by Kitty Hodgetts

       "Have you been to the Grapevine Grille in Middlebury?" "Yes, I have!!" I was talking to my friend Andrea, and we both agreed that our favorite sandwich is the authentic Maryland shrimp salad, creatively named "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay."
      The truth is that I have liked everything I have tried at the Grapevine Grille, a tiny restaurant tucked into the red schoolhouse on Rt. 7 just south of Middlebury.
      In fact, there are 20 sandwiches to choose from with names such as "Take a Letter Fajita" (a grilled quesadilla); "Go Ask Alice" (grilled Portobello mushroom); and "R U Smokin" What I’m Wrappin'"(fresh roasted turkey breast); plus daily specials.
      The Grapevine Grille is owned and operated by Charlene Potter and Nancy Geoghegan, who opened the restaurant earlier this year. Nancy previously owned a catering business in Maryland, and Charlene is beverage director at a local restaurant where the two met.
      How did they come up with the names for their creations? They come from the music from their past. The first sandwich named was the "Avacada Davida" (grilled chicken with avocado). Then there’s "Under the Porkwalk," "Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Sand(wich)," and "Oh Mexico."
      Here's the best part - they do not use any preserved meats, use all fresh veggies, and make their own dressings and aiolis. The salads and soups are freshly made. Homemade! The soups are creative and they watch the weather to know what soups to make. In the summer they make chilled, or lighter soups. Now that fall is on its way, heartier soups are on order, such as Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque.
      Now to the wine room. Although Nancy and Charlene say that they are not wine experts, they are wine educated and experienced. There are more than 200 labels to choose from in a range of prices, including many good wines under $20. They also offer a 10 percent discount on mix or match cases of wine. Customers have learned to trust their recommendations.
      As a delivery driver for Vermont Wine Merchants, I have had the opportunity to watch their business grow and become a success. Both Charlene and Nancy agree that they had tremendous support from family and friends. "We have already gained pretty good community following," Charlene said.
      Visit the Grapevine Grille Mondays through Thursdays from 11-7pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11-9 pm, or call ahead 382-ToGo. It's closed on Sundays.

Kitty Hodgetts is a summer resident of Hancock, Vermont. She was a co-founder of the farmer's market in Burlington and plays in the Afro-Brazilian band Sambatucada!