Get away from the crowds and enjoy the best food on the island.
From first glance along rural route three (Otter Creak Drive), you could almost mistake it for simply another home nestled alongside the hills of the Arcadia National Forest, just south of Bar Harbor Maine. Such a distraction is the adorning coastal countryside that a friend and I fell victim to exactly that, and at the last moment requiring a u-turn and short back track to the parking lot.

Earlier in the day, after a four-hour kayak tour of the coastal waters along the west shore of the Island, my friend described an eatery on the south side of the Island that used only herbs and vegetables grown on their own property or from local farms and fisheries. The kitchen staff is regularly comprised of students from a local culinary school under the attentive eyes of their very creative chef. That’s all this foodie needed to hear. We were soon on our way to the south side to beat the rush of Island tourists.

Walking up to the front door, I stopped to take in the herb garden and noticed that it was not the perfectly tended picture postcard taken from a magazine. It looked more like something I would find at my home. It is clearly a working herb garden that exists as a food producer and not just a showpiece. I knew we were in for a treat. Entering the door you are struck by the casualness. Pleasant, relaxing and comfortable, we were greeted by a pleasant hostess and seated in the front porch area.

On the drive out, I was strongly recommended to order the fried squash blossoms, and that was the first thing we did. They arrived hot and with a very light batter crust that gave them an excellent texture. The herbed cheese on the interior gave way delightedly to the pallet and went well with the roasted tomato jam. Don’t miss these if they are offered. Next came my mixed greens salad that was absolutely fresh and the dressing was made that day with the floral aroma of herbs from the garden.

The entrée of the day for me was the cod, floated over a creamy risotto of asparagus tips and shitake mushrooms topped with a creamy lobster sauce. I could not resist any element of this dish. The risotto captured the essence of lobster while still allowing the specific notes of the asparagus and shitake mushrooms shone through. The cod, finished perfectly, and the lobster cream sauce was just enough to tie the dish together without overpowering the two other elements.

This is a special restaurant that will have you dreaming of your return. It truly embraces the lifestyle of growing and eating local, seasonal foods.    [30 Oct 2008 19:41:03]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: I recommend them all. Squash blossoms is a must.

     ­Anonymous