Set on an out-of-the-way bend in the road, a good 10 to 15 minutes' drive from both Mount Mansfield and Stowe Village (that counts as a long drive in this resort community), the Bistro nonetheless attracts crowds of eager diners. Why is easy to tell but hard to replicate: It does everything pretty near perfectly. The setting is a classic New England inn into which three handsome dining rooms have been carved, featuring colorful walls, well-spaced tables, and lots of sound baffles (under the tables and on the ceiling) to keep noise to a pleasant hum. The bar area is overseen by one of the owners, and he's a state-of-the-art mixologist, infusing liquors in-house, hand-squeezing juices for the well-balanced cocktails, and picking a creative list of craft beers and wines. The food comes from chef Gary Jacobson, who apprenticed in some of some of New York City's top kitchens before making the move to Vermont. He, and his staff, forage their own mushrooms and grow herbs in a small garden out back. The Bistro is deservedly known for its roasted pork shank, a caveman-like hunk of meat that's falling off the massive bone and given oomph by a terrific bbq sauce. But don't write off the seafood dishes, which are also excellent (I'm particularly fond of the pan-seared lobster and the jambalaya). Save room for dessert, especially the bourbon and dark chocolate pecan pie.