Category Archives: Drink

The Quarry is a Magical Place: Monson, Maine

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Maine, look no further than The Quarry restaurant in Monson. This cozy spot has earned its reputation as one of the top restaurants in the state, and it’s no surprise why they’ve been named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard award in the hospitality category.

Owned and operated by Marilou and Bill Ranta, The Quarry is a labor of love for the couple. They’ve poured their hearts and souls into creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home to their guests. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to gather with friends and family, The Quarry is the perfect choice.

One of the most unique things about The Quarry is their dedication to feeding the artists from the Libra Foundation. The foundation, which supports a wide range of artistic endeavors in the region, sends artists to The Quarry to enjoy delicious, asian influenced meals as they work on their craft. This commitment to supporting the local arts community is just one of the many reasons why The Quarry has become such a beloved spot in Monson.

Of course, the food itself is also a major draw. Whether you’re in the mood for a steak, seafood, or a delicious vegetarian dish, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds on their flexible multi-course tasting menu. The menu changes frequently but I have included photos from our recent visit below, as well a few shots of one of their charming Airbnbs.

But it’s not just the food that makes The Quarry stand out – it’s the whole experience. From the cozy dining room to the friendly staff, most of which is family.  Every aspect of The Quarry has been carefully crafted to make guests feel welcome and at ease. And with the James Beard award nomination, it’s clear that others are taking notice of the magic happening in this small Maine town.

If you find yourself in the Monson area, make sure to stop by The Quarry for a meal you won’t forget. And if you’re not in the area, it might be worth planning a trip just to experience this unique and special restaurant.

Perfect Bread & Butter

Amazing Duck with pickled apple and five spice

Curried Squash
Amazing Scallops,special of the night.Wow!
Such a creamy torte!

Central Provisions! NYE

The following are photos of some of the fantastic creations that Chef Chris Gould and his wonderful crew whipped up this past New Year’s Eve, at our perennial favorite Central Provisions:

Such precision
Forgive my laziness, there was a lot going on top of these plates, so incredibly tasty!
Oh, my!
Wow!
Serious pastry game!

ChefsFeed Indie Week

Tickets on sale now, for a series of dinners hosted at award winning chef Cara Stadler’s Lio Restaurant on the evenings of September 5, 2019 through September 8,2019. The lineup is an amazing combination of both local and top chefs traveling across the country creating beautiful feasts at every stop. Each dinner will feature 12 courses and makes a wonderful excuse to visit Portland, Maine!

Get your tickets now!

Portland, Maine Roster:

Cara Stadler
Tao Yuan , Brunswick, ME

Ross Coleman
2840 at Dukesa, Houston, TX

Kim Alter
Nightbird, San Francisco, CA

Alex Sáenz
Bisq, Cambridge, MA

Mason Hereford
Turkey and the Wolf, New Orleans, LA

Vien Dobui
Cong Tu Bot, Portland, ME

Ilma Lopez
Piccolo, Portland, ME

Briana Holt
Tandem Coffee + Bakery, Portland, ME

Brian Jupiter
Inae Mae Tavern, Chicago, IL

Matt Ginn
EVO Portland, Portland, ME

Courtney Loreg
Woodford F&B, Portland, ME

Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins
Unaffiliated, San Diego, CA

Amanda Rockman
New Waterloo, Austin, TX

Jennifer Jackson
Voyager, Detroit, MI

Justin Tootla
Voyager Ferndale, Ferndale, MI

Tracy Chang
Pagu, Boston, MA

Lamar Moore
The Swill Inn, Chicago, IL

Rebecca Arnold
Whole Heart Provisions, Cambridge, MA

Peter McKenzie
Haley Henry, Boston, MA

PJ Edwards
Meadow Neighborhood Eatery, San Antonio, TX

Kate Hamm
Lio Restaurant, Portland, ME

Brian Mercury
Puritan & Co, Boston, MA

Pigs and Pinks:Full Plates Full Potential

join us Sunday September 30th to celebrate fall with some fantastic chefs and delightful pink wines, while raising  funds to help provide food security for our state’s children. Purchase tickets here at Full Plates .