Congratulations, July - Dec 2019 Gold Barn Honorees!

We’re proud of all of our Vermont Fresh Network chefs, as they have all made a commitment to know Vermont farmers and serve locally grown and raised ingredients. However, each year there are some that take this commitment to the next level and those chefs are awarded the Gold Barn Honor. 

Our Gold Barn chefs source ingredients from at least 15 individual farm partners, 10 of whom are Vermont Fresh Network farmer Members, and many far exceed these numbers. In addition, they also spend 35% or more of their annual food budgets on ingredients sourced from local farmers and food producers or purchase $350,000 of locally grown/raised food products throughout the year. Criteria are set by reviewing the previous year's member purchasing patterns and selecting thresholds for the top purchasers. Vermont Fresh Network accepts Vermont plus 30 miles for the location of local farms.

This February, we are proud to recognize our Gold Barn Chefs that joined or renewed their memberships between July and December of 2019. We are inspired by the way they “walk the walk” when it comes to buying and supporting local. (To see our Jan - June 2019 honorees, please click here.)

Castle Hill Resort & Spa (21 member partners): Chef Harris of Castle Hill Resort focuses on using local, fresh produce and quality meats on their three course dinner menu that changes with the seasons.

Craftsbury Outdoor Center (31 member partners): The Craftsbury Outdoor Center offers recreational and competitive nordic skiing, running, and sculling, while inside, the kitchen prepares healthy, delicious food, accommodating a wide range of dietary requirements for athletes, staff, and guests. The extensive gardens on site help to provide many fresh ingredients for their seasonal menus.

Edelweiss Mountain Deli (20 member partners): Edelweiss is committed to stocking Vermont beer and specialty foods and uses local ingredients in their prepared foods. The Deli also features a Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits tasting room.

Edson Hill (38 member partners): Chef Jason Bissell and the Edson Hill culinary team take a modern approach to classic New England fare. Guests can enjoy sensational meals, intimate ambience, and views of the picturesque grounds in Edson Hill's elegant dining room.

Farmers & Foragers, LLC (17 member partners): Farmers & Foragers is a food truck that highlights the beautiful bounty Vermont has to offer. Their food menu rotates regularly based on what fresh ingredients can be sourced from their local and organic farm partners.

Homestyle Hostel (22 member partners): Dinner service at Homestyle Hostel features a laid-back environment, a family-style menu, locally sourced dishes, and a unique dining format: orders are placed and food is brought out one or two fresh dishes at a time for the table to share.

Honey Road (33 member partners): James Beard nominated restaurant Honey Road serves up Eastern Mediterranean mezze in the heart of downtown Burlington.

Inn at the Round Barn Farm (44 member partners): Home to 245 acres of pristine farm land, four acres of certified organic gardens, a restored round barn, and a farmhouse, Inn at the Round Barn Farm is a world class inn and bed and breakfast highlighting the Mad River Valley's dynamic food culture.

The Inn at Weathersfield (22 member partners): The Inn at Weathersfield is a boutique farm-to-table inn and restaurant featuring a cooking classroom and an on-site heirloom vegetable garden that supplements what they source from local farms. The menu changes seasonally and sometimes nightly.

J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery (33 member partners): A historic general store with a modern focus on food and community gathering, J.J. Hapgood offers local craft beers on tap, an expansive dining menu, fresh produce and local meats, and a carefully curated selection of Vermont specialty food and gift items. Their menu also changes with the seasons, but always features contemporary comfort food with local products at the height of their freshness.

Jackson House Inn (16 member partners): Jackson House Inn is a luxury inn on the edge of Vermont's picturesque Woodstock village, nestled in among beautiful gardens and featuring memorable breakfasts highlighting local farms and growers.

Jules on the Green (19 member partners): Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests are invited to enjoy a menu that celebrates American rustic cuisine using classic techniques and premium local ingredients in a variety of exciting dishes.

Lucky Star Catering (19 member partners): Lucky Star is a catering company specializing in rustic and comfortable fare with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.

Maple Soul LLC (14 member partners): Maple Soul is a small farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Their relationships with nearby farmers allow them to source their ingredients farm direct. It's Vermont comfort food with a southern twist.

Mary's at Baldwin Creek (36 member partners): A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement since 1983, Mary's at Baldwin Creek is a chef-owned restaurant in a five-room inn at the foot of the Green Mountains.

Otter Creek Brewing Company (13 member partners): Otter Creek's Pub Space menu features local meats, cheeses, and more to compliment their popular brews.

Sugarsnap Catering (29 member partners): Sugarsnap is a farm-based catering company, as they operate their own 3-acre farm in Burlington's Intervale Center. Focusing on both full service catering and drop off service, Sugarsnap handles events like weddings, corporate functions, memorial services, and much more.

The Mad Taco (19 member partners): The Mad Taco uses the best local and regional ingredients to create their homemade hot sauces, house smoked meats, and so much more. Taking their commitment to supporting the local food system even further, Chef-Owner Joey Nagy and his partner, Georgia Von Trapp run Marble Hill Farm in Fayston, directly supplying Mad Taco's four locations with lots of fresh produce, as well as pasture raised goat when available.

Two Brothers Tavern (17 member partners): Two Brothers Tavern's affordable menu features upscale, Vermont-inspired comfort fare including vegetarian and vegan offerings. They're also a self-proclaimed "beer mecca," with over 30 craft brews on tap, including Vermont beers, ciders, and kombucha.

University of Vermont Medical Center (29 member partners): UVM Medical Center understands that nutrition and food systems are inextricably linked to the health of their patients and community. This is reflected in their commitment to serving fresh, locally produced, minimally processed foods, and to partnering with farmers throughout the region to supply healthier foods to patients while boosting the local economy.

Vermont Studio Center (15 member partners): As the largest international residency program in the US, Vermont Studio Center hosts more than 50 visual artists and writers from across the country and world. Fresh produce from local and organic farms is used whenever possible in daily entrees, soups, and salad.

West Mountain Inn (14 member partners): The Inn offers romantic guest rooms, fantastic views, extensive gardens, and fabulous dining. Chef Scott uses the freshest local and organic ingredients in preparing delicious New England fare for guests to enjoy.