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Hello Burlington September 29, 2021 Forced to shut its doors once the pandemic hit, Monarch and the Milkweed - chef Andrew LeStourgeon's beloved Burlington "fine diner" - has returned with a revamped menu and mission. Just don't expect his famous chicken and waffles, or the grilled cheese and tomato soup fans of the restaurant came to adore. "It didn't make sense for us to pursue the restaurant as it was the day before we closed March 17th of 2020," he explains, citing a variety of industry factors that make the restaurant's former incarnation less tenable. In the stead of LeStourgeon's popular cuisine is a dazzling array of CBD-infused truffles and sweets he's been perfecting for years, paired with a celebrated cocktail...

NBC5 September 1, 2021 The hospitality industry is seeing staggeringly low staffing, increased food costs, and fluctuating capacity limits. Restaurants are trying to get creative and fight back against these factors that can be limiting. “They’re streamlining their menus, you’re seeing limited dining hours with takeout options,” said Matthew Birong, Owner of 3 Squares Café in Vergennes. Staffing shortages have closed the doors twice a week at Birong’s 3 Squares Café, so he bought a trailer to serve food from periodically instead. He said less space allows the café to operate with less staff. “I can run that with a limited menu and three people instead of seven," he said. Dickie Austin, Co-Operator of Bearded Frog, Park Squeeze, and Black Sheep...

Seven Days August 27, 2021 Burlington's Monarch & the Milkweed, which has been closed to the public since the start of the pandemic, will reopen September 1 — with one major change. The small restaurant and bar at 111 St. Paul Street will once again offer beautifully crafted cocktails, an eclectic wine list and a retail case containing Milkweed Cannabis CBD confections developed by pastry chef and owner Andrew LeStourgeon. However, fans of Monarch's epic grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, chicken and waffles, maple-brûléed pancakes or Parisian pâtisserie-level pastries will be disappointed. The food menu will now consist of pizzas and the signature salad from next-door neighbor American Flatbread Burlington Hearth.  Offerings will include a new "Monarch" pizza topped with...

Forbes April 23, 2021 Since hemp agriculture was legalized at the federal level with the 2018 Farm Bill, more and more consumers are discovering the health and wellness attributes of CBD and other cannabinoids found in cannabis. Savvy companies are designing ways to incorporate the benefits of hemp and CBD into thousands of products, including these special selections that are available for shipping nationwide and nice enough to share with all the moms in your life on their special day. Milkweed Cannabis Confections Launched in 2017, Milkweed Cannabis Confections is a line of whimsical, full-spectrum CBD-infused, handmade truffles, gumdrops, marshmallows, and more. Proudly partnering with many Vermont brands, Milkweed represents the perfect intersection of local Vermont ingredients and craftsmanship, revered...

Leafly March 28, 2018 Juxtaposing the hustle and bustle of downtown Burlington lies a calming oasis dishing up luscious eats and infused treats. Monarch & the Milkweed, an upscale restaurant and pastry shop from the mind of chef-owner Andrew LeStourgeon, offers lavender doughnuts and creamy goat cheese tarts next to decadent truffles infused with CBD. The vibe of the café is serene yet luxurious, boasting clean aesthetics marked by fresh bouquets and a wall of tranquil art. The flavors of the dishes are as rich as the decor, combining classic American fare with a unique twist, like the surprisingly delicious “Shrimp and Grits” served up with a side of caramel corn. When the mouthwatering plates became a hit with the...