Dining
There is a big plus to having one of the local institutions of higher education be one of the preeminent culinary schools in the country. The New England Culinary Institute (NECI) operates several restaurants in Montpelier and also nearby Essex Junction, giving students real world experience and hungry locals and visitors some great dining opportunities.
In Montpelier, NECI operates the Chef’s Table (regional cuisine and local ingredients), Main Street Grill and Bar (contemporary American style) and La Brioche Bakery and Café (baked goods and artisan breads). The school attracts top culinary talents and guests have the opportunity to enjoy innovative quality cuisine most cities of 8,000 people can only dream about.
Not surprisingly, given its “green” roots, Montpelier has several vegetarian restaurants: Mountain Café, Rhapsody, Horn of the Moon and Hunger Mountain Cooperative. Capital Grounds is a nice coffee shop, which roasts its own beans on the premises.
Also worthy of note is J. Morgan’s, a well-known classic steakhouse. Look in on Sarducci’s (Italian) and Thrush Tavern (steak and seafood), and check out the Black Door Bar and Bistro, which has an eclectic menu and live music.
Fast Facts
Location: Near the middle of the state where four rivers, including the Winooski, merge.
Area: 10.26 square miles
Population: 8,035
Housing Units: 3,899
Average Annual Precipitation: 30 inches of rain and 9 feet of snow
Average Annual Temperature: 42 degrees F