Does the woolly bear predict a long winter?

Does the woolly bear predict a long winter?

Finally, it has started to snow. In addition to the mountain experiencing light snow for the last couple of days, the overall Killington area saw some snow last night. Snow flurries are still lingering in the air today, generating a palpable sense of anticipation in the local community for the ski season to come. Snow around the inn melted quickly this morning, as the ground is not yet frozen. But it is a start.

This weekend at Birch Ridge, chef Stephen "Frizzie" Byrnes will be presenting "The Feast of the Woolly Bear". Of course, folklore has it that the smaller the stripe of the woolly bear caterpillar, the longer the winter. Seems like something to acknowledge and celebrate!

Years ago, many of the chefs of Killington got together and had a little pre-winter feast. Your basic eating, drinking, and carrying on prior to the hard work of the winter to come kind of affair. It was nicknamed, "The Feast of the Woolly Bear". Chef Frizzie has decided to re-interpreted that celebration over the weekend for dinner guests at Birch Ridge.

In addition to our regular menu, Frizzie will be preparing a special menu to pay homage to the Woolly Bear. The menu will include:
- Woodland Mushroom Soup with crispy leeks and white truffle oil
- Bird's Nest Salad of fresh greens, sweet carrots and sprouts, lightly dressed, with Vermont Chevre
- Seared Red Venison Chop, served medium rare, with sweet potato puree and a port wine glaze
- "Feast of the Woolly Bear Cake". Layers of light and dark chocolate with raspberry coulis

The price for the "Feast of the Woolly Bear" dinner is $49.00. For an additional $20.00, I will pair each course with a specially selected glass of wine from the Birch Ridge Inn wine cellar. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.

Now bring on winter! Let it snow!