Village Kitchen
Haven't weighed in for a while so I thought I'd get my .02 cents in.
Haven't seen anything like this since I started in the restaurant business (1972 Longwood Farms...now Canoe) but I feel like one of the lucky ones. Things could be worse. We have no mortgage and save diligently through the lucrative summer months so we can get through the winter months without laying anyone off. We will get through this no matter how long it takes. We have a wonderful crew and while we are only able to keep 4 key people on during the crisis, we had to lay off the rest. That is heartbreaking. Even part timers have rent, car payments, food to buy and kids to care for. We were able to give a weeks severance to servers to carry them over until the unemployment checks come in but that only helps a little. The other good news is that NH dept of Labor is really doing a great job responding so far. They have replied to inquiries and checks are starting to come in. Also the stimulus bill that just passed includes increased benefits for extended periods. We are serving limited menu for take out from 4-7 during tues through sat and it is going well. Certainly not paying the bills but giving us something to do. We're going to try breakfast on Sunday and if it goes well we'll do Saturdays as well. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this crisis and have so much respect for the brave people who are working in health care and even the stores and gas stations. If we are all practicing enhanced sanitation, we can get through this. Looking forward to getting open again. Be safe everyone |
Well said Bob. Prime Rib tomorrow (Sat) PM?
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Bob the VK will be my first stop when I get to the lake in early June. Second stop will be red hill dairy
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Prime rib at V.K.
Never-fail prime rib takeout tonight. It was delicious, as usual. They weren’t busy at 6:00 so there wasn’t a wait. If you haven’t done it yet, you’re in for a treat!
Don’t forget some extra $$$ for the help...they deserve it. |
VK and Red hill Dari
I have planned six dinners for the fam and I have NEVER planned six dinners ahead until now. That said, one of those dinners is Red Hill Dari for fried clams (for me), lobster rolls for the rest of the fam. Hang in there! This too shall pass and we'll not take our Moultonboro standards for granted.
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V.K. onthe lawn
We just drove from our poor under- reconstruction homestead past the V.K. and we think we spotted some tents ......meaning we can all enjoy some tasty meals overlooking the Ossipees. We are hoping that this is a reality, and that it’s a success!
Sorry, folks! False alarm! No outdoor dining! Do the takeout dinners, however....you will be pleased. |
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I was going to edit but the 2 perfects are apt! |
Family dinners to go
I was trying to figure a way for restaurants like the V.K. to survive the constraints of social distancing inside. I think this could be worth a try: in addition to limited inside seating, how about expanding the takeout service, with “family dinner specials”, featuring a different family special for 4 (or 2) each night? Tuesday night: whole roasting chicken, potatoes, gravy, cranberry, squash; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, etc...other offerings. I would think that this might work especially since people are wary of inside gatherings. If we ever get our house back, we’ll be able to take more advantage than right now. I think this might have possibilities for other restaurants, as well.
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aren't they opening a location in wolfeboro ? I heard the food is good. cant wait to try the new location!
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Nope
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Dave |
Another plug.....
We went to the VK last night with friends...you could say we’re regulars. Another tasty home-cooked meal, fun conversation, pleasant server, and the place was almost empty! Come on, folks....join the fun, enjoy good food, and support the local economy. If you’re worried about the dreaded virus, you can eat outside and enjoy taking in the Ossipee mountains.
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We are so slow......hoped that things would pick up after we were allowed to open inside but it didn't happen. We have always had an older clientele ...locals and snowbirds and they are not ready to take chances right now. Totally understand that. Thankfully, the Red Hil Dari is doing great and that's helping a lot. Drive in's, outside dining and restaurants that cater to younger people are doing well. We are struggling but will get get through this. Have an awesome crew that's with us all the way. |
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and go pretty frequently. One thing I’ve noticed is this: when you see a happy group of people working in a restaurant...or anywhere...you can be fairly certain that they are being treated very well by the owner or management of the establishment. That’s why you have an awesome crew that’s with you all the way. |
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Cash is so dirty to handle! I don't mind paying you an extra 3%. Your sales will increase and it'll make your close out so much easier each day. Hope you give it some serious thought as I really love your VK establishment and a lot of your customers may have the same feeling regarding the handling and transfer of cash! |
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Thought of using UV light but did some research and found that CDC and other health groups reported very little chance of transmitting COVID through paper currency or coin. Glad to take personal checks or maybe bring correct amount so you don't need change back. Every other precaution is taken...….trying to be as safe as we can be |
On the other hand, we have not been taking cash during all this and some people get mad that we are not taking it. So you can't please everybody.
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Hi Sam--not ready to dine in yet, but I would like to help. Are you selling gift certificates?
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Hey Samian ...... you could sell VK gift certificates worth $100 at a half price discount price for $50 ....... not good to use till January, 2021, and then use the money to go to Florida, next winter ...... what a plan ...... ha-ha-ha ..... :laugh:!
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Back at the VK!
Ate at the VK for breakfast Friday and dinner on Saturday............both meals were fantastic as usual. The facility appears clean, neat and tables are set up with appropriate distances from other tables. The service (Anna, always so nice!) was exceptional. A note about how serious the VK Team are taking precautions; menus were being cleaned constantly, masks worn by the entire staff, sugar being brought in packets (by request only) and even then, on a plate.
We're thrilled to be back where comfort, consistently great food, and exceptionally prompt/friendly service are the constant. Glad you and the team are back Samiam................wishing you all the best. BTW, the outside tables and the surrounding area look fantastic! WELL DONE!!! |
VK update
We went to the VK with friends tonight...about 6 P.M. arrival, and I am happy to report that the place was humming! We would have had to wait to be seated inside, so we opted for a view of the Ossipees, and all the outdoor seating filled up fast, which is very good news for restaurants in general, the VK specifically. Service was fine, the food good, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. License plates from all over...so enjoy summer, everyone! 😎
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My husband and I enjoyed a nice outdoor lunch at the VK yesterday. Our server was sweet and helpful, the food was really good, and we were happy to be outside with such a pretty view. Our last meal there was in March, so it was great to see the staff's familiar faces again.
We had the picnic tables area to ourselves and will be back to our weekly visit. I ordered the clam strips, which were plentiful and delicious. |
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Any idea what their hours are for lunch? |
Did take out yesterday for their wonderful haddock . I picked up early like 445 but was pretty empty. Other years you couldn't get a table by that time . Food was great . My wife not yet comfortable eating in but will continue to support this great local restaurant
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Can’t beat the breakfasts at the VK! We hadn’t been there since January and decided to go this morning. Glad to see our favorite was still on the menu—meatloaf omelette! [emoji39]
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VK update
It was great at the VK today...how often is it good news that you have to wait for a table? The place was buzzing, and it seemed almost normal, not quite....but there are signs that business is coming back. Great news, yummy brunch. The outdoor seating is a real plus ( it was a suggestion of mine many months ago) and every table was taken.
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Just had breakfast at the kitchen and it’s Ronda’s birthday!
Make sure to wish her a great one! |
Village Kitchen
I have done the rounds for a decent breakfast in the area and have found the Union Dinner to be my choose. Not much love for them here, am I missing something?
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Village Kitchen
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Yes, drove by. Very busy and many sitting outside. Will go back during the week with the locals
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Thumbs Up
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Dan |
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I've gone to Union Diner for many years.....it's the best!
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/me...restaurant.jpg |
Take out meals at VK
Check out the ad in the LDS for family take out meals at the V.K. Tasty food and reasonable prices. If you’re nervous about restaurant dining, and that’s certainly a reasonable concern right now, call in your takeout. order.....you will enjoy good food and support a local restaurant. Do it! Psssttt....don’t forget to leave a generous tip.
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I've stopped eating at the VK maybe two years now because of their "plastic" policy. Yup I know me not going there isn't going to change the course of rivers I get that. C'mon it's 2020 already and 99.9999% of the population expects to be able to use plastic if they want too. Center Harbor Diner has begun the same policy and I also used to be a regular there... Well I'll survive as long as there is someplace around willing to take my Debit card. :D
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no plastic
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Really? You can't live without plastic occasionally??
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Dan |
Vk
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Their "Plastic Policy" is what it is. The sad part is that the owner doesn't seem to recognize that his business would do substantially better if he did accept plastic.
I have a friend who has a business and when he decided to finally accept plastic his business (and income) showed a large increase.... Also, the close out at the end of the day is very easy; much less cash to count! |
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cash flow
I once worked at a business that gave a 5% discount for cash or checks. Their receivables plummeted from many thousands to negligible within weeks. For a small business, you can't pay bills with receivables. You can take cash to the bank.
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During this pandemic, when many small businesses are destined to close for good, I think it’s pathetic to be grousing over having to pay cash instead of credit card. It’s just no big deal, driving up to your nearest ATM for cash.....or in the case of the VK, there’s an ATM right there. So.....in the words of the late Ann Landers....”kwitcherbitchin’!”
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My Mom says "We all have our foibles." Forget your logic or brilliant business insights for just a sec. If a guy who makes great food at great prices in a homey, friendly place doesn't like plastic, maybe we should just be grateful for what is done so well.
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I’m not saying this is how it could work for all businesses but in this case it could be the financially sound decision for VK Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
Although I have not been to the Village Kitchen for many years now, only because I have not been up there, it was a place that I went to often.
During the tourist season, many different age groups go there. But I have to believe that the average age of his regular year-round customers is even older than I am. And this is a very frugal group.They still talk about the Great Depression. The prices that he charges are so much lower than other restaurants in the area and I think he would offend his most valuable customer base if he were to raise prices because he was pressured to use plastic, to make it easier for some other customers. As others have said, there is an ATM machine on the premises and they will accept a check. Things may be different in 10 years from now. Get over it! |
If cash is such an issue, bring your checkbook. They gladly accept checks. We do it all the time at VK without any issues at all. I just don't cary cash...pay for everything using my rewards card where I earn cash back, but for VK, I just write a check. Problem solved. This is a great business and the no credit card issue is a non event from my standpoint. From what I see of their clientele, no credit card doesn't seem to discourage a lot. Eat up....the food is great and the workers are outstanding !!!
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The issue is, unless you read all the fine print BEFORE dining at such an establishment, they will take you for 10+% by the time you leave! Some establishments that "do not take CC" will offer an ATM machine ... INSIDE the establishment! That convenient machine will charge you about 5% "convenience fee"! The owner either owns or collects a percentage of that PROFIT! The workers get nothing (except the smaller tip) because people do not have unlimited funds to pay 5% extra to the owner because they refuse to take other forms of payment. |
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How do you arrive at the ten percent figure? |
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I don't always agree with Outdoorsman, but I'd be remiss if I didn't agree with him here. I've felt exactly as he said—I can't recall what the ATM fee was, but I was put out enough finding out it was cash only and paying ~$3 charge to leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I think the food is just alright—in my experience, nowhere near how good people claim it to be—and the cash/check thing is just one more thing to drive me to Center Harbor Diner/Sunshine and Pa's, etc. Ultimately, though, VK is busy, so they're clearly doing something right for enough people to be successful. Takes all types/different strokes and all that. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
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Sorry didn't mean to start a P..... contest. Yup the "VK" is a great little place I "used" to frequent nuff said... I don't Know Bob but a lot of people on this site obviously does. Speaking against the "VK" has never been a popular thing to do on this site.
I wish the "VK" the best of luck in the future and if they do not want to take credit cards I hope they never do. Hmmm I have a little saying too "opinions are like Ass..... and everybody has one!" Just that I feel an opinion AGAINST the VK never counts... Interesting... Signing off this subject for good. :D |
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We considered taking plastic once and had a meeting about it and wait staff was totally against it. They much prefer to get cash tips in person. Last reason is that we save nearly 30K annually in fee's which allows us to keep our prices down. We realize that we're behind the times and some day we'll probably be taking CC, phones aps and other electronic payment but for now it works for us. |
We love the Village Kitchen. The "no credit cards" policy is just part of its wonderful, unique character. For those few who find it an inconvenience, there are other good dining establishments that will accommodate them.
An all too common problem in northern New England is that certain folks from "away" visit (or worse still, move into) small communities attracted by their obvious charm but then start demanding what they consider "just a few small, common sense changes" reflecting life in their out-of-state homes. Communities that acede to those demands ultimately lose the character that made them charming in the first place. We've seen this happen far too many times. |
You are right. We like Sam and we will always stand up and cheer for him. He has had a very successful business for a very long time and knows what he's doing. I don't know if it's still true with Covid, but I knew people that traveled up there every night from Wolfeboro to get the great value on his meals! I think his business plan has been his success so why should he change it? After all, you can't please everybody.
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Covid and cash
The issue today is that cash transactions are a added touch point that a lot of people , including myself, avoid . Right now I think I have the same bills in my wallet I had in March. Eliminating the transfer of germs with plastic that in most cases today never leaves my hand seems easy.
I can understand the help wanting to stick with cash , taxes and instant use of their money . That said , at this point in the lifeline of the pandemic installing the charging system to help the pandemic probably can’t be accomplished fast egnough to help. |
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Plus the VK is great on the flip side of this equation. People who are from "away" never get a whiff of feeling like outsiders or less welcome than the locals. |
as that great philosopher Yogi Berra once said " it is so crowded no one goes there anymore" . Maybe not so much this year but in other years the VK has lines out the door both for breakfast and dinner. so they must be doing something right. Keep it up Bob your Friday broiled haddock is best value on the lake
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Eliminate with Soap...
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The Wuhan Flu virus is submicroscopic, and survives quite well on nearly every surface--including every wallet. |
It is up to the business owner to set the rules of payment.
Like VK, I also have never accepted credit or debit cards in my law practice, and it hasn't hurt me at all: if people want you or your product they'll pay the way you say. Yes, it really is that simple. |
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Ive never heard anyone say “Did you hear about Jack? He’s in the hospital. Turns out he got an infection from a twenty dollar bill.”
Don’t be afraid of silly things. Live. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
What's the big deal? If you don't have cash or check, go somewhere else. :confused:
They are obviously doing very well not accepting credit cards. :) |
The point is...
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It's called letting down your guard. Don't you read the paper, or listen to the news? |
I do both. I don’t live by the “you never know mantra “. If I were to, I’d never leave home. There is no guard. It’s life. Don’t cower. Accept the infinitesimal risk of dying from a microbe on a dollar bill and okay some liar’s poker. lol
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"You never know" is based around being cognizant of what can/should be done v. doing what you want. Even the philosophy of "natural law" agrees that without some type of "collective rule" (think social compact), there would only be chaos. |
Agreed to an extent but having a guard up against a ridiculously remote chance of harm is folly.
The first compact at Plymouth proved ineffective. Everyone grew food to contribute to a common food bank, as it were, and it didn’t work. Only with the advent of individualism and market forces did things turn around. Remember that the people created and thus allow government to exist. They aren’t subservient to governmental whim. Just the opposite. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
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