If We Had To Pick One Maine Restaurant for Valentine's Day, It Would Be...


Article by Eric H.
We've fallen in love with Clay Hill Farm in the southern coastal Maine community of Cape Neddick, and would consider it our top pick if we were dining out for Valentine's Day in this region.

Tucked away on a rural back road just minutes from coastal Ogunquit and York Beach, Maine, Clay Hill Farm resonates with a romantic dining feel. First, the restored, rambling 1780 farmhouse resides on  11-plus acres with rolling lawns, a pond, waterfall brooks, myriad birdhouses, a gazebo and woodlands that lend a feeling that you've escaped from the stresses of modern day life. Second, the attentive, friendly service (host, wait staff and valet) makes you feel like you're at a first-class restaurant. Third, the romantic dining atmosphere is tailor-made for gazing into each other's eyes and holding hands -- the dimly-lit grand dining rooms, antique furnishings, classic refined farmhouse decor, and a professional-grade pianist create a relaxing indoor setting. Fourth, none of this would matter if the food wasn't good. On several visits, we have always commented that the modern cuisine served by Clay Hill Farm just might serve the best food we've experienced anywhere in New England. Additionally, the wine list is extensive.  Our favorites: the amazing lobster bisque, bursting with lobster flavor; the "Classic Caesar with the finest mixed greens you'll find anywhere and accompanied by a just-right Caesar dressing with garlic croutons and fresh Parmesan cheese; real Maine crab cakes that prove that "imitation" is definitely not the best form of flattery; the crispy roast half duckling and the ever-so-tender braised lamb shank. The vegetables are always farm-fresh tasting and it's nice to know that all meats and chicken are all-natural, grass-fed and hormone free. The fish is is either wild or sustainable-farmed, so the concern about high levels of PCBs or other contaminants isn't a concern.

We have also found that Clay Hill Farm's elegant dining experience never results in snootiness. Everyone here is so friendly and accommodating. We always leave Clay Hill Farm with a wonderful feeling and asking, "When can we get back?"

Clay Hill Farm
220 Clay Hill Rd.
Cape Neddick, Maine
Tel. (207) 361-2272

Editor's note: Clay Hill Farm is offering a Valentine's Special menu. It looks fantastic! We noticed on its web site that the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14, Valentines Day, and is offering "Proposal Packages," including flowers and champagne. We recommend checking the Clay Hill Farm web site for specific details and to call them to find out whether you can be seated at your desired time.
--------------

Looking for lodging in the Ogunquit area for Valentine's Day Weekend? Check out our Ogunquit Hotels Page at VisitingNewEngland.com!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Good Eeeevening!: A Perspective on New Hampshire Meteorologist Al Kaprielian

Article by Eric H., at VisitingNewEngland.com Somewhere in the 1980s, my esteemed Arlington High School journalism teacher Len Tammaro tipped me off about a New Hampshire television weatherman that he called "Crazy Al Kaprielian." That night, I couldn't believe what I saw: this nerdy-looking guy with a high-pitched voice flailing his arms all over the weather map, contorting his face in every direction, and squealing, "Good Eeeevening!" and "HIGH PRESSURE!" (his future trademark phrases)." All that boundless energy and the myriad antics left the viewer laughing, yet enervated at the same time. In this world of slick, Ken and Barbie television meteorologists, Al Kaprielian has been the antidote to the standard, unctuous television personality. Twenty-five years later, Al is still going strong on MyTV New England with his unique style --perhaps validation that he really loves his job. No doubt, Al has always been an unconventional, unique-looking a...
Read more

Visiting My Grandmother Had That Antiques in Wrentham, Mass.

Image
My Grandmother Had That...Antiques  in Wrentham, Mass., is one of those "hidden gem" antique stores that is jam-packed with antiques, collectibles and other items from the past. Located in a charming, two-story old red barn at 446 South St. (Route 1A), My Grandmother Had That...Antiques certainly lives up to its name. You'll find furniture, lamps, desks, chairs, plant holders, fine China sets and just about everything your grandma had, and also didn't have -- like a web address, Facebook fan page or any hint on the Internet that this place exists! Unless you're a Wrentham native, one familiar with the antiques industry, have driven by the red barn on South St., or somebody that just reads maps of Wrentham all day, My Grandmother Had That...Antiques is as hard to find as the rarest antique. You won't even find the name, "My Grandmother Had That," on the building, just a sign that states "Antiques." The My Grandmother Had That name is on ...
Read more

Where To Live In Connecticut That Has A Small Town Feel?

Image
Noank, Conn. Editor's note: We recently received an email from one of our readers looking to possibly move to Connecticut. Here is her inquiry, followed by our response... Hi, my name is Courtney and I found your website completely truthful and helpful. I talked to my cousin who lives in the northern part of the east coast and she described exactly what you did! I am currently in Orange County, California, and don't like the "ingenuinity" (we're assuming the word is"disingenuous") and mindset of the people. I have found that Connecticut is a place with great weather and has a lot if cities with a small town feel. I was wondering if there was any way that you could help me specify my search in CT? I would like a city with a small town feel where your neighbors are sweet, but it still has a high quality of life. Essex and Stonington caught my eye, but I've never been so I can't say! Thank you for your time. Thank-you for your inquiry. We d...
Read more