The Whip Bar and Grill, located in The Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, will appeal to just about every member of your party. We visited recently on such an exquisite summer evening that we by-passed the dining room, with its gentlemen’s club ambiance and open kitchen, and dined on the patio by the heated pool which is open year round. There we saw couples, young and older, groups of four and six people, and a family with three young sons celebrating a birthday. The menu is large enough to offer something for everyone without being overwhelming.

We began with Bar Harbor Crabcakes, Oven Roasted Garlic with Crostini, Chicken Satay, the Chef’s Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp, and Romaine and Gorgonzola Fruit Salad. Any one of the appetizers, along with the basket of freshly baked, thickly sliced honey oat bread that accompanies your meal, could serve as a light meal. Vegetarian items are noted on the menu and we chose two: Pesto Penne Primavera and Roasted Red Pepper Polenta. In addition, we chose Barbeque Pork Ribs and Wild Pacific King Salmon. The entrees, like the appetizers, were generously sized and served with appropriate accompaniments. Of special note, the Roasted Tomato Coulis that came with the Polenta was so good I regret not asking if I could buy a quart to take home, and the sauteed spinach and mushrooms were so perfectly prepared that they could have been the star of the plate and not just the supporting cast. For dessert, we chose the signature dish, Sac de Bon Bon (for two), which is literally, a sack made out of chocolate filled with chocolate mousse and surrounded by fresh fruit, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Pure chocolate decadence. We also tried one of the dessert specials, a White Chocolate and Strawberry Trifle, and Maple Creme Brule served with a Maple Leaf shaped lemon cookie warming on top. Delicious!

The Whip Bar and Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner. Summer hours are Lunch: 11:30 – 2:00 pm. Dinner: 5:30 – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 – 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturdays. Lite fare is available between lunch and dinner. For reservations or information call The Green Mountain Inn at 800-253-7302 FREE or 802-253-7301.