Best Dining in Vermont | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards

Hungry? The Green Mountain State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in Vermont for 2014. BEST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: LU•LU, Bristol Where else but in Vermont can you get artisanal ice cream made with yolks from eggs laid on the premises? This tiny shop mixes up small batches with fanciful flavors such as salted caramel and Black Mascara Tears. 11 Main St. 802-777-3933; luluvt.com BEST DANISH: BAKKERIJ KRIJNEN BAKERY, Bennington Hans Krijnen began his baking career more than 30 years ago in Holland, learning to make the pastries and breads that are today the hallmark of the Bennington bakery he owns with his wife, Jennifer. Along the way he also learned to make delicious cakes, cookies, and croissants, too. 1001 Main St. 802-442-1001 BEST BBQ; BOTTOMLESS PIT BBQ, Jeffersonville Grab a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables and chow down on George and Rayann Rogers’ melt-in-your-mouth barbecue—ribs and pulled pork—served with a choice of tasty sides (the homemade baked beans and slaw are terrific). Sandwiches: from $9. Entrées: from $12. 2111 Route 108. 802-777-1540 BEST PICNIC STOP: SISSY’S KITCHEN, Middletown Springs Chef/owner Sissy Hicks changes the menu at her “takeaway” weekly, but patrons count on breakfast treats such as smoked trout on a homemade toasted ciabatta roll and lunch favorites including muffalettas and chicken cannelloni. Try the homemade cheddar crackers. Sandwiches: from $6. Entrées: from $11. 10 West St. 802-235-2000; sissyskitchen.com BEST ECLECTIC DINING: SILVER FORK, Manchester In just a few short years, owners Melody and Mark French have built a stellar reputation for gourmet international cuisine at their intimate (six tables and five barstools) restaurant. Everything on the menu, from cocktails to desserts, such as “Caribbean Bread Pudding Soufflé,” shows a creative flair. Entrées: from $25. 4201 Main St. 802-768-8444; thesilverforkvt.com BEST BACON CELEBRATION: NUTTY STEPH’S, Middlesex Ready to pig out? Every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, this granola manufacturer dishes out huge platters of locally raised bacon, served with dipping sauces (including chocolate and caramel), plus live music and well-priced microbrews. Entrées: from $4. 961 Route 2. 802-229-2090; nuttystephs.com BEST SUB STOP: COSTELLO’S MARKET, Middlebury Folks start lining up early in the day at this Italian take-out shop for the dazzling selection of subs (the homemade porchetta and “The Sicilian” are standouts), pasta specialties, fried-fish platters, and terrific soups and sandwiches. Sandwiches: from $6.25. 99 Maple St. 802-388-3385; costellosmarket.com BEST TASTE OF OLD MEXICO: THREE STONES/OXPPEL TUNICH, Brattleboro Mucuy Bolles, who learned to cook Mayan dishes from her mother, makes fresh corn tortillas daily and stuffs them with a multitude of fillings, including chicken cooked in garlic and banana leaf. Diners may also opt for homemade empanadas or tamales. Entrées: from $9.00. 105 Canal St. 802-246-1035; 3stonesrestaurant.com