Cuisine:

• American
• Regional
• Contemporary

Starry Night Café Description:
Stretching across bucolic farmland and framed by dreamy lake views, Route 7 is vintage Vermont. The lazy country road is also a detour that richly rewards intrepid diners. Only 30 minutes south of Burlington, Starry Night's restored cider house feels a world away from the big city. Lanterns hang like a constellation above its carousel-shaped dining area, throwing light off the room's warm, pine board décor. One can't help but feel at home. Native chef David Hugo (who once helmed the kitchen at Shelburne Inn) brings his keen sense of terroir to rustic favorites like roasted squash soup and crunchy beet salad. Nearly every dish makes use of local game or produce. We like the Gruyère risotto, a tapas-size mound of creamy Arborio laced with sweet apricot served under tender grilled scallops. It pairs beautifully alongside a glass of peachy Conundrum Caymus. Mustard-encrusted lamb makes a hearty special, but it's the crispy sautéed duck that impresses most. Browned in confit-style and served as rare filets, the bird is Hugo's pièce de résistance. For an indulgent treat, don't miss the café's gourmet hot cocoa, a rapturous drink of melted chocolate kissed with cayenne. Decadent enough to share, it's the perfect way to end the meal.


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