Former Boston chef John Delpha and wife Caitlin Bilodeau have opened a new restaurant, The Belted Cow Bistro, to much fanfare in Vermont. Delpha can boast culinary awards ranging from a two time chef choice winner at the world barbeque championships to holding the Executive Chef position at not one but four of Boston’s most acclaimed restaurants (La Campania, Sorellina, Harvest and Mistral).
Bilodeau is an Olympic fencer who competed in the Seoul and Barcelona games. She went on to become the human resources manager at a national retail chain. Together they have created one of Chittenden County’s most eclectic new dining destinations in historic Essex Junction.
“We have designed a dining experience that combines a warm and lively atmosphere with passionately cooked food,” said Delpha.
Their menu features inspirations from Delpha utilizing seasonal ingredients and local flavors. Customer favorites include Prosciutto Wrapped Pete’s Farm Salad Greens with Shaved Fennel and Scallion Vinaigrette; Cast Iron Seared Scallops with Vermont Cauliflower Puree, Grain Mustard and Parsley Salad; Fresh Halibut with Local Sam Mazza’s Corn and Grape Tomatoes; and the Grilled Flatbread with Duck Confit, Vermont Blue and Swiss Cheeses, and Black Figs.
The bistro’s unusual name refers to a rare Scottish cattle breed. The animals have black bodies and a thick white “belt” around the midsection. During their search for the perfect location to open their new restaurant, Bilodeau and Delpha chose the name from hundreds of ideas. “We wanted to make a connection to the local landscape and agriculture in Vermont,” said Bilodeau.
The 70-seat restaurant, a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, offers off-site catering and in-house banquets.
