Wendigo's Legendary Vittles
COUNTRY FIXIN’S GET a culinary makeover at Wendigo Tavern. Located on Stoughton’s revitalized Main Street, the restaurant is the second food venture in town for owners Caitlin and Cale Ryan. “When we opened our pizzeria Famous Yeti’s four years ago, we knew as long as we stayed focused on making good pizza using high- quality ingredients, we’d be willing to expand our skills in the kitchen and incorporate a bar element down the road,” says Cale. Wendigo is the expansion the duo en- visioned—right down to the exposed brick walls, maple flooring and the upright piano in the back. Named after a demon in Native American folklore, the restaurant’s menu is meant to appeal to base pleasures within the elements of taste. The carnivore and forager alike are equally drawn to the table with sapid dishes like Roasted Duck on Grits, a ragu of tender cuts bathed in a squash and leek broth—and the juicy Fried Tomato Po’boy served on a traditional hoagie roll slathered in a zesty red pepper remoulade. Either paired with the popular ginger-infused mojito is an epic meal.
The husband-and-wife team reminds guests where their food comes from and of humans’ innate instinct to “live off the land.” They partner with REAP Food Group to continue to grow the list of local farmers and suppliers they us, and proudly display in the tavern’s foyer.
Cale explains, “We want our customers to know they can trust the food and the experience, which will hopefully make them more aware of what it means to eat locally—and sustainably.” An honorable goal, capped by delicious notes along the journey. wendigostoughton.com.
