Vermont Best Restaurant 2011

BEST TEX-MEX
Rattlesnake Cafe, Bennington
Mexican fare with a modern twist is spiced from gringo cool to ay, Chihuahua hot; sangrias are concocted from secret recipes. Entrées: from $9.95. 230 North St. 802-447-7018; rattlesnakecafe.com

BEST PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Sugar & Spice, Mendon
Hunker down to light-as-a-feather flapjacks crowned with maple syrup made right here. Dessert after breakfast? Of course–a maple-crunch sundae! Breakfast entrees: from $5.95; lunch entrées: from $6.95. Route 4. 802-773-7832; vtsugarandspice.com

BEST PICNIC FIXINGS
Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Woodstock
A creative sandwich and salad menu and specials such as chicken cordon bleu make this indoor market a picnicker’s paradise. Salads, sandwiches: from $5.99. 468 Woodstock Road (Route 4 West). 802-457-3658; woodstockfarmersmarket.com

BEST TRADITIONAL FRENCH FARE
Cafe Shelburne, Shelburne
Chef/owner Patrick Grangien serves timeless classics–garlicky escargots, steak tartare, sauteed duck breast–in French country-farmhouse surroundings. Entrées: from $19. 5573 Shelburne Road. 802-985-3939; www.cafeshelburne.com

BEST LOCAVORE INN DINING
The Hermitage Inn, West Dover
Beef, quail, cheeses, vegetables, butter, and much more are all locally sourced and exquisitely crafted into one of the region’s best inn menus. Flowers and firewood are grown on site. Entrées: from $24. 25 Handle Road. 877-464-3511; hermitageinn.com