Harrison's Restaurant — Restaurant in Stowe

Harrison's is a restaurant that I take my wife to on special occasions. In a romantically renovated basement circa 2003 in the centre of Stowe,there are some that will complain that the ceiling is too low. Rather than suggest the conventional which is to eat on the outside year round heated patio, let me put forward that the quality of food and service is so elevated that to me the height of the roof has no relevance.

The menu has evolved as has certain key personnel. Andrew, Kathy Kneale's son is no longer the bartender. He replaces his Mother as prime host and bus person. The latter function catches my eye as each and every emptied table is reset instantly and impeccably.

On this evening concurrent with the British car rally in Stowe, reservations were not to be had and the over 60years of age crowd with a love of cars and wine was a prerequisite to entry .

My wife and I were seated at a cozy table subdivided by faux illuminated birch branches overlooking a table of 10 car enthusiasts.

We shared a Mediterranean sauteed calamari to start that was similar to a Bouillabaisse. In a white wine buttered broth, pepperoncini was added to sun dried tomatoes and fried leeks to deliver a zesty delicious broth.

My wife ordered the Coconut curry shrimp for her entree. A red curry sauce served on a bed of lo mein. Everything was al dante including at least 8 jumbo shrimp. My Harrison burger was good but not as over the top as I have experienced before. I can't tell you why. Maybe it was because of a change in the local farm supplied meat? Ironically, the side of French fries was the highlight. Homemade, I think, the fries were served in a metal cone. As a result, the fries were still hot and worth eating through to when I finished the large hamburger.

Aside every plate at the table of ten adjacent to us, was an artistic creation and devoured by its constituents.

My wife's Cosmopolitan and my aperol spritzer were so generous that they endured through the entire meal.

On leaving and passing on dessert, Kathy's absence at the reception left me wondering if she is still making her delicious desserts most every morning. Pictures of Andrew's children of 11&13 years of age at the entrance confirmed for me that Andrew's infectious smile had been behind the bar for at least 15 years. With fond memories of a restaurant that is a Stowe institution, I was respectful that this family run eatery had not lost its mojo and like some good wines had even gotten better with age.

PS: Andrew has opened a breakfast,lunch resto in the Stowe Jackson skating arena called Biscuit in a Basket. (a euphemism for putting the puck in the net) Given how supportive Stowe parents are of their children in winter sports activities, i am eager to see his endeavor. No surprise to also find Andrew deftly repositioned in the arena. Both Andrew and his brother,Chip, were leaders on Stowe championship hockey teams while their late dad,Harrison,would have been instrumental in their development on and off the ice.

The Kneale family involvement in restaurants lives on for...

Harrison's Restaurant - Stowe, VT - 5/19/2015

Although my Nav system said it's on the left, it's actually on the right behind another building so it's easy to drive by. There is ample parking in the rear. Once you walk in, turn right and head down the stairs. Barn board and beams make up the interior and it almost looks like the hull of a large vessel. Unbelievable quaint and filled with locals... Wooden booths thruout...

Creole Catfish & Chorizo Sausage Stew... Just the right amount of everything. I've never really tasted anything like it. Now I regret not getting a full bowl...

Warm Ciabatta Rolls locally baked with house whipped butter... Good bread is instant bonus points with me!

The main was difficult to choose because there are so many great dishes on the menu. My ultimate choice was the Lobstah Risotto... The Salmon was a close second... The Risotto... Sautéed Maine Lobstah, roasted tomato risotto, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, broccolini, mushrooms, baby spinach, truffle oil and fresh lemon.. It was THAT good!

You definitely know you're in Vermont here as the people in the next booth were discussing the Moose tracks in their yard and I don't think they were talking about ice cream...

I was contemplating skipping dessert but everything was so good and my server spoke highly of the Frozen Mocha Cheesecake that I think I'll try that... Oreo cookie crust, fresh whipped cream and chocolate syrup on what was described as "unlike any cheesecake I've ever had"... With an opener like that how can you say no?... Whoa! It's like a frozen Mocha Mousse!

Another town... Another great meal... A must stop on your Gastronomic Trail... You will love it! Read less

Harrison's Restaurant & Bar - Stowe, VT - 5/26/2015

The return...

I love going into places where they greet you by name upon arrival.

Split Peas & Pancetta Soup... Rich savory broth with celery & chunks of carrots... Although I had soup earlier today for lunch, this looked so good I had more of it before my dinner... Its always a tough choice to decide when there are so many delectable dishes on the menu. On the one hand you don't want to fill up but on the other hand, because its so good, you also want to enjoy enough of it...

Fresh out of the over rolls with their house whipped butter... Yum! In case I haven't mentioned it..., I'm a sucker for house baked breads and whipped butter...

For the main... The Grilled Salmon... Maple Dijon Mustard Glaze...Brown Rice... Thyme Roasted Organic Baby Carrots... The glaze will send your taste buds into instant euphoria, wow! And the carrots... It bears repeating... Wow!

Double Chocolate Peanut-butter Pie... Take an Oreo Crumb Crust... Add in whipped Peanut-butter... Chocolate and top it with Whipped Cream... Now..., Drizzle Chocolate Syrup over that... There are no words...

I know I was only here a week ago but knowing that business would take me back here, I've been thinking about the items I didn't have last week... It was as good as the first time and that's...

We came into Harrisons on a week night for dinner, and of course (as is our usual) didn't bother looking ahead to book reservations. First of all, I would highly recommend it, as the place was packed.

You come down a stairwell and find yourself in a cozy restaurant that was absolutely perfect. We were lucky (not just because we were hungry, but also because service ended up being perfect) to find some seats at the bar.

We ordered a few drinks from the specials, and also the wings for appetizers. They were perfectly cooked and a great balance of spicy and sweet.

For dinner, my wife and I both got the same thing (very adventerous), which was the mixed green salad with the beef tips, and it was exactly what we wanted. The meat was perfectly cooked, the salad very fresh, and most importantly, the balsamic maple dressing was truly out of this world.

Our bartender (I didn't catch her name) was busy as can be, but still found all the time to be kind, helpful, and attentive. She was absolutely awesome.

We'll definitely be back next time...