Great Service, Extraordinary View, and Even Better Food! - by Andrew Rothberg

After five years of searching for the BEST restaurant in the state, I finally found it. From the cocktails to the food, the service to the scenery, Norma's Restaurant at Topnotch Resort and Spa will exceed your expectations.

Upon walking into Norma's Restaurant you will notice the bustling open kitchen and earth-toned natural colors, chosen to match the superb setting. The casual atmosphere instantly puts its patrons at ease, guaranteeing a relaxing dining experience. From the warm welcome of the hostess to the knowledgeable wait staff, the service will leave a lasting favorable impression.

The back wall of Norma's is made completely of glass providing a great view during all four seasons. Beyond the gorgeous outdoor sandstone pool rises the famous Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. This one of a kind view is truly breathtaking.

The fully equipped bar offers over forty wines, a half dozen local micro brews on tap, a wide selection of top shelf liquor and an extensive cocktail list.

The Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Horseradish Root Tomato Chutney with three succulent Tiger Shrimp is a very refreshing first course. The Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Duck Breast with petite salade of cucumber and fresh herbs and blood orange vinaigrette is another exceptional favorite. Their cool Gazpacho is the perfect way to bring an end to a warm-summers day. Norma's is a member of the Vermont Fresh Network so fresh, local, organic ingredients are used whenever possible.

The steaks on the entree menu are hormone free, which reflects Norma's care and desire to please its patrons. The Grilled Prime New York Strip Steak served with crispy potato hay, pickled ramp and radish salad, arugula puree and glace de veau and Grilled Filet of Beef served with shallot potato puree, baby carrots, haricots verts with sauce bordelaise and truffle essence and crispy portabella mushroom bacon are house favorites that are sure to please. These perfectly cut pieces of meat will give any elegant steakhouse in Kansas City a run for its money. The Braised Lamb Shank, slow-cooked in locally brewed Rock Art Stumpjumper Stout, with Braising Greens and Herbed Polenta is nothing less than phenomenal. The presentation is extraordinary but words cannot describe how great it tastes. The Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, enhanced by Cured Meyer Lemon and Green Olive Relish, Watercress and Creamy Leeks is the perfect entree for the seafood lover. The well rounded menu also includes Grilled Organic Chicken Breast. Sandwiches and several vegetarian options are available, there are also numerous selections from a Lighter Fare Menu.

For those patrons with a sweet tooth, you will not be disappointed by the Dessert Menu that is simply "brilliant." The classic French Lemon Cream Tart will surely delight your taste buds while the Freshly Baked Seasonal Fruit Pie will make you think you have died and gone to heaven. From Souffles, Layered Cakes, House Made Ice Creams and Sorbets to Warm Cookies served with a glass of Organic Vermont Milk, Norma's demonstrates the fact that truly fabulous restaurants understand that the best way to compliment a great dinner is with great desserts.

Norma's Restaurant at Topnotch Resort and Spa is located at 4000 Mountain Road in Stowe. It's open to the public and resort guests from 7:00am to 10:00pm Sunday– Thursday and stays open until 10:30pm on Friday and Saturdays. Bring the whole family, they have a fantastic Kids' Menu. For reservations or more information contact them Toll Free at 800-451-8686.

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