What Is One of Rick's Kennebunk Area Restaurant Raves for 2010?

Bev and I recently ate at a new restaurant named "Local 50" located in downtown Kennebunk, Maine.  It is a refreshing change from the "dimly-lit, romantic, barn-type establishments throughout the Kennebunks.  It is bright and cheerily decorated in shades of grey and silver with chrome chairs and tables.  The food is as refreshing too.  Owners, Merrilee and her husband Chef David have created a menu that is filled with items from local farms.  In fact, they feature a chalk board listing the various items of produce used in the preparation of dinners each evening, as well as the name of supplying farm.  That certainly is taking "locally supplied ingredients" to the max. We were impressed with their commitment to their name "Local 50"!  A local restaurant will not succeed unless the local residents support it.  It is a long winter without many tourists!

We started our dinner with the fried calamari which was lightly breaded, very tender and quite delicious.  It was some of the best calamari we've ever had; we order it often, as it is one of Bev's favorite dishes. After freshly-prepared salads, we truly enjoyed our maine courses.  Bev had chicken and I had the pork chop. It was an inch thick chop that was grilled perfectly; it was tender and juicy and was placed neatly on a bed of mashed potatoes and that was topped with baby asparagus and balsamic grilled onions. Not only was my meal great tasting, but it was beautifully presented. It was served on a large white square dinner plate including a spiral bead of balsamic sauce.  I personally loved the balsamic flavoring.  Bev's half a chicken was properly roasted to be tender and flavorful and it was situated on a bed of field greens.  No dried out chicken here!  We skipped dessert because we enjoyed a bottle of wine.  Their wines are fairly- priced and there is a good selection of popular choices.   Actually, the restaurant is a good value with modestly priced entrees.  Our dinner including a bottle of wine, one appetizer, two salads and two entrees with tax was just over $80.00. 

Merrilee told us they plan to be open year round; that is excellent news for fall and winter when there is less dining selections in the Kennebunks for our guests.  Next time you are here at the Captain Lord Mansion as our guest, let us make you a reservation at Local 50, you won't be disappointed!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

What is The Kennebunkport "Fine Living Festival" and When Is It Scheduled?

The 6th Annual Arts in the Inns Festival is scheduled for June 2 - 6, 2010 and it has been renamed The Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival!

For five days in June, chefs, artists, and wine makers from around the country will come together in Kennebunkport, Maine to celebrate and share their passions.  We'd like to invite you to join us as we celebrate a pairing of palates and palettes in our coastal village.  The 2010 Festival will feature chef/artists dinners in private homes, the Twilight Soiree, Artists in Residence at local inns, the Grand Tasting and many other culinary and fine art events.  If you enjoy fine food, fine wine, fine art and fine living, please join us this June in Kennebunkport.  Call today for Captain Lord Mansion or Captain's Garden House reservations for that weekend. Our toll-free number is 800-522-3141.  Our artist in residence will be the well-known and highly-regarded Don Stone.  He shows his work at Mast Cove Gallerywhich is located only three short blocks from the Mansion. You'll have a chance to view his work at the  inn; as well as having a chance to meet Don and his wife at breakfast. We look forward to having you with us this year!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

When Is Maine Restaurant Week?

Maine Restaurant Week is Monday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 10 

This is the second year for the statewide event, offering all of us an affordable and fun reason to explore new restaurants and visit old favorites during March, traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for Maine restaurants.

Participating restaurants will once again showcase their signature dishes on specially priced, prix fixe menus. For 2010, restaurants will serve three-course meals priced at 20.10, 30.10 or 40.10. Also some restaurants are serving $15.10 lunches.

A broad range of Maine's finest restaurants have committed to the second annual Maine Restaurant Week. Total participation is about 35% more  than in 2009.  Another addition this year: select inns, hotels and B&Bs will be offering special lodging rates (a great excuse to visit a distant restaurant and take a mini-vacation).  The Captain Lord Mansion is offering 3 nights for the price of 2.  This package is avialable all month.

Get in on the delicious fun of Restaurant Week. Start now by taking a few minutes to discover participating restaurants and their menus, lodging partners, and special event information.

Also we invite you to join our email group. You'll receive only useful information like Restaurant Week news and special restaurant and bar offers. Your email address will never be shared.

Dine Out More, March 1-10, 2010. Statewide. Maine Restaurant Week. Your Innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Complimentary Wine Tastings at The Captain Lord Mansion!

What is Wine Time?  Join Bev and I one scheduled Saturday evening each month throughout the winter for our Captain Lord Mansion complimentary innkeeper's "Wine Time".  The next wine tasting is scheduled for Saturday, February 6th from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. We have a young gentleman with exceptional knowledge and experience who will present the evening's wines and give a thorough explanation of each.  This will be a great time to meet other guests, as well as share some time with your innkeepers.  We usually get into some interesting stories from the 30 plus years we've been keepers of this wonderful old inn!  Hope you can join us; if not for this one, the next ones are scheduled for Saturday, March 6th and the final one on Saturday, April 3rd.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield.  

What Does the Kennebunk River Look Like From the Air?

The Kennebunk River from the Air!

The Captain Lord Mansion is conveniently located overlooking the Kennebunk River just three short blocks from the Dock Square center of Kennebunkport.  The view from the cupola at the Mansion gives an excellent view of the village neighborhood of historic homes as well as a small glimpse of the river, but not this good!   This aerial photograph shows The Arundel Wharf Restaurant which is located at the foot of the hill from the Mansion.  Also, it is where the Schooner Eleanor is berthed.  Many of our guests at the Captain Lord Mansion just walk the block from the inn to the restaurant to enjoy its great food and views.  I thought this was an interesting picture that you bloggers would enjoy.   Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield  

What is Kennebunkport's 2010 Pairing of Palates & Palettes?

The 6th Annual Arts in the Inns Festival: June 2 - 6, 2010

The Festival has been renamed Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival

 

For five days in June, chefs, artists, and winemakers from around the country will come together in Kennebunkport, Maine to celebrate and share their passions.  We'd like to invite you to join us as we celebrate a pairing of palates and palettes in our coastal village.  The 2010 Festival will feature chef/artists dinners in private homes, the Twilight Soiree, Artists in Residence at local inns, the Grand Tasting and many other culinary and fine art events.  If you enjoy fine food, fine wine, fine art and fine living, please join us this June in Kennebunkport.  Call today for Captain Lord Mansion reservations for that weekend. Our toll-free number is 800-522-3141. We'll also have some exciting things going on at the inn.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

   

What is Your Lobster IQ?

Everything you ever wanted to know about lobster! (Or almost everything!)

Today, many people consider lobster a delicacy.  In fact, you have to pay dearly for a really good lobster feast.  However, lobsters were once so plentiful that Native Americans used them as fertilizer and fish bait!  Also, in Colonial times they were considered poverty food and served to children and indentured servants.  Stories have been told that children who brought lobster sandwiches to school were considered the poor kids.

Lobsters are not fish, nor mammal, but rather they are arthropods, closely related to insects! Lobsters, like insects, belong to the invertebrate family.  These two-clawed marine creatures have one claw that  is called the pincer and the other is called the crusher.  An interesting fact about claws: lobsters, like humans, can be right or left handed, depending on whether its crusher claw is on the right or left side of its body. Most live lobsters are greenish.  Lobsters are not red until cooked. All pigment that make up a lobster shell are destroyed by the heat when cooked, except the red.   

Lobster is healthy for you.  it contains iron, zinc, calcium and iodine, as well as vitamins A, B and B6.  It has no saturated fat and is low in cholesterol and calories.  Now that you know lobsters are good for you, call the Captain Lord Mansion to make an early spring reservation and plan a lobster feast vacation!  With winter over and lobster prices coming down, Bev and I are looking forward to sampling some of this delicacy real soon!  Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper  P.S. The Lobster Logo below is used courtesy of Maine Lobster Direct.

Where in the World is 'Taint Town"?

Here's a hint: It ain't Kennebunk. And it ain't Kennebunkport.

But you won't find 'Taint Town on a map anywhere. The only way to find it is to ask a local how to get there.

Those who've been around a while will tell you ''Taint Town is the place where the lines of the two Kennebunks blur. The town line, literally, is at the bridge on Route 9. The Clam Shack for example, technically is in Kennebunk, not Kennebunkport. Alisson's Restaurant, a stone's throw away, is in the 'Port.

But, over the years, as the whole the Dock Square community  became one, the area where the Clam Shack, Federal Jacks, and even the Kennebunkport/Kennebunk Chamber of Commerce reside, became known as 'Taint Town. As in: 'Taint Kennebunk. 'Taint Kennebunk-pawht neetha." (My best interpretation of a Maine accent.)

Lately, though, if you Google "'Taint Town" you'll come up with a lot of what you see on the left: A beer brewed locally, at Federal Jacks Restaurant, one of the few true residents of 'Taint Town.  Federal Jacks offers tours of their brew facility where "Taint Town Pale Ale", as well as nationally renowned "Shipyard Ale", is brewed.  At the Captain Lord Mansion we can arrange tours of this facility for our guests.

Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Rick's Restaurant Raves - Part 4

Joshua's Restaurant, Wells, Maine

A well-known food writer recently praised Joshua's Restaurant as "Worthy of a long drive." fortunately, this award-winning restaurant is just a short drive south from the Captain Lord Mansion, Kennebunkport, on Route 1 in nearby Wells.

The 1774 dark brown Colonial may look austere on the outside, but as the day's shadows lengthen, the warm glow from the restaurant's many windows is promise of a wonderful dining experience that awaits you inside.

A private home until Joshua Mather and his parents Mort and Barbara purchased it in March 2004, it has been lovingly remodeled to provide state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and an engaging dining experience, without sacrificing any of the building's original charm.

What in colonial times would have been the "birthing room" is now the reception area; the parlor is a warm and cozy bar. The original "keeping room," where meals were prepared over an open hearth, is one dining room; the house's original dining room is the other. History aside, however, the real star here is the food.

Joshua was brought up on his family's nearby farm, and because of that, has created a fine dining experience built on his personal mantra of "fresh, organic, and Maine-grown." He describes his menu as "good, honest food, not fussy food." But what he does with that good, honest food is noting short of genius!

For instance, fresh artichoke hearts are lightly fried and served with a chipotle aioli that has just a little kick! A confit of fresh mushrooms is topped with a smooth, herbed, truffle butter that melts in the mouth. Roast chick is elevated to royalty — stuffed with a magical blend of basil, prosciutto, provolone cheese, and lemon zest. All dinners are served with fresh, seasonal vegetables (most from their own farm!) and bread baked daily on the premisis. For a tasty New England dessert, try the decadent Maple Walnut Pie with a generous scoop of their own homemade vanilla ice cream.

Bev and I love Joshua's. And when Bev had a "significant" birthday recently, our whole family decided t his would be the perfect place to celebrate. Bev chose the Atlantic Haddock with caramelized onion crust, chive oil, and wild mushroom risotto. She proclaimed it perfect! I love anything pork, so I went with the roast tenderloin, brushed with a sauce of apple cider reduction, ambrosial mashed potatoes, and an unusual and delicious fresh chutney. The well-trained and attentive waitstaff provided impeccable service all evening. We agreed that this was a very special way to honor a very special lady!

Whether you're a seafood lover or a meat-and-potatoes type, Joshua's Restaurant has a menu that's sure to please. And there's always an imaginative vegetarian selection, s well.

Joshua's is a "slow food" restaurant. So settle in, relax and prepare yourself for a truly memorable evening! The restaurant is open for dinner daily — let the Captain Lord Mansion make a reservation for you. You'll enjoy every minute — and every delicious bite!

Rick Litchfield, Your Innkeeper

Rick's Restaurant Raves - Part 3

Pier 77 and the Ramp, Cape Porpoise

If you'd love a dining experience where the view rivals the food for "spectacular," head just a few miles east of Kennebunkport, out Route 9, to the tiny, picture-postcard village of Cape Porpoise.

At the very end of the Pier Road, you'll find Pier 77 Restaurant, overlooking picturesque Cape Porpoise Harbor and the working lobster boats that daily ply its waters. On occasion, you might even spy former President George Bush zipping in, in his sleek cigarette boat, to pick up lobsters for a cookout at his nearby Walker Point compound!

Three Restaurants In One

Pier 77 Restaurant, on the street level, seats 80 in a handsome, contemporary setting. Large windows provide stunning of the Harbor and Goat Island Light in the distance. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily from June 1 to September 30; Thursday to Monday the rest of the year. Reservations are advised for dinner, and the Captain Lord Mansion would be happy to make one for you.

The inventive menu includes many regional favorites such as Maine Crab Cakes, Crab Sandwich on French bread, Seafood Mixed Grill, and of curse, mouth-watering Steamed Lobster with all the fixings! Bev and I judge the quality of a restaurant by the quality of the bread it serves. Well, Pier 77 offers you two delicious, freshly-baked breads to start your meal. Their olive bread, when dipped in their pure virgin olive oil seasoned with freshly-ground pepper is scrumptious! Recently, while watching the sun set over peaceful Cape Porpoise Harbor, we both enjoyed the Pan Roasted Haddock with Ricotta Gnocchi, Portabello Mushrooms and Fried Baby Artichokes. End your satisfying meal with a Warm Blueberry Crumble (it wouldn't be Maine without blueberries!). For a liquid dessert (which we didn't have!), Pier 77 offers the World's Greatest Hot Beverage — Bailey's, Bushmill's and coffee! For added enjoyment, a pianist tinkled the ivories throughout our dinner. He plays every evening in season; weekends in the off-season.

The Ramp Bar and Grill, on the lower level, has a cozy, pub-like atmosphere and serves a casual bar menu all day. Their Fish and Chips and overstuffed Lobster Roll are legendary! Bev and I love their huge (and delicious) burgers, too! The Ramp is the place to rub shoulders with locals who know where to find great tasting, well-prepared food.

The Lighthouse Room, on the top floor, welcomes intimate, private parties of 10 to 25 people. Bev and I often see small wedding parties enjoying rehearsal dinners in the Lighthouse Room. The room's name indicates the terrific view of the Goat Island Lighthouse that can be seen from the room's expansive windows.

Bev and I enthusiastically recommend Pier 77 and The Ramp to anyone looking for a quintessential New England experience. With its superb regional food and outstanding water views, it's one of Kennebunkport's "must" experiences!

Rick Litchfield, Your Innkeeper