 As many of you know...I grew up going to Maine every summer. I've seen restaurants come and go like the frothy waves on the beach. I've also seen the resurgence of lots of places....an unfortunate few that never made it...and a lot of spots that have stood the test of time. So...this post will be just a little different...the following are my favorite places to eat in the southern tier of Maine. If you ever find yourself travelling Down East...simply refer to this can't-miss list and you'll be wicked good.
Breakfast/Brunch: Bintliff's Ogunquit: SO many varieties of Eggs Benny, your head will be swimming in Hollandaise. Their homemade slow-cooked Corned Beef Hash is beyond compare. Seriously...this is NOT your run-of-the-mill corned beef hash...it's got huge chunks of slowly cooked corned beef, along with slivers of potatoes and onions. It is...in a word...divine. Topped with poached eggs and hollandaise? Well...I won't tell your cardiologist if you don't. All Day Breakfast: Just good old-fashioned fare. Highlights include Maine Blueberry Pancakes and Irish Benedict. During the season, there WILL be a wait, so plan accordingly. Amore Breakfast: Located on the road leading to Perkins Cove in Ogunquit. HIghlights include Bananas Foster Stuffed French Toast, Lemon Bread French Toast, a variety of Bennies and Omelettes, and a ROCKING good cup of coffee. The Maine Diner: Pretty much a great option for every meal...but a personal favorite is the "2's Are Wild"...2 eggs, 2 bacon strips, 2 sausage links, 2 pieces of toast and 2 of the best wild maine blueberry pancakes you will ever eat. Their home fries are also a don't miss...red potatoes and just the perfect seasoning. Congdon's: World-famous for their donuts so if you're in a donuts and coffee mood...this is your nirvana. My fave is the toasted coconut, but every variety pretty much kills it. I GREW up coming to this place...and it has stood the test of time. Often a wait...so get your donuts to-go and eat them on the beach. Casual/Lunch: Arundel Wharf: When Jeff and I head up...this is our first stop (provided the weather is good) Why? Because the expansive deck at The Arundel Wharf is one of THE most relaxing spots in all of Kennebunkport. Their wine list is perfectly fine for this sort of casual spot...they ALWAYS have a nice, zippy kiwi sauvie on the list, and a lot of times it's a brand you can't get in New York State, so that's cool. Their Lobster Stew, touched with a splash of cognac is to die for, as is their Fried Haddock Sammy. A MUST-visit. Barnacle Billy's: This is another one of those places I GREW up visiting...so I have a soft spot. It's not for everyone. If you're looking for a place to be pampered and waited on hand and foot...this is NOT for you. However, if you don't mind placing your own order, and fetching it when your number is called out (inevitably, by a super cute tanned young man with a wicked accent)...all while enjoying the view of Perkins Cove and some of the best steamers? You'll be right at home. Their strawberry shortcake also rocks. Alisson's: It's great year-round...BUT...it's particularly great if you find yourself in Kport in the Fall and Winter months. Not as crowded, same great food, and ALWAYS the Pats game on. A huge variety of seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and other pub fare. I like "A Fish Called Wanda"...broiled (yeah, right) or fried haddock with melted cheddar on a toasted bun. But...you really can't go wrong with anything here. Eat at the bar and chat up the super friendly bartender who's been there for years and grab yourself an Alisson's baseball cap to commemorate your visit. Forbes: Can you imagine I used to hate going here when I was younger and always wanted fancy fancy fancy? True story...my Mom can attest to this. As I grew older and more appreciative of simple done well...my fondness for Forbes grew. I never understood my Mother's affinity for the Forbes "Scrambleburger" when I was younger. Now? I make it myself at home. Go figure. I guess even food snobs grow up. Their fried clams are out of this world, as is their Chocolate Frappe. Mabel's Lobster Claw: It's been there forever...and I JUST tried it for the first time 2 weeks ago when I was up with Mom. It's not the kind of place that LOOKS like you'd need a reservation. Looks can be deceiving. SO popular and world-famous is this little lobster hut that they routinely have to turn customers away if they don't have a reserved table. A favorite of former President Bush and Barbara, who are often seen dining there during the summer months. A surprisingly great wine list, which is always a plus for me. Fresh, fresh...like just off the boat fresh... fish. Peanut butter ice cream pie...or one of Mabel's blueberry pie slices for dessert. Make a rezzie. Haute Maine Arrows: No...it's not located with a view of the ocean. It IS, however, nestled in the woods just a few minutes outside of the main thoroughfare of Ogunquit, surrounded by their gorgeous kitchen gardens. Award-winning chefs Clark and Mark are often actually HERE...like cooking and chatting with diners! Imagine that! On your way in, an amuse bouche du jour is offered to you, which makes you just wish every place offered this lovely representative bite of plates to come. Their resident sommelier, at the time of this writing, Danielle, is eager to offer her expertise on which wine to sip with dinner. I don't need help on this front...but will often just let her surprise me with her picks and have never been disappointed. This is a serious, special occasion, money is no object place..so plan accordingly. Rezzies are a must and jackets are required for gentlemen. If you want a less fussy peek into their culinary clatch...head to MC Perkins Cove...same owners, same great atmosphere...slightly less formal. Both awesome. Hey...they didn't win all those James Beard awards for nothing. Hurricane: Just such a lovely little spot...and one where you don't have to dress to the nines to dine that way. Well-appointed and very tasteful decor...no nautical kitsch here...rather, ceiling fans crafted from fishing rods and beautiful seascape murals and dark wood seating and bar. A classic menu, and by that I mean, Baked Stuffed Lobster with a succulent and rich seafood stuffing...Tenderloin with a Bacon-Bleu Cheese Demi...Rack of Lamb...you get the idea. One of my favorite things at Hurricane is...wait for it...their SALAD! I know! Caaa-razy! But, the perfect mix of baby greens, roasted shallots, pistachios and peppercorn dressing is probably my favorite salad anywhere. Nice wine list, although not really pushing the creativity envelope, but nice nonetheless. White Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding is my favorite finisher here. Rezzies recommended. Clay Hill Farm: Another old-school favorite of mine. I still remember visiting when I was WAY younger and being intrigued by the strange man with the little necklace. Of course, I would later learn that this strange man was actually the sommelier...and the necklace, a tastevin. Even at that young age, I was mesmerized as he described his wine suggestions with such flowery language. I suppose we should have known back then that my path in life would go to the grapes. Well...not much has changed through the years. Sure--the decor has been updated a bit and the menu has evolved, as is necessary with changing times. But..the important stuff, namely the QUALITY, has remained. The Lobster Bisque is smooth as glass...the whiskey smoked shrimp cocktail nothing sort of genius...the lobster and clams en croute an innovative spin...and the Pork Filet Mignon might make you forget about the original. Rezzies. Cape Arundel Inn: Located on a hill on Ocean Drive in Kennebunkport, get a window table and you'll enjoy the most spectacular view of the Atlantic, and might even dine next to G-Dubs Daddy, GHWB. This is not a place where you enjoy a drink at the bar while deciding what you'd like to eat. There IS no bar to speak of. Rather, there is a "living room" and porch where you can enjoy your cocktail or starter sip of wine, in the event that your table is not yet ready for you. Rezzies an ABSOLUTE must and wear your nice dress. The menu is constantly changing, depending on the whim and whimsy of the Chef. One Dock at The Kennebunkport Inn: Chef Gordon Ramsay's favorite meal when he was in Kennebunkport was enjoyed here. But...THIS gal knew about it long before the ornery (albeit immensely talented) Chef did. Start with the trio of ceviche or the succulent lobster cakes...continue with the Seared Lobster or the Slow-Roasted Ribeye...finish with the Lemon Cheesecake or Maine Blueberry Buckle. Great wine list and a nice, cozy bar area to sip your cognac afterwards. Random Picks: Big Daddy's: For some of the best ice cream Sushi Black: SERIOUSLY great sushi right in Ogunquit Pedro's: Some of the freshest and best Mexican I've had. Joshua's: a nice restaurant too...but VERY tasty wild maine blueberry martinis. Enjoy and if you find yourself lucky enough to visit any of these spots...give my regards to Maine! |
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