Local Flavor goes trick-or-tasting downtown

Author: Nicole Lam

The week before Halloween, festive treats and goodies fill up Middlebury shops and restaurants as everyone gets in gear for the holiday. Instead of reaching for the typical candy corn, orange and black M&M's, and orange caramel-filled chocolates sold in supermarkets like Shaw's, check out the bakeries and cafes on Main Street selling homemade, delicious Halloween treats.

In celebration of Halloween, Otter Creek Bakery has brought out a basket filled with vanilla and chocolate butter cookies shaped like Halloween characters that have enthralled us since childhood. In the shape of cats, witches, and bats, these cookies are sprinkled with orange sugar that emanates a subtle orange-peel spice. The crunchy cookies are wrapped in plastic gift bags tied with orange and black ribbon, making them a simple Halloween gift or an easy-to-go snack. In addition, the bakery is accepting orders now for their infamous sourdough "bat bread." With cherry kisses for the eyes and a piece of almond for the mouth, this two-pound sourdough loaf is a delightful favorite. If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, go for the decadent pumpkin-raspberry cheesecake. Exquisitely adorned with raspberries and dripping with sauce, this cheesecake is not too sweet, but still flavorful with rich notes of pumpkin.

Two Brothers Tavern is also joining in the festivities by hosting a Halloween Ball featuring a band called The Horse Trader. The band is known for playing 80's and 90's music. The whole bottom floor dance room will be decorated with spider webs and hay stacks to fit the occasion. There will be costume and pumpkin-carving contests to check out when taking a break from dancing. Candy will be doled out as always for trick-or-treating and there may be goblin cookies as well. Kristin Bittrolf, the floor manager, hopes for goblin cookies and marshmallows. There will not be any changes in the dining menu or drink specials but with the band, decorations and music, Two Brothers Tavern will provide a fun, spooky night.

If you are thinking of heading to Shaws to buy your Halloween sugar fix, cross the street and check out the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-Op first. Next to the cashiers, there is a table stocked with baskets of nutty dark chocolate ghosts and witch hats. There are also chocolate lollipops glazed in orange icing adorably shaped into smiling pumpkin faces. Underneath the orange sign that says "Look for the goblin in you" are packages of chocolate coins covered in orange wrapping and one-pound pumpkin heads made completely out of chocolate.

For those of age, Halloween night would not be complete without imbibing a few Wolaver's Will Stevens' Pumpkin Ale. The autumn brew is named after Will Stevens of Golden Russet Farming in Shoreham, Vt. The Stevens family has been growing organic vegetables and flowers for over 25 years and in the true spirit localvore movement infiltrating Middlebury, the farm is located less than 15 miles away from the brewery. According to Kate Corrigan, marketing assistant at Otter Creek Brewery, the beer is brewed with Stevens' organic pumpkins, spices, and organic hops and malt. The pumpkins are first baked and skinned, then converted into a pulpy mash that imbues the beer with its delightfully hearty pumpkin flavor.

Finally, at American Flatbread, the staff plans to dress up for the occasion. The Wizard of Oz was a theme three years ago. The restaurant will definitely have apple and pumpkin pie and is considering popcorn balls. The food and drinks menu have not been determined yet for Halloween but the setting of the restaurant already makes one feel like they are feasting in a haunted castle. The oven glows in the background while a black cauldron heats up tomato sauce. The wooden ceiling and creaky floor add to the spooky touch.