For I Have Been To Ludlow Fair…
Columbus Day Weekend is a big deal in New England, not least because it’s leaf season. Lots of people driving about, staring at leaves and covered bridges and enjoying the weather, because winter is coming.
It’s great to run into a place that remembers it’s in the hospitality business. The Downtown Grocery in little Ludlow Vt. is terrific. We had lamb hash (duck-fat roasted potatoes, root veggies, a terrific jus lié) and a nice bitter red ale; a very fine lunch. The kitchen crew appeared to be having an absolute blast.
Also very tasty: Popolo is Bellows Falls, in the lobby of an old hotel that still has a publicity print for the Canadian Pacific Railroad hanging over the mantlepiece. Oh, the places you’ll go! And there was nothing wrong with the lobster ravioli.
Also grand: the Big Buzz Chainsaw Carving Festival.