Summer is almost here, so it’s time to start thinking about new places to explore on long weekends. Our recommendation is to make it a place with some coastline and really great food. Where is the spot to be in 2016? Maine. Yep, you heard us. Vacationland has all the classic New England weekend getaway appeal (think sailboats and lobster rolls) as well as a burgeoning cultural art and food scene, combining artisanal and locally grown ingredients for meals that are just as pleasing to the eyes as the palate. With natural beauty and picturesque views in every direction, the most important decision you’ll make in Maine is where and what you choose to eat.
A Portland Restaurant Mention
Earlier in the month, Bon Appetit Magazine featured an article, Eat and Drink Your Way Through 72 Hours in Portland, Maine which showcased some of Portland’s newest and brightest stars on the restaurant scene. If you live in Maine, you already know that there are more restaurants in Portland alone, that you could eat out every night of the year at a different place, happily. We are proud to say that our sister restaurant, Tempo Dulu, was listed among other outstanding restaurants like the Drifters Wife, Central Provisions, and Fore Street. Tempo Dulu’s Singapore-inspired bar was touted as one of the “chillest” in the city and the signature spicy Wayang cocktail was mentioned as a must-try. At this high-end restaurant, from the bar to the meal placed before you, every detail is carefully crafted to form an unforgettable culinary journey.
Fine Cuisine, Inspired by Maine
While Portland has an invigorating array of places to dine, there are gems nestled throughout the state. In a short, scenic drive up the Maine coast you will find rolling green hills dotted with quaint New England towns and the famous, rugged Atlantic shoreline. Here you will find the historic village of Camden. The idyllic location is home to the Relais and Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn. Recognized as one of the World’s Best by Travel and Leisure Magazine, the inn offers not only highly detail-oriented service but a dining event to remember. Natalie’s is so much more than a meal, it’s an unfolding experience beginning with garden-to-glass cocktails and ending with a memorable dessert. The food prepared by Executive Chefs Chris Long and Shelby Stevens tells an elegant story of the rich beauty and abundance of the Maine coast. The menus change often, and are inspired by Maine’s vivid seasons.
The restaurant offers 4 unique dining experiences. The first is simple, but incredibly delicious 3-course Menu Prix Fixe with choices of 5 appetizers, 5 entrees and 5 desserts offered. The second choice is a 7-course Chef’s Tasting Menu, highlighting the bounty of Maine. In our opinion, this menu is the ultimate dining experience at Natalie’s because it showcases Long and Stevens vision. The third option is a Lobster Tasting Menu. It features Maine hard-shell lobster prepared four ways with your choice of dessert at the end. The final menu, perfect for walk-ins, is an exclusive dining option which combines the refined cuisine of Natalie’s with the comfort of our fireplace lounge. Enjoy small plate options and lighter fare for a quick bite or more casual experience.
While many vacationers and state residents alike may think of Portland first when looking for an incredible meal, it’s worth following your visit to Portland with a trip down the rocky coast. Like an adventure through the lush scenery of Maine, your culinary journey at Natalie’s will be an experience that will last a lifetime. To make a reservation, call (207) 236-7008.