Village Kitchen

[sa meredith]

I know I am late to the game with this place, as I am sure it is a favorite of many lake "regulars", but I had just never been. So Friday morning, after waking to cold, wind, and rain (although the weather turned quickly at noon, and it turned out to be a great boat day) I was looking to kill some time, so instead of George's in Meredith, I figured why not take a ride and try to find "Village Kitchen" (Country Cookin' ?).
What a great spot! I cannot believe what we have been missing.
Just a perfect, old school, lake type restaurant.
Great food, great service. Had my coffee within 30 seconds of sitting down at the counter, and my food roughly 4 minutes after ordering. Sausage gravy over biscuits, which is tough to get just right, and needs to be served piping hot. Their's was perfect. The eggs were perfect, and the home fires perfect.
Great place. If you have not been, give it a try.
I'll certainly be back.

[luvmypups]

Village Kitchen is definately the spot to go for breakfast, I love their breakfast food. Also, they have really good lunch sandwiches and a great fish fry on Friday nights too. Give it a try for lunch and dinner too. I love the VK ;)

[hazelnut]

sa, Oh man you got that right. The VK is pretty awesome in many ways. I marvel at the speed of service all without making you feel rushed. It's a great stop in the winter when out on the sled. I've had dinner a few times over the years and that's always good. We've been going to the VK since they were located in an old gas station up the street. I'm glad they moved because it was getting harder and harder to convince my wife to go because it was a tad dirty. The new place is anything but. It's nice, bright, clean and airy. We love this place! Hardest working waitresses in the Lakes Region IMO!!! Quite a few of the girls have been there for many many years. Consistency is a major key to their success both food and employees.

[twoplustwo]

ditto, double ditto, and thritto :D. We love the VK!

[patman]

As year-round residents, VK has been a solid favorite of my family for years. It's my favorite lunch spot in January-February because a) it's open, and b) I can get hot food fast to warm up from the walk in from the car.

Simple, straightforward, nuthin' fancy, just good food and good service at a great price. I'm amazed at how quickly the orders arrive at the table, and the staff is always friendly and glad to see you.

I was a bit sad to see the old wavy floor go, but...it was probably better to do that than have the building collapse. (Anyone know who did the floor/joist replacement work? Top notch job, and faster than I would have imagined possible.) They have an ATM there now, and that solves the 'got cash?' question. Progress marches on...

[Heaven]

Been my favorite for years, love the homemade bread/toast

[michael c]

Please tell me: where are you talking about?
i know the new place that is in the old bank building nearly across from the "cinema" in Gilford and i know the place out on rt 25 in M boro...am I close ? are we talking even close here?
thanks
M

[hazelnut]

Please tell me: where are you talking about?
i know the new place that is in the old bank building nearly across from the "cinema" in Gilford and i know the place out on rt 25 in M boro...am I close ? are we talking even close here?
thanks
M

Michael, Route 25 heading towards the metropolis known as Moultonboro where the "Olde Country Store" is. Well before that and on the right before the High School.

[Meredith lady]

Who doesn't love the VK? It's a great place and the owners are the nicest people you will ever meet. Service, food, smiling faces...they have it all!

[Dave M]

Always stop in on Friday nights when coming up to the Lake for their fish plate. What I miss though is the hash & eggs where the hash was homemade. It was a breakfast I looked forward to since it wasn't a regular at home. Maybe it wasn't requested a lot and resulted in the change. I stopped asking for it. Has this changed? Any comment Samiam.

Been going there since the gas station place. Better get there early because there will be a line.

Dave M

[Lakesrider]

I always say I am a walking billboard for the VK. I tell everyone about the place.
Breakfast was awesome last Saturday. Don't know why but for some reason I thought it was even better than usual. I always tip well there, but feel that I should tip the cooks too. They do a great job at getting the food out fast. We did learn quickly that you can't get there late on Prime Rib night....:(
We always kid that we get in and out of the there within a half hour, and if we don't then we figure something is wrong with our watches......:D

Oh and thank God for the ATM!

[Nagigator]

Veggie omelette and the Farmer's breakfast, enough said..........

[sa meredith]

Well..cold and rain again tomorrow morning (Friday). I'm going to do a repeat of post #1, and am really looking forward to it. How it took me 5 years to get to VK is beyond me.
Perhaps seek out SAMIAM and say hello.
Now, with the cold, wind, and rain on what will be a lazy Friday morning, if they only offered Bloody Marys........
Would be a nice way to kick off what will be an indoor day, watching the US Open Golf.

[The Phantom Gourmand]

STAY AWAY. ( so I don't have to wait in line! ) :laugh:
Seriously.....the best value for consistantly good food anywhere around. The waitstaff is a study in efficiency and good service.
Hungry? The FARMER's breakfast can't be beat...don't forget the beans!!

[Redwing]

When our now 26 year old son was between the ages of 7-15, he spent every summer at our cottage with his grandmother (my mother, who now lives in Phoenix, from whence we just returned). Lucky son!! My mother's and son's daily routine included the Moultonborough dump, the post office, lunch at the CK, and then a little food shopping at Heath's. They were such regulars at the CK, that before they even sat down, their beverages of choice were at the table! Great food at an amazing price....and you cannot beat their breakfasts and evening specials. Kudos to their customer service, as well.

[tis]

I like Samiam and have been looking for his restaurant, but can't seem to find it. We were in Moultonboro today and couldn't see it, even remembering your directions, hazelnut. When you say well before the country store are you coming from Tamworth or Center Harbor? Is it on the same side as the school or the opposite?

[sa meredith]

If you were coming from Meredith, cruising along RT25, you'd come to Center Harbor, pass many shops, Red Hill Dari (on the left), the old Grill 25(on the right) keep going, out of civilization, and then back in at Moultonboro, and eventually it will come up on your right hand sign. Beware of the sign:
"COUNTRY COOKIN' village kitchen" . Not hard to find.
Village Kitchen is written very small.

[tis]

Oh, thank you sa! That's why. We have been to Country Cookin' tons of time. I just didn't realize that is also the VK! I am so glad to know it now. Thanks for letting me know.

[hazelnut]

Brings up a good point we can all ask SAMIAM. Why is Country Cookin on the sign so large and the name of the place "Village Kitchen" so small? :D Either way the food's still great!

[tis]

Yes it is great food and obviously very popular. I am so glad to know which restarurant you have been talking about for so long!

[SAMIAM]

Glad you asked, Hazelnut. And there is a reason............when we moved here 15 years ago, we wanted to be sure that people driving by knew what kind of food we serve. Being on a busy road, we thought that more important than just the name. It's true, too....most of our recipes come from "old timers" like Hazel Straw, Martha Oliver, Gerry Smith....all local gals that worked at the original Longwood Farms restaurant which is now the site of Canoe. Also some of my aunt Arlene's recipes, who owned a farm in Sanbornton, call for "butter the size of an egg" or a"pinch" of this or that. Every now and then we have to include something trendy such as our new healthy salads....spring greens with broiled fish or shrimp...tomato's stuffed with seafood salad....things like that are selling well but our first love is old time yankee cooking and it's served us well.

[patman]

Had lunch at VK today, I got a Moultonburger, my wife had the fried haddock (which she said was extra good today for some reason) Nothing left on either plate when we were done. Yummy!

[JimD]

Please bring back the the roastbeef hash. Thanks

[quagmire]

Please bring back the the roastbeef hash. Thanks

I asked about the roast beef hash on my last visit. Apparently it came from a can and they added onions. I was told it is no longer available. They do have corned beef hash which is good.

[tis]

We went Wed night and 3 of us had the turkey dinner. It was delicious! I asked for Samiam but he wasn't there. I am sorry I missed him.

[wifi]

We went Wed night and 3 of us had the turkey dinner. It was delicious! I asked for Samiam but he wasn't there. I am sorry I missed him.

So, is SAM the female or, IAM the female.... that is the $1M question :)

[SAMIAM]

Sorry I missed you, too, wifi......just getting lazy in my old age and sneak out early every day. Always around in the A.M., though. And, just for the record........my wife's name is Sammie and I'm Bob. I stole her Samiam handle to use in the forum and she is constantly giving me the evil eye for fear that I'll put my foot in my mouth and she'll get blamed.:rolleye2:

[tis]

Hey, Sam, it wasn't wifi that went, it was me. :laugh: Aren't you sorry you missed us?

[SAMIAM]

Sorry isn't the word,tis......more like heartbroken:(......especially after all the nice things you said.Actually, I enjoy reading all of your posts because they are always positive .Really nice to see.

[SAMIAM]

Sorry isn't the word, tis......more like heartbroken :(......especially after all the nice things you said. Actually, I enjoy reading all of your posts because they are always positive. Really nice to see.

[sa meredith]

I, too, asked for SAMIAM, on Friday morning, the 26th...fully expecting him to be the gentleman with the glasses working the grille (and doing a hell or a job, by the way), but was surprised when our young waitress pointed out the window to a person doing some weed whacking in the back, and told us that was him. Never did get to say , "hi"...another time.
We had a waitress who's service was perfect...very friendly, and she was happy to put up with us, as both my buddy and I were sporting serious hang overs. For some reason, we thought it very funny when our small OJs came out in what appeared to be shot glasses. It just seemed funny...OJ in a shot glass, and we laughed more than was polite...but she took it the right way, and offered an upgrade to large. Anyway, she told us this was her summer job (home from school), and that her mother also worked there. And, as we left, there was mom at the door, waiting to give us a verbal "slap" as we left, for laughing at her daughter. It was certainly all in fun though. And mom knew that.
SAMIAM...you have great place there...and a great team working for you.
I'm sorry it took me so long to find it.

[tis]

Well, now I feel better Sam. I always like your posts too and that is why I was looking so forward to meeting you. I don't know as I am always positive. When I get going about the government, I certainly don't feel very positive. We, like you, have a business and get so sick of trying to keep up with all the rules and regulations so I think we understand each other. Then when you are done work, and you want to do something around your house, you have to go through another whole fight! See, I am not very positive after all! But thank you.

[Hermit Cover]

When Mrs. HC and I were looking for lakefront real estate one of our requirements was proximity to good meals...especially during the construction phase. The VK answered the need for feed....good feed...in spades. The food is always tasty, plentiful, and ready in minutes...or less. Many times my lunch is in front of me before I sit down!!!! That my fellow Forum-ites, is service. The waitresses are superb (no waiters).....they know the specials...they know the menu...and in a few visits...they know the customers.

The owners, Bob and Sammie, are really nice people and the menu and specials are very reasonably priced and varied. The dining room is always clean (I don't know about the kitchen..they won't let me back there) but I am sure it too, is spotless.

But back to the service....which I have determined is the over-riding reason for the VK popularity....the wait staff should be called the "no-wait" staff...and they are friendly, always wearing a smile, with a pleasant greeting for every customer. I would honestly say that the one fault the VK has is that the place is closed on Monday.....:(

Oh, well...we've got a great new kitchen at home!! If only they delivered!

[old coot]

Sorry isn't the word, tis......more like heartbroken:(......especially after all the nice things you said. Actually, I enjoy reading all of your posts because they are always positive. Really nice to see.

I agree, SAMIAM, tis is a pleasantly positive poster!
oc

[Shreddy]

I love waiting in line on the porch at the VK on the weekend and seeing newbies come strolling through to try and put their names in for a table!

BACK OF THE LINE! :laugh:

[hazelnut]

I love waiting in line on the porch at the VK on the weekend and seeing newbies come strolling through to try and put their names in for a table!

BACK OF THE LINE! :laugh:

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

List? There is no LIST? Back in line!!!!

That is one of the things that is so great about the VK. You always know where you stand in terms of when you're getting a table!

[wishiwasthere]

I am another that has been going since it was in the gas station. Before kids my husband and I would drive up 2.5hrs sometimes on a Sunday morning so he could get the farmers breakfast, with a side of beans to go! Hmmm, now that the kids are older maybe we could do that this Sunday, I hate to wait until our vacation week July 18th. OH JEEZE the sun is out gotta go get outside!!

[sa meredith]

Same old story here....went yesterday, and the food and service continues to be top notch.
Kind of strange...it was Friday, at 10:30, and the line was down the whole porch, and out the door. A weekday, and really late for breakfast..but they were full...well above capacity.
They are printing money at this place. And they deserve every penny. With such high volume, you would think quailty would slip, but they really have their act together, and play as a team. You can see it.
Anyway...
SAMIAM...quick question. As we were leaving, my buddy pointed out a truck next to the car with the SAMIAM vanity plate. The truck had a vanity plate, and it was simply 4 letters. I'm guessing it is yours, and that the letters stand for what I think they do. Classic! Too funny. (If indeed it is your truck)

[SAMIAM]

Thanks for the kind words, sa and to answer your question.......Samiam is my wife Sammie's plate and mine has my grandkids initials.......I've been told that it has another meaning.....taken from an old movie :rolleye1::rolleye1::rolleye1:

[sa meredith]

Yeah, in fact the expression is indeed fairly common. As you are the owner, I was certain the the letters stood for what I thought.
Some would think it funny, others would think it in poor taste. Put me in the first catagory.
Anyway...don't know where you find your employees, but you sure do find good ones!

[SAMIAM]

We are so lucky, sa. Sammie and I love our crew, many who have been with us 20 years or more. Our dining room manager, Rhonda keeps running beautifully and truly appreciates every customer...it's like having a partner out there. Our kitchen manager Trish and night manager Seth both have lots of experience and keep the back of the house running like a top. It's a pleasure to be in the kichen because everyone has a great attitude. They work hard but love to horse around and tease each other a bit which keeps morale up. All of our cooks are Servsafe certified and all of our waitress' are trained in CPR and certified on the defibrillator......so if that big cheesegurger gives you a heart attack.....not to worry, one of the girls will shock you right back up to your plate :laugh:

[tis]

Sam. Now that I know you are the owner, I have a question. How come you quit serving tripe? Was there not enough call for it or did it become too hard to get? I love it and some of our friends and relatives do too and we miss it.
I know it is something you either hate or love.

[SAMIAM]

Tis......man, you must be an ol' Yankee......we bought our tripe from a man in Maine who was the only guy on the east coast doing fresh pickled tripe. When he got out of the business we looked everywhere......asked all of our suppliers but nobody has it. Lot's of lesser stuff like frozen imported stuff. We tried it and it didn't measure up. I'd love to have it back....lots of locals like it. If you ever find someone that has it, just let me know and I'll get it back. Now that you've reminded me, I'll look around again.

[tis]

I thought that might be the problem, but I am so glad to find out for sure as I always wondered if it was that or just not enough call for it. Did you sell a lot of it when you had it? I remember one of your waitresses telling us it was not fish. :laugh: Apparently some thought it was.
We found it at Heath's this spring and bought some and cooked it al home. We invited our neighbors who love it too. Those who don't, had salmon.
Mmmmm, makes my mouth water.

[SAMIAM]

Tripe sold well. It was a favorite with the locals. I'm definately going to scout around and try to find some. Fresh tripe is available, but not pickled.

[TomC]

this place in Maine says they have it in 10 lb pails

www.beansmeats.com/Pickled%20Tripe.htm

[tis]

Tripe sold well.It was a favorite with the locals.I'm definately going to scout around and try to find some.Fresh tripe is available,but not pickled.

We tried some that was not pickled and it was awful! I think the vinegar is what gives it it's flavor!

[dpg]

Went to the VK Saturday for dinner, good as usual. I was disapointed to find out they do not accept Visa Debit cards after I sat down (didn't notice THE LITTLE piece of paper at the door stating this.) :D Luckily my wife had a check with her or we woulda had to leave. I will not go to any random ATM for cash, not paying a fee to get some of my own cash. :eek:

It's difficult these days to find an establishment that doesn't take plastic more and more I find it inconvenient.

[NHKathy]

so, what's the least busy day for breakfast at the VK?
(around 9:30 ish)

[SAMIAM]

Sorry about not taking cards, dpg, but we think it's important in this economy to keep prices as low as possible. Just don't want to pay that extra 2-3% to the CC companies. If you forget cash, don't worry, we'll trust you, just sign your check and pay up later.
NHKathy, It depends on the weather. Rainy days are crazy all day but if it's nice out you can usually get right in tuesday-friday around 9;30.
Also, checking on that source of tripe.

[Harborist]

SAMIAM,
My family and I love your place - we go every Saturday morning during the summer. I've got to echo what a past poster said though - please bring back the roast beef hash if possible. I'm sure it comes down to dollars and cents (what doesn't?), but the corned beef just doesn't have the same full flavor. Not a complaint, just a request - keep up the good work!

[tis]

Sorry about not taking cards, dpg, but we think it's important in this economy to keep prices as low as possible. Just don't want to pay that extra 2-3% to the CC companies. If you forget cash, don't worry, we'll trust you, just sign your check and pay up later.
NHKathy, It depends on the weather. Rainy days are crazy all day but if it's nice out you can usually get right in tuesday-friday around 9;30.
Also, checking on that source of tripe.

As soon as you let us know, we will be there, sam!!!!

[angela4design]

I'm also a fan of the roast beef hash!! I don't care for corned beef, and I don't care if it came from a can - whatever you did to it WORKED!

Last time I was there, if I recall, the server told me that the jams and jellies were also homemade? Regardless, it's a great spot!

Samiam, can you post the hours?

[smithcover]

Is the Village Kitchen accessible by boat? Or is it within walking distance of the public docks?

[KPW]

VK is not accessible by boat.

[dpg]

As soon as you let us know, we will be there, sam!!!!


Diddo that...I do not eat Tripe but my dad does and if I let him know he'd most likely be by for some. Let us know...

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Sounds like a place I should have tried a long time ago .... but then with the many good comments someone mentioned the chicken parm was smaller now. :rolleye1:

[ITD]

I've never been disappointed there, quick service, good food. I love to stop in for lunch while snowmobiling.

[VtSteve]

After reading all of these great reviews everywhere, sad to say, I've never made it up that way. A must stop on my next trip. It sounds like the restaurant that everyone wishes they all were like. Congrats on your success.