Ariel’s Restaurant–A Gem Tucked in the Vermont Countryside

If you are an avid restaurant goer, you know that once in a while the planets and stars come into perfect alignment and the culinary gods bestow upon you a magical evening. It’s marked by fine food and stimulating conversation, nicely tied up with a bow of pleasing ambiance and attentive, but unobtrusive service.

That’s exactly what my hubby and I were fortunate enough to experience at Ariel’s  Restaurant in Brookfield, Vermont, while I was attending a professional baking conference last fall. We enjoyed it so much we are headed back for another dinner there later this week during a little vacation in New England.

As you can see from the pics below, the setting, a tiny, tucked-away hamlet called Pond Village, is as picturesque as any New England countryside scene ever conjured up by an artist. As soon as we drove up, we were charmed. While we waited for our whole party from the conference to arrive, we strolled about in the crisp fall air, admiring the view of the historic floating bridge, and golden-hued tree in front of the Greer Trails Inn across the street.

Ariel’s proprietors, chef Lee Dumberman and Richard Fink, have added inviting touches inside as well as out—soft, tulip lights,
fresh plants, warm yellow walls and friendly greeting all combined to
make us feel welcomed and at home. They sounded just as welcoming when
we booked our reservation this time, so this must be their usual habit. 
They have been in business over twenty years. 

One of the memorable items on the menu was the smooth, fragrant and very flavorful squash bisque. It was perfect for the cool autumn evening. Another was  a light, extremely enticing soda bread. It was highly aromatic with fennel seeds, which I wouldn’t have thought to add, but were just the right touch. The bread is pictured at the bottom, and I’ve posted the recipe for it here.

I’ll post again soon with details of Ariel’s spring menu and our meal soon.  Ariel’s Restaurant is located at: 29 Stone Road 
Brookfield, VT 05036  Phone: (802) 276-3939

Ariel’s Seeded Soda Bread

Another restaurant post you may like–my visit to the famous Le Bernardin, in New York City. Or perhaps my visit to Denver’s Rioja here.