07.8.2011 Good food in New England (part two)
My family and I flew into Boston and spent a couple of days with our kids in this lovely historic city before heading up to Maine to take my son to camp for the month. Being the farmers' market junkie that I am, we hit the first one we could find in downtown Boston on Saturday morning. So as not to disappoint me it pulled out all the bells and whistles... vibrant seafood and colorful produce. The only thing more colorful than the produce was the cast of characters shouting out their daily specials. The smells, the colors, the banter, it all warmed my heart and I instantly felt at home there. The commonality of farmers' markets, no matter where in the world I am, makes me feel bonded to the people and content.
I had butterflies in my stomach as we drove up to Maine. I dreaded dropping off my son at camp for a whole month even though I knew he loved it there. He was so excited to get to camp and see all of his old buddies but all I could selfishly think of was how I would miss him. Relief hit me when we pulled up and I saw the camp mom's cabin. She had lovingly planted cheerful flowers in front of her porch. Quite obviously, the person staying in that cabin loves her summer job and loves the boys at the camp. My spirits were instantly lifted!
The camp is situated on a breathtaking lake with the mountains dramatically rising up in the background. Who wouldn't love it here I thought?
After leaving my son contently at his camp, my husband, daughter and I drove to the coast to Rockland, Maine and spent one night on Owl's Head. Two big reasons to head to this tiny town, one, the fabulous home that our friends offered up for us to stay in and two, the foodie destination of Primo, arguable the best restaurant in Maine and beyond. Primo is located in an old victorian mansion and they are best known for growing their own food, raising their own chickens, pigs, honeybees and making EVERYTHING by hand... bread, patés, butter, pastries, etc. Truly remarkable.
Before dinner, my daughter and I wondered through their extensive gardens. There is nothing quite like seeing where it is all grown before heading into dine. I was duly impressed.
Melissa Kelly, the executive chef and co-owner, has a resume and accolades most chefs could only dream about. She graduated first in her class at the Culinary Institute of America, she has worked for the best including legendary Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, the posh Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, and An American Place in NYC to name a few.
They use every part of the pig and the bar had legs hanging out to dry. Does Fred Flintstone eat here? Yabba dabba doo! There is something very primal about this scene.
We ate foie gras two ways, seared with apricot tart and and au torchon on toasted brioche with mâche and cognac caramel, followed by wild mushroom and hand rolled cavatelli, and then grilled Moulard duck breast with oven roasted sweet potato fries and braised collard greens and spring onions and for dessert, a rhubarb crostata with a ginger crumble and slow roasted strawberries. Heavenly.
After our amazing dinner we wondered out to the chicken coops as the sun was setting to have a good look for ourselves. Finally, with our bellies pleasantly full, we lay in bed that night listening to the light house fog horn mesmerizingly blowing in the distance. A soothing end to a memorable meal.
And yes, I accomplished two things that I wanted to do most this trip, visit a lighthouse and eat a homemade blueberry pie, check, check.
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Reader Comments (14)
I have been waiting for this second part! What a fun jaunt though depositing a child for a month seems more than a mother's heart could stand. Have loved the photos and arm chair travel; thank you!
You have made me want to very much visit this new England countryside. Beautiful photos.
i love visiting the farmers market anywhere too....the colours, the smell, the locals! great photos - and ill def have to check out primo if im ever in maine one day!! hope you're not missing your son too much! :P one month camp is indeed very long but im sure hes having a blast!
Lisa, I want to go on the same vacation! What a great job you are doing. Maybe we will get to see you at Columbus Beach! Judy
Thanks Judy!! I hope to see you up north too!
How fun! My family has a summer home in Owls Head and each year we visit and eat at Primo!! Your trip sounds wonderful!
Great picks. Thanks for sharing your vacation trip. Isn't Maine beautiful in the summer. Yea for Mom finding Primo last summer. love you, Dad
Such an incredible experience! Those gardens look simply amazing :) Thanks for sharing!
Lynda- What? Owls Head too? Primo too? Small world indeed!
Absolutely gorgeous vacation shots!! Primo is so beautiful
Good food, good time ;-)) That's a great place to relax yourself
Your trip sounds amazing, Lisa! Good food an good weather it seems!
The camp looks great, I am sure your son will have a blast!
love your blog great pictures and combines travel that camp does look cool
Those gardens are so pretty and that pie! My goodness I want a slice of that.