Mr. Pickwick’s at Ye Olde England Inne in Stowe, Vermont flies in the face of this conventional wisdom. The eclectic menu features English classics like Beef Wellington, Steak and Kidney Pie, Fish and Chips; a wide variety of game dishes including Vermont Venison, Pheasant, Quail , Boar, Bison, and Ostrich; and vegetarian dishes like Black Bean Wraps, Grilled Portabella Burgers, tofu, and pasta. It’s an extensive menu with soups, salads, appetizers, sandwiches and seafood. You name it, in some fashion it’s here.

I have a hard time passing up calamari and the Cornmeal Encrusted Calamari with peppers and onions in an orange sesame glaze was just about the best I’ve ever eaten. The Glenlivet Smoked Shrimp salad with field greens, red onions, tomatoes, and julienne mango tossed in honey-whiskey vinaigrette – superb.

The man at the neighboring table bit into his Smoked Turkey sandwich and exclaimed to his wife, “That’s real cooked turkey!!” It’s all real here. Expertly and creatively prepared, the food is fantastic.

Of course, the food is just one part of this story. This is a pub after all. The decor is perfect with wooden beams, brass, copper, and stone.

If you thought the menu was extensive, wait ’til you try to choose your beverage. How does 22 beers on draught, 100 beers in bottles, vintage ports, a malt whiskey list in the range of 45+ representing every region in Scotland, and the largest selection of Australian wines outside of Australia sound to you?

If you’re overwhelmed and can’t make a decision talk with the bartender, George McGown. Friendly and knowledgeable, he’ll guide you in the right direction. If you don’t find the beverage of your choice, you must be a teetotaler.

There’s so much to choose from at Mr. Pickwick’s you’ll have to go back more than once. I’m sure you’ll see me there. Excuse me if my mouth is full of calamari.

Mr. Pickwick’s Polo Club is located at 433 Mountain Road in Stowe. Lunch is served from 11:30 to 3:30 and dinner from 4:00 to about 10:00pm.

Call 800-477-3771 or 802-253-7558 for reservations or more information.

PS – Tell them VERMONT.COM sent you.