Blue Notes
Vermont Woman - Story about Phoebe!
February/March issue to hit the newstands early February 2012
There's going to be an article, with photos, about Owner/Chef Phoebe R. Bright in this issue. Be sure to pick up your copy!
Songs of the Holidays
Thursday, December 22nd
Featuring Carol Ann Jones & Jon Sochin
What a wonderful, memorable - and fun - night it was! The 'house' was packed & folks were singing . One of the highlights of the show was the audience participation to our version of "My Favourite Things".
Click on camera for a video, albeit a bit grainy, of our song ... our special lyrics are on the right, under the photos ;) Thanks to our Paddle (and facebook) friends, Elaine Iandoli & David Raphael, for help with the song. They each received a $25 gift certificate!
Phoebe even took the stage for a couple of songs with Carol & two paddle Crew members - Ashley & Marielle.
Seeing Phoebe perform brought tears to many of our eyes. It was a little over three years ago that she was battling tongue cancer. To say her life was uncertain would be an understatement. From barely able to utter a few words back then, to belting out "When Will I Be Loved?" during our holiday show, Phoebe exemplified her grit & determination admired by many. She's my hero, my rock star! - Mandy
Rodney & Dakota
(12/12/11) Just received this photo, via email, from Rodney Putnam. Posing next to his very handsome hunting dog, Dakota, Rodney is sporting a Paddle camo hat. Truly awesome picture - thanks for sharing! P.S. Rodney recently performed at our restaurant - what a fun singer.
Rodney returns January 12th! Book your table early!
Jump On It - Wednesday, November 30th (WCAX TV)
Posted December 1, 2011
You jumped with us ... and helped us set an all-time record! Thank you to all of you.
The WCAX New Media team visited The Paddle to congratulate us in person for our record Jump On It promotion. Thanks to Chris Smith, Heather Aja, Bethany McGrath & Dan Dimille for the all your support. Your professionalism, combined with both warmth & enthusiasm, is second to none. Keep up the awesome work!
Another Contest! Win a $25 Gift Certificate to The Paddle! (posted 11/28/11)
Congratulations to
Jill Bolton!
The statue is of Brigitte Bardot. The place is Buzios in the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Where in the World is The Paddle Hat? (posted 11/5/11)
We have a winner! Lisa Sholk correctly guessed:
Pamukkale, Turkey, specifically, though Eva Sturm-Kehoe is posing in front of the Travertine Terraces. Congratulations, Lisa - a $25 Gift Certificate to The Paddle has your name on it!
And, a special "thank you" to our friend, Eva, for the photos (and helping us with this little contest.) You're the best!"
Win a $25 Gift Certificate!
This photo was taken on October 31st by a friend of The Paddle.
As she teases the audience: "Is it snow? Is it ice? Is it limestone?"
Be the first to facebook me (preferable) or email me the correct location: mandy@bluepaddlebistro.com
Good luck!
Playwright Oliver Mayer joins us for dinner!
Gregory Ramos, Craig Wells & Oliver Mayer -a handsome, and talented, trio, indeed!
From Mandy:
My friends, Craig & Gregory came in for dinner last night and - ever so proud - told me that we had a famous playwright in-the-house. They introduced me to their dear friend, Oliver, who was visiting from California. Immediately, I was captivated by his earnest handshake and warm eyes, not to mention his terribly good looks.
Coming from a very distinguished family of writers and artists, I got so excited. I shared with them a little about my great uncle, Glenway Wescott, and early memories of family reunions. They listened & enjoyed my tale of hanging out by the big gorgeous pool wandering why there were so many attractive single men. Men which were either dressed to the nines or clad in very little speedos.
So, of course, I had to google Oliver, take his picture and promise to stay in touch. He's even giving me a book he has written. (Can't wait to read it!)
Okay. Now, just this afternoon, as I sat down to write this Blue Note I decided to google Gregory & Craig. You know, just for fun. Well, it seems that we had three "celebs" in the house last night. How modest you you guys are ... so accomplished, yet so real.
Just awesome.
TruexCollins visits The Paddle
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
TruexCollins, a Burlington architecture & interior design firm, joined us for dinner after their rewarding day volunteeering at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta; we so enjoyed their visit - what an awesome group of people! (Click on photo to enlarge.)
P.S. To learn more about Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, please visit:
http://www.takumta.org/
“In short, Camp T-K-T is where kids go
to reclaim a childhood robbed by cancer.”
New Off-Season Hours
We are now serving dinner Tuesday - Saturday,
beginning at 5:00 pm.
Sunday Brunch will return Spring 2012 ...
Now taking reservations for holiday parties. Don't forget, we'll also open up just for your party on a day we are closed ...
Top Male Model, Brad Koenig & family visits The Paddle for dinner!
Brad poses with Phoebe, while his son, Hudson, goofs for the camera!
As many of you may know, The Paddle catered two photo shoots for Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld. Great events and we forged some lasting friendships. It was during the first shoot that Chef Phoebe was recuperating from her tongue cancer, and subsequent surgery, that we first met Brad & gang. Aware that Phoebe was unable to visit the set, this handsome guy penned this sign for Phoebe:
Tonight, Brad, his partner Nicole & their son, Hudson, came in for dinner. He wanted to surprise us - hence, no reservation. In he walked, hair a little shorter with the same great smile. Besides being drop dead good-looking, he is the nicest, most unpretentious guy. We just love him! This was his first visit to The Paddle, but swears it won't be his last. For those of you who may be curious : he ordered the coffee-crusted pork tenderloin and she had the pan-roasted duck breast with risotto, and then they all hung out to hear some of our Monday Night Hay Meadow Music out in our back 40!
P.S. When he left, many of our diners' heads were turning ...
The Paddle Hat Travels ... again! Where was this picture taken?
We have a winner! Only minutes after posting our facebook clue, Jon Rajewski emailed the correct answer (he went there last year when he spoke at a conference): It's the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey! A special thank you goes out to Eva Strum-Kehoe for her help with our Paddle Hat contest - you're the best!
(Posted 5/27/11) Click on above photo to enlarge.
Posted 5/26/11. A friend of ours sent us this picture. Be the first to email me the correct name of this structure (and its city) and you'll win a $25 Gift Certificate to The Paddle! Good luck, everyone!
Email: mandy@bluepaddlebistro.com
The Paddle Hat Travels ... again!
WE HAVE A WINNER ... and, boy, was that fast! Congratulations to Bruce Hatrak. He said that the symmetry of the stone and the lighting gave it away. So, without further adieu, here's the Parent Family (mom's taking the picture) in front of the Washington Monument:
Thanks for the taking the time out of your family vacation to help with this contest; you all are the best!
The Paddle Hat Travels ... again!
We had a winner - this is the capitol of South Carolina! Get ready for another Paddle Hat Contest ... coming soon! That's right - it's in the works ;)
A Heartfelt Thank You ...
On March 14th, we celebrated our sixth anniversary as the Blue Paddle Bistro. On behalf of Phoebe and myself, I wish to thank all of you who have been so very supportive of our little restaurant. As many of you know, we are truly owner-operated. We love what we do and we're so appreciative of the incredible loyalty you have demonstrated towards The Paddle. Thank you, everyone, for being there for us as we continue to be there for you ...
Here's to another incredible year!
With the warmest of regards,,
Mandy
St. Patty's Day Costume Winner
Congratulations to
Marilyn Pillsbury!
Winner of our
First Annual St. Patty's Day Costume Contest!
$75 Gift Certificate
Valentine's Day Door Prize Winners
In addition to the 22 door prizes we gave away on Valentine's Night, these folks' names were pulled from the basket after we closed by our Paddle Crew. Congratulations, everybody. Your Gift Certificates are here at The Paddle. It is your responsibility to pick them up or we can hold them until your next visit. There is an expiration date of 4/30/11.
$15 Gift Certificates
Adrian Townsend
Amr & Kamala
Matt Boardman
$10 Gift Certificates
Mary Madden
Alan Trowell
Olivia Rosato
Christina Crosby
John & Mary Knight
Alistair Parker will be our next artist at The Paddle!
We're thrilled to be able to showcase Alistair's gorgeous copper wall hangings in our downstairs dining room. This installation will be a first for us, departing from the more traditional forms that we typically have adorning our walls. Scheduled for a Valentine's Day debut, we know that these pieces will be dramatic and add to the warmth of the Blue Paddle Bistro. We are planning a Open House, sort of a Meet & Greet, for Alistair a Sunday afternoon in March. Stay tuned for the exact date! Attendance will be limited so if you would like to attend, please call Mandy directly at (802) 372-4814.
To learn more about this artist,
please visit his web site:
www.metaldesignvt.com
Fletcher Allen Intensive Care Unit visits The Paddle for Dinner & Music
To support their colleague, acoustic solo performer Shane Murley, this nice group of ICU folks came up for dinner for our Thursday Night Music Series (January 13th). Fun was had by all!
(Click on photo to enlarge.) How cute is our bartender? Rick Bellows, bartender extraordinaire & dear friend, can be seen in the back holding up a glass! Paddle 'favs' Dave & Wendy Audette: Dave is the 6th person from the left back and Wendy is the 8th person, right in front. You're the best! More photos are posted on our Photo gallery page. P.S. Come back, Shane, anytime you want - you were awesome; quite the entertainer!
New Year's Eve Door Prize Winners!
What a wonderful, busy New Year's Eve Dinner we had here at The Paddle. Thanks to everyone who complimented us by walking through our doors to share this special evening with their loved ones ... and The Paddle Crew! Okay, without further adieu, here are the winners of our Door Prize Giveaway (in no particular order):
Grand Prize!
Madaid Lopez ... $100 Gift Certificate
Ellie Wegner ... Christmas Armadillo
Richard Straight ... Paddle Crewneck Sweatshirt
Caroline Oliver ... Paddle Polo
Amy Howatt ... $15 Gift Certificate
Cal Murray ... $15 Gift Certificate
Lily McNamara ... $15 Gift Certificate
Rick Hawkins ... Paddle "It's all about the dog" tee
Sue Thomas ... $15 Gift Certificate
Deb Bonneau ... "Fish Stories" Dish Towel
Carol Vaughn ... Paddle Crewneck Sweatshirt
Art Wegmer ... "Fish Stories" Dish Towel
Tom Critchlow ... $15 Gift Certificate
Jim McNeil ... $15 Gift Certificate
Wendy Wade ... $10 Gift Certificate
Dave Butcavage ... $10 Gift Certificate
Rick Whittlesey ... $10 Gift Certificate
Doris Polk ... "Vermont" Dish Towel
Marvin Thomas ... Paddle Polo
Donna Lamphere ... "Vermont" Dish Towel
Bob Monette ... $15 Gift Certificate
Greg Saum ... $15 Gift Certificate
JoJo Lynch ... Paddle "It's all about the dog" tee
Roth Perry ... $10 Gift Certificate
Jocelyn Lash ... $15 Gift Certificate
Valerie Monette ... $15 Gift Certificate
Linda Phypers ... $10 Gift Certificate
Ann Larrow ... $15 Gift Certificate
Brad Bradbury ... $15 Gift Certificate
Mary Ann Coburn ... $10 Gift Certificate
Steve Schonberg ... $15 Gift certificate
Donna McIsaac ... $10 Gift certificate
Carmi McLean ... Paddle Coffee Mug
If you left before your name was drawn, please stop by and get your prize - or make arrangements with us to hold it for you! All Gift Certificates have an expiration of March 1, 2011! Thanks, again, for a great start to the New Year!
Our dear friends, Gordon & Penny Echenberg ... with Penny's mom, Doris Polk. A personal note to Doris: I forgot to give you your candy canes! I owe you some ...
Stride Creative Group
Our web designers had their holiday party recently at The Paddle.
Phoebe and I were presented with these "green" totes. As a follow-up, Stride then gave us another gift - professionally-designed (by them, of course), professionally-printed gift certificates for us to use. Now, that might not sound like a big deal to a lot of folks but so very appreciated by everyone who works here. No more running up to the laser printer. No more running out of ink. No more cutting ever-so-exactly so our homemade GCs can fit in our envelopes. Really, really thoughtful.
Just one more reason, among many, that we think Stride Creative Group is awesome.
(Above) Click to enlarge so that you can read this very funny message!
(Below) Phoebe reacts to our new gift certificates; she knows how I struggle, at times, to keep up with the "manufacturing" of them!
To learn more about Stride, please visit: www.stridecreative.com
The Paddle Thursday Night Music Series
Dinner seating at 6:30pm, with the performance starting at 7pm!
Beginning, November 7th, there will be a $5 per person charge that will go directly to the performer. If you wish to reserve your dinner table, you may purchase tickets one week in advance.
Visit our Upcoming Events page for more details ...
Paddle Parking
Even though we're in our "off-season", parking can be a bit tricky at times ... so here's a tip about parking atThe Paddle: You may park on Route 2 (yes, it's legal!). We suggest parking on the other side of the street from us -the south side. It's easier!
Thanks and hope to see you soon,
Mandy, Phoebe & The Paddle Crew
Dragon Boat Team: DragonMamas
(Click on photos to enlarge!)
The DragonMamas posed for a team photo just before their first race at the 2010 Dragon Boat Festival held at Waterfront Park in Burlington. The Paddle donated the yellow hats ...
First row: Paddle Crew member Kelly Langston is far left; one of our awesome web site designers, Terri Parent of Stride Creative Group, is third from the left ... and Phoebe is second from the right. Way to go, ladies! (Below) The team waiting for their competitors to arrive ...
Julia Alvarez
Julia (standing) came in for dinner last night with (from left) her husband Bill Eichner, Jenn Bunker, Ken Kowalewitz and Giselle. Julia was in town to speak for the South Hero Community Library Summer Author Series. The Blue Paddle was a sponsor of the event.
From Julia's web site: " Let me introduce myself. I'm Julia Alvarez, a writer of novels, essays, books for young readers, poetry. You may be familiar with my
novels, especially, How
The García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the
Butterflies, which was made into a movie produced by and starring Salma
Hayek, with Marc Anthony and Edward James Olmos."
Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
Phoebe's on the Dragon Boat team, Dragonmamas & Paddlepapas. This photo was taken at their first, and only, practice Sunday, July 18th. Race day is Sunday, August 8th. (Click on photo to enlarge) Stop by & sign her official Dragon Boat hat & make a $5 donation to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta ... I want to fill her hat for her! - Mandy
To learn more about DragonHeart Vermont, click here.
As a personal note, as many of you know - Phoebe is my best friend ... and seeing her monkeying around for the camera puts the biggest smile on my face. It was only two years ago that she was going through her own battle with tongue cancer. Just look at her now. My hero. Click here to see my blog post I wrote for Phoebe ... with a Garth Brooks song that, I swear, was written for us!
(Click on photos to enlarge)
The nicest guy you could imagine!
NBC News correspondent
Ron Mott visited The Paddle
twice this week ... dinner and
Sunday brunch - even signed
our "card" that we're shipping
down to Grand Isle, Louisiana.
On Monday, July 19th, Grand Isle mayor, David Camardelle, will be talking to us on speakerphone - giving us an update on the gulf and thanking the folks who signed the card.
We love Rachel Maddow!
Rachel, her partner Susan and three friends dined at The Paddle on May 29th! We all were so excited to meet her. She was beyond gracious to all of us ... and our guests! Thank you, Rachel - you are a real gem. Please come back! FYI: The Rachel Maddow Show airs on MSNBC-TV Monday through Friday at 9:00 pm EST.
Congratulations to our 1st Blue Paddle
Key Bank Vermont City Marathon Relay Team!
"Blue Paddle Babes"
Debbie Danforth, Kristen Surowiec, Kelly Langston & Danielle Digangi
Sunday, May 30, 2010 Time: 4:04:16
Following the race, Kelly Langston returns to The Paddle for a well- deserved breakfast prepared especially for her by Phoebe!
Kelly, Danielle, Kristen & Debbie
The Paddle Hat Travels ...
Our good friend, Bill Lytton (wearing his Paddle hat), in Cap Haitien,
Haiti where he was helping to deliver relief supplies to a local hospital. Via email, he wrote: "The Paddle goes everywhere!" (email received 3/20/10)
Our 5th Year Birthday Bash
Sunday, March 14th
Music by Dirt Road
Click here to view Phoebe, the Paddle Crew & our friends dancing!
(Please visit our Photo Gallery for more pictures.)
Thank you to everyone who came to our party & helped us celebrate! We had a lot of fun - and hope you did, as well! A special thank you to the band, Dirt Road: you guys were great! Can't wait to have you come back to The Paddle ...
- Phoebe & Mandy
.
HAVING DINNER WITH 
These three cute girls had dinner at The Paddle. Here are their "comment cards. First one: "Great service, great food, great people. Keep paddling! Best of luck. Thanks!" The second: "Great service, thank you so much! You guys made my day, you guys rock the prom!" (From Mandy - you made MY day!) (Posted 7/7/10)
My visit to your Blue Paddle Bistro was a blast! Dinner was a delight! My sassafras key chain is a treasure! It's hanging in our den/porch room to remind me daily of your kindness! Thank you.
"LATITUDES"
