lounge set to host its grand opening on Thursday, August 27. Sneakers’ daytime service isn’t changing, bar manager Yassen Zech told Seven...
WCAX
Plans to demolish old Bove’s restaurant in Burlington put on hold
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Plans to knock down the old Bove’s Restaurant in Burlington and replace it with new housing are now on the back burner. Considered a problem property, questions remain about what’s next for the old Bove’s building in downtown Burlington. “Having our family see...
suncommunitynews.com
Champlain residents enjoyed Village Sunday Ice Cream Social
A good crowd gathered for music and ice cream at the Village of Champlain Sunday Ice Cream Social. — CHAMPLAIN | A Sunday Ice Cream Social in the Village of Champlain drew a big crowd out on a warm August afternoon. Free ice cream from Stewart's Shops was a treat enjoyed by all ages. Lawn games gave kids and parents a place to play. Kids took turns spinning and guessing for prizes. Tables set up around Bill Earl Park provided crafts to make and bubble table fun.
chilichili.net
South Burlington bagel shop faces lawsuit over wood-fired smoke, odor
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – There’s trouble brewing over fresh-baked bagels at a South Burlington bakery. The phrase “not in my backyard” typically applies to solar panels or construction, but for the folks living behind Myer’s Bagels, the struggle is over the smell of smoke.
BevNET.com
Upstate Elevator Launches First Dual Kanna & Kava Beverage Line
New zero-proof functional spritzes and sodas offer a botanical alternative to alcohol and THC. BURLINGTON, VT, August 11, 2026 – Upstate Elevator, a Vermont-grown, family-owned company known for its clean-crafted cannabis products, today introduced the first dual kanna & kava beverage line, expanding beyond cannabinoids with a new collection of zero-proof functional spritzes and sodas. The lineup includes Pink Grapefruit Uplift Spritz and Blackberry Zinger Unwind Soda, available now, with Lychee Blood Orange Uplift Spritz arriving later this month. Each beverage is crafted with a blend of clinically studied Zembrin® kanna, noble kava root extract, and L-theanine.
WCAX
sevendaysvt.com
Ray’s Seafood Market in Essex to Close After 75 Years
Paul Dunkling confirmed that he and his older sisters — Janice Clark, Deborah Addis, Karen Fortin and Mary Pike — will close the family’s Ray’s Seafood Market at 7 Pinecrest Drive in Essex on September 12. Dunkling, 58, said he and Clark are the current hands-on owners of the third-generation business founded in 1949. “It was just time for some of us to retire and move on,” he said of the decision.
familydestinationsguide.com
The Hole-In-The-Wall Drive-In In New York With Mouthwatering Comfort Food
There’s a pink building in Malone that looks like a birthday cake and serves food that tastes like happiness. Bokie’s Drive In proves that the best things in life are often the simplest, especially when they involve burgers and milkshakes. Here’s a truth about great restaurants: they don’t...
chilichili.net
Hot sauce could heat up Vermont farmer profits
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The UVM men’s hoops team wrapped up its Summer session on Friday after spending the last 7 weeks trying to build chemistry and get everyone on the same page. The 2026-27 roster looks very different from a year ago in that it includes ten first-time Catamounts.