Tipsy Trout — Fins and Fermentables

A new hidden gem in Stowe opened in December 2021 and will not disappoint. Tipsy Trout – Fins and Fermentables, a premier destination restaurant located in the elegant Lodge at Spruce Peak, offers vistas of the mountain trails and exquisite food. Seafood coupled with a Vermont culinary approach are the focus here with carefully sourced fins and more—as local as possible—and in keeping with Spruce Peak’s stellar commitment to sustainability.

Local producers and carefully selected national distributors that focus on transparent sourcing and sustainable fisheries and farms are the ethos here. A commitment to protecting the health and beauty of our oceans and waterways infuse every decision made. Seafood dishes are created to complement the seasonal bounty, carefully sourced from local farms. Knee Deep Farm, Naked Acre Farm, and the Farm at West Settlement are just a few of the regional purveyors that supply Vermont’s finest bounty. That commitment alone is one of the main reasons the food at your table will be delicious and fresh.

Not a seafood lover? No worries, as the menu offers up a few equally delectable options such as smoked half duck with orange and sweet soy glaze with green garlic purée and enoki mushrooms. However, seafood clearly reigns at Tipsy Trout. Dining with a menu that features the freshest “catch” possible often occurs in restaurants on the shores of the sea or pristine lakes. One does not expect exquisite coastal-inspired entrées in the captivating mountains of a landlocked state. I guarantee it will only take one dining experience here to prove otherwise. Tipsy Trout’s commitment to serving you the freshest and finest locally-sourced-as-possible ingredients are evident after your very first bite.

Fortunately for Stowe, the talented and exceptional chef Sean Blomgren chose to settle in Vermont with his wife and young child after an impressive career working in premier restaurants around the country that include Aspen and Telluride, Colorado; Kiawah Island, South Carolina; Washington, DC; and Tarrytown, New York. He learned his techniques and artistry from personally observing several well-known chefs, and from his educational training at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston. Growing up, he recalls his grandmothers’ and mom’s love of cooking, and smiles when he recalls frying his first turkey one Christmas at age 15. His cuisine, which has reached near perfection, reflects his many years of fine-tuning his craft and creating unique dishes in a captivating place that offers the New England experience year-round.

Spruce Peak’s Managing Director Scott Huntsman shares, “Chef Sean has partnered with some amazing regional fishermen, oyster farmers, and produce purveyors, and the Tipsy Trout menu will epitomize the freshness of the season. We are thrilled to introduce our new spaces to locals and visitors alike.”

There are many ways to enjoy Tipsy Trout. The crescent moon–shaped bar offers energy and fun whether you just stop there for a few beverages, chat up the mixologist, or move on to the full dining experience. The drinks menu offers creative groupings for you to explore depending on your mood and pleasure. Selections range from Light and Aromatic to Fun and Effervescent to Boozy and Bold, and once you glance at the drinks under the various headings such as Cloudy Mountain or Mountain Breeze, you may be tempted to try more than one or to share sips. Local brews hail from some of Vermont’s finest breweries.

Guests can dine at Tipsy Trout's stylish bar or high-top tables.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor wraparound terrace. With stunning views of the Spruce Peak Ridgeline, hiking trails, and Spruce Peak Village, it’s an enticing après “anything” spot. Here you can enjoy signature cocktails, an impressive wine selection, and Tipsy’s famed oysters and sushi from the raw bar, including a unique selection of summer-inspired food. As evening light fades, patio lights and three fire pits offer perfect ambiance in the comfy, soft patio furniture.

It was in this contemporary and stylish restaurant I shared a memorable dining experience with a friend. After sharing our selected cocktails, we were presented with a cascade of raw oysters carefully displayed on a charming silver platter. Pristine Topsider oysters from Edgecomb, Maine were refreshing and succulent and slid easily into our mouths, complemented by Barr Hill gin cocktail sauce. Several courses later, New Bedford Fisherman’s Stew was flavored to perfection with linguica and fennel with sourdough toast for dipping into the broth. I wondered if I should ask for another house crescent roll that was served with “everything spice” roasted nori butter; it was one of the best and most delicate rolls I’ve ever tasted. Twisted Key Lime with ginger crumb, togarashi lime curd, and house marshmallow ice cream was the final act, and divine it was.

Adding to our experience, our attentive waitress Claire shared captivating stories about places from which our food was sourced. Experienced sommelier Katie offered her expertise about vintages from around the world that comprised the curated collection of handpicked wines to complement each dish. Every mouthful and sip swirled delight and evoked the senses.

Should you find your way up Stowe Mountain Road and into the elegant Lodge at Spruce Peak and then up the staircase to Tipsy Trout, you will be feted with a culinary experience that will leave a memory that will last a very long time.

• sprucepeak.com/dine/tipsy-trout

TIPSY TROUT GUEST CHEF SPECIAL DINNER SERIES
 

Spruce Peak is excited to host two special chef dinner series this summer focused on the freshest New England seafood. Favorite chefs from past A Taste of New England events will take diners through a culinary experience highlighting their skills and passions. The evenings include special wine pairings as well.

July 12

Chef Tatiana Rosana
Para Maria, Boston, MA
(Featured chef from A Taste of New England 2021)

August 2

Chef Will Gilson
Puritan & Company, Cambridge, MA
(Featured chef from A Taste of New England 2019)

A TASTE OF NEW ENGLAND
 

August 26–28

A Taste of New England returns to Spruce Peak, where the region’s best chefs come together for a food and wine celebration. This exceptional culinary experience features the exclusive opportunity to meet celebrated guest chefs and to enjoy a weekend of amazing food, world-class wines and spirits, camaraderie, and more. Guest chefs and full schedule of events coming soon. 

• sprucepeak.com/dine/culinaryevents