The main courses are served with a salad which is – or was in my case – almost too pretty to eat. It was a work of art with carved vegetable and a vinaigrette dressing I still remember fondly. We had a choice of beef, fish (I think it was halibut), scallops or rabbit. The food was incredible. I had the scallops which were perfectly done. Not too well done which is what I usually find is the problem with scallops. The reason there is no printed menu is that the menu is new every day.

Something that is different but very appealing is the open kitchen where you can see the meals being created by the chef and sous-chef. The single server is always a few feet away (because of the size of the place but that doesn’t mean that you’re under any pressure or scrutiny. The tiny restaurant is oak paneled and slate-floored and the tables sport silver cutlery, vintage dishes and flower vases.

The meal is not cheap, but it is such an experience that $11 appetizers, $40 entrees, and $5 desserts are definitely not out of line for the overall experience that this turned out to be. And somehow the handwritten bill (with calligraphy none the less) seemed to make the experience complete. Oh – by the way, they only take cash and checks.

There was beer which we didn’t have (I know, shocker!) and the wine list was reasonable with prices in the $30 to $100 range. The open kitchen and the fresh flowers and the intimacy of the small tables, bathed in golden lights gave the sense of being in a dinner theater setting – where you were part of the theater in a cozy, “I-belong-here” kind of manner.

TJ Buckleys is located at 132 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301-3275, You can call them at (802) 257-4922 and be sure to tell them that Tim and Amy from Forty Putney Road B&B sent you!

The owner Tom will personally describe the specials of the evening to you and make you feel welcome. Rumor has it that Tom will never forget your name only adding to that local feeling (we were surprised that he remembered us six months later.)

The rest of the staff is friendly, professional and poised. Peter Haven’s is located in the heart of downtown Brattleboro on Elliot Street. The décor is modern yet still elegant. The lighting is just right making you feel comfortable and relaxed. Because Peter Haven’s is a local favorite you will want to be sure to make reservations in advance as this restaurant will book up quickly. If this is a last minute decision for you and you do not mind waiting a few minutes there are 8 seats at the bar reserved for walk-ins without reservations.

The menu at Peter Haven’s offers variety. You will have choices such as duck, scallops, fish, pasta, chicken, etc. The food is very good and consistent which is important to me when I go to one of my favorite restaurants. I recommend that if Tom is telling you about one of his fish specials you strongly consider ordering it. The fish specials are very fresh and always brilliantly prepared. So if you want to ensure that you will have a great meal while in Brattleboro then Peter Haven’s should be on your short list of restaurants.  Be sure to tell him that Tim and Amy sent you!

The main dining room is upstairs offering a modern décor. I like that the main menu offers half portions on most items, I like to make sure I have enough room for dessert when I go out to eat. Tim and I love the Lobster Bisque as it is filled with lobster and a savory flavor. The menu offers a wide variety of choices without being overwhelming. My favorite part about Alici’s menu is that they are not afraid to use some seasoning on their food, the flavors are unique and all work well together.

On the lower level you can find an enclosed Martini bar and on the outside deck a cigar bar. The Marini Bar is a perfect location to enjoy a light meal from their Light Fare Menu. Tim and I regularly enjoy the live music with great drink and appetizers. If you are a scotch or whiskey drinker like Tim then this is the place for you. There are not many bars or restaurants in Brattleboro that offer a unique scotch and whiskey menu, but Alici’s certainly does. Tim has enjoyed a few obscure single malts while relaxing on the deck at Alicis.

The staff is always attentive and welcoming. The owner can often be found on the floor greeting and chatting with his guests. Best of all Alici’s is only about a 4-5 block walk for our Vermont Inns door step. It doesn’t get any better then that! Be sure to tell them that Tim and Amy from Forty Putney Road sent you for VIP treatment!