The Fourth Annual Grafton Food Festival Celebrates Vermont's Artisanal Culture

GRAFTON, Vt. - June 24, 2016 - PRLog -- The Grafton Inn has announced a mouth-watering itinerary for its fourth annual Grafton Food Festival set for July 9. This year, over 25 local vendors will season the grounds of historic Grafton for participation in the Inns' annual celebration of southern Vermont's savory culture.  The festival, to be held rain or shine, commences with a day of tastings, a children's cooking competition, and back to back cooking demonstrations. The celebration carries into the night with a meet and greet in the courtyard of The Grafton Inn and a four-course dinner prepared by this year's celebrity guest Chef Sara Moulton, of PBS's "Sara's Weeknight Meals".

"We're thrilled to have Sara Moulton join us this year. We've had our hearts set on securing her for this event for years, but a scheduling conflict always got in the way," said Angela Comstock, Innkeeper of the Grafton Inn. "This time, I made sure to secure her visit  a year in advance! We're excited to experience her passion for food at this year's festival."

Beginning at 10 AM, a collection of Vermont vendors including Vermont Smoke & Cure, Newhall Farm, Eden Cider, Blackhill Preserves,, and many more will present their selections of local meats, cheeses, preserves, chocolates, and additional artisan fare in the all-weather tent and surrounding outside areas. Free to participate, the children's cooking competition starting at 10:30 AM will showcase teams competing to cook mac & cheese using Grafton Village Cheese and other local ingredients.

The festivities continue with three cooking demonstrations. First on the menu is Grafton Inn's Executive Chef Cal Hingston preparing Paella, followed by guest Chef Tracey Medeiros, author of "Vermont Farm Table" CookBook. Medeiros will demonstrate how to make a flavorful pair of a Massaged Kale Salad and Arugula Pesto. For the final demonstration, Chef Sara Moulton will prepare Cream Biscuits with homemade herb butter.

Grafton Village Cheese will provide complimentary cheese boards during the meet and greet held at 6 PM, which will also feature a cash bar. Festival goers are encouraged to reserve a spot at the four-course dinner which will be hosted by Executive Chef Cal Hingston and guest Chef Sara Moulton in the Old Tavern Dining Room at 7 PM. The exclusively curated menu includes a Seared Scallop Salad, Crispy Vegetable Fritters, Baked Arctic Char with Chermoula, and an Apricot Souffle. In addition to the festival ticket, the dinner is $80 per person (it includes wine!), plus tax and gratuity.

Tickets for the festival cost $10 and can be bought the day of at the festival. Kids under 12 are admitted free. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will support culinary scholarships for Vermont high school students through The Windham Foundation.

Festival attendees are invited to extend their visit with a stay at The Grafton Inn. Guests can get a taste of the full Grafton experience by taking advantage of the summer rates that are available for bookings for the July 9th weekend. Not only will they have a short journey to the festival, but they'll have the luxury of having a comfortable room waiting for them after a long (but deliciously fun) day.

For more information about the food festival and lodging package visit: http://graftonfoodfestival.com/ or call 802-234-8407.

To reserve a seat at the dinner, call 802-843-2231.

About the Grafton Inn

The Grafton Inn, located in the picturesque, country village of Grafton, VT , boasts a variety of accommodations from guestrooms and suites in the historic Old Tavern building to secluded vacation homes nestled in the village. As part of The Windham Foundation, the Inn helps support the foundation's mission of promoting vitality in rural Vermont communities.