Each spring the lilacs and the chives welcome us back to the inn. We have a plump purple bush shading the kitchen window that always blooms earlier than the French lilacs along the driveway--with a heavenly scent, of course. Our kitchen herb garden brings on the chives all by itself so even if planting slides low on the to do list, we still have a bright green sprinkle for the scrambled eggs and soon the peppery purple flowers will find their way onto plates as well. The farmers market opened at the fairgrounds this weekend, and all our favorite folks were there. We got bread from Millbrook Bakery (and, full confession, a sticky bun, too), Indian food from Christian, lovely kale from Blue Zee Farm; chorizo, summer sausage, and bacon from Smith's Smokehouse, and burritos from El El Frijoles (and sampled their mango salsa). Take advice from me: go hungry! You can even go before you've had coffee because Janet at Millbrook Bakery has big tasty carafes of java.
Newcomers included Sarahndipity Bakery (a Nutella pecan tart ought to be illegal--illegal! So delicious) and Fire Brick Pizza, who drive with the brick oven right behind their car. They can make you a pizza to order super quick and mine was perfect. And it's not just food--wooden animals, jewelry, scarves, wooden bowls, and cutting boards.Speaking of wine, I had a very nice paella at Cleonice the other night. I tried a Pares Balta Blanc de Pacs. Springtime is a traditional time to fall in love and I have. I'm hoping to add this wine to the inn's cellar and could then share it with you over hors d'oeuvres. It would pair nicely with the focaccia and chevre we're enjoying tonight, or the bacon wrapped dates from the other evening.
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| PomPom, before she was a rooster! |
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| The baby chicks we fell in love with, and suddenly had to keep all 27 |
I get such a kick out of the history of the inn and trying to put the pieces together. One local historian, William Hinckley, reported that, "This was the scene on Aug. 3, 1861 of the 95th birthday party for Edith (Wood) Hinckley, the third white child born in Blue Hill, which was attended by 111 of her descendents." Another Hinckley, Mrs. Fannie, an innkeeper/owner for many years in the late 1800s, was said to have remarked "that she lived in a town where there is plenty of good spring water, and there is no need of anything stronger." Well, our spring water is still plentiful and good but we are happy to serve wine and spirits and even a local beer or two, in addition to good, old water.
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| PomPom and his flock |
Lots of restaurants are opening for the season--Buck's, the Lookout, the Whale's Rib, Deep Water Brewing, the Pentagoet but of course the one we are anticipating most is Chef Devin Finigan's new venture, Aragosta. Yes, Chef Devin has her own place now so won't be cooking at the inn. While we will continue to offer breakfast to our guests and the public, we won't be offering dinners this year except for a few special events, like El El Frijoles returning during the Foliage, Food, and Wine Festival in October (no, it isn't too early to reserve a seat for that).
Black Dinah truffles delight us all, I have to admit. Have you tried them? Did you hear the news? Truffles are the new pillow chocolate here at the inn. When we say we want to pamper you, we aren't kidding. If you're planning to come visit, check our availability calendar and make a date. It's going to be a very busy summer and we want to be sure you get your favorite room.
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