It can be fun to eat and compare the same dish, two different ways. Since local chefs follow the seasons so closely, we often get the chance to do just that. But how often do you see two delectable but very different takes on that classic Italian sauce, ragú?
At Shelburne’s La Villa Vistro & Pizzeria, the chef will put together a spicy shrimp ragú served over creamy polenta with fresh corn, scallions and crème fraiche; but that’s only one of three main courses on the $25 dinner menu — pasta boscaiola and roasted porchetta are up for grabs, too, as well as an array of delectable starters and desserts.
The Starry Night Café in Ferrisburgh is an intoxicating place — and friendly to vegetarians, too. Case in point is their sunchoke, roasted tomato and asparagus ragú, served over a grilled-Parmesan-polenta cake with wilted greens and shaved Vermont Ayr tomme. It’s not the only jaw-dropping morsel on this seasonal, $35 menu: also on tap are warm sweet pea soup with saffron-Vermont-goat-cheese crostini; grilled pork loin with Green Mountain blue-cheese mashed potatoes, wilted greens, and maple-rhubarb chutney; and strawberry-rhubarb crisp.
To find out more about La Villa or see the menu, click here.
To check out the menu at Starry Night Café, click here.
This article appears in Apr 18-24, 2012.
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