By Alice Levitt and Suzanne Podhaizer

Rutland 'Round the World

Rutland has a rich history of introducing world cuisine to Vermont. The original Kong Chow restaurant opened more than 70 years ago. The Palms Restaurant served the Green Mountains' first pizza in 1949. The diverse city is continuing to represent with the Rutland Ethnic Food Festival, an event held by the Downtown Rutland Partnership, in conjunction with the city's sidewalk sale.

Both Kong Chow — now part Vietnamese and called Kong Chow Fusion — and the Palms will be there. The city's Italian heritage also will be celebrated with booths from Sabby's Pasta House & Sports Lounge, Cara Mia's and Sal's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. Another vendor will be scooping Italian Ice.

A Rutland-based caterer named Youngla Nam will serve Vietnamese egg rolls and rice noodle stir fries. Festival staple Samosaman will represent the Republic of Congo. An Sim Benham of Rutland will offer Korean eats.

Of course, unadventurous eaters will have plenty of choices, too. Expect sandwiches, sausages and hot dogs from vendors ranging from Emma T's Take It to Go Buffet to the local Price Chopper.

Alice Levitt