Contributing editor Gareth Antigua here. I recently spent a few days in Burlington, Vermont. Here are five eateries I found notable in Zip Code 05405:

[1] Great Harvest Bakery + Café
Located at the corner of Marble Avenue and Pine Street – my go to on the menu is their Grilled Cheese featuring Cabot sharp cheddar cheese on our Sourdough. I also recommend Great Harvest’s Curried Chicken Salad.

[2] El Cortijo Taqueria
Located at the top end of the Church Street Market Place at 189 Bank St – this place is serves the best Mexican in Burlington as far as I’m concerned. I have enjoyed every item I’ve tried on their menu, but if forced to pick, I’d suggest the Rice & Black Bean Bowl with shrimp. One simply can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes, guajillo salsa, shredded cabbage, cheese, cilantro and onion.

[3] Koto Japanese Restaurant
Located on Shelburne Road in South Burlington near the intersection with Swift Street – the Japanese Steak House serves a great Hibachi. My go to is always the steak and scallop combo. I also recommend their Chilean Sea Bass which is served with lemon ginger sauce over vegetables.

[4] Myer’s Wood Fired Bagel Shop
A mainstay of Burlington since 1997, no visit to the University of Vermont is complete without a stop for a Montreal-style with Maine Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese. I also recommend Myer’s Trout Special which features two scrambled eggs and – obviously – smoked trout.

[1] Parkway Diner
During my last visit to UVT, I checked out the Parkway Diner for the first time while on my way back to Burlington International Airport. Evidently this place has been in business since 1952. I was on a tight clock, so I ordered their house burger with a side salad. My lunch arrived fast and both the burger and salad were solid. Will try again.

You can follow me on Twitter @GarethAntigua

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