Calling it a soft opening, owner Cris Peck put out a sign on Falls Road in late January announcing the arrival of Shelburne’s newest eatery. Over the last two weeks, word has spread and the Shelburne community has started walking through its doors to welcome The Shelburne Kitchen to Town.

"I fell in love with the building and the space," explains Peck, who is planning a formal grand opening on April 1. Until then, Peck and his chef Jennifer Tifft are trying out new menu items that they describe as "simple American comfort food." Yet one of their most popular dishes is a Brussels sprouts medley with gorgonzola, apples and bacon: it isn’t so much simple as it is creative. Peck says that will be the hallmark of the shop’s offerings." We want to keep things simple, and do it well." "It" refers to the fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are available to purchase by the pound, to take home, or back to the office.

Peck comes to his new business by way of Waterbury Wings, which he co-owned and operated for close to six years before selling the business. "But that was a completely different menu. Call it bar food and beer." Shelburne Kitchen is a labor of his love and respect for good food. The shop’s hours, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday- Friday mean that Chef Tifft is busy all day, starting with the two signature quiches she makes fresh each morning for breakfast fare. These are offered along with pastries, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and Myer’s bagels. The shop’s weekend hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lunch and dinner options run from freshly made salads and sandwiches, paninis, and wraps. The desserts include cakes, pies, cookies, and cheesecake. According to Peck, the options will vary by day, although he will keep customer favorites as standard fare. He also hopes that customers will take advantage of the convenience of having an assortment of organic wines, microbrews, local and imported cheeses to pick up while in his shop.

Peck, originally from Connecticut, has called Burlington home for 20 years. He and his wife Carrie have a 21-month-old son. Prior to opening Waterbury Wings, Peck was food director at Vermont National Country Club. Chef Tifft is a childhood friend of Pecks who moved to Vermont from Connecticut, where she managed a similar style of eatery and catering business. And catering is something else that Peck is interested in offering to his patrons. There’s a lot to look forward to by stepping in the Kitchen’s door. Located at 195 Falls Road, customers are invited to call for daily offerings at 985-9100, or visit the Web site at www.theshelburnekitchen.com