Kennebunkport Dining Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Maine Stay Inn and Cottages

Posts Tagged ‘Kennebunkport Dining’

Now Open for Ice Cream In Kennebunkport – Rococo

May 28th, 2012 by mainestayinn

While Memorial Day weekend might have kicked off the summer, it wouldn’t have been official in Kennebunkport unless it was celebrated with ice cream. But since I missed the grand opening celebration of Rococo Artisan Ice Creamlast week, I decided to pay them a visit after lunch on Saturday. Granted, we could not have asked for better weather at the end of May, so that really got me in

The counter at Rococo Artisan Ice Cream in Kennebunkport

the mood for a cup. Located right on Spring Street, just down the street from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, this new shop is certainly not your average ice cream parlor. Since they are so new, there’s no sign outside, but the name “Rococo” is emblazoned on the window in an elegant and very Kennebunkport fashion. Once inside, the shop bears no resemblance to its former identity as a barber shop, as it is now open and airy.

As many of you know, I am a big eater. And by that, I don’t mean a foodie (although I do indeed think of myself as a quality connoisseur) – I just eat a lot! So I must admit that I was disappointed to find that their smallest size clocked in at a whopping $4.50. Fortunately, though, a large lunch ensured that I wouldn’t be tempted to order the next size up. And thank goodness! The richness of their concoctions meant that I genuinely struggled to finish the last few spoonfuls. The quality was excellent, without a trace of icy shards – yes, this stuff was fresh! But, truthfully, the best part of the experience at Rococo was the inventive flavors, which will undoubtedly keep me coming back for more. Their signature strawberry and basil blend was invigorating, but not my cup of tea (don’t take it personally, because I don’t like any fruit flavored dairy products). As expected, vanilla and chocolate were available, but it was the other unique blends that were major hits – like Chai Cardamon Ginger Trifecta. There wasn’t a single flavor I didn’t enjoy, and can’t wait to go back for seconds (and thirds, and fourths….). That said, as I walked back to the Maine Stay Inn, I realized one way they could improve – lids! Yes, lids. They don’t have any! And that means none to take home for those unlucky folks who decided to stay behind. But next time you’re searching for ice cream in downtown Kennebunkport, look no further than Rococo Artisan Ice Cream for a delectable and indulgent delight!

Tags: Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport ice cream
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Finding Gluten Free Pizza in Kennebunkport Maine

April 27th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Even in a place known for its dining scene like Kennebunkport Maine, there comes a time when visitors and locals alike just need a good pizza. Now, because of some incredible foresight and strict zoning laws, you’re not going to find a Domino’s or Papa Gino’s anywhere nearby, but even that wouldn’t help us gluten-free folks. Fortunately, though there are three places in and around Kennebunkport Maine where you can satisfy that craving without compromising your diet (not the waist-watching one – sorry!).

So if you’re anything like me and feel that a cheese-y slice of pizza should be followed by honking helping of ice cream, check out the gluten free pizza offerings at Duffy’s, which is conveniently located a few doors down from Dairy Queen. With its accessible location on Route 1 in Kennebunk (perfect for your day trip adventures) and a dining room overlooking the Mousam River, it’s probably a better spot to hit for lunch than dinner. But since any meal warrants dessert, you still shouldn’t miss out on the DQ. But

gluten free pizza in Kennebunkport Maine

The new gluten free flatbreads at One Dock are a must try!

closer to your home-away-from-home at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find Federal Jack’s Brew Pub. With a gluten-free menu (but be sure to ask for it), it’s particularly friendly for gluten-free patrons. But you’ll have to keep looking for a GF beer, because while it would fit their identity as a craft brewery, that option hasn’t yet joined their repertoire.

Sometimes, though, you just want to have it all – a great grownup atmosphere and some stellar pizza. Fortunately the new menu at One Dock fits the bill perfectly! Just steps from the Maine Stay in the heart of Kennebunkport Maine, you can relax in their upscale, lounge-like dining rooms and enjoy the sophisticated setting. Despite the fact that my server had yet to try the gluten free crusts available for their flatbreads (read: pizza not cooked in a genuine pizza oven) or the inventive crab meat and scallion topped version, I decided to give it a shot. And, boy, was it ever a win! As someone who has always been a little skeptical of pizzas without marinara, the combination of mozzarella, scallions, and crab meat atop a white sauce sounded a bit outside my comfort zone, but not anymore. While the average person might have been a little disappointed by the not-so-crispy crust, that was fine by me, because that signaled on very important thing – it was cooked on a pan. And any gluten-free eater knows that dramatically reduces your chances for cross-contamination – way to go One Dock! So despite indulging in a decadent starter, I was somehow able to pack away all six of the generous slices, though it took me so long that I needed the last two pieces sent back for a warm-up (which, I might add, was accommodated with a smile). There’s no question – this gluten-free pizza is sure to be a hit and a regular staple of my dining routine in Kennebunkport Maine!

Tags: gluten free bed and breakfasts, gluten free dining, gluten free vacation, Kennebunkport Dining
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Great Casual Kennebunkport Restaurants

April 21st, 2012 by mainestayinn

Today, as I was discussing Kennebunkport restaurants with a new employee, I realized that it might be helpful to share some of the insights. Fortunately for us, and for all visitors to our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, this community is filled with great places to dine, and not all of them call for snazzy outfits or result in astronomical bills. And even in April, before 100% of restaurants have opened their doors, there are lots of places for a good casual meal.

Quite a few are just a short walk from the Maine Stay, meaning on warm nights light tonight, you’ll be just as content meandering out to dinner as hopping in the car for a meal. In Dock Square you’ll find Federal Jack’s, a brewpub, which is also home to Kennebunkport Brewing Company. Best known as the largest craft brewery in the state, you’ll enjoy beers tapped directly from the

Pedro's bright blue sign is hard to miss!

holding tanks to the bar – you can’t get much fresher than that! But their food is excellent as well, with a large menu sure to please anyone in the family. And with a large gluten-free menu, even food allergy sufferers will find something satisfying. Diagonally across the street, you’ll find Ryan’s Corner House, an authentic Irish pub serving up traditional fare like bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie. Though you will find seafood on the menu, it’s great for visitors of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast who are ready for a break from lobster and clam chowder. Still walking distance from the inn, but located in the heart of Lower Village Kennebunk, you’ll surely stumble across Pedro’s. This Kennebunkport restaurant is hard to miss with its oversized metal rooster outside and great patio complete with fire pit. But you’d really be missing out by not trying one of their incredible margaritas with homemade syrups or their authentic Mexican cuisine. Under the same ownership, you can enjoy a great casual meal at the Ramp at Pier 77. This vintage style sports bar offers incredible harbor views and great food. Plus, you might even catch a glimpse of local lobsterers hauling in their catches on the pier. But whatever you choose for a casual meal, these Kennebunkport restaurants have got just the thing to satisfy your cravings!

Tags: gluten free dining, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport restaurants
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A Presidential Getaway in Kennebunkport, ME

February 18th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Although February 14th has come and gone, many people are keeping the mood alive and taking advantage of the long weekend for Presidents’ Day to do their Valentine’s celebrating, and what better place than Kennebunkport, ME for a truly presidential retreat? Many people may be surprised, but on my very first visit to Kennebunkport, I had no idea that this was the summer retreat of our 41st and 43rd

What a view! Thank you to one of our very special guests for use of this photo taken during her visit to Kennebunkport, ME

Presidents! So for those of you who didn’t realize that the Bush Family compound is located just 2 miles from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, you’re not alone. And for those of you who think you might find another first family here, you’ll find Camelot about three hours to our south – not too far for a day trip!

While the Bush family is not in Kennebunkport, ME at this time of year, their estate still sits pretty atop a rocky peninsula just down the street. No matter the time of year, it’s a great walk out there for some sightseeing and gawking at the incredible “cottages” that flank our coastline. And Parson’s Way, a path along our famous Ocean Avenue, boasts some of the prettiest stretches of Maine Coastline around (that’s my opinion, folks). So it’s time to get in the spirit of Presidents’ Day week by dining in style at some of the Bush family’s favorite digs. For a casual lunch, the seniors have often been spotted at The Ramp, a Kennebunkport, ME version of a “sports bar” – but it’s excellent, though eclectic, cuisine would lead you to think that description might not be accurate. Guests have also reported that Barbara enjoys a fun, fresh dinner at Bandaloop, usually with girlfriends in tow – sorry, George, we’ve gotta have girl time! But most frequently we hear of Presidential sightings at Cape Arundel Inn’s fine dining restaurant, which is no surprise given its location. The open and airy dining room overlooks the inlet and entire Bush compound, plus it’s just around the corner – they could walk if the secret service let them. But just like you, the former first family likes to lie low during their visits to Kennebunkport, ME, so this week, kick up your heels and relax at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.

Tags: Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport restaurants
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Maine Restaurant Week Returns to Kennebunkport Maine!

February 16th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Maine Restaurant Week is a wonderful way to test out new restaurants or enjoy different options at some old favorites, and fortunately for us, several Kennebunkport Maine restaurants have chosen to participate in 2012. But if you’re interested in exploring, there are loads of options in other nearby communities. So as I started looking forward to this year’s Maine Restaurant Week (March 1-10, 2012), I began to

Maine Restaurant Week in Kenebunkport Maine water views

A view of Kennebunkport Maine from Federal Jack's - it just what I needed!

think about why exactly I enjoy eating in restaurants and narrowed it down to three main reasons.

Eating out gives me a chance to try some different foods, or ones I just can’t make at home. Now, we can all whip up a pot of pasta and marinara sauce, but there’s more to Italian cuisine than graces the shelves of your local supermarket. We are lucky enough to have Grissini within walking distance of our Maine Bed and Breakfast. Although they advertise themselves as being located in Kennebunkport Maine, they’re actually just over the border in Kennebunk, so keep that in mind when you’re out walking. Anyhow, their thin crust stone hearth pizza is honestly the best I have ever had. There’s no way that I could make that at home without an awesome stone pizza oven, so it’s a real treat! Plus, their beef Carpaccio is a delicacy most wouldn’t dare to try at home.
Another reason that I test drive different restaurants is for the chef. In the case of Academe Brasserie, it’s two famous chefs! This participating restaurant, Brian and Shanna O’Hea, has been featured on the food network and received lots of accolades in the industry lately, so while it’s a personal fave that we patronize regularly, I regularly try establishments for their reputations. Plus, they often have gluten free soups available, which is great for our family.
Finally, I also sometimes just need to gaze at the water, dreaming of the upcoming summer (I can’t believe how fast it’s approaching!). If you’re in the same boat, you can enjoy the view of Kennebunkport Maine from the dining room of Federal Jack’s – it’s a perfect choice for “deluxe” pub food. And their selection of handcrafted beers is terrific, especially the “Old Thumper.”

So whatever your reasons for indulging in an evening of dining out, this March 1-10 is the perfect time to explore! Each of the participating restaurants offers three course lunch and/or dinner for just $20.12, $30.12, or $40.12! That just can’t be beat! Plus, with three great restaurants in Kennebunkport Maine, and some extra cash in your pocket from these great savings, you can indulge in a Maine Stay getaway and we’ll throw the third night in for free! (*Please note, the least expensive night will be at no charge, even if it isn’t your third evening.)

Tags: Kennebunkport Dining, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Have Your Cake at Chase Hill Bakery in Kennebunkport Maine

August 10th, 2011 by avadmin

All of us at the Maine Stay love to eat, so when there’s something to celebrate, we reach for cake – and now there is finally a great bakery in Kennebunkport Maine! Many people, both locals and visitors alike, have been bemoaning the closing of Port Bakery for nearly a year. Once a staple in Lower Village, it shut its doors and gave rise to Pedro’s Restaurant, an

Chase Hill Bakery Cake in Kennebunkport Maine

Nothin' left but a few crumbs!

excellent Mexican Cantina (which we desperately needed). So while we’ve relished a non-traditional Kennebunkport restaurant, there has been a noticeable gap in the area’s dining scene.
Without any warning or fanfare at all, a small chalkboard sign appeared, reading “Chase Hill Bakery.” Rumor has it that quite a few years ago, long before my time in Kennebunkport Maine, Chase Hill Bakery thrived on Chase Hill (convenient, right?) and was something of an institution, with lines forming at 6 am for their freshly baked confections. And while they haven’t rebuilt Rome in a day, they are establishing a solid reputation for themselves with a small menu of pastries, breads, and pies.
Two very special members of the staff at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast have given us lots to celebrate recently, as one married her longtime boyfriend at the end of July and the other is walking down the aisle this weekend. In their honor, before checking in guests and serving cookies at teatime today, we decided to have a little party, which needed a great cake to make it complete. Instead of a less than mediocre grocery store cake, we now were able to order a lovely creation from Chase Hill Bakery. This stunning chocolate buttercream frosted white cake arrived in a simple brown box, but there was nothing ordinary about what lay inside! It was fantastic! The proof is on the plate (or rather in what was no longer on the plate) – Chase Hill Bakery is a winner and a great addition to the dining scene in Kennebunkport Maine.

Tags: gluten free dining, Kennebunkport Dining
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Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth in Kennebunkport Maine

July 25th, 2011 by avadmin

If you’re anything like me and your “sweet tooth” has taken over your entire mouth, there are ample opportunities to squelch even the strongest of cravings in Kennebunkport Maine. While there are occasionally days when the smell of

Sometimes freshly baked cookies just don't cut it when it comes to sugary cravings!

freshly baking cookies in our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast can calm my sugar cravings, it takes multiple servings to reach satiation. Fortunately for me, there are oodles of amazing spots in Kennebunkport Maine to satisfy any confectionary craving!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! On a steamy afternoon, like the ones we’ve had recently, the options abound for frosty treats. Just steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast lies the famous Ben & Jerry’s, a New England creation offering rich flavors and high milk fat content. A stone’s throw from there sits Aunt Marie’s, which features a Maine made ice cream (Gifford’s). Though

Aunt Marie's - great for ice cream and lemonade!

the flavor options are more limited, the charm of this hole-in-the-wall (literally) absolutely makes up for it. If you find yourself exploring the sands of Goose Rocks Beach, Goose Rocks Dairy is not to be missed. With enormous servings and creative flavors all made in house, this shop is truly one of the gems of Kennebunkport Maine.
If something fruity is more up your alley, check out the delicious frozen beverages at Smooth-a-Licious Smoothies, just steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast. Need something lighter? Try the fresh squeezed lemonade at Aunt Marie’s or the stand adjacent to the Clam Shack. Roly’s English Fudge also offers an array of gelato options, especially fruit-flavored ones!
Hankering for chocolate? Try the famous confections also available at Roly’s English Fudge (their Cadbury variety is my personal fave), but be forewarned, English fudge is crumbly and less dense than traditional American types, with distinctly caramel undertones. If you are partial to more standard fudges, the Candy Man features ample options. This store also offers chocolates that are hand made in their York Maine base, as well as typical candy store treat – jelly beans, gummy worms, etc. But my favorite part of the Candy Man is its extensive salt water taffy assortment and the looping video of the taffy-making process. The Sugar Shack is of a similar ilk sits on just on the other side of the Kennebunkport Maine bridge, making its location perfect for stopping just before or after your trip to the beach!
So no matter when your craving hits during your Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast vacation, you’re sure to find satisfaction quickly and easily!

Tags: Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport ice cream
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Farm to Table Dining in Kennebunkport Maine

July 9th, 2011 by avadmin

Before Farm-To-Table dining became the new “it” thing for restaurants, several Kennebunkport Maine restaurants offered this to their patrons. Just down the street from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast lies Bandaloop, a small, slightly funky restaurant that focuses on utilizing local ingredients and organic products. Their menu changes regularly so as to accommodate the freshest seasonal ingredients. A personal favorite, I could honestly eat at

Even the red door lets you know you're in for a fun, funky dining experience at Bandaloop!

Bandaloop any (and every) night of the week. Not only is the cuisine good for you and the environment, the preparations are incredibly inventive (when was the last time you had an egg roll with sour port wine and balsamic reduction?). Plus, you can mix any protein on the menu with any of the signature sauces, so if you’re craving Scott’s caramelized onion gorgonzola cream sauce but aren’t feeling a Maine ribeye, try it on a

Today's list of local suppliers at 50 Local

bone-in pork chop or even fried tofu (and yes, he’ll even make it gluten free by coating it in corn starch!).
But if you don’t mind driving to dinner from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, you can hit up 50 Local in downtown Kennebunk, just an 8 minute drive from Kennebunkport Maine. A relatively recent addition to the dining scene in the area, 50 Local is owned and operated by a native of Kennebunk, and even offers produce raised right here in town! Considering that there are only two farms (and one is more farmstand than farm), that is quite an achievement!
The restaurant who takes the cake when it comes to Farm-to-Table dining is Joshua’s Restaurant in Wells. Joshua, the chef, was born and raised in a farming family in Wells that sold organic produce, which, to this day, supplies much of the restaurant’s produce needs. When the farm cannot sustain the needs of patrons, Joshua and his family use other farmers in the area (organic when possible). The small set menu allows for and ensures the freshest of ingredients are used, even in their homemade breads and ice creams. The 6 mile drive from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast is so worth it.
Honestly, the dining options in Kennebunkport Maine (as you probably realize) are terrific, but these three restaurants truly stand out in terms of their commitment to providing patrons with the freshest ingredients grown as nearby as possible. Our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast shares in this commitment, as we are working on obtaining more local ingredients daily – we’ve even planted an extensive herb garden this year! But in the meantime, to satisfy the locavore in you, check out 50Local, Bandaloop, and Joshua’s for some incredible meals.

Tags: Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport restaurants
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The Kennebunkport Festival is Here!

May 31st, 2011 by avadmin

So you’ve missed Day 1 of the Kennebunkport Festival, but it’s not too late to take part in some or all of the exciting events that make this week so special. In fact, there’s still room in tomorrow’s “Art of Dining” intimate dinners. Just

Historic home dinner during the Kennebunkport Festival

Their three and a half story spiral staircase makes ours look teeny!

steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast lies the Samuel Stairs House. This stunning manse was built in 1810 and boasts one of the tallest spiral staircases in New England (it’s three and a half stories high!). Incredible as it might seem, the truly astounding detail is the preserved wallpaper smuggled into the United States during the Civil War. So while you are enjoying the delectable creations of Kennebunkport’s very own Chef Gary Caron of Stripers Restaurant, make sure to take special note of this historic home. Even though this building is still a private home (thank you, Longworth family for welcoming the Kennebunkport Festival!), you’ll enjoy the finest selection of wines from Hall Wines. Not only will your palate be excited, but so will your eyes – on the works of Craig Mooney. A renowned artist, Craig is featured in the Maine Art Gallery.

Not in the mood for such a formal event? Don’t miss out on the After Party at Bandaloop Restaurant. Always a favorite, it is sure to be hoppin’ tomorrow night. For just $20, enjoy signature cocktails (and they are always amazing), appetizers, and live music. Plus, there’s more artwork to be enjoyed by Pam DeSantis Tachibana. Yep, the Kennebunkport Festival certainly is different than any other food and wine festival, and not just because it has the best location imaginable! Artistic creations are one of the cornerstones of Kennebunkport Maine, and the festival has stayed true to its roots with the incorporation of substantial amounts of incredible artwork from primarily local artists.

Stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come in this year’s Kennebunkport Festival!

Tags: fairs and festivals, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Festival
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Just Around the Corner: the Kennebunkport Festival

May 27th, 2011 by avadmin

With Memorial Day Weekend off to a great start, all of us in Kennebunkport Maine are looking forward to next week’s exciting event – the Kennebunkport Festival. This kick-off to summer has been around for several years under a variety of names, including Arts in the Inns and the Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival, but this year the reins have been turned over to Maine Magazine. Despite all the changes, the Kennebunkport Festival is celebrating the start of the summer season with a five-day party honoring the best of Maine living – incredible food and wine, warm hospitality, fantastic artwork, and an amazing destination – Kennebunkport Maine.

From May 31-June 5, enjoy the finest things in life (while some events have sticker prices to match, others are free!) in a destination you already know you love – or one you are just beginning to discover. The beauty of the Kennebunkport Festival is that you can pick and choose your involvement – stay for five days and indulge in outstanding private dinners in area mansions, or come for a night and enjoy great craft beer and live bands. There’s something for

Summer in Kennebunkport - it's a beautiful thing!

everyone! Some folks might favor events like Oysters and Pearls or the Grand Tasting, while others may prefer the lively After parties at some of Kennebunkport’s hippest restaurants or Brews and Tunes (sponsored by the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport, of course!).

And don’t forget, ticket holders will receive 50% off their third night at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, perfectly located to enjoy all of the Kennebunkport Festival! Walk to great dining (and, more importantly, the rockin’ After parties), live musical performances, and phenomenal tastings sure to excite your palate. But don’t neglect your other palette – your artistic one! With amazing artists and galleries filling the town, you’re eyes won’t be neglected. We hope you’ll join us next week for this incredible event – enjoy!

Tags: fairs and festivals, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Festival, Maine festivals
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