Christine as pontoon captain
Jett’s sisters, Sybil and Christine, came to visit us at Apple Island Resort. These are the 3 surviving sisters from the original 6. A lot of wine was downed, good food was consumed, cards were played and lots of friendly banter was exchanged. A good time was had by all, I think.
There were three notable outings: a pontoon boat ride, dinner at The Blue Paddle Bistro and a trip to downtown Burlington featuring a downpour and lunch at Leunig’s Bistro. The pontoon boat ride was gratis, due to my position at the marina. It featured a few minutes with Christine at the helm, looking very comfortable, but was cut short by the arrival of a thunderstorm.
Waiting at The Blue Paddle
The Blue Paddle Bistro is just about 2 miles from the resort. It is one of only two restaurants nearby. Jett and I had passed it many times and had vowed to try it out “sometime” but sometime didn’t come until Sybil and Christine arrived. The place is understated but is decorated with some very imaginative and colorful original artwork, including a woodcut portrait of the owner’s dogs.
The food was… what is the word? Spectacular. I regretted not taking photos of the various dishes, but I distinctly remember the flavors. Jett had one of the most succulent and tender ribeye steaks ever. I had salmon on a bed of ginger and fried cranberry risotto, Christine had the coffee-crusted roast pork tenderloin – the best pork dish I have ever tasted – and Sybil had the filet mignon (Mmmm!). I tried to avoid dessert, but they offered both crème brulee and pecan pie, so I couldn’t resist. I went with the pecan pie while Christine and Sybil split a crème brulee. The pecan pie was unbelievable. Simply the best ever.
Woodcut of owner’s dogs
Trash can with a message
This superb dinner was followed, the next day, with lunch at Leunig’s Bistro in downtown Burlington. The food was very good, though not spectacular, but the craft brews were very tasty and the ambiance was very authentically Parisian. We had contemplated dining at a sidewalk table, but opted for inside. Good decision as a downpour erupted mid-lunch, driving everyone inside. We had a window table and were amused by all the people running and getting soaked. I also noted a trash barrel with a cleverly-altered sign with perfectly captured the Burlington spirit.
All-in-all, a very fine visit from two very fine sisters-in-law. Thanks, Sybil and Christine, for brightening our temporary Vermont homestead.