New Puppy!

I had the pleasure of preparing my silent auction prize. Here’s what was on the menu:

Man Auction Dinner for Six to Benefit Barnard Academy

Monday 5-23-11 •  Prepared for the Maple Leaf Inn and guests.

– Hors d’oeuvres –

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Champagne

•••

Citron and Dill Cured Grav Lox Canapé
Served on Focaccia Toast with Horseradish Crème Fraiche with Tobbiko Caviar

Vermont Artisinal Cheeses
With Candied Walnuts, Pears and Apples

– First Course –

Crossroads, “Destination Series”, Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, 2006

•••

Vichyssoise of Locally Foraged Ramps
With White Truffle Oil, Chives and Aged Sheep’s Milk Cheese

– Second Course –

Simple salad

Local Organic Field Lettuces and Herbs with a Lemon Champagne and Dijon Vinaigrette

– Third Course –

Rabbit Ravioli

Roasted Vermont Rabbit with Chèvre, House Made Ricotta and Herbs in Fresh Pasta with a Natural Pan Reduction Sauce with Roasted Shallots

– Main Course –

Turley “Old Vine” Zinfandel, California 2008

•••

Leg of Vermont Spring Lamb

Boneless Leg of Local lamb, Generously Rubbed with Fresh Herbs, Garlic and Chili Pepper,
Rolled with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Slow Roasted with New Potatoes, Spring Onions and Local Asparagus
Served with Zinfandel Demi Glace

– Dessert –

Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon-Cayenne Cake

Topped with Dark Chocolate-Coffee Ganache
and Whipped Fresh Cream

Will Dodson, Owner & Chef of the Barnard Inn, Dana Hansen Sous Chef

Chefs of the Valley was quite the success this year, raising approximately $30,000 for the Haven’s programs thanks to the committee, the sponsors and attendees! Held on one of spring’s most beautiful days, everyone enjoyed the delicious food & wine, fun music and over-the-top silent auction! With 21 Chefs from local restaurants and bakeries, four wine and beverage companies and two live bands (Gerry Grimo & The Jazz Quartet and the Kerry Rose Band); this event keeps getting better and better!

2011 Man Auction Recap
A big heartfelt “Thank you” to all that made the First Annual Man Auction a smashing success.   A good time was had by all and we raised nearly $18,000. to benefit the Barnard Academy.!  We’re already looking forward to next year. Be sure to mark you calendars for Saturday, March 31st  for the 2012 Man Auction!

Thursday, May 5th, is CINCO de MAYO! Join us at Max’s Baja Cantina and enjoy some Mexican Baja Cuisine (including Margaritas). The fiesta begins at 5:00.
Come on over.
For reservations call 802.234.9961.

Chefs of the Valley 2011 event

On Sunday, May 1st, we are proud to be be participating in the 4th annual Chefs of the Valley, a gala sampling the Upper Valley’s finest cuisine in support of the Upper Valley Haven.  The event is from 4 – 7 pm. at the Quechee Club. Click here for more information.

I am sad to say that we lost our beloved dog Fritzworth von Fritz, King of Barnard AKA Fritz.

Fritzworth von Fritz
2000 – Dec. 18th, 2010

Fritz died peacefully on December 18, 2010.  He was not alone.  He was almost 11 years old.  He was a goofy, loyal companion, strong, whimsical and loved to bark (all night).  He only hated squirrels (red ones).  He will be remembered with love and fondness in our hearts. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, kind words and notes about my woolly beast.

Come and join us at the Barnard Inn on Thursday, December 9 between 5:00 and 7:00 to sample the wines of Sokol Blosser, taste some of our savory hors d’oeuvres, and view the artwork of David B. Tibbitts.