Local Chef wins "Best Chef" in Vermont

By ISLANDER STAFF SOUTH HERO – A local chef was recently declared the “Best Chef” in Vermont, according to voters participating in this year’s annual Seven Daysies Awards. Phoebe Bright, the co-owner and chef at the Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero, was recognized by voters as the “Best Chef” in Vermont through the Seven Daysies Awards, an annual awards program polling Vermonters on their favorite events, eateries and artists in the Green Mountain State.

Bright and her business partner, Mandy Hotchkiss, opened the Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero in 2005. According to the restaurant, Bright has led the bistro’s kitchen for most of its 17 years in South Hero. In a statement shared with The Island- er announcing her award, Bright said her cuisine could best be described “unpretentious gourmet” and compared her work to an athletic competition." 

“It’s a very demanding and physical position, especially when your goal is being the very best you can be 100% of the time,” Bright said.

The Seven Daysies Awards are an annual awards event organized by Seven Days, a weekly newspaper covering Vermont and based in Burlington. Voters participating in the event are allowed to elect their favorite spaces and services from across Vermont.

Beyond awarding the restaurant’s head “Best Chef,” voters this year also declared the Blue Paddle Bistro the “Best Restaurant” outside of Chittenden County and said the Blue Paddle Bistro had the “Best Breakfast and Brunch” outside of Chittenden County.

Another celebrated South Hero eatery, Wally’s Place, was also celebrated during this year’s Seven Daysies, winning an award for having the “Best Bagels” outside of Chittenden County. The Colchester Causeway Path connecting Chittenden County to South Hero was also declared the “Best place to bike” by Seven Daysies voters this year.

The Islander Newspaper
August 10, 2022