Vermont, renowned for its natural allure, maple syrup, cheese, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, holds a lesser-known treasure: an Amish buffet renowned for serving some of the nation’s finest fried chicken. Let me unveil this hidden gem where you can indulge in a feast of authentic Amish cuisine, including their renowned fried chicken.
Exploring the Amish Buffet
An Amish buffet, a distinctive dining experience, offers a cornucopia of dishes crafted by the Amish community. Rooted in a simple, traditional lifestyle, primarily in rural regions like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, the Amish excel in farming, woodworking, quilting, and, notably, cooking. Their culinary prowess shines through the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods devoid of modern appliances or electricity.
An Amish buffet boasts an extensive array of offerings, ranging from salads, soups, and bread to pies, cakes, and cookies. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of meat, poultry, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Diners serve themselves, enjoying the cozy ambiance and prompt, courteous service.
Discovering the Vermont Amish Buffet
Nestled at 123 Main Street in Middlebury, a quaint town about 35 miles south of Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, The Dutch Oven stands as a beacon of Amish culinary tradition. Established in 2021 by John and Mary Miller, natives of a Pennsylvania Amish community, the restaurant aims to share their heritage and cuisine with Vermonters while supporting their family of seven children.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday, The Dutch Oven welcomes up to 100 guests, offering catering and takeout services. Adorned with rustic charm—wooden furniture, checkered tablecloths, and Amish quilts—the restaurant also houses a gift shop featuring Amish-made delights, from jams and candles to crafts.
Savoring the Fried Chicken
The crown jewel of The Dutch Oven is undoubtedly its fried chicken, drawing patrons back for more. Crafted from fresh, organic chicken raised on the Millers’ nearby farm, the chicken undergoes a buttermilk and spice marinade before being coated in flour and cornmeal and fried to golden perfection in lard. Tender and juicy inside, with a crispy, flavorful exterior, the fried chicken is served with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, and honey.
Generosity accompanies the deliciousness—you can opt for a half or whole chicken at a reasonable price. Alternatively, indulge in the buffet, featuring a myriad of Amish delights like pot roast, meatloaf, ham, turkey, and sides like corn, green beans, and macaroni and cheese, alongside a salad, soup, bread, and dessert bar.
In Conclusion
For a hearty, culturally rich dining experience, look no further than The Dutch Oven in Middlebury, Vermont. While the menu offers an array of Amish delicacies, the fried chicken steals the spotlight with its fresh, organic ingredients and impeccable preparation. It’s not hyperbole to claim it as some of the best fried chicken in Vermont or even the entire nation. Gather your loved ones and embark on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget at The Dutch Oven.