Chantecleer (Manchester Center, Vermont; tel. 802/362-1616): Swiss chef Michel Baumann has been turning out dazzling dinners since 1981, and the kitchen hasn't gotten stale in the least. The dining room in an old barn is magical, and the waitstaff is helpful and friendly. It's a great spot for those who want top-notch Continental fare but don't like the fuss of a fancy restaurant.
Hemingway's (Killington, Vermont; tel. 802/422-3886): Killington seems an unlikely place for serious culinary adventure, yet Hemingway's meets the loftiest expectations. The menu changes frequently to ensure the freshest of ingredients. If it's available, be sure to order the wild mushroom and truffle soup.
Jackson House Inn (Woodstock, Vermont; tel. 800/448-1890 or 802/457-2065): Located in the modern addition to an upscale country inn, the meals here are ingeniously conceived, deftly prepared, and artfully arranged. The three-course meals cost around $55 per person and offer excellent value.
Blue Benn Diner (Bennington, Vermont; tel. 802/442-5140): This favorite, housed in a classic 1945 Silk City diner, has a barrel ceiling, acres of stainless steel, and a vast menu. Make sure that you don't overlook specials scrawled on paper and taped all over the walls. And leave room for a slice of delicious pie, including blackberry, pumpkin, or chocolate cream.
Curtis Bar-B-Q (Putney, Vermont; tel. 802/387-5474): Who gave the South and Midwest permission to claim the best barbecue? This classic roadside open-air joint is next to a gas station and has a heap of rustic charm and great food. Place your order at the blue school bus for a slab or smaller, grab a seat, dig in, and enjoy.
Bove's (Burlington, Vermont; tel. 802/864-6651): A Burlington landmark since 1941, Bove's is a classic red-sauce-on-spaghetti joint that's a throwback to a lost era. The red sauce is rich and tangy; the garlic sauce packs enough garlic to knock you clear out of your booth.
