Tag Archives: James Beard

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!

14 Portland Area Happy Places

These are some of the restaurants that make the food I love. They span the range from inexpensive to quite pricey, but every one of them is worth trying.

1) Central Provisions, arguably one of the best restaurant in the country. Chef Chris Gould specializes in making visually stunning and immensely satisfying small plates.
Smoked carrots

2) Hugo’s is a delicious ballet filled with edible art accompanied by unparalleled service. A full sensory experience.
Rabbit Terrine

3) Miyake Fore St just from the sea perfection. There is a reason that Chef Masao Miyake receives James Beard nominations year after year.
omakase sashimi

4) David’s Opus 10 Chef Bo Byrne serves up intricate seven course meals in an intimate setting.
Butter Poached Lobster, Caramelized Onion and Vanilla Bean Risotto Cake, Citrus Truffle Micro Greens

5) Eventide Oyster Co. sibling to Hugo’s next door,this restaurant serves some of the most beautiful seafood you may ever see. Amazing oyster selection and a lobster roll made that sill make any visit worth remembering.
Char

6) Boda Thai street food served in a casual environment with some of the friendliest wait staff in town. My can’t miss, their quail eggs and many tasty skewers.
mai tai

8) Slab Siciian Street Food carb heaven. Each slab is a giant pillow of happiness. At six bucks for a one pound hand slab, it is one of the best deals anywhere. As you can see from the photo below, they makes some pretty good sandwiches too.
Pork Sandwich

9) Nosh Kitchen Bar sister restaurant to Slab, if you are looking for the most over the pork fat related experience go here. Amazing fries (my favorite are bacon dusted), filthy good sandwiches and the option of adding pork belly and foie gras to any dish.
Nosh

10) Bao Bao delightful dumplings,asian salads and cocktails. Delicious, satisfying and inexpensive. What more can you ask? Overseen by celebrity chef Cara Sadler.
pork bun

11) Palace Diner simple food prepared with the finest local ingredients. Don’t let the menu fool you these simple dishes will blow you away. Bon Appetit called their tuna sandwich one of the best things they ate in 2014.
Palace Royal

12) Hot Suppa this beloved neighborhood spot serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a touch of southern flair.
Grits w chili and poached eggs

13) Sur Lie, new kid on the block, serving inspired small plates with influences from the chef’s Puerto Rican heritage.
Maine Oatmeal Pudding

14) Little Bigs savory hand pies and delicious donuts that are guaranteed to blow you away with flavor and creativity.
Donuts and Hand Pies