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Howdy folks,

BIG NEWS!!!! The Skinny Pancake is soon to have yet another sibling: “The Chubby Muffin.“ For our regular readers, this is the big news to which we’ve been alluding…

So what’s it all about? The Chubby Muffin (seen here before renovations) is the Skinny Pancake’s sidekick. It is the “Robin” to the Skinny Pancake’s “Batman.”

Huh? Ok…here’s the straight-up description: This small coffee shop located deep in the Old North End will open in late April/Early May and specialize in muffins, coffee & ice cream (an obvious combination). Set at 88 Oak St (on the direct route from Winooski to 127, one block from Roosevelt Park & The Boys & Girls Club), we plan to offer good food to the busy folks driving by each day as well as all the kiddoes playing in the neighborhood (hence the ice cream!). You can also expect our soon-to-be radical muffins to find their way to the counter at the Skinny Pancake…

But this space is more than just a muffin shop!!! We will be using the Chubby Muffin kitchen to “Live The Dream” of our social mission…we don’t want to just walk the talk, we want to sprint it!!! Beyond the tasty baked goods, the Chubby Muffin will allow us to very seriously increase our commitment to local foods & the overarching effort to prove our capacity for social entrepreneurism. HOW? For starters, simply by the fact that we’ll have alot more kitchen with which to work…more space to prep labor intensive local foods, a big freezer to store summer berries into the winter…it is way more kitchen than we’ve ever had before. We also plan to share it…we will be opening up the kitchen part time as a community kitchen, sharing this great resource with a number of non-profits, some farmers and the greater community.

There is much more to come, so stay tuned!!!

Montpelier Green Drinks:
At The Mini-Skinny in downtown Montpelier
Tuesday, March 9th, 89 Main St, Montpelier, 6-8 pm.As always, the first 50 drinks are bought by our generous sponsors and provided at no cost to you!!!…thanks to our sustaining sponsor Seven Days newspaper and this month’s non-profit sponsor, Vermont Clean Energy.

This Month’s sponsor: Vermonters for a Clean Environment www.vce.org. VCE’s mission is to help raise the voices of Vermonters to demand that corporate neighbors be held to the same standards as anyone else in the community. VCE works on issues such as Land Use and Act 250 Permits, Groundwater and Drinking Water Protection, Mining Waste, Rail Development, Energy, Agriculture, and More.

From VCE: ”VCE believes that Vermont’s economic growth depends on its environmental health & is fighting for the economic well-being of all Vermonters assuring appropriate use of our resources — our people, our land, our air and our water. We are united in the belief that Vermont’s future lies in conserving its clean, rural, small-town environment. We have joined together to pursue the common goals of encouraging economic development with minimal environmental impacts and preserving Vermont’s natural beauty. VCE is committed to providing facts and information so that people can make informed decisions.”

VCE is the third representative organization from the Vermont Environmental Collaborative. Each month of 2010, Green Drinks Montpelier will be sponsored by a representing org from VEC!!!

City Market Presents: Stewards of Healing Plants:
Planting the Future with Rosemary Gladstar
March 6th 4-6pm; First Unitarian Universalist Society, 152 Pearl Street, Burlington
Tickets are free but limited. Pick up tickets today at the Customer Service desk.

About the event: Land stewardship, habitat protection and sustainable cultivation practices are of primary importance to the conservation of Native American medicinal plants and the rich heritage of American herbalism. Join City Market as we present Rosemary Gladstar in a lively discussion of this important and timely topic and discover the many ways you can make a difference in helping to preserve not only medicinal plants but also the tradition of American Herbalism. For more information, visit City Market at www.citymarket.coop/planting-the-future-with-rosemary-gladstar.

Montpelier Winter Farmers Market: The Capital City Farmers’ Market runs from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm this Saturday. VT College of Fine Arts Gym at the Corner of East State Street and College Ave. This week’s market will feature Ariel Zevon, Director of LACE doing a demo on “How to Stretch your Food Market Dollars.”  She’ll be at the market from 10 am – 1 pm making a salad with root vegetables, soup from the trimmings, and a meat dish from several cuts of meat. (sampling as well!)

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

And another round of folkgospel grassicana with Rob Williams, Erica Stroem, James Kinne, & Katherine Maund’s project: Phineas Gage www.reverbnation.com/phineasgage. Sweet four-part harmonies, fabulous acoustic sounds.

Always filling the house, come check out Phineas Gage phineasgagevt.blogspot.com/ for a lively night of  acoustic originals and covers for happy brains – some call it “folkgospel grassicana.” The band just calls it fun.

PS: in other circles, Phineas Gage frontman Rob Williams is known as the finest purveyor of Vermont Yak in the area: www.vermontyak.com

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

Fabulously original music Friday night: Jim Seem and Melissa Hyman http://www.reverbnation.com/jimseemandmelissahyman?add_email=true.

This duo proves their proclivity for beautifully unconventional, fearless songwriting. Jim & Melissa’s signature style layers amazing vocal prowess over “a unique blend of hip-hop-influenced, cello-spiked acoustic R&B”.

From their website: “Based out of Asheville, NC, this soulful duo’s live shows have drawn enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews in the Midwest and up and down the East Coast as their reputation grows for putting on a powerful, sexy and entertaining performance.”

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

This is a BIG show, folks!!! It even got a “trust me” plug from Dan Bolles this week in Seven Days!!! Please note that there will be a $5 cover for this show and we will be clearing out some tables for dancing.

The sensational six piece HOLY GHOST TENT REVIVAL www.myspace.com/hgtr in their PREMIER Burlington performance. These cats put it all out–accordion, horns, banjo, mando, bass, guitar, percussion–and railing vocals.

In their words: “Characterized as “explosively intoxicating,” Greensboro, NC’s Holy Ghost Tent Revival cannot be pigeonholed into any popular genre. Melding brass with banjo, guitar, bass, drums, and keys this six-piece ensemble boasts an eclectic mash of instruments and styles — a musical alchemy all their own…a sense of celebration and salvation; of a raucous party where everyone’s welcome…With a penchant for crafting thoughtfully playful lyrics and graced with exceptional musical skills, there are seemingly no boundaries for this group as they travel the country spreading the magic of their heart-throbbing, foot-stomping, good-time music.”

“Take a pinch of plucky banjo, a dash of euphonium euphoria, a heaping helping of rowdy Americana and a whole lotta shakin’ and you’ve got something approximating the feverish frenzy that is a performance by Greensboro, North Carolina’s Holy Ghost Tent Revival.” -Seven Days Dan Bolles

“The (band) play a fantastically entertaining mixture of dirty jazz, roots country/bluegrass, big band and rock that can only be described as explosively intoxicating. The kind of “explosive” that one of those people shot from a cannon perhaps feels.” – Matthew Godbey, The Post & Courier

Thursday, 03.11.10
Local Folk Series
Charlie Messing, Kip deMoll, Kevin Greenblott
***$5 suggested donation

Friday, 03.12.10
TBA

Saturday, 03.13.10
TBA

Howdy Folks,

last week I plugged a talk by Minnesota Local Foods advocate Ken Meter….it turned out to be a great one. For those of you who missed it, here are two chances at redemption:

1. Check out Ken Meter’s website at www.crcworks.org/rural.html. Not a lot of flash, but solid substance.

2. A special presentation at City Market: join local author Ron Krupp for a visual tour of his new book,Lifting the Yoke: Local Solutions to America’s Farm and Food Crisis, followed by a facilitated discussion. Please sign up at the Customer Service desk at City Market. All classes are free and open to the public.
Thursday, January 14, 2010 -7:00pm - 9:00pm

“It is time to revitalize America’s local food networks. Ron Krupp navigates the issues and provides exemplary stories of people doing just that. The grim tale of our global food system may leave you feeling powerless, but you are sure to find inspiration in this book, thick with examples of grassroots efforts focused on putting people, integrity, and real food back into America’s food consciousness.”
-Meghan Sheridan, Vermont Fresh Network

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

Nicole Erin Carey www.myspace.com/nicoleerincarey is at it again…bringing her blend of indie folk back to the Cake! A sweet spirited singer songwriter, Nicole is no stranger to the Vermont music scene. From time to time, she has filled our stage with extra special guests. Come see what she has in store on Thursday

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

Sarah Wallis www.myspace.com/sarahwallis has made a career of touring around the US playing her music. From her website, “Singer/songwriter and sound engineer, her heart lies in Pittsford, Vermont. Sarah started making a name for herself from her early introduction to music at the age of 4.  She exudes a sense of intimacy and a voice that encompasses softness and power. some describe her sound as ‘Pure Love’.  She felt a restlessness and went with it.  She has since been traveling the US playing shows in coffeehouses, restaurants, and bars creating a ripple effect, while capturing America’s heart, one little town at a time!”

Fresh off tour with Melvin Seals & JGB, Greta Frostwww.myspace.com/gretafrost of the Desolation Angels, returns to Burlington for a solo performance. Known for her urban soul sound, Greta blends vocals and guitar with creative technology.  We could dub her the “Techno-Troubadour.”

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

Maryse Smith’s new album got rave reviews this week from Dan Bolles of Seven Days: www.7dvt.com/2010maryse-smith-becomes-was.Don’t feel like “clicking through?” Ok, here are some excerpts:

“Smith’s voice flits and dances in sprightly, carefree fashion.”

“Smith’s vocal charm is outstripped only by her clever wordplay, particularly on sly tracks such as “The Fear” and “Fast One.” An uncommonly gifted songwriter, she wields both assets with such seamless fluidity, they appear inextricable from one another.”

Ok? Now come out and listen to her play!!!
Maryse with be sharing the stage with Seth Gallant, who was alsorecently mentioned as a 2009 musical highlight by Seven Days Music Editor Dan Bolles. The indie-folk artist 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 pigeon-holed.

Thursday, 01.21.10
Local Folks Series

Friday, 01.22.10
Pat McDermott & Kyle Toomey
www.myspace.com/thedaysweight

Saturday, 01.23.10
Jim Osborne

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

Food in the United States travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles from farm to fridge, according to the Worldwatch Institute. Shipping food cross-country leaves a large carbon footprint and is becoming more expensive as transportation costs rise.

Naturally, buying local is a remedy. But let’s face it, in the Northeast, there are foods that can not be produced year round and must travel in order to reach our tables. Here at the Skinny Pancake, we continually evaluate our choices when it comes to our menu & the foods we purchase. Our goal is to ensure our choices are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible.  While we can’t source local avocados for your favorite Crêpadilla or get fresh local tomatoes in December for the Cannelloni Crêpe, we do question, is there a better way?  We are still honing in best practices and always up for an interesting read on the latest food news. Jonny Adler found this article on food systems in the NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/opinion/09scholz.html?_r=1&ref=opinion.

What do you think?

Hello from The Skinny Pancake!

since it is “Tis The Season” Season, we’re going to go along for the ride in this edition of “The Skinny”…in fact, we’re going to keep beating the drum on a theme from last week, which is:

BUY LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Sure, we’ve got gift certificates to sell, but this plug is not about the SP….it is about exercising your consumer power…the same reason we are so deliberate about sourcing our food locally….

Church Street is littered with locally owned stores, including (but far from limited to): Old Crow Bookstore for your books, Frog Hollow for art & jewelry, the Outdoor Gear Exchange for adventure, Pure Pop for your music. If everyone of this list deliberately spends an extra $100 locally this holiday season, that will keep an extra $140,000 here in the local VT economy (or whatever local economy you are in!).

Speaking of “Tis The Season” Season, making litter & making lists, here’s a long list of creative & environmentally friendly gift wrapping & packaging made by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/nowaste.cfm. Thanks M.P.C.A.!!!

And since we’re on the subject of waste, yet another campaign to “Kick The Bottle” swept through Vermont yesterday to raise awareness about environmental, humanitarian & economic impact of bottled water. This campaign, “Think Outside the Bottle,” is calling on State governments to cut spending on bottled water from their budgets, including the $200,000 annually spent on bottled water by the State of Vermont. For more information or to sign this petition, you can visit: salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2215/t/8036/p/dia/action/public/. You can also read the BFP article that came out about the campaign today: www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091210/NEWS02/91209038/Group-urges-state-to-dump-bottled-water

The Tailgate Crepe (Burlington): Vermont Yak Company Sweet Italian Sausage, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, a sprinkle of Cabot Cheddar Cheese rolled in a savory crepe.  $9.00

Mama Mia (Montpelier): Misty Knolls Turkey Meatballs with organic baby Spinach, Marinara sauce and Maplebrook farm fresh Mozzerella in a savory crepe. $9.50

Music this week at the Skinny Pancake:

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Howdy folks:

The weekly reader or astute observer surely noticed the palpable void in their lives last week as we chose to not write “The Skinny.” It was a short & busy week. As Wednesday spilled into Thursday, we just did not want to intrude (even via email) on Thanksgiving.

That said, we wouldn’t want you thinking we are ungrateful! Seriously!!! So we’re writing to express our sincerest thanks & deep gratitude to everyone out there who patronizes the SP. We were very aware of the odds against us when we opened in Burlington some 30 months ago and we are equally clear on the current state of the economy. Holding these truths in mind, we are overwhelmingly grateful to all the Cake-Eaters out there that help the Skinny Pancake prosper. The good news (beyond the fact that we’ll be around to make you food when you’re hungry) is that the majority of all of our revenue is spent right back into other Vermont businesses. Maybe its karma? Who knows… Regardless, please accept our very grateful THANK YOU.

Speaking of spending money, ’tis the season for shopping...
BUY LOCAL!!!!!

Especially during this down economy, our collective dollars have the power to make a very real impact and local prosperity if spent with intention. BELIEVE IN CONSUMER POWER….IT IS REAL!!!!!

Now I know there are “buy local” skeptics out there…in fact, there are several within my nuclear family!!! Below are a few convincing passages from Bill McKibben’s book Deep Economy. Even if these passages don’t persuade you, how about the simple thought, “why not?” Local is not necessarily more expensive. Local is bound to add to a more colorful commerce, a more vibrant downtown…so even if you’re just humoring your hippy sibling, why not try buying local?

From Bill McKibben’s book, Deep Economy, “The farmer buys a drink at the local pub, the pub owner gets a car tune-up at the local mechanic, the mechanic brings a shirt to the local tailor; the tailor buys some bread at the local bakery; the baker buys wheat for bread and fruit for muffins from the local farmer. When these businesses are not owned locally, the money leaves the community at every transaction.”

A statistical argument from Deep Economy: “Even in a smaller state like Vermont, a recent study found that if local consumers, ‘substituted local production for only 10% of the food we import, it would result in $376 million in new economic output, including $69 million in personal earnings from 3616 new jobs.’”

In keeping with the theme thus far…
We’re thankful for our new neighbors…The Peace & Justice Center.
You can BUY LOCAL with them this holiday season!!!

These fine folks have relocated from Church Street, bravely pioneering retail on the waterfront. They have a great selection of socially-responsible gifts from a secret santa solution to a sweater. You can wander over & check out their goods next time you come to the ‘Cake!!!

In an effort to collaborate with P&JC this holiday season, The Skinny Pancake has the following offer for you: Spend $10 or more at either the Peace & Justice Center or The Skinny Pancake, show your receipt at the other location on the same day and get 10% that second purchase!

Finally, a BIG FYI: they have a HUGE sale for the NEXT TWO DAYS.
(note the image on the left)

This week’s specials at the Skinny Pancake:

While it was tempting to put the specials higher on the page, I just couldn’t justify interrupting those three sections…

Kielbasa & Kraut (Burlington) North Country Smoke House Kielbasa Simmered in Burlington’s Switchback Beer with Veggies & Spices, Then Wrapped in a Savory Crepe with Sauerkraut and Champlain Orchard Apples. $9.50.

Chicken Cordon Blue Crepe (Montpelier): Misty Knoll Chicken and Winding Brook Farm Ham with Taylor Farm Gouda and Jarlesburg Swiss Cheeses, Carmalized Pete’s Onions Wrapped in a Savory Herb Crepe and Topped With Dijon Cream Sauce. $10.00.

This Week In Music at the Skinny Pancake

Thursday, 12.03.09
Phineas Gage (Acoustic/Bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/phineasgageproject

We are pleased to welcome back to the Skinny, the fabulously fun Rob Williams & James Kinne team up for the “folkgospel grassicana” group, Phineas Gage.

Since their last visit to the SP, I’ve had the great pleasure of getting to know Rob Williams in the context of his work as the owner of the Vermont Yak Company (www.vermontyak.com) & through his participation in Vermont Commons (www.vtcommons.org)

But tonight’s music is not about either of those efforts…its just good, quality tunes. Come out this evening and enjoy!

PS….do you know the origin of the name “Phineas Gage?” Hint: its got something to do with this image on the right. Google the name to learn more…

Friday, 12.04.09
Purple Mountain (classical/folk)
***$5 suggested donation
www.dayvehuckett.net/recordings.html

Dayve Huckett & Hannah Rose Rommer make their debut appearance at the ‘Cake as Purple Mountain. This Vermont based duo perform lovely classical acoustic music on viola & guitar with warm harmonies.

Saturday, 12.05.09
Ghosts of Pasha (indi/alternative)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/ghostsofpasha

Mixing it up at the ‘Cake on Saturday night is Burlington’s the Ghosts of Pasha. An oddly assorted meld of Lo-Fi Indie unique something-or-other that is expressively different.

Take a listen to the song everything glows in the dark on the link above. It is somehow reminiscent of Ween’s White Pepper (2000) phase…obviously!!! The song 50s and 5s sparks a nod toward alt band Pavement. Confused? Me too but I like it. Come down to experience the mystery of GoP yourself.

From their website, “Started as a home recording project by New Jersey-born founding members Milo Finch and Chris Partyka, the Ghosts of Pasha began their strange journey in 2003. The idea behind the effort was to never make the same kind of music twice, and to invite new members in and out of the group to influence and change the sound.

The group has toured the US, has performed/been interviewed on two television programs, has been featured in major magazines & news papers, in commercials on cable and network TV, on popular webisodes, on internet and conventional radio in the US, the UK, and France, and in a exclusive DVD compilation distributed by US label DARLA records (home to releases by THE ORB, MY MORNING JACKET, TULLYCRAFT and JIM O’ROURKE), has appeared at the Boulder Fringe Festival in 2007, mentioned in countless blogs and even name-checked on L.A. gossip websites. All this without management, distribution, funding, or help of a label, all with a rampant DIY philosophy, and all from their rural home base in Vermont.”

Thursday, 12.10.09
Kip de Mol (folk/rock)
***$5 suggested donation
http://kipdemoll.com
Friday, 12.11.09
James Maddock (Lyrical/Acoustic/Pop)
**$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/jamesmaddockmusic

Saturday, 12.12.09
APR (folk)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/aprmusic

Elliot’s Easy College Kitchen Recipes is a blog providing higher education in all things edible.

In a recent post, Elliot pays tribute to the Skinny Pancake Coconut Curried Potato Crepe. Considered one of “Burlington’s Best Meals Under $10″, this unique Skinny Crepe Creation is praised as “…delicious. Spicy, savory, sweet.”

Summed up, this crepe is yummy & affordable!

For more on Burlington’s Best Meals Under $10 visit: http://recipesforstudents.blogspot.com/2009/11/best-meals-in-burlington-under-10.html.

P.S. For the best carnivore option, Montpelier General Manager Jeremy Silansky suggests adding lamb to the Coconut Curried Potato Crepe.

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