I stopped in on a sleet-spattered afternoon during the lull between lunch and the end of the work day. The taproom was warm and welcoming, but looking out the window at the bare hardwoods and high evergreens, I could feel the approach of winter.
Beyond the trees is the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a bikeway and footpath that makes Lost Nation a prime beer-and-recreation destination in warm weather. In the summer, the kitchen serves burgers (bloody or burnt), barbecue and grilled hot dogs to diners at long picnic tables that are often full.
But sitting alone in the brewery with a book, a beer and a grilled cheese sandwich on a gray day is equally appealing.
“You doin’ good?” the server asked me a couple of times, just making sure.
The soup that day was white bean with roasted garlic, a rich and hearty purée drizzled with pesto. The grilled cheese is a gourmet-ish version consisting of cheddar and blue cheeses, dressed up with thin apple slices and horseradish.
As I dined, I read the last pages of Howard Frank Mosher’s posthumous book, Points North. The forthcoming collection of stories is set in his fictional Kingdom County — practically a lost nation itself.
Yes, I was doin’ good.
Dining on a Dime is a weekly series featuring well-made, filling bites (something substantial enough to qualify as a small meal or better) for $12 or less. Know of a tasty dish we should feature? Drop us a line: food@sevendaysvt.com.
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