Archive for the ‘Cuisine’ Category
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Maine may be known for its bed and breakfasts, beaches, and beautiful antique shops, but it is also home to a plethora of breweries. In fact, there are about thirty different breweries throughout the state, with a high concentration in Southern Maine. Kennebunkport, or Lower Village Kennebunk, is home to one – Federal Jack’s/Kennebunkport Brewing Company. KBC, the original home of Shipyard Ale (with it’s own brewery in Portland), brews seven different blends, all of which get pumped directly to the bar at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub. Can’t get fresher than that! And while you’re in town, be sure not to miss a tour of the brewery. Tours require reservations – let the Maine Stay make them for you!
Kennebunkport and the Maine Stay Inn is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Maine Beer Trail. Just a short drive from the Maine Stay is the Run of The Mill Public House and Brewery, located in Saco, Maine. Continue traveling up the coast along scenic Route 1 to Scarborough for your next stop at the Sebago Brewing Company. Next up – the breweries of Portland! While it is home to several small brewing companies, Allagash Brewing, DL Geary Brewing, Gritty McDuff’s, and Sebago Brewing, it is also the current home of Shipyard Ale – the Shipyard Brewing Company. And at just 30 miles from the Maine Stay, it’s not to be missed!
If you have any steam left, head north toward Freeport – home of the famous L.L.Bean, but also to two breweries! Leave the ladies (if they’re at all like me) in your life for an afternoon of shopping, and hit the pub – you can’t go wrong at Gritty McDuff’s (a microbewery and brew pub) or at stop at Freeport Brewing Company.
Of course, there are oodles more breweries to visit on the “Maine Beer Trail,” so book your reservation and ask the Maine Stay Innkeepers today to help plan your Maine Brewery Tour.
Tags: Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, maine bed and breakfast, maine beer trail, maine breweries, maine cottages, maine inn, Maine Summer Vacation
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
So you’ve had dinner and just need a little something before snuggling into your cozy bed at the Maine Stay Inn. Where do you turn? The Maine Stay has you covered!
Dessert dining can be a huge challenge for visitors, because they may have eaten on their way to Kennebunkport and may be uncomfortable going into a restaurant just for dessert. But an evening just isn’t complete without that sweet treat!
So here are some great options in the area for those needing just dessert:
- Old Vines (This wine bar in Lower Village Kennebunk is a great stop for after dinner noshing – their selection of cheeses and cured meats are great for non-sweet eaters, their homemade desserts are top notch, and they offer a great assortment of after dinner drinks. The best part? They’re open late!)
- Federal Jack’s (While we at the Maine Stay Inn recommend this eatery for Maine basics – fried fish, chowdah, and steamed lobster – their extensive dessert menu has options for all tastes (but pass on the bread pudding – they do other things much better). And like Old Vines, they serve late – in season their “Late Night” menu is available until midnight.)
- Ben and Jerry’s (I wouldn’t be a true New Englander if I didn’t mention this area favorite. They’re located just steps from the Maine Stay, so they’re a perfect evening stop after exploring Dock Square. But they’re seasonal, so winter visitors, don’t be disappointed!)
- Roly’s English Fudge (Also a short stroll from the Maine Stay Inn, this favorite on Ocean Avenue offers a huge selection of English style fudge – think a bit more crumbly with undertones of caramelized sugar – and gelato. This is a must-taste for chocolate lovers and those looking for something light and fruity. Keep in mind, though, that they operate on limited hours in the winter, so check with the innkeepers before venturing out!)
- The Ramp at Pier77 (At the Maine Stay, this one of our personal favorites for a casual lunch or dinner, but their desserts are out of this world. You might be most comfortable digging in at the bar if you’re just ordering that after-dinner snack, but their staff will take great care of you no matter the size of your order!)
Even for that little bedtime snack, Kennebunkport offers ample options. But don’t forget that for just $20, the staff at the Maine Stay Inn will create a homemade dessert and deliver it to your room for the ultimate romantic experience. Kindly give us a few days notice if you think you’d like to indulge!
Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, kennebunkport cottage, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine cottage, maine cottages
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Monday, March 8th, 2010
Just steps from the Maine Stay Inn’s front door lies a funky restaurant with a name to match – Bandaloop. And while the atmosphere is rustic and Bohemian chic, the cuisine is anything but. Located about three very short blocks from the inn in a residential area adjacent to Dock Square’s shopping district, you might miss it, if not for the bright red door. Walking into this converted barn (that’s how I perceive it, at least), you will find a wide, modern bar and soft lighting, aided by twinkling white Christmas lights along the upper balcony. The upstairs houses a few small tables and a quiet, intimate atmosphere with great views of the roughly hewn rafters and ample opportunity to people watch. And while the downstairs is more tightly packed and bustling, you have a chance to watch the amazing skills of Chef Scott Lee, owner of Bandaloop. Personally, I love an open kitchen – you know the food is hot and fresh, because you see it come out of the pan, onto the plate and into your belly – no waiting under some heat lamp. That would be entirely counterintuitive here, as “fresh is best” clearly dominates this eatery. In the past they have offered a covered, heated patio during the warmer months and into foliage season, but a recent dinnertime visit revealed exterior construction for a more permanent addition of seating area.
The waitstaff at Bandaloop Restaurant is cheerful, but not overbearing, and very helpful to those of us plagued by indecision. But at Bandaloop, indecision must be incredibly common – the menu is just too good! A two-page menu and handful of specials shouldn’t be terribly troubling, but when you consider the option of pairing any protein source with any of their signature sauces (and there are around 7 of each), the menu seems to grow exponentially!
In all honesty, there is nothing that I wouldn’t like at Bandaloop. Their trend is toward organically raised products and interesting combinations, many with an Asian fusion flair. My personal favorite is their grilled salmon or fried tofu with caramelized chili-coconut sauce. But you certainly can’t go wrong with their spinach salad and Mac & Cheese! And the menu offers a host of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
No matter the season, we at the Maine Stay Inn recommend reservations – even on a Wednesday in March. So let us make on for you, because Bandaloop is certainly not to be missed!
Tags: Cuisine, dinner kennebunkport maine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine bed and breakfast, maine cottages, restaurants kennebunkport, seafood
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Before moving to Kennebunkport to pursue innkeeping at the Maine Stay Inn, I had visited Kennebunkport Maine only twice before. Neither was during the summer. In fact, it snowed both times. But after two summers I fully understand what makes Kennebunkport the perfect spot for a summer vacation (okay, I realized it a long time ago, but now I finally feel ready to share).
First off, it’s easy to get to. Kennebunkport is just 86 miles from Boston and 35 miles from Portland. That mean’s it’s accessible to everyone. There’s no worrying about ferry schedules (hello, Martha’s Vineyard!) or twisting mountainous roads (can you say “White Mountains?”). You can leave Boston after work and get to the Maine Stay before dinner. Or fly into Portland (possibly the world’s most navigable airport) and bite into our famous chocolate chip cookies in under 40 minutes.
Second, dining options abound. If you’re a regular Maine Stay Inn blog reader, you know how much I love good food! Kennebunkport offers amazing options for all kinds of eaters of all ages, and most within easy walking distance of the Maine Stay. That means that you don’t have to venture far from the inn or beach for a wonderful meal.
Which brings me to reason number three – the beaches. The beaches of the Kennebunks are fantastic. I mean truly spectacular. And there are so many options! If you visit with kids, head to the Kennebunk beaches for easy access and minimal schlepping of beach toys. For avid runners and walkers, the small beaches and coves along Ocean Avenue are not to be missed. Those bringing or renting bicycles should head to Parson’s beach, a treasure with impossible parking. And couples looking for peace and quiet along the shore should hit up Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport.
An explanation of the appeal of Kennebunkport would not be complete without mentioning the incredible shops of Dock Square, the spectacular galleries dotted throughout town, or the plethora of outdoor activities, like kayaking and canoeing, running and biking, whale watching and sailing, and golf. But the part I have most trouble explaining is Kennebunkport’s charm. This town is so quaint and endearing, with just the right amount of history and architectural appeal, but also the pop of spectacular sands and edible creations.
My words just don’t do Kennebunkport justice, so come to the Maine Stay Inn to see all that Kennebunkport has to offer and find out why Kennebunkport is the perfect summer vacation destination.
Tags: beach, beach weather, family vacation maine, Goose Rocks beach, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, maine cottages, Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport
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Monday, March 1st, 2010
While Federal Jack’s Brewpub and The Ramp at Pier 77 both bill themselves as pubs catering to sports fanatics, the similarities stop there. Read on to see how they stack up.
Federal Jack’s Brew Pub sits on prime real estate in Lower Village Kennebunk, right on the river overlooking a marina. It’s second floor location could be a deterrent to some, but an elevator distinguishes it from most places in town. And it is huge. I mean huge. Their dish slide is larger than the entire kitchen at the Maine Stay. During the summertime Federal Jack’s operates five separate serving areas – the main dining room, the bar, the pool room, the outdoor decks, and a smaller dining room.
In contrast, The Ramp barely has five tables! Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but it is much smaller and is actually one of the smallest eateries in town. Granted, it’s big sister, Pier 77 (upstairs and closed for the winter) compensates for its small size. The low ceilings and water level location in Cape Porpoise make it a much more intimate spot, and little space between tables ensures you’ll be friendly with your neighbors by the end of the night. And for its small size, the Ramp offers a surprisingly diverse menu, especially during the warmer months when patrons can choose to dine off Pier 77’s menu.
Just like it’s floor plan, the menu at Fed’s is astoundingly large. But your best bets are standard American pub fare – burgers and fried food. Their chowder is good, as are their salads, desserts, and daily $10 special, but skip the fancy stuff – Fed’s is best for basics.
The Ramp, however, has a phenomenal chef, so don’t hesitate to order the unusual here – it’s all (and always) good. For the chowdah connoisseurs out there – their’s is of the potato-y variety.
Federal Jack’s beckons sports fans because of its plethora of widescreen TVs, long hours (they’re open until 12:30 a.m. daily), and beer brewed on site, while The Ramp brings out the fan in all of us with its vintage athletic memorabilia and the soft glow of two small TVs.
So here’s the final breakdown:
- Late-night service: Fed’s
- Cuisine: The Ramp
- Prime sports viewing: Fed’s
- Atmosphere for the non-sport viewer: The Ramp
- Location: Fed’s
- Ocean Views: The Ramp
These two eateries are staples for the Maine Stay and all of Kennebunkport, but serve entirely different needs. So come to Kennebunkport and the Maine Stay Inn to decide for yourself!
Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine bed and breakfast, maine inns
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Friday, February 5th, 2010
Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, so we at the Maine Stay Inn want to make sure that your intimate getaway goes absolutely perfectly. We can arrange for her favorite flowers to be in the room, or for a special bottle of wine. We can deliver a homemade dessert or fresh fruit and cheeses for the happy couple to enjoy. But you can’t get that romantic candle lit dinner here for Valentine’s. We can, however, help you pick that perfect dining experience. For a romantic winter weekend, here are some of our favorite digs:
- Cape Arundel Inn Restaurant (This seaside restaurant overlooking the famous Bush compound and vast Atlantic offers fine dining in an airy, comfortable setting)
- Grissini (Authentic Italian in Lower Village with an extensive wine selection)
- Joshua’s (Slow-food fine dining featuring organic ingredients in a Colonial home)
- On The Marsh (Intimate fine dining in a converted farmhouse overlooking a native marsh)
- White Barn Inn (Five star dining with a fixed price, multi-course menu)
And this Valentine’s Weekend (February 13 and 14), we can even help you get there! The historic inns of Kennebunkport are debuting their trial run of “Designated Destination,” a shuttle service to local eateries leaving from the participating inns. The Maine Stay is proud to announce their involvement and look forward to helping provide guests the opportunity to savor their favorite wine or cocktails before and during dinner without having to worry about navigating our winter roads. We’ll be your designated driver!
Hopefully this sheds some light on our often overwhelming dining scene, but we’re happy to talk with you to ensure you find the perfect dinner destination. Let the Maine Stay Inn be your personal concierge!
Tags: Cuisine, dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport restaurants, Kennebunkport winter, maine bed and breakfast, maine inn, maine stay happenings, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Kennebunkport is your Valentine’s Weekend “Designated Destination”
Beginning Saturday night February 13th, guests arriving for a weekend stay at one of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary ride to dinner and a worry-free return home afterwards as the group launches it “Designated
Destination” shuttle service. This first of its kind guest service on the Maine seacoast gives visiting guests the opportunity to celebrate the Valentine’s weekend without the stress of driving after dark, in poor weather, or after enjoying a romantic bottle of wine or two.
Developing Kennebunkport as a “Designated Destination” is a much needed solution for both visiting guests and local inns and restaurants. Creating an opportunity for guests to plan – and enjoy – a wonderful evening out at one the excellent local restaurants without worrying about the dark, the weather, or their consumption was the motivation that drove Finn MacDonald of the Captain Fairfield Inn to propose the idea to the group. “This is a win, win, win,” MacDonald says, “This is a unique service that can help my guests enjoy their evening out here. If our guests appreciate this service, that will help my business. And this service really benefits the restaurants because guests can have a worry-free evening knowing the Designated Destination shuttle will take care of getting them back to one of the inns. The service is scheduled for the evenings of Saturday February 13th and Sunday February 14th. For more information, please contact a participating historic inn on the www.kportinns.com website.
The Maine Stay Inn is, of course, thrilled to be jointly debuting this program, as we continually strive for our guests to have the best experience possible. Winter driving on dark, unfamiliar streets can sometimes deter guests from enjoying certain culinary delights during their stay and the ability to offer this service to our guests is a tremendous step forward. So this Valentine’s Day, crack open your bottle of wine and let the Maine Stay take care of the rest!
Tags: dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, Kennebunkport winter, maine stay happenings, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Saturday, January 30th, 2010
The Maine Stay Inn has always offered options for gluten-free guests, but since our 
Gluten-Free Weekend last November, the Maine Stay has seen an increase in inquiries about what we serve to our gluten intolerant guests. So for all of those out there wondering what you might be able to eat on your getaway to this Kennebunkport bed and breakfast inn, here is a sampling of some of our gluten free offerings!
- gluten-free sweet potato and pecan pancakes
- stuffed, baked apples and scrambled eggs
- signature Maine blueberry muffins made from a gluten-free blend of flours
- crustless quiche (sometimes our signature Anne and Roger’s style)
- gluten free granola (not always available, so make sure we know of your restrictions!)
- gluten free chocolate chip cookies and brownies for tea time
- breakfast creme brulee (or traditional for those requesting our delivered dessert)
- fresh fruit, cheese, and rice crackers (for our romance packages)
We’re always coming up with fresh ideas to satisfy our ever-increasing gluten-free guests, 
and want them to always feel comfortable and safe during their experience at the Maine Stay Inn. Innkeepers, Judi and Walter, have been cooking gluten-free for the last ten years, because their daughter, Johanna, is gluten-free, so never fear, our staff is incredibly knowledgeable on how to keep gluten-free guests healthy and happy during their stay. Bon Appetite, gluten-free eaters!
Tags: Cuisine, gluten free bed and breakfasts, gluten free inn, gluten free vacation, gluten-free bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
While Kennebunkport and its surrounding communities are known for incredible dining, great lunchtime eateries seem a little harder to come by, particularly in the winter. The Maine Stay can help you figure out how to get the best soup, salad, and sandwiches to get you through to dinner at our many fine dining establishments. Since some of our summertime faves are closed up tight, here are some great wintertime options:
- Henry VIII Carvery (known for their hand-carved meats, fresh salads, and homemade soups)
- Alisson’s Restaurant (a Dock Square staple since 1973 – great for simple American cuisine and Maine staples like lobstah rolls and chowdah)
- Federal Jack’s Brew Pub (a great brewpub with home brewed beer on tap and excellent daily specials)
- The Ramp at Pier 77 (a fantastic local spot with views of the Atlantic that makes top notch hand cut fries and a potato-y clam chowder)
- Lucas On Nine (family run American food restaurant with great personality)
- Jackie’s Too (waterfront dining on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit)
- Squaretoes Restaurant (hip diner-esque eatery in Kennebunk)
- Mekhong Thai (great Thai for those needing something a little different)
- Atlantic Pizza (awesome pizza and a great Greek food menu)
Clearly the Kennebunkport area is alive and kickin’ (well, certainly, eatin’) during the winter months. Guests of the Maine Stay will certainly not be left hungry at lunch time! Not that they’ll need much after our hearty gourmet breakfasts! But now midday options are easier than ever to find. Bon Appetite!
Tags: dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport restaurants, lunch dining, seafood, winter getaway maine
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
2009 has been a year of great experimentation in Kennebunkport at the Maine Stay Inn – from testing out new recipes and lobster dinners to moving furniture and laying dark hardwood floors – and everything in between. Our approach to New Year’s Eve was no exception! Instead of our usual appetizers by the living room fire, we decided to mix things up by serving a full dinner. The menu was inspired by Julia – Child, that is. To start, guests enjoyed a variety of cheeses, fresh from Maine farms. The unanimous favorite was Bleu Brie – an unheard of indulgence that more than prepared me for my 2010 resolution! We followed that with copious amounts of shrimp cocktail and blue cheese stuffed endive garnished with spiced nuts and Maine clover honey. Somehow we all managed to make room for a delectable canberry-citrus salad over organic butter lettuce and two entrees. Our plates were barely large enough to hold Julia’s sauteed (and dry marinated) bone-in pork chops, homemade mashed potatoes, poached salmon with a winter vegetable medley, wild brown rice, and braised red cabbage. Just when we thought that our bodies couldn’t hold another bite, we brought out traditional creme brulee, chocolates, and pizzelle cookies. Yum!
Best of all, however, was the company. Dinner began at 7, and when the ball dropped, no one was ready to go home. With a little extra caffeine, conversations could have lasted all night. One surprise discovery was that two guests were pastel painters, who were Facebook friends! What a small world!
It was an incredible evening, and we at the Maine Stay certainly left the table feeling particularly close to those we shared it with. We can’t wait until next year - for the food and the friends.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2010!
Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport winter, maine inn, maine stay happenings, new year's eve, romantic weekend
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