We had the privilege to be invited to spend 24 hours at the Reluctant Panther in Manchester Center VT 
recently. The new owners/innkeepers, Liz and Jerry Lavalley, along with Katie Rubick the assistant Innkeeper and Matt Lavalley the Restaurant Manager rolled out the red carpet for us. This included a night of luxury in the Pond View Suite, dinner at the Inn and a full country breakfast.
First, the original Reluctant Panther main building that was destroyed by fire some months ago has been reconstructed with much of the same period design as the original, so much so that I felt at home walking through a door that although was new, reminded me of the original, historic structure. An artist rendition of Manchester Center has been created for the foyer walls. This is an outstanding addition to the new facility. Next we were so warmly greeted by the innkeepers and given a fabulous tour of both the formal dining room and The Panther Pub. They made it better, warmer, and more inviting.
Our suite was unbelievable. The Pond View Suite features two full rooms, a wood fireplace that separates the rooms, a large bathroom with gas fireplace facing the double sized Jacuzzi tub. The massive king bed, oversized chair and couch in the sitting area made relaxation comfortable and easy. This room had a private entrance, and also could have an adjoining bedroom for family.
On to a fabulous dinner for four. Appetizers - Panko Crusted Ahi Tuna Rolls, this is enough for two or three, Parsnip Pear Bisque - outstanding, and one of the house specialties Lobster & Crabcakes (These are also served in the Pub), I have not tasted better ANYWHERE! Dinner selections, Mustard & Herb Crusted Rack of Australian Lamb, the sauce was also outstanding and lamb sweet and tender. Seared Sea Scallops served with Maine Rock Shrimp and Risotto, two of us had this and were exceptionally pleased. My choice, Grilled Azaluna Veal Chop, this melted in my mouth literally. Those of you familiar with my reviews know that I am a veal person and this definitely was one of the top three veal dishes I have ever tasted.
If you can believe it we shared desserts. White Chocolate Crème Brulee, White and Dark Chocolate Terrine, Tropical Key Lime and Mango Pie, and a Vermont Apple Tart Tatin. Every one of these desserts made on premises and absolutely delicious. I usually have a favorite and the table devoured all of these. 
I need at this point to mention the wine and wine list. The staff recommended our choice. We found that this group, Bartender Josh Cohen, Wait staff, Walid Abu-Samra, Dana "Carmine" Cole, and Sean Tremblay were totally knowledgeable about the wine list, the menu and I believe the patrons. The service was so outstanding the we barely realized they were there. Conversations were not interrupted, and the evening flowed like a well maintained engine...it purred. Hats off to chief Dan Jackson and his staff Michael and Allen in the kitchen.
Can you believe that breakfast was just as outstanding. We have learned that culinary talent runs in this Jackson family. Janet (Dan's wife) is the breakfast chef. The omelet special was Salmon with cream cheese and dill. The breakfast menu also has choices like Croissant French Toast, Cereals, Vermont Farmers Scramble, and Buffalo Yogurt Parfait. The bread used in the toast was even a topic of conversation it was so tasty.
Prices at the Reluctant Panther are in the more expensive category. However, the experience that we had was definitely one of the most relaxing and pleasurable that we have experienced, not just in Vermont but anywhere. You definitely get what you pay and then some at the Reluctant Panther. Please make a point to visit - you will not be disappointed. - by Lynn B for Vermont Living Magazine
© 2012 
