Tag: Winooski

Athens Diner

The morning after we arrived in the Burlington area, Shaan and I were up early, and we searched Google Maps for the walkable options - McDonald's, Burger King or the Athens Diner. Shaan was strongly in favour of the diner.

The morning after we arrived in the Burlington area, Shaan and I were up early, searching Google Maps for nearby dining options. McDonald's, Burger King, and the Athens Diner were within walking distance, and Shaan insisted on trying the diner. We had ample time before Kiran's drop-off at the Sky Meadow Retreat, so we explored the area while Kiran and Bhavna slept in.

After a 30-minute walk around the hotel, we worked up an appetite and headed to the Athens Diner across the street. The diner had received positive reviews on Four Square and Yelp, and its retro mom-and-pop style added to its charm. Although similar to Greek diners in New Jersey, the Athens Diner in Colchester stood out as a real diner car that had been relocated from New York.

Athens Diner | Sunday 17 July, 2016 | Apple iPhone 6 | iPhone 6 back camera 4.15mm f/2.2

The menu featured our favourite breakfast classics and Greek-inspired options like gyros. The friendly staff promptly took our order, serving Shaan chocolate milk and providing me with the delicious diner coffee we all love. Our breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes was satisfying and flavorful.

While the Athens Diner had a more laid-back atmosphere than the bustling and vibrant diners in Princeton, New Jersey, it left a positive impression overall. If we ever visit Burlington again, the Athens Diner will definitely be on my shortlist for breakfast.

Zero Gravity Brewing Cone Head American IPA

My wife and I were in Vermont last weekend dropping our daughter off to a summer retreat. The drive to Greensboro was almost 7 hours. We decided that doing the trip in one day would be too tiring so booked a room in Winooski and drove up the day before. Since check-in was at 3PM we took the opportunity to visit downtown, Burlington. But not before I dropped in at a Winooski beer retailer and picked up beer from local brewers including the famous Heady Topper. We were only allowed to purchase one four-pack.

We had dinner at Pascolo Ristorante in Burlington and then dropped in at Zero Gravity to try a flight. Why Zero Gravity? I wanted to try the Summer Gruit Ale which I found by looking at the nearby tab in Untappd. A long time ago before the discovery of hops and German beer purity laws, beer was made with an herbal mixture as a flavouring.

After sampling Cone Head, Little Wolf, C.S.A. IPA, Bernie Weisse and Choice Make Good -- we met a wonderful couple from New Hampshire who were originally from New Jersey --- I have to say I don't get the enthusiasm for Heady Topper.

Yes, Heady Topper is great. We enjoyed the can we had at Pascolo Ristorante. But from my perspective, Zero Gravity Cone Head is better. And it also more available. No need to line up outside some package store waiting in the heat for the “hope” of buying a single case.

We bought a six pack of Cone Head to bring back with us to New Jersey. We would have bought more but we did not have any more space in the cooler.

Vermont has excellent breweries and excellent beer. Try them all.

So there I said it. I think Heady Topper is all hype.