Food

Vintage French posters fill the wall space of the large but intimate Bistro Henry (1942 Rte. 11/30, 802/362-4982, www.bistrohenry.com [1], 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri., noon–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $25–32) founded by two transplanted Manhattan chefs. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves heavily Americanized bistro food, like grilled venison with lingonberry sauce and fettuccine with rabbit (“We only use the ugly ones, not the cute ones,” says Chef Henry). Henry’s wife, Dina, makes desserts, including a Grand Marnier crème brûlée.

The food may be fancy, but the atmosphere isn’t at The Perfect Wife (2594 Depot St./Rte. 11/30, 802/362-2817, www.perfectwife.com [2], 5–10 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; seasonal hours may vary, $19–28), which feels more like a dinner party than a restaurant. Whether you have a perfect wife at home or not, you’ll appreciate chef and “aspiring perfect wife” Amy Chamberlain’s seared yellowfin tuna, pecan pork tenderloin, coq au vin, and “howling wolf” vegetarian special.

You might not expect to find good Mexican food this far up in Vermont [3], but Candelero’s (5103 Main St., 802/362-0836, www.candeleros.net [4], 4–9 p.m. daily, $15–23) does a great job with creative Southwestern cuisine, served in a brick Victorian house.

If the rooster motif at Up For Breakfast (4935 Main St./Rte. 7A, 802/362-4204, 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Sat. and Sun., $8–12) doesn’t open your eyes, the hearty meals here will. It’s located on the second floor overlooking Main Street. The “red flannel hash” and sourdough batard French toast are perfect for bulking up on carbs before hitting the hills or the slopes.