Ive never been disappointed in the food. Last week, my partner and I shared one appetizer, two entrees, and one dessert. Our appetizer was a grilled herb flatbread served with two delectable dips: sundried tomato and one of sour cream and artichokes. I could have easily made a meal of them alone. For entrees, we chose a roasted eggplant and green chili quesadilla and chili-rubbed chicken with potato fritters and a green bean side. The chicken in its complex, heart-warming sauce, was one of the best dishes Ive tasted in the last six months; the quesadilla, topped with a salsa, was tangy (not too hot) but the filling was a bit thin . For our dessert, we agreed to share Lemon Custard Napoleon: fresh blueberries and strawberries in a puff pastry shell, topped with lemon custard and real whipped cream. It was mid-summer sweet perfection. They also make their own ice cream.
Accompanying all meals is a basket of homemade breads (white and zucchini on our visit ) with a small pot of wonderful fruit chutney. With the bill always come tiny, exquisite sugar cookies; its amazing what you can make with only sugar, butter and flour. We each had a glass of a California pinot noir, and the bill came to $50 and change.
The only two criticisms Ive heard of this small eatery are that the train goes precariously close by every evening, tooting and gently rocking the building I find this endearing and that the portions are somewhat small. I find them perfectly adequate; in fact, I brought some quesadilla home for lunch.
I have no complaints about The Blue Seal. The dishes presentation is beautiful; the ingredients are fresh and local (they have an arrangement with The Jubilee Farm of Huntington to provide produce and herbs); several dishes are vegetarian and/or fish based; the menu changes fairly regularly; and the staff is gracious and low-key. There is no pressure to hurry, but rather a welcome to linger, to savor a perfect Vermont night in a near-perfect dining establishment. The Blue Seal always earns my seal of approval.
The Blue Seal, Bridge Street, Richmond, VT 05477 802-434-5949.
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