Woodstock Early Bird The Early Bird Gets the Worm: earlybirdtips@gmail.com

When Woodstock Early Bird sees the word “Fish Taco” she starts a palatial drool (as in “of the palate”) and thinks of places she’s never been: Baja, Costa Rica or places she has found a taco stand or two: Seattle, Key West.  Fish Taco equals BEACH. Probably BEER. HAMMOCKS. And total YUM.

So, who would think that one can now find a perfectly succulent fish taco, dressed with a cool refreshing cabbage slaw at a farm stand on 100A in Bridgewater, Vermont? You have to think CRAZY. But here it is: Chef Brad’s Crazy Side. And Chef Brad = GOOD!

For those  of who you have been around awhile, you know Chef Brad from his long-time delicious food at  “The Corners Inn.” We remember him  from way back, bouncing into local produce stands to get something FRESH to add to a simmering meal. And, FRESH it is at Crazy Sides.

The fish taco — for just $3.50 — had fresh cilantro and tomato added to a pinkish sour cream sauce over lightly fried fish. Since one taco is a bit light (you might want to order a few), Brad suggests some “Crazy Sides” whether it be some curried coleslaw, sesame noodles or one of his fascinating array of special sauces. Healthy!

Crazy Side’s menu is simple and includes standard grill items like burgers and fries. But, Chef Brad will also be offering specials — particularly at suppertime when it’s BYOB for any number of options like salmon, steak or a pork chop or two. He told us today he’s trying to bring a little bit of “The Corners Inn” back to his outdoor station in the Vermont Countryside. His stand will be serving until 8pm for as long as we all can handle the outdoor seating!

Chef Brad tells us he found his food truck on Craigslist and has gussied it up with some bright beach colored paint: Think Tiki Hut along the Ottauquechee. He then approached the Maple Leaf Farm Stand to see if he might rent a little corner of their pull-off just a mile or so south of Route 4 from the Bridgewater Store on 100A.  He put up some picnic tables with a tent or two. He got some friendly help. So, while you’re waiting for your order you can muliti-task (if you can’t relax)  and peruse the farm stand to find eggplants, zucchinis, fresh eggs or a tomato or two for home.

The view is spectacular — Vermont hills and Vermont fields with tractors rolling by, kids on bikes playing and just behind the farm stand a whole corral full of sheep.

For locals, who have been enjoying Chef Brad’s Crazy Side since July 15th,  this has got to be pretty much a no-brainer regular stop since the food’s delicious and the price reasonable. Woodstock Early Bird’s lunch with taco, side, and drink came in at under $8. Brad says that already some folks have brought along their own tablecloth and wine and settled in for his early evening suppers.

For anyone not living in the area, Chef Brad’s Crazy Side is a new reason to STOP on 100A rather than just drive through. BTW, this section of 100A was severely damaged and effected by Tropical Storm Irene. Now, you travel over the beautiful new road and bridge, look at greener fields and with Brad’s brightly colored stand, you get a pretty hopeful feeling. Or maybe that’s just the freshly-squeezed sweet lemonade talking?

(P.S.”Chef Brad” is Brad Pirkey who got his culintary training at Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island. )