This article was originally posted on the Vermont Fresh Network's blog. Visit Cafe Provence during Vermont Restaurant Week and search out other eateries that are passionate about local food.
Chef Robert Barral is famous for introducing exquisite French food to the small town of Brandon, VT and now Waterbury can enjoy their own Café Provence on Blush Hill. Melissa Moore, General Manager at the Best Western in Waterbury had been an avid fan of Barral, and a student in a few of his popular cooking classes. She came up with a proposal to transform the Best Western's Restaurant into a satellite of the French Café and Chef Barral jumped at the opportunity to expand. “I have the best team ever in Brandon right now, and it’s because of them that I am finally comfortable doing more,” he shared. It is the former Brandon Sous Chef, Ittai Azoulay, that runs the kitchen in Waterbury, and Chef Barral speaks highly of the chef saying “Ittai shares my passion for good food and cooking, making him the perfect man for the job.”
What can you expect to find at Café Provence on Blush Hill?
Not just local food, but locally trained chefs as well!
Since his time as Executive Chef at New England Culinary Institute, Chef Barral has made a point to hire both NECI Interns and graduates as support in his kitchens sharing, “I’m always pleased with their positive attitudes and great energy.” The menu will also follow the Brandon restaurant's mission of sourcing locally whenever possible. As soon as the farmers’ markets open in the area, Chef Barral looks forward to seeking out new farmers and producers in and surrounding Waterbury to provide a true taste of Vermont to hotel guests.
Café Provence on Blush Hill is now open to diners 7 nights per week. Dine with them after a day of adventure in Waterbury using this Trail on DigInVT.com as your guide.
