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 . 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]

Originally Posted by 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

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......

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.

[Happy Gourmand]

STAY AWAY. ( so I don't have to wait in line! )
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? 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]

Originally Posted by JimD

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[tis]

Hey, Sam, it wasn't wifi that went, it was me. 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.

[old coot]

Originally Posted by 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.

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!

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by 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!

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

[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

[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!

[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.

[hazelnut]

Took the family to dinner at the VK on Saturday night the 1st of January. As usual we had an amazing meal. The food was great and the waitress's were fantastic. My three little ones were treated like gold. Our waitress took a shine to my 3 year old daughter and my daughter was loving the attention. She was even offered a job Hahahaha. Prime rib was so good and the kids meals were all great. One of my boys had fish and chips and he LOVED it. I am going on record and telling any families out there that the VK is very tough to beat for taking them out to dinner. Great food great value and very fast very friendly service.

The absolute best waitstaff I've ever come across.

[VitaBene]

It is hard to believe looking out at the snow cover now, but we took the snowmobiles to the VK on Tuesday. If you are snowmobiling in Mboro, the VK is a great eating spot on the trail system.

[Meredith lady]

love the Village kitchen-always have and always will!

[Shore Driver]

This must be the best-reviewed restaurant on this board. Now I HAVE to try it.

[Newbiesaukee]

I miss the Lake, I miss my house, I miss my boat......but I miss breakfast at VK the most.

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

I miss the Lake, I miss my house, I miss my boat......but I miss breakfast at VK the most.

At least you are in a warm climate. But I do agree! VK all the way!

[Sunset View]

Sherry and Rhonda........you guys are the best! Food's good too!

[hazelnut]

I swear to you all that I have no personal interest in this restaurant but I can not say enough about it.

Friday Night my daughter (3 1/2 years old) and I went to the VK for dinner. As usual the waitresses were all over her, entertaining her, asking her questions, and having playful dialogue with her. Service is LIGHTENING fast, which is excellent for anyone with young kids. We all know the attention span of a young child is not conducive to slow service. The prices are great, service is amazing and the food is always consistent. Broiled Haddock special was soooo good. I believe our waitress was Jen? We had her two Friday nights ago when the whole family was there and she remembered my daughter. My daughter remembered her too. It was too cute watching my 3 1/2 year old interact with the waitress like she was a regular or something.

Whatever it is you are doing SAMIAM keep it up! I've never seen a happier waitstaff in my life.

[natureboy79]

I agree the waitstaff are some of the friendliest Ive seen. Ive never been in for lunch or dinner.I have been several times for breakfast and its been "OK" at best.
I really don't know how people rave about the breakfast there.I guess everyone has there own opinion but my wife is a freak for french toast and said vk was some of the worst she has ever had from a restaurant.It comes out on the plate white. I don't think they add cinnamon,vanilla or anything for flavor and the bacon tasted like it had been cooked for 2 days.I will say I like how they add onions to the home fries because that's something that most don't do. Maybe we just hit it on a bad day every time or I just don't get it. I'm sure I will end up there again because it is local but I sure wouldn't recommend it to my friends.

[ghfromaltonbay]

What are the winter days/hours for the VK?

[sa meredith]

Just want to jump in, as I want to counted as a big VK fan.
Driving up for Pond Hockey tourney this weekend, and looking forward to VK breakfast on Fri and Sat.
With regard to the comment about the food, I'd say give it another bid..maybe try something esle. Eggs always good, and the Cran/nut pancakes very good.
The service is what makes this pace go though.
Two names were mentioned..Sherry, Rhonda...not sure who is who, but I'm a big fan of the one who is always cracking sarcastically with the customers at the counter. Always good for a laugh.
She does not know me from Adam, but this past Fall, I was in eating breakfasts on a Friday, reading my Herald...and out of nowhere she sits down next to me and says, "Oh, you must know football..help me with my pool picks"....only in NH. She is truly and asset to VK...a real people person.
Everyone there...they all seem happy. Tips must be good!

[Newbiesaukee]

I really like the French toast. It is NOT the three inch high, sugary hunks that are sold as French toast these days. It is thin, regular slices of bread, dipped in egg and lightly fried. I can add sugar, syrup, cinnamon as I wish....this is homeade to me. I can see that someone else would expect a different preparation but that's why we have choices.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Is the VK open during the week or only on weekends in the winter?

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Usually open every day except Monday, also closed for Sunday dinner.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

Usually open every day except Monday, also closed for Sunday dinner.

Hi, The VK is open 7 days a week now!