A visit to Rutland does not usually form part of a typical student’s summer itinerary. “Rutvegas” is not your average New England town, home to a main street featuring more chain restaurants and strip malls than county stores and creemee stands. However, what Rutland lacks in postcard appeal, it more than makes up for with character and quirkiness, a fact that I was made aware of this past weekend.
Heading back to Middlebury after spending the Fourth of July weekend with my cousins in Manchester, my aunt and I decided to break up the ride home with a quick lunch stop. Uninspired by our immediate choices – Panera, Olive Garden or Pizza Hut – we decided to take a quick detour into Rutland’s historic downtown section. We passed by an inviting lunch spot advertising fresh smoothies and decided to embrace our inner sense of adventure and give it a shot.
It did not take us long to realize that something about the Yellow Deli was slightly different. Stepping inside the front door, we were greeted by a friendly young lady who led us to a small booth. As she took our order, I noticed her long plaid dress, one that would certainly stand out just about anywhere, let alone in the heart of Rutland. Looking up and into the back of the kitchen, it seemed that all those who were working inside the restaurant were dressed in a similar manner. Scanning the numerous pieces of art decorating the cafe walls, it would appear that many had an unusual religious undertone. As I rifled though one of the several brochures found on each table, I found an explanation – the Yellow Deli is run by the Twelve Tribes, a self-described “spiritual brotherhood.” While the global community measures in at around 2000 members, the portion of the “Tribe” living within Rutland is approximately 50. All those living within the community share their wages, working and living as a single unit. Our waitress described how all children raised within the community have been homeschooled using a unique curriculum, while traditional healers treat patients with a combination of herbal remedies and “folk medicine.” All produce – including what is served inside the deli – is grown locally, with community members even raising their own livestock.
