Yesterday 15 years ago we put out our open sign. It was the day after hurricane Irene. I couldn’t believe that after 20 years in Puerto Rico I was experiencing a hurricane in Vermont. With a bit of time I have learned that every season in Vermont cannot be ignored.

The lovely spring whose soft glow of new green is the perfect backdrop for the bright colors of all the small emerging flowers. The misty morning walks on marble sidewalks while the Church bells ring. Summer’s bold sun, bright blue sky and deep green arching trees. The smell of fresh mowed grass. The surrounding forest that welcomes me into it’s shade just to listen to it’s noisy silence. Then one late summer day I see my first fallen leaf of orange…and….Autumn! The rich colors, pumpkin patches, hot apple cider and sweaters make my heart happy. October moves so quickly I just try to take it all in.

Once November arrives I hit the pause button. I settle into planning mode for the holidays. My list planning self is so happy. Then Vermont gives us her first snow. Every year the snow is photo ready. A warm hot chocolate and cozy blanket to curl up with to watch the feather-like flakes drift down from the sky. I love the mountains covered in white and the smoke climbing out of every chimney.

Manchester is one of my favorite places to be. Opening that door 15 years ago was opening more doors than I ever could have imagined. I just want to say thank you to you all for helping us on this wonderful, beautiful journey.

See you in the dining room,

Melody

No matter the time of year, Manchester can be so magical. I walked out my door the other day to take the dogs for a walk and it was still cold but not too bad. A woman was walking towards me and for a moment I thought she wanted to speak with me. I must have given her a look because she smiled and said “don’t mind mind me, I’m just following the sun”. She passed and for a moment I was puzzled and then turned around and watched her walking directly in the sun and staying out of the shadows. I must admit that I closed my eyes and looked up and let the sun shine on my face and it really did feel wonderful. As I walked the boys I kept smiling and finally realized that we should all try to walk in the sun…it can brighten up any soul.

Talk about for the soul…..food for the soul….Mark has added Batata Brava’s with or without chorizo on the menu. He has it in a slightly spicy tomato sauce with onion and capers. It makes me think of what a sunny day in Spain feels like. Let’s add to that a delicious wine….hmmmm….I am thinking outside the box and am going with: DILA-O, SAPERIVI, GEORGIA, 2000. This wine is fermented in clay pots and has plum colors followed by dark brambly fruits and a touch of black pepper and earthiness. I will test it out for you…never you fear!

Although I love Manchester all year long…there is a special feeling of joy I get feeling the sun before spring is on our horizon. Please go get some of that sun for yourself…there is plenty for everyone.

See you in the dining room,

Melody

Hello Everyone,

I can’t believe how fast this year has gone. I am looking out my window at the lush trees and lawns everywhere. Yesterday I woke up to the sound of a lawn mower and then became aware of that favorite smell of mine….fresh cut grass. What a way to wake up. That and a cup of coffee and I had a smile on my face all day.

Manchester is full of beautiful old trees, brilliant flowers, velvety lawns….so very manicured and elegant. I love to watch people walking around and randomly taking photos and selfies. It’s also that time of year when you see so many weddings where women dress up in beautiful colors and the men looking so dapper. In my mind it’s all just a whisper away from boat hats and parasols.

In the restaurant, Mark has brought back the lobster risotto but this time it is an entrée with sautéed prosciutto and asparagus. It not only is delicious but such a feast for the eyes. Well….that’s one woman’s opinion. As always, wine! I have chosen the Palmento Costanzo Etna Bianco. This is a volcanic wine that brings such a pure vibrancy that definitely pairs well.

I hope you are enjoying this entry into summer. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the cut grass smell of spring, even if you just roll down your window as you drive by.

See you in the restaurant,

Melody

Hi Everyone,

Spring is just around the corner. I can smell it in the air and feel it in the warm sunshine. My walks with the dogs are getting longer and I saw some tiny flowers trying to bloom. I love to watch Spring. it’s like watching everything start to move and yawn….waking up. I can see it too on a daily basis. I know some people want it to be green already, but for me, the process is a wonder.

This Spring we are doing something different. We always take some time in April for vacation and we are closing the last two weeks of April. This time we thought it would be fun to be a little creative. Mark and I are going to create four special dinners for a limited amount of guests. Mark already has some delicious ideas We are going to start with a glass of bubbly and a chance for everyone to meet. Then we will be serving a six course dinner and pair them with wines. The dinners will be the last two Fridays and Saturdays in April. If you are interested please call us at 802-768-8444 for more details.

I don’t know about you but tomorrow I am going to wash my car, put on my sunglasses and wave at everyone on the sidewalk like I know them. This is going to be a wonderful Spring.

See you soon,

Melody

Mark and I are saddened by the loss this week of our sister-in-law, Lu French. She was truly a lovely woman in every sense of the word. Her love of family was limitless and her interests were infinite. Her achievements in life were beautiful and many. I would like to briefly let you see how I saw her. I watched her, in one day, juggle three meetings, work on several huge projects, plan a big family dinner, cook a delicious Cuban meal and find time to chat with each person there. As we left she would hand us a basket of vegetables from her garden and give us each a hug. I could go on and on, but in essence, we will miss her forever.