Then she realized that her collection of French Quimper pottery, her antique furniture, art prints and other furnishings could help create a distinctive setting for intimate dining. When chef John Hamilton became available earlier this year, she decided that after 10 years of owning the Moffett House it was time for a change. She added commercial cooking equipment in the kitchen, got state permits for the restaurant and most recently obtained the local permit that she hadn't realized she needed when she opened on Mother's Day. Bowers said she knew there was a need for another restaurant, because her inn guests kept going to Middlebury or Rutland in search of new places to eat. Some of the best local restaurants are sometimes unavailable when in use for weekend-long country weddings, she said.
Bowers is more concerned with creating a quality dining experience than bringing in large crowds.
Her local permit is for only 12 seats and the restaurant is open only Thursday through Sunday - Thursday for lunch, dinner all four days. The restaurant has no liquor license. But the new culinary alternative is already gaining fans. Among them is none other than Bette Moffett. The Moffett House takes its name from Hugh Moffett, former Life magazine editor, writer and foreign bureau chief, and his wife Bette, widely known in the area for her charitable work and ability as a singer.