The Gryphon Awards

The Gryphon Restaurant Review:

In the heart of Burlington, The Gryphon quickly made a name for itself. With ultra-high ceilings, ornate light fixtures, dusty blue walls and tall, vintage wood-paned windows, patrons enjoy a vibe that’s chic and comfortable. The best seat in the house --- or at least the most popular --- is a window-side table with plush leather couches overlooking Main Street. Customers also have plenty of high-tops and tables to choose from, or they can cozy up for the night at a 12-seat bar serving cucumber and lime gimlets, watermelon juleps, Fiddlehead IPA and Burlington Beer’s Chasing Rabbits. After settling in with a drink, start with Southern fried hushpuppies and Cajun rémoulade or the garlic steamed mussels. While the tenderloin filet topped with Cabernet tarragon and rainbow trout grilled with fresh herbs will not disappoint, our pick is the seafood grits. It’s The Gryphon’s signature dish, offered as a starter and entrée, featuring sea scallops and grilled shrimp over creamy grits in a lobster butter sauce. Alternatively, try the sesame-ginger chicken or pan-tossed gnocchi. Don’t forget about The Gryphon’s wine list, which includes a collection hailing from France to Chile and Sonoma. We recommend a glass of Mistinguett Cava Brut, a bubbly Spanish white, or the dry Zuccardi Malbec from Argentina. For dessert, go for the chocolate flourless cake or hazelnut ice cream house-made with Vermont-distilled Sapling Maple Liqueur.