Archive for the 'The Skinny' Category

Howdy folks,

tomorrow (Thursday, 02.25.10) marks the start of a new tradition…the Farm to Fork Film Series debuts at 7 pm at the Montpelier Mini-Skinny, 89 Main St.

Here’s the scoop: there are a slew of great localvore films out there…but nobody is actively airing them and its not likely that you’re going to go out and buy them. SO…we thought we’d help spread the good word and generate conversation in the process. Thus, we will be showing one or more “Localvoriented” films on the final Thursday of each month starting tomorrow!!!

Locavore, Local Diet, Healthy Planet new documentary about the inevitable return to the local diet. Less than a generation ago human beings worldwide traveled less than 10 miles to obtain the majority of the food they ate. Today the average conventionally grown vegetable has traveled more than 1500 miles by the time it has reached your pantry. Our food today is over processed, stale, and lacks nutrition. This new film, featuring some of the neo-pioneers of the Locavore movement will educate, inspire, and revitalize bringing health to our bodies AND our communities.

February Thaw (Burlington): BBQ Misty Knoll Chicken, our new and improved Rookies Root beer BBQ Sauce, Cabot Cheddar, on a Butterworks Cornmeal Crepe. $9.00.

This week in music at the Skinny Pancake:

Thursday, 02.25.10
Mohanty-Krag Duo (Jazz)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/katemohantysax
www.myspace.com/peterkrag
http://www.myspace.com/themohantykragduo

Saturday, 02.27.10
Shane Hardiman Trio (Jazzin’ up Mardi-Gras)
***$5 suggested donation

Shane…friend of Burlington. Please accept my apologies for burying your plug beneath the art above. Well…at least it was for a good cause.

For the uninformed: Shane Hardiman is a staple in the Burlington jazz scene. He’s an eminently talented pianist and a very understated guy. Take, for example, the fact that he does not have a myspace page and this is the only photo I could find of him on the internet. Thanks for keeping it real, Shane.

Thursday, 03.04.10
Phineas Gage (acoustic/bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.reverbnation.com/phineasgage

Friday, 03.05.10
Jim Seem & Melissa Hyman (R&B/Soul/Acoustic/Bedroom Pop)
***$5 suggested donation
www.reverbnation.com/jimseemandmelissahyman

Saturday, 03.06.10
Holy Ghost Tent Revival (Dirty Jazz/Thrash-Grass/Roots)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/hgtr

Howdy folks,

well, the Skinny didn’t write itself last week. There were fits & starts, technical obstacles, unanticipated tasks and ultimately other priorities. The good news is that this publication is free.

Having said that, let’s get right into it:

Main Street Landing Presents…

Green Drinks is TODAY, Tuesday, February 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Lake Lobby of Main Street Landing.

Please spread the word: bring your friends, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, connections, teammates, partners…the more the merrier!!! The Lake Lobby has a capacity of 220 people…that’s alot of connections to be made!!! Speaking of connections, you can join the Burlington Green Drinks facebook page here.

As always, there are 100 pints of Wolaver’s Organic Ale generously provided by the sponsors & awaiting your thirsty conversations. Of course, there is also free food.

This month’s sponsor: NOFA-VT (www.nofavt.org/): While they hardly requires a formal introduction, below is a bit of boilerplate about our buddies at NOFA-VT. We strongly encourage you to come out and meet them in person as their passion for VT agriculture is infectious and comes across even better in person than in print…

“NOFA Vermont was founded in Putney in 1971, making it one of the oldest organic farming associations in the United States. Today, we are proud to have over 1200 members throughout the state and to certify over 525 farms and processors to the USDA National Organic Program Standards. We are passionate about increasing the acreage of certified organic land in Vermont while also increasing the access of local organic food to all Vermonters. All our programs strives to meet these goals, whether it involves working with schools to bring local foods into the cafeteria or providing business planning services to farmers to ensure their businesses stay viable. Whether you are a Vermonter who gardens, farms, eats local food, or enjoys our rural communities, NOFA Vermont welcomes you.”

Appreciation is very due for our sustaining sponsors:

Green Drinks Burlington loves Seven Days (www.7dvt.com) for their sustaining support & help in getting the word out!!!

Wolaver’s Organic Ales (www.ottercreekbrewing.com/wolavers.html): One of the nation’s original certified organic breweries, Wolaver’s is committed to producing the best beer in the most ecologically sound way. Our craft ales are brewed using the finest organic malts, hops, our special house yeast and pure Vermont water.

The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce (www.vermont.org/): if it were not for the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, this monthly meet-up would be lucky to have half the turnout it has each month. Thanks to all the hard-workin’ folks over at LCRCOC!!!

February Thaw (Burlington): BBQ Misty Knoll Chicken, our new and improved Rookies Root beer BBQ Sauce, Cabot Cheddar, on a Butterworks Cornmeal Crepe. $9.00.

Locavore, Local Diet, Healthy Planet new documentary about the inevitable return to the local diet. Less than a generation ago human beings worldwide traveled less than 10 miles to obtain the majority of the food they ate. Today the average conventionally grown vegetable has traveled more than 1500 miles by the time it has reached your pantry. Our food today is over processed, stale, and lacks nutrition. This new film, featuring some of the neo-pioneers of the Locavore movement will educate, inspire, and revitalize bringing health to our bodies AND our communities.

This week in music at the Skinny Pancake:

Thursday, 02.25.10
Mohanty-Krag Duo (Jazz)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/katemohantysax
www.myspace.com/peterkrag
http://www.myspace.com/themohantykragduo

Saturday, 02.27.10
Shane Hardiman Trio (Jazzin’ up Mardi-Gras)
***$5 suggested donation

Shane…friend of Burlington. Please accept my apologies for burying your plug beneath the art above. Well…at least it was for a good cause.

For the uninformed: Shane Hardiman is a staple in the Burlington jazz scene. He’s an eminently talented pianist and a very understated guy. Take, for example, the fact that he does not have a myspace page and this is the only photo I could find of him on the internet. Thanks for keeping it real, Shane.

Thursday, 03.04.10
Phineas Gage (acoustic/bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.reverbnation.com/phineasgage

Friday, 03.05.10
Jim Seem & Melissa Hyman (R&B/Soul/Acoustic/Bedroom Pop)
***$5 suggested donation
www.reverbnation.com/jimseemandmelissahyman

Saturday, 03.06.10
Holy Ghost Tent Revival (Dirty Jazz/Thrash-Grass/Roots)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/hgtr

Howdy folks,

once again, the astute observer might point out that there was no edition of “The Skinny” last week. My humble apologies, the rug got out from under us. But fear not…

First, a word about our “Haitian Crepe” series: 

Two weeks ago in The Skinny, we explained that “in the spirit of ‘Eating locally, thinking globally’ and ‘Consumer Power’, the Skinny Pancake has a plan to raise funds for Haiti by developing a series of ‘Haitian Crepes’ based on traditional Haitian recipes, using local Vermont ingredients wherever possible. 10% of proceeds from this series all month at both locations will be donated to Partners In Health (standwithhaiti.org/haiti).

And yet despite this tantalizing first announcement, you–our loyal readers–were dished up a week of radio silence from this publication…and during that time, a Haitian Crepe has come and gone.Thank goodness, we have the next installment in our “Haitian Crepe” series starting TODAY:

Griots and Pikliz: Citrus marinated Winding Brook Farm Pork and Rice in a Savory Crepe Served with Pickled Local root Veggies from Pete’s Greens. $10.00

Come check it out any day this week and help us raise some money in the process. As mentioned, we will donate 10% of the sale of each of these crepes to Partners In Health.

Montpelier Green Drinks:

Well, I’ve now realized that between Burlington & Montpelier we will be writing about Green Drinks every other week. To make matters a bit more confusing…last month’s sponsor for Burlington Green Drinks–the Vermont Natural Resources Council–was so thrilled, they’ve signed up to sponsor Green Drinks in Montpelier this month!!!

Ok…before get too turned around, here are the basics on dates, times & “the deal”: come to Montpelier Green Drinks at the “mini-Skinny” at 89 Main St this Tuesday, February 9th from 6 pm to 8 pm and enjoy one of 50 drinks generously purchased by the sponsors at no cost to you!!!

Can’t make Green Drinks? Bummer! If you visit on any of the following three Tuesdays between 6-8 pm, we’ll donate 5% of proceeds from that time period to VNRC!

About the VNRC: For over forty years, VNRC has been Vermont’s leader in protecting and restoring our natural resources. By building coalitions, working together, and offering common sense solutions, VNRChas set the standard for an approach to environmental protection that endures.  VNRC is the Vermont affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

From the State House to your Town Hall, VNRC keeps Vermonters informed on the environmental issues that you and your family care most about. We keep a constant presence in the Vermont State House to promote a vision of a Vermont that is healthy and sustainable. We empower our members to take action when the voice of concerned citizens is needed to make a difference. Some of the important issuesVNRC focuses on include: clean water, healthy forests, clean air, sustainable communities & energy.

VNRC is part of the Vermont Environmental Collaborative (VEC). Have you heard of VEC? It consists of 14 statewide environmental and conservation organizations.  These groups come together to determine which environmental and conservation issues are the most critical to address in the upcoming legislative session. Every month in 2010, Montpelier Green Drinks will feature a different member-group of VEC. Last month, the Vermont League of Conservation Voters was the sponsor. This month, VNRC…

Thursday, 02.04.10
Jamie Kent (jazz/pop/rock)
Seth Gallant (folk/indi/minimalist)
***$5 suggested donation
www.jamiekent.com
www.myspace.com/sethgallant

Opening this night is local tunesmith Seth Gallantwww.myspace.com/sethgallant, who recently joined Maryse Smith for a night at the Cake in January. This Indie-folk musician has garnered praise as a 2009 musical highlight by Seven Days Music Editor Dan Bolles. Seth released a solo EP Songs for a Snowstorm in 2009 to much local acclaim. As lead for the Burlington rock band, In Memory of Pluto, Seth proves his musical stylings are not easily pigeonholed.

Friday, 02.05.10
Jeremy Harple (Rebel Folk)
Kelly Ravin (American/Folk)
www.myspace.com/kellyravin
www.jeremyharple.com

Jermey Harple www.jeremyharple.com can craft an original song as well as put unique spin on covers. Jeremy writes his own music, which he later referred to as ‘Rebel Folk’:

“‘Rebel Folk’ is a name I came up with after being asked time and time again what kind of music I played. My musical styles range from bluegrass, to rock, reggae…to folk, and everything in between. ‘Rebel Folk’ seemed a fitting description. Generally my music includes social commentary, songs about love, the journey through life, and rebelling against what you believe is wrong in the world.”

Friday night come listen to Jeremy in a rare Burlington performance.www.jeremyharple.com

Kelly Ravin www.myspace.com/kellyravin kicks off the night. Smart lyrics, rootsey. Known in the New England music scene as a consummate Americana acoustic music performer, Kelly’s music spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to rock influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is an innovative guitar picker which he backs with solid vocals.

Saturday, 02.06.10
The Michele Fay Band (bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.michelefayband.com

Sweet Saturday night of bluegrass with theMichele Fay Band www.michelefayband.com. The Michele Fay Band is a mix of traditional, swing and bluegrass influenced music with rich female harmonies. Many of the songs are Michele’s originals, inspired by life in Vermont – past and present.

From their website, “Together, the four members put forth captivating sounds from upbeat fiddle tunes to thought provoking ballads. Michele sings with acoustic guitar and banjo, her husband Tim Price embellishes on mandolin, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, Lausanne Allen adds fiddle, whistle, and vocal harmonies, and Mike Santosusso drives the beat on upright bass.”

Seven Days Magazine says of Michele’s 2007 cd release: “… a solid debut from a talented writer with highly capable musical gifts.”

According to Benjy, “Last time the Michele Fay band played, I had people coming up to me for two weeks telling me about the show. We booked ‘em again, but like most hot acts, they don’t overplay. So we’ve had to wait many months. Catch ‘em this time ’round at the ‘Cake or risk waiting many more months…”

Thursday, 02.11.10
Antara (folk/rock/indi songstress)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/antaralittleweirdgirl
www.littleweirdgirl.com

Friday, 02.12.10
Zach duPont (singer/songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
http://www.myspace.com/zackdupont

Saturday, 02.13.10
Grass Gypsys (Americana/Roots/World)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/thegrassgypsys

Friends of the Pancake….

well, I must admit: I’m excited to start this new year! We have a lot of “new beginnings” in 2010. For starters, we will begin hosting Green Drinks in Montpelier on the second Tuesday of each month. The first one will be this Tuesday, January 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the “Mini-Skinny”, 89 Main St. There will be 50 drinks available at no cost to you, courtesy of our sponsors.

Sponsors? Yup! Each month, Green Drinks Montpelier will have a different monthly sponsor from the Environmental Collaborative for each month of 2010. We will also have ongoing support from the Green Drinks sustaining sponsor, Seven Days (www.7dvt.com/)

This month’s sponsor will be the Vermont League of Conservation Voters (www.vlcv.org/): “The Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV) serves as the non-partisan political voice of the state’s environmental community. VLCV seeks to make environmental protection a top priority for elected officials, candidates and voters.” Come learn more about the VLCV and enjoy a drink on our sponsors at Green Drinks Montpelier this Tuesday, January 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the “Mini-Skinny”, 89 Main St. While you’re at it, you can meet, mingle & network with other environmentally minded folks who just happen to like beer too…

Oh yeah…come visit us on one of the three Tuesdays following Green Drinks Montpelier each month between 6-8 pm and we will donate 5% of your purchase towards the monthly sponsor!!!

Specials at the SP this week…

Sass-Squash (Montpelier): Curried Pete’s Organic Squash with Champlain Orchard Apples, VT Chevre, and Organic Baby Spinach in a Gleason’s Whole Wheat Crepe. $8.50

Cabin Fever Reliever (Burlington): Lemon infused Crepe with 2 scoops of Wilcox Vanilla Ice Cream drizzled with house made Raspberry Coulis Sauce and topped with Cabot whipped cream. $9.00

Ken Meter in Vermont:

Ok, I’ll admit it: I don’t know much about this guy. But he is holding three events in the area this week and there have been a number of emails ping-ponging & plugging him…so why not join the club…

What I do know about him: “Ken Meter is one of the most experienced food systems analysts in the United States. He consults with food initiatives in 45 regions in 20 states and also manages the national review panels for USDA’s Community Food Projects Grant.”

THE EVENTS:

“Evaluating Local Food Systems,” A brown bag lecture by Ken Meter. Thursday, 01.07.10, Noon to 1:30 p.m. UVM, Jost Foundation Room, Davis Center Room 422, UVM Campus. More info: Rachel Schattman, rschattm@uvm.edu or 802-656-9140.

NOFA-VT Direct Marketing Conference: Saturday January 9, 2010 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  South Royalton, VT. NOFA Vermont holds an annual Direct Marketing Conference to provide a networking and educational opportunity for farmers market managers and vendors and farmers marketing through Community Supported Agriculture and farm stands. This year Ken Meter is the conference keynote speaker and, in addition to excellent in-depth marketing workshops, we will host roundtable and networking sessions. For more information and to register, visit www.nofavt.org/annual-events/direct-marketing-conference or call 802-434-4122.

“Building Resilience and Recovery through Regional Foods.” Thursday, January 7th, 7 pm. Vermont College of Fine Arts Chapel (off College Street, upstairs from the Wood Art Gallery), Montpelier. “Ken Meter will discuss how local food networks thrive, how local officials can help strengthen economies, and how regionally-grown foods can help reduce public health costs. His recent study of the Minnesota Food Economy, “Mapping the Minnesota Food Industry,” found that community-based food businesses build a more resilient future by forming strong relationships of trust.”

Still reading? Maybe you’re wondering about the plural in “new beginnings” I wrote about up top?

Well, there is a localvore wine & cheese pairing in the works as well as plans to start a monthly screening of local food documentaries. We’re also developing our second annual food forecast based on an audit of all the food we purchased in the prior year. It is our hope and intention that we will be better able to use this forecast in 2010 to offer reliable demand (and orders) for local farmers. Of course, that’s not all…we’ve got a BIG project developing in Burlington…but since I want you to keep reading “the Skinny,” we’re going to keep this cliffhanger hanging…

MUSIC THIS WEEK AT THE ’CAKE:

Thursday, 01.07.09
Abbie Barrett (Indie/Folk/Rock-Pop)
***$5 suggested donation)
www.myspace.com/abbiebarrett

Jazz on Saturday night with the Harrison Shulman Quartet.  The HSQ features Harrison Shulman on guitar, Phil Zuckerman on bass, Jordan Lewis on piano, and Brian Reid on drums. Coming from the UVM jazz department, the group has been playing a wide range of both standards, and originals in the Burlington area.

Thursday, 01.13.10
Nicole Carey (indi/folk)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/nicoleerincarey

Friday, 01.14.10
Sarah Wallis (Pop/acoustic/indi)
www.myspace.com/sarahwallis
Greta Frost (Soul/Blues/Electronica)
www.myspace.com/gretafrost
***$5 suggested donation

Saturday, 01.15.10
Maryse Smith & Seth Gallant (Indie/Folk/Americana)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/marysesmith
www.myspace.com/sethgallant

Howdy friends!

2010 already? Seems like there were futurist movies made in the mid-80’s that were set around 2010 with flying cars & peculiar “futuristic” clothing styles. Well, we’ve got a flying car (see www.youtube.com/watch), but cloths haven’t come that far…at least here in VT. Anyhow, on to more pressing matters:

We have BIG New Year’s Eve plans right around the corner!!! Of course, the entire city, state, country and world have “big” plans…but we’ve got a secret weapon...Joshua Panda…or as Dan Bolles of 7Days writes, “explosive local soul man Joshua Panda.”

In anticipation of this major cultural event, we will be making some changes: tables will be removed to make way for dancing, a tent will be set up on our patio complete with space heaters, crepe griddles, Christmas lights & a portable kegerator. Music and mayhem will ensue until nearly 2 am!!!

This evening of Pancakes & Panda-monium will begin with a 7:30 explosion of fireworks…drop in before or after to warm up. At 9 pm, the Old Dirty String Band takes the stage to rev up the crowd. Joshua and Company will begin their high-octane performance at 10:30…and a second set of fireworks will explode at midnight.

I think the fireworks are in honor of Joshua’s performance…that said, I’ve heard some mumbling about other events going on around town too…for more information, I recommend consulting the following two websites: www.firstnightburlington.com/ & www.findandgoseek.net/ (for kid friendly activities).

Please note: there will be a $10 cover starting at 9 pm. We know it’s a dear price, but the cash is all for one cause: supporting Joshua Panda and his fellow musicians.

This week’s specials at the Skinny Pancake:

Midwinter’s Dream (Burlington): Misty Knoll chicken with VT Cranberries, Boucher Farm Gore-Dawn-Zola and organic arugula on a Gleason’s Whole Wheat Crepe. 9.00

And now, a quick plug for a local foods event in Montpelier:

Still reading…aww, shucks…thanks! If you’ve made it this far, than you must really care about us (or you’re seriously bored). Well…I’ll probably repeat this next week, but we want to share our New Year’s Resolution. As a pre-amble (and cliffhanger), I’m excited to leak the news to Skinny subscribers that we have HUGE plans for 2010 to “improve our game”…details will be divulged in the coming weeks!

A FAT RESOLUTION FOR 2010:

Massively expanding our localvorientation to unparalleled levels.
Big Plans for Burlington:
Changes to increase seating, decrease wait time, and provide amazing service.

So how are we going to take one small step for Burlingtoners but one big step for the Skinny Pancake? Mmmm…its still a secret But rest assured: there are ENORMOUS changes coming to the SP in 2010!!! Stay tuned to the Skinny for emerging details.

Music in 2010:

Thursday, 12.31.09
Joshua Panda Band (glam-folk, neo-soul)
***$10 COVER STARTING AT 9 PM
www.joshuapanda.com/

Y’all…check out the plug that kicked this email off…

Friday, 01.01.10
NO MUSIC

We’re open for business, but giving the microphones a rest after a the double-shot of espresso that is Joshua Panda & Company.

Saturday, 01.02.10
Myra Flynn Duo
***$5 suggested donation
www.myraflynn.com

Burlington is not that big and there are plenty of people competing for musical attention. Meanwhile, Myra always draws a crowd. That, in the context of this town, is a testament to her talent. Also, take a look at her website…it’s really professional & full of information. What does that tell you? It tells me she’s taking her musical career very seriously. Finally–and most important of all–listen to her tunes…that should help you come around & then COME ON DOWN…hear what its all about this Saturday night at 8 pm.

Solid line-up next weekend…in particular, take a listen to Ramblin’ Red!!!

Thursday, 01.07.09
Abbie Barrett (Indie/Folk/Rock-Pop)
***$5 suggested donation)
www.myspace.com/abbiebarrett

Friday, 01.08.09
Ramblin’ Red (folk/bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/ramblinredmusic

Saturday, 01.09.09
Harrison Shulman Quartet (jazz)
***$5 suggested donation

Ahhhhhhhhhh, ladies and gentlemen, are you up for some heavyweight musical entertainment this New Years Eve?!

The Skinny Pancake kicks off 2010 with the Josh Panda Band www.reverbnation.com/joshuapanda…this show flies after the fireworks…

Once in awhile we are blown away by a band and JPB lifts the roof off…almost literally.  The Seven Days just caught up with Josh Panda http://www.7dvt.com/2009gospel-joshua from the church to the street, this Panda is always singing.

Hope to see ya’ll  heading down the hill to the ‘Cake on New Years Eve to check out Josh & Company…And for your year ahead, be sure to calendar other notable shows….http://www.skinnypancake.com/music-calendar/.

Happy New Year & Musically Yours, The Skinny Pancake

Howdy folks,

we’re in the home stretch now…for the holiday season & the year. My how time flies…….Since you surely don’t have enough to keep you busy this weekend (insert comment about the frantic nature of the holiday season here:_____), we thought it would be most joyous to toss yet another yule log on the burning desire that is your agenda for this coming weekend…in two acts:

ACT I: HOLIDAY THEATRE…

One for Montpelier/Barre:
The Green Mountain Nutcracker
At the Barre Opera House
www.barreoperahouse.org/

Can’t make it to George Balanchine’s production of the Nutcracker at the famed New York City Ballet? Fret not, friend! The Granite Center of the World (Barre) has a production that is sure to rival the competition in innumerable ways (starting with the price). This production features dancers of all ages from 16 Vermont communities. One of our very own Montpelier Crepe Makers performs in this seasonal classic.

Saturday – December 19, 7PM
Sunday – December 20, 2PM

From the Production Company: “A wooden nutcracker comes to life at midnight! A little girl visits the Land of the Sweets. For the third year running, Moving Light Dance Company will, once again, present the Green Mountain Nutcracker on December 19th and 2oth at the Barre Opera House.

And another for Burlington:
National Marionette Theater’s Hansel and Gretel
In the Main Street Landing’s Black Box

http://www.nmtshow.com/Home.html

Raise your hand if you’ve actually seen a master puppeteer in action, let alone two….right, didn’t think so. Here’s your chance…bring your kids. Support an old art form. Oh, and you can drop by the ‘Cake before or after…check out any of the following times:

Friday – December 18th @ 7 p.m.
Saturday – December 19th @ 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday – December 20th @ 2 p.m.

From the Production Company: In our newest production, two master puppeteers bring the most famous of the Grimm Brother’s stories to life. Featuring exquisitely crafted marionettes, scrolling scenery and the beautiful music of Engelbert Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Intermission: Skinny Specials this Week at the ‘Cake…

Ham On It (Burlington): Winding Brook Farm Ham and fresh Broccoli wrapped in a Gleason’s Grains Whole Wheat Crepe and topped with Grafton Smoked Cheddar Cheese Sauce.  $8.25

Chicken & “Dumplings” (Montpelier): Misty Knoll Chicken in a rich gravy with Pete’s Carrots and Onions and VT Shitake Mushrooms over 2 Savory Crepe “Dumplings”. $9.50

Act Two: MicroLocal Markets for your shopping pleasure…

The Burlington Center for the Arts Holiday Artist Market
Contois Auditorium (inside City Hall)
http://www.burlingtoncityarts.com/events/

Friday, December 18th from 12PM to 8PM
Saturday, December 19th from 10AM to 6PM

Remember that drum I was beating…”buy local.” Apparently some people got bored of it as we saw the unsubscriptions spike in the past two weeks. Well, I don’t mind burning social capital for the cause…so here is yet another plug to BUY LOCAL this holiday season.

As the BCA aptly observes on their website, these are “truly unique local, handmade gifts. Artists from the BCA Summer Artist Market in City Hall Park join with other high quality local artists for a truly unique holiday shopping experience!” It just doesn’t get much better than that for the localvore dork in us all….

The Burlington Winter Farmer’s Market will also be held this weekend on Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium.

The Montpelier Farmer’s Market:
www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com/

Saturday, December 19th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Montpelier’s got Burlington “beet”…about twice over. In Burly, there’s one winter farmer’s market a month (always the Third Saturday). In Montpelier, they’ve got it going every first & third Thursday at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Does that mean that the Capitol City has twice the demand with 1/4 the populace? If so, would it suggest that the average Montpeliarian consumes 8x the winter veggies than his/her Burlington counterpart….really? Well…there’s some fuzzy logic in there, but it is food for thought….

As Seven Days describes it: “Root veggies, honey, fresh mesclun and more change hands at a biweekly, off-season celebration of locally grown grub, accompanied by live music and crafts.”

---

This week in music at the Skinny Pancake:

So busy…we’re all sooooo busy this time of year….oy! Well, maybe you finish your day and you want to do something…not to keep busier, but to relax…if so, this weekend’s line-up is quality. Its a solid music-making line-up for the warn-out workin’ man and lady…so come for a visit, kill two birds with one stone…feed your soul through your ears and your stomach through crepes.

Thursday, 12.17.09
Damn Yankee String Band (Old-Time/Hill Billy Jazz)
***$5 suggested donation
dysb.home.att.net/.

The Damn Yankee String Band is based in Montpelier, Vermont, and consists of Sarah Hotchkiss on fiddle, banjo and vocals, and John Mowad on fiddle, guitar, banjo and vocals. Playing old time mountain music, vintage country and “hillbilly jazz”, a hybrid mix of string band, country and swing music, much of it featuring John’s tasty guitar pickin’ along with a new genre to the repertoire: R&B (Rhythm & Banjo)!

Friday, 12.18.09
Chris Velan (Singer/Songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/chrisvelanmusic

AHHHHHHH!!!H!H!H!!! DID I GET YOUR ATTENTION? GOOD!

Chris Velan is amazing. I hope we don’t use that superlative so much as to cheapen its’ meaning when it matters. I stumbled into Chris’ last performance at the SP to find this one guy in bare feet playing to a packed room, looping his own instruments into a thick tapestry of sounds,

He was first trained as a classical guitarist at age 9. He grew up influenced by folk classics Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Willie Nelson, and Van Morrison, his sister’s early 80’s New Wave cassettes, and his uncle’s extensive reggae vinyl collection. After college, he was deeply involved with the “discovery” of the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars. And now he is a one-man band…very refined songwriting, Chris is a master-musician who puts out a clean performance with world, folk & rock influences.

From his website: His involvement with Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars (he produced their album and often performs with them) showed him that there is power in music that transcends even the law and put him literally on the road to making a career as a singer/songwriter.

Chris Velan’s current album (his third), Solidago, is a stunning culmination of influences. From the folk-rock of his youth to the reggae of his college days to the echo of his time in Africa, Chris has created a unique collection of songs that invite listen after listen. Not often will you find a record that juxtaposes the horror of sectarian strife with the hopeful musings of errant love. Solidago achieves this seemingly without effort. The jarring lyrical content of “Wobbly Bones” is brilliantly offset by the lilting dirge that draws the listener to the stark reality of man’s cruelty to man without causing them to look away. Few songwriters working today would be able to make the point without contrivance. Followed by “Oldest Trick”, a sly skewering of our technological world, Solidago reveals itself to have a gravitas missing from most contemporary efforts. Capped by the starkness of “May Your Soul Get to Heaven”, Solidago is an album that begs for a follow-up.”

Saturday, 12.19.09
Grass Gypsies (folk duo)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/thegrassgypsys

This poetically cultivated acoustic duo The Grass Gypsys http://www.myspace.com/thegrassgypsys return to the Burlington ‘Cake!

In the pipeline…

Saturday, 12.26.09
Paul Cataldo (singer/songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
www.paulcataldo.com

Thursday, 12.31.09
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION WITH

JOSH PANDA & Company!!!!!

The local legend will help us pass into the new year in his infamous glamfolk soulrock style…come down for the fireworks and drop in on the music!!!

Please note: there will be a $10 cover for this event.

Morning, folks:

For all the jockeying that happens amongst organizations & events during the summer months, there is a palpable lull from November through early February. “The Skinny” just about writes itself during the busy months…but by now I find myself with a lack of “material.” With plenty to do today, we’ll be keeping “The Skinny” reasonably short this week…

Winter Farmer’s Markets Arrive:

The fresh & local leafy greens are gone for good in 2009…unless you’re tapping into a select few season-extension farms. The good news is that root cellars (pictured to the right and below) around the state are flush with VT veggies like potatoes, beets, turnips, parsnips, carrots, celeriac root, rutabaga and a few other real oddballs…thank goodness, right?

Perhaps you’re saying to yourself, “gosh, I love my root vegetables so much I just can’t keep the pantry shelves stockede…I need more!!!” Well good news, folks: aside from your friendly & reliable co-op, several winter farmer’s markets crank up this weekend…including one for our Capitol City and another in Big ‘Ole Burlington…both are great places to do your shopping for Thanksgiving!!!

The Burlington Winter Farmer’s Market takes place on the third Saturday of every month between 10 am and 2 pm in Memorial Auditorium from November through April. More information can be found at www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org/

The Capital City Farmer’s Market kicks off their winter season with the legendary Thanksgiving Farmer’s Market (“our largest of the year”) from 10 am to 2 pm at the Montpelier High school. Their website explains, “This market is stocked with everything you need to create a holiday feast, and with plenty of treats and gifts for friends and family.  New this year, the Thanksgiving Farmers Market will also have FRESH TURKEY from Applecheek Farm and Tangletown Farm.” The Capital City Farmer’s Market will continue also on the third Saturday of each month from November through April with “fresh produce– such as salad mix, spinach, Asian greens, sprouts and kale…a full range or storage crops and lots of fruit frozen fresh from the field over the summer (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers), prepared foods such as pesto and soups, a variety of cheeses, natural and organic meats and poultry, fresh Red Hen Bakery breads and pastries, baked goods from Butterfly Bakery, prepared foods and fine crafts.” More information can be found at http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com/.

PS: CapitAl or CapitOl? I thought I had this straight, but the “CapitAl City Farmer’s Market” is either a puny joke, an anarchistic attempt to destroy our collective fragile distinction between these two words or someone in Montpelier needs to do some proof reading. My guess: it’s just really puny…

Food Specials at the Skinny this week:

“Just Trust Me” crepe (Burlington): Misty Knolls Chicken, Spinach, Feta Cheese, Walnuts, Strawberries & a splash of our house dressing on a Gleason’s Grain Whole Wheat Crepe.” $9.50

Lambamba Tacos (Montpelier): Winding Brook Farm Ground Lamb, Screaming Ridge Greens, Skinny Salsa, Cabot Sour Cream and Guacamole filled in two Soft Butterworks Cornmeal Crepe “Tacos”. $10.00

~Main Street Landing Presents~
A quick note on Green Drinks:

For the uninformed: on the last Tuesday of every month, a collection of great businesses come together to help sponsor & host Burlington Green Drinks. Meanwhile, a collection of great people come together to attend it. The event is always held from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Main Street Landing’s Lake Lobby. 100 beers are paid for and poured by the sponsors, a free food spread is provided to all those who attend & an engaging monthly sponsor offers a topic for the month. Pretty sweet deal for the approximately 100 people who come to meet, mingle and network.

Now to confuse you: the November 2009 Green Drinks will be held on the first Tuesday in December (12.01.09). This will be the only Burlington Green Drinks for both months.

What the heck? Well, the last Tuesday of November is moments before Turkey-stuffing time & the last Tuesday in December is amidst the revelry and consumption that marks the All-American holiday season tradition. Thus, for the third year in a row now, we have navigated these tumultuous waters with one Green Drinks for these two months on the first Tuesday in December. Starting in January, we will return to our regular pattern of behavior (as will everyone else post-holiday habit-hiccup).

Ok, great…so who’s the sponsor this next month (still confused?):

The sponsor for the Burlington Green Drinks held on December 1st, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Main Street Landing’s Lake Lobby is Encore Redevelopment (www.encoreredevelopment.com). Encore Redevelopment, “specializes in investment, project management and consulting services related to real estate acquisition and development, with a focus on environmentally challenged sites and infill development strategies.” Interesting stuff…come learn more about them & enjoy the drinks, food & company on December 1st!

Music at the Skinny Pancake:

So much for a thin “The Skinny” this week…

Thursday 11.19.09 8 PM!!!!
Mr. Casual (The World’s Most Beautiful Songs)
***$5 per person suggested donation
www.myspace.com/mistercasualsings

Friday 11.20.09, 9 pm
Jay Ekis & Brian Clark (Rock/Alt/Country)
***$5 suggested donation
http://www.myspace.com/jayekis

Alt country singer songwriters & guitarists Jay Ekis http://www.myspace.com/jayekis) and Brian Clark come together for a Friday night of sweet pickin’ & original songs.

These two talented folk artists are from Montpelier. There’s a really nice collection of performers over there in our sister city to the southeast (note the gig on Thursday too)….and yet, folks here in Burlington don’t seem to know about any of them! But here’s your chance to check out one of the Capitol city’s regulars…

From his website: “Ekis released his second album called “Touched By War.” Digging deep into tales of conflict and inspired by the country-noir of Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska” and Mary Gauthier’s “Mercy Now,” the new album stretches from rock to (alt-)country to express the joy and frustration of life in the 21st century.”

“Jay Ekis is a rare songwriter, bold and emotional without ever coming across overwrought. His songs are infectious, they get in your blood and make their way to the heart before you notice what’s happening.”  -Anais Mitchell, Righteous Babe Records recording artist

“…with Touched by War, he has taken great strides toward cementing his place among the state’s stoutest songwriters.” – Dan Bolles, music editor, Seven Days

Saturday 11.21.09, 9 pm
Flood in the Fizzy Factory (Electro-Folk)
***$5 per person suggested donation
www.myspace.com/floodinthefizzyfactory

Making their second performance at the Skinny Pancake is a new invention to the Burlington music scene: Flood In the Fizzy Factory  www.myspace.com/floodinthefizzyfactory. Led by local realtor Dave Kleh, this group’s original compositions have an electronic influence, perhaps a Talking Heads flare…very curious, very creative…

In the pipeline…

Thursday, November 26th
Turkey Turkey Gobble Gobble
Music can be found in the cadence of conversation amongst friends and family countrywide…
The Skinny is closed for business Thursday

Friday, 11.27.09
Black Friday
SHOP LOCAL!!!
SP is open for business, but there will be no live music.

Saturday, 11.28.09
Heather Mahoney (folk singer-songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/heathermaloneymusic

Howdy folks,

there is a quiet lull this time of year…the hustle & bustle of the summer sun & fall foliage has fallen off and the winter weather is yet to bring skiers to VT. Some lament this period as the lamest of our six seasons…winter, mud, spring, summer, fall & STICK SEASON. We would like to honor it. Thus, in celebration of this muted moment in the VT seasonal cycle, we have some special offers to keep you busy…in three acts:

ACT I:
The Stick Season Special
Bring a friend to the Skinny anytime between now and the New Year…
Get two soups & split any one crepe
Take 10% off your order!!!

***please note: special starts on Monday, 11.16.09

ACT II:

YOU’RE invited to come SKINNY DIPPING* in Montpelier!

Our melting pots make their grand debut THIS Friday in the Capital City! That means you, your sweetie, & perhaps a friend or two can now cozy up at the Montpelier Mini-Skinny to dip into FONDUE on any given Friday or Saturday night. Wahoo!

Just as in Burlington, the Montpelier Skinny will offer several varieties of Fondue now featuring LOCAL CHEESES & CIDER: Thanks to the contribution of our Montpelier GM Jeremy Silansky, we’ve made localvoriented improvements to our basic fondue recipe including the introduction of Taylor Farm Gouda Cheese and the substitution of Farnum Hill Hard Cider in for the traditional Kirsch!!! When you’re done dippin’ cheese we’ll have our regular dessert menu on hand as well as the decadent dessert classic, Chocolate Fondue.

Adding to the experience is the introduction of Full
Service on Friday & Saturday evenings…just like in Burlington. Now you can just take a seat & let us come to you!

For a bigger taste of Fondue options in both locations, visit http://www.skinnypancake.com/skinny-dipping/.

*Fine Print: “Skinny Dipping” refers to “fondue at the Skinny Pancake.” Due to health code regulations, shirt & shoes are still required and for that matter we’d like you to wear pants too seeing as it is November and we ought keep things PG for all the kiddos out there.

Pictured here is our Head Chef & Crepe Master Flash, Tim Collins (the fellow in the middle) at the 15th Anniversary Celebration for the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center.

Tim was invited to scoop along side Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield, Vermont’s sweet treat originators, who donated their ice cream & personally scooped it at the benefit celebration event hosted at ECHO Center.

Tim reported, “I felt like a kid in a candy shop when I asked if I could help scoop.” Can you tell?

ACT III:
MOOOOving on…How about a PARTY at our place…or yours!

Yup, its “THAT” time of year again…feasting, merry-making, gift giving, holiday…well, almost  that time of year anyway. More accurately: its the time of year to be planning for “THAT” time of year. So here’s our pitch: throw a party, but don’t do the work!!! Sit back, relax and LET US DO IT FOR YOU!!! The Skinny Pancake would gladly cater your event so you can focus on the fun. The best part of all…we can do it at your place or ours!!!

Spicing things up…This week’s SPECIALS at the Skinny Pancake

Mexicali Crunch (Burlington): Butterworks Farm Cornmeal Crepe Chips, Skinny Salsa, Jalapenos, Kalamata Olives, Melted Cabot Cheddar served with a side of Sour Cream and Homemade Guacamole.  $8.25 Add Boyden Farm Beef Chili $2.00

Carrot Top (Montpelier): A puree of Ginger & Pete’s Carrots, Roasted native Beets, Champlain Orchards Apples, topped with VT Chevre in a Gleason’s Whole Wheat Crepe. $8.75

MUSIC this week at the Burlington ‘Cake
Check it out www.skinnypancake.com/music-calendar/

Music SPICEY music. Another PHENOMENAL line-up this week. REALLY. It’s ALLLL here: Soul, R&B, beyond Folk, Theatrics…Feel free to come down to the ‘Cake for multiple nights this weekend folks…

Thursday, 11.12.09. 8p.m.
Audrey Ryan and Richard Julian (Indie/Folk)
***$5 Per Person Suggested Donation
www.audreyryan.org
www.richardjulian.com/

Friday 11.13.09 9p.m.
Jim Seem & Melissa Hyman (R&B/Soul/Acoustic/Bedroom Pop)
***$5 Per Person Suggested Donation
http://www.reverbnation.com/jimseemandmelissahyman?add_email=true.

Thursday 11.19.09
Mr. Casual (The World’s Most Beautiful Songs)
***$5 per person suggested donation
www.myspace.com/mistercasualsings

Friday 11.20.09
Jay Ekis & Brian Clark (Rock/Alt/Country)
***$5 suggested donation
http://www.myspace.com/jayekis

Saturday 11.21.09
Flood in the Fizzy Factory (Electro-Folk)
***$5 per person suggested donation
www.myspace.com/floodinthefizzyfactory

Hey folks,

ok, so the ceiling has dropped out beneath us here in VT (mixed metaphor anyone?)…the leaves have all fallen, daylight “savings” is upon us. That’s right…the famously fantastic VT month of November has begun. But its not all gloom and doom…for one thing, we have the white light of snow at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, I’d like to draw your attention to a very important reason to love November…or should I say…

MOVEMBER

“Movember (a portmanteau of the words ‘Moustache’ and ‘November’), also known as Novembeard, No-Shave November, or Noshember, is an annual month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November. The event has been claimed to have been invented in 1999 by group of Australian men from Adelaide.” (Wikipedia)

From Movember.com: “A ‘Mo Bro’ starts Movember – the month formerly known as November – clean shaven, and grows a moustache all month long, garnering support from friends and family in the form of donations.  What’s more, a Mo Bro is a walking billboard for the cause as his new look opens the door for him to talk about cancers affecting men – making the moustache a symbol, much like the pink ribbon is for breast cancer.  Each Movember culminates in a Gala Partè in major cities around the globe where Mo Bros dress up to match their Mo, channeling the likes of Tom Selleck, Ghandi and Ron Burgandy, vying for the ultimate accolade:  Man of Movember.”

“Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has been running Movember events to raise awareness and funds & thus “changing the face of men’s health.” For Mo’ information, visit  www.movember.com.

Ok…two things I need to figure out (help me if you can):

1. “Each Movember culminates in a Gala Parte in major cities around the globe.” Burlington is a major city…I dare you to challenge this claim!!! With that said, where’s the party at?
2. Why the heck is a creperie talking about facial hair?

And on that note, I’d like to move this conversation right along to…
Specials this week at the Skinny Pancake!!!

Turkey Come Early Crepe (Burlington): Misty Knoll’s Turkey with Red Hen Baking Co Stuffing Wrapped in a Gleason’s Whole Wheat Crepe. Topped with Fresh Gravy, Cranberry-Apple Chutney, and a side of Pete’s Greens Brussel Sprouts. $12.00

The Yakity Yak (Montpelier): VT Yak Co. Yak with Champlain Orchards Apples, Pete’s Carmelized Onions, and Grafton Smoked Cheddar on a Gleason’s WW Crepe. $10.00

A bit about the Yak…The Vermont Yak Company’s mission is “Raising and breeding grass-fed yak for organic meat and fiber to help build a more diverse and sustainable agrarian future for the greater Green Mountain region.” The SP sourced our Yak through VT Yaker & friend-of-the-pancake Rob Williams. To learn more about The Vermont Yak Company, visit www.vermontyak.com/. You will also find links through this site to IYAK or “The International Yak Association.”

Congratulations for our friends at Radio Bean!!!

Burlington’s one-of-a-kind Radio Bean has doubled in size. Founder Lee Anderson & friends plan to hold the opening celebration this Saturday night. The expansion is long-overdue and seriously welcomed by many Pancakers who enjoy the major dose of culture Radio Bean brings to Burlington’s musical scene.

Congrats, Radio Bean!!!!

New Art at the Skinny in Montpelier

Gracing the Montpelier Mini-Skinny walls is the work of Montpelier artist Arthur B. Zorn http://www.arthurzorn.com/abstract/index.html. The exhibit titled Improvising Visions II is the debut of Zorn’s newest series of work. This abstract impressionist artist has been exhibiting in Vermont since 2004 and was notably the featured artist for the 2008 “Governor Art Exhibit” in Montpelier’s State House. Zorn’s exhibit is currently on display at the Montpelier Skinny Pancake and runs through December 16th.

Thursday, 11.05.09
Jim Osborn (Singer Songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
www.moosebearbuffalo.com

This is classic folk music….folks. Really, if you like singer-songwriters, put this show on your calendar.

Returning to the Skinny stage on Thursday evening is Jim Osborn, an independent songwriter who last captivated the room on a Saturday in September. Jim’s original songs showcase his bright and bold voice accompanied by strong, edgy guitar playing. www.moosebearbuffalo.com/

Friday, 11.06.09
Laura Cortese and The Firest Fires (Urban/Indie/Acoustic)
***$5 suggested donation
www.lauracortese.com

Saturday, 11.07.09
Megan Callahan (Folk Rock/Blues)
***$5 suggested donation
www.megancallahan.com/

GREAT LINE-UP NEXT WEEKEND!!!

Thursday, 11.12.09
Audrey Ryan & Richard Julian (indi-folk)
***$5 suggested donation
www.audreyryan.org
www.richardjulian.com/

Friday, 11.13.09
Jim Seem & Melissa Hyman (R&B/Soul/Acoustic/Bedroom Pop)
***$5 suggested donation
www.reverbnation.com/jimseemandmelissahyman

Saturday, 11.14.09
Toy Soldiers (Roots/Blues/Soul)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/ohnotoysoldiers