Our first dinner menu--for May 31st

We had such a lovely time at our Open House. The inn was filled with local businesspeople, some farmers, a fisherman or two, some musicians, friends from way back and from next door. Chef Devin created an amazing parade of goodies--potstickers, duck confit, tenderloin with pesto, and cakes, lemon and chocolate! She's pictured here with one of her sous chefs, Sarah Havener. People raved about the food, complimented the wines, and continue to tell us what a great time they had. Staff and friends made the inn look spiffy--look at this beautiful bouquet of flowers Millbrook Bakery sent us. I'm sorry you couldn't make it to the party but now you can make plans to eat breakfast here or dine here or sleep in one of our gorgeous beds.

Here's a look at a sample dinner menu. Items will change every week, and maybe even every night depending on what comes in, what's fresh, and what whim Chef Devin follows for the night. Prepared to be solidly delighted!

Asparagus Puree
Parmesan Crisp, Pea Shoots and a Chive Chip $6
May Spring Salad
Carding Brook Greens, Grilled Asparagus, and Shaved Pecorino with a Lemon-Vinaigrette $7
Lobster Ravioli
Stonington Lobster, Parsley and Lemon Gremolata, and Pea Green Salad
$12

Apple Smoked Ribs
Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Duck Roasted Potatoes, and Pickled Cole Slaw
$23
Pan Roasted Frenchman’s Bay Halibut
Buttered Lentils, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Sunflower Shoots
$26
Spring Risotto
Sauté of Fiddleheads, Butternut Squash, and Chives, Asiago Cheese and Arugula
$19
Seared Duck Breast
Parmesan Polenta, Rhubarb Chutney, Sauté of Spinach and Asparagus
$24

Chocolate Espresso Moulton Cake
with Ginger Ice Cream
Luscious Citrus Cheesecake
with Rhubarb Compote
Trio of Sorbets
with Maine Blueberry, Lemon, and Raspberry
Vanilla Bean Crème Caramel
with Hazelnut Chocolate Drizzle
Desserts $7

At breakfast this morning, Jack, a long-time returning guest, demanded to know why I hadn't told him and his wife how wonderful Nervous Nellie's is. I wonder how he and his wife have missed it for so many years! The tasting cafe is heaven and the artwork all around the property is creative and a bit crazy. Well worth the trip, especially when combined with a hike at the Tennis Preserve, or a longer one at Barred Island (pictured here). Deer Isle makes for a great day trip from the inn.

One of the jobs I wrangle away from others on a pretty spring day is mowing the orchard. Yesterday I got to the mower first and so whiled the afternoon away under apple blossoms with fantasies of garden parties. We now have a table--the sort one could sit at and write in a journal, blog on a laptop, or (if you must) spread out some paperwork--waiting for you in the orchard.