Feels like forever since I have had a chance to write anything on our blog, we’ve been crazy busy with the fall foliage season.   Alas, leaf peeping is about finished, so David and I seized the opportunity last night  to try out Woodstock’s newest restaurant, Melaza Caribbean Bistro.    Melaza, a Puerto Rican, Cuban & Dominican Fusion restaurant,  is just down the street from The Village Inn of Woodstock, right in the Village of Woodstock, Vermont.

We were greeted so warmly by James Van Kirk, one of the restaurant’s owners.  He has this wonderful energy and a great smile.   The place is so full of energy, you can’t help but love it from the second that you walk in.  It was great to see how busy they were, especially since it was a Wednesday in a pretty quiet time here in Woodstock. 

We chose to sit in the bar, which like the restaurant, is decorated in warm tones evocative of the Caribbean. 

Caribbean Tapas Sampler, half eaten already

The wine list features nice wines starting at about $20.00 a bottle, a bit of a rarity these days.  Hard to go wrong with a bottle of Lunetta Prosecco for $21.00.  It was the perfect accompaniment for the Caribbean Tapas Sampler, pictured to the left.  Sorry, the pictures in the post are not the greatest – camera battery was really low and I was trying to squeak out a few pictures, no room for do-overs.  

James said that we should both order the sampler, that it is one of the best small plates on the menu.  Neither of us was disappointed, we both enjoyed the different flavors and textures, and were frankly glad that we didn’t have to share.

For entrees, David had the Beef Short Rib, braised in a flavorful tomato cuban creole

Braised Beef Short Rib "Costillas de Res"

sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and braised veggies.  This was melt in your mouth great, tons of flavor, seasoned just perfectly. 

I ordered the Scallops “Veiras” and was equally happy with my selection.  Pan seared scallops, served over risotto, with a curry coconut lime sauce, pineapple chutney, and