Virtual Vermont: Businesses that are DELIVERING the Best of Manchester
Part 2: For the Foodies and Bibliophiles
You may not be able to visit Manchester today, but tomorrow you CAN have the best of Manchester delivered or jump in on a community event from the comfort of home. Part 2 of our ‘Businesses that are DELIVERING the Best of Manchester’ has us indulging in award-winning delicacies, cooking with the best ingredients and tools, and jumping in on virtual author events from home.
Vermont Kitchen Supply is Manchester’s finest one-stop-shop for cookware, kitchen tools, gadgets, glassware, and more. With more people cooking from home than ever before, you can find everything you need here! They carry favorite brands like All-Clad, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Wusthof. Enjoy fabulous customer service and take advantage of the staff’s incredible expertise. We often leave the shop with entirely unexpected, but endlessly useful tools based on their “have you seen this?” recommendations. Proprietor Kerry Mackinnon combines her vast expertise and passion for food and community together at this popular Manchester shop, catering to home cooks, professional chefs, and restaurant owners alike. Their website only has a fraction of their extensive inventory — now, you can enjoy the experience of calling the shop where the staff is willing to FaceTime, send video, and chat with you about your needs. Any order over $50 will ship for a flat rate of $5.
If you’re looking for ingredient inspiration, look no further than Fortuna’s signature salami, SOUPY® — a Calabrese soppressata made the same as Patti’s grandparents did almost 100 years ago. Like all of the Fortuna sausages, they’re all-natural, nitrate-free, and made with humanely-raised pork. No GMOs. No artificial flavorings — just tried and true techniques and a whole lot of love. With the change in weather and many of us itching to get outside, it is the perfect take-along in your picnic basket or as part of your Friday evening Zoom call charcuterie spread. And, we’re not the only ones who think they’re amazing. They’ve received recognition from The LA Times (“America’s Best, Aged Like a Fine Wine”) and The Wall Street Journal (“Fortuna’s Sweet Coppa, Best American Made”). Plus, they’ve been a Good Food Awards finalist more than once. You can order online and they ship worldwide every day!
Of course, no day of working-from-home is complete without a treat for a reward. Since 1977, Mother Myrick’s has been keeping Manchester sweet. One bite of Ron’s signature buttercrunch — with its crisp toffee center, dipped in chocolate and rolled in fine almonds and cashews — will melt all your cares away. Made with Vermont’s own Cabot Creamery butter, judged “Best in Class” at the World Championship competition in Wisconsin, the buttercrunch is worth the trip alone! Or, enjoy the zesty, mouth-watering delight of the Lemon LuLu cake — the tangy lemon pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and whipped cream! The good news is Ron and Jacki ship all of their chocolates, cookies, brownies, and their famous Lemon LuLu cakes all over.
Northshire Bookstore is taking its motto of ‘building community one book at a time’ to heart in this time of pandemic. Now streaming, booklovers can tune in as Northshire Bookstore launches its virtual events program. Every Thursday at 5 pm, Northshire event managers Rachel Person & Dafydd Wood host a wide-ranging conversation about books from their respective homes. Each week features a special guest star author who will read from and discuss a recent or forthcoming book. You can access the calendar of upcoming programming and tune in at northshire.com/upcoming-events. Northshire Bookstore also has a wide array of books available for purchase online with free shipping. As any bibliophile will tell you, now is the perfect time to indulge in a good book!
Our small business owners in Manchester, Vermont are counting on their loyal customer base more than ever. How are you ‘living Vermont’ from where you are now? Share your foodie pics and favorite book events with us by using the hashtag #manchestervermont and tagging your favorite local business. Happy Spring!
