Have fun Mamasue and HRJ!

[eas11]

I know Sue and Helene both are going to NH for the weekend, Sue with a group of friends and Helene with DH. They're both going to a place that Sue recommended on a weekend get-a-way thread I started a couple of months ago. The package includes a dinner in a very nice restaurant. Can't wait to hear about the weekend since I'll be going there with my sister 4/21!
Have fun Sue and Helene :)
Don't forget to report back here!
Ellyn

[valchemist]

ellyn,

would you mind digging up the thread for me? or just letting me know the website where I can take a look at the package deal? thanks.

val

p.s.

have fun, Sue and Helene!!!

[HRJ]

Thanks Ellyn!! But, it's Maine, not New Hampshire. (Wouldn't want you to end up in the wrong state trying to find the place!! :D )

We're looking forward to this -- our 14th wedding anniversary is this coming Wednesday, so this is our anniversary present to ourselves. :) Unfortunately, the weather is not supposed to be great, but I'm sure we'll enjoy it, regardless.

Also, I hope we get a chance to see Sue :) -- and, I think, Mr. Mamasue will be there, too? (Is he Papasue?)

Val, the inn is called Sea Castles, and it's in Ogunquit, in southern Maine, which is a little over a hour from where I am, just north of Boston.

Here's the link to the original thread: http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37002&highlight=Ogunquit

Here's the link to Sea Castles home page:

www.seacastles.com

The package deals run from Nov. 1 to May 15. There are two package deals: both include two nights in a "suite" with kitchen facilities and dinner at one of three restaurants in Ogunquit. The "delux" package also include Sunday brunch at Jonathan's, a restaurant I've heard great things about. The regular package starts at $187 and the delux package starts at $270.

They also have a mid-week package that include discount coupons for the Kittery outlets.

Thanks again, Ellyn!!

Helene

[eas11]

Originally posted by HRJ
Thanks Ellyn!! But, it's Maine, not New Hampshire. (Wouldn't want you to end up in the wrong state trying to find the place!! :D )

Helene

Ylkie!!! Of couse it's Maine- that's what I get for writing a post at 6;30 a.m. :)
Have loads of fun.....BURRRRRRRRRRRRR, bundle up!

Ellyn

[KathrynY]

Have fun Sue and Helene and DHs!

DH and I had a really nice meal at Jonathan's on one of our Ogunquit trips. I'd love to hear your restaurant reviews, as we have a trip scheduled for May 9 & 10 and are always looking for fun new places to dine.

Helene - we're celebrating 14 years this year too!

If you're looking for things to do in the rain/snow, Ogunquit Round Table is a very nice book store on Shore Road where you can certainly occupy some time :).

[KathrynY]

So, Ladies, how was your weekend? :)

[slknight]

I thought about going to brunch at Jonathan's this morning to say hi, but was too lazy. Did you all have fun? I bet the 8 inches of snow we got yesterday probably kept you stuck inside.

[HRJ]

It would have been so much fun to see you, Susan!! But, I have to say, the brunch was the only part of the weekend that was a little disappointing -- food and service were only mediocre -- so you didn't miss much by not eating there. I think dinner must be Jonathan's strong point.

But, the weekend was fabulous!! I can't thank Sue enough for mentioning the Sea Castles package on that earlier thread -- it was a perfect weekend!

Our suite was top-rate -- comfortable and spacious. (Turns out, we were in the room directly above Sue ;) . And, we were at the table next to Sue, her DH and friends at dinner. It was wonderful to get to meet "Mr. Mamasue" and to see Sue herself again.

Yes, we were not counting on 8 inches of snow -- but it really wasn't much of a problem. Saturday morning, DH and I made a pot of our favorite Green Mountain coffee, curled up on the sofa, and watched the snow and enjoyed the quiet time -- didn't mind being inside.

We had relatively little trouble getting over to Perkins Cove for lunch, had the best clam chowder I've had in years at Jackie's (I cannot believe how good that chowder was!). We had a great view of the cove and watched the wild waves breaking over the snow-covered rocks -- when DH and I lived at the Jersey Shore, we used to love going to watch the ocean in winter.

Then we browsed a while at the Round Table (which was only a few doors from Sea Castles -- thanks for the recommendation, Kathryn!)

Had dinner at the Grey Gull in Wells -- simply, one of the best dinners I've had in a long, long time. Beautiful room, gracious service -- practically perfect. Even though I like to have seafood at the shore, I chose the rack of lamb, my favorite "springtime" dish, and it was worth every bite. DH had haddock topped with a crab "souffle," very rich and yummy. And speaking of rich, DH had the chocolate mousse for dessert -- very indulgent. I had vanilla ice cream on puff pastry. :)

On the way home this afternoon, we stopped at the Stonewall Kitchens factory in York and stocked up on jams and sauces from their company store. I love their wild Maine blueberry jam and strawberry jam, and I sampled a peanut-garlic sauce there that was really tasty -- I think it will make a nice marinade. I've got an idea for a recipe I'm going to try to "invent."

That's probably more detail than anyone wanted -- but, if anyone in the New England is looking for a lovely "get-away" weekend, this is a great package.

Helene

[Mamasue]

Lucy, I'm home!! :D

The 6 inches of snow and sleet and rain did not damper our weekend. We did some shopping in Freeport and Kittery. Relaxing too. Our dinner at Grey Gull's Inn was very good as usual. I will let Helene tell more details of the restaurant since its her first time. Helene and Mark had a nice little table for two at the window where I hope they we able to see the ocean. Our table of eight was not more than a few feet away and I was surprised to see them there. I believe their choice was the Clay Hill Farm at first which is another wonderful restaurant of choice. Of course the sun came out this morning just as we were leaving and heading for home. This has been our 3rd year now enjoying this week end get-a-way package. It is worth every penny and more. :D

[Mamasue]

Hey Helene....we posted at the same time. I am glad that we didn't pick Jonathan's for dinner this year and I don't think we will even give it a try. There are other better places for breakfast, so maybe next year you can book the $187 room which only includes the dinner on Saturday night.

I am so thrilled that you enjoyed your weekend and hope that you can return to Maine when the weather is much, much nicer. Its a nice place to walk and shop; enjoy seafood and chowda at its finest. :D

Oh and Ellyn....you will not be disappointed! I am sure that your weekend will be much brighter and warmer. :D Since you are going later in April please go to The Omelet Factory for breakfast. Cindy, the owner should have the shop open by then. It is the best spot for fluffy omelets or any choice of breakfast for that matter. Get there early because there may be a line but the line goes fast. Its a small place but worth the wait! Its on Route 1 heading North. :D

[KathrynY]

I'm so glad you both had a nice weekend in spite of the wintery weather. Thanks so much for all of the great restaurant recommendations - I already checked out the Grey Gull's menu on line and it looks wonderful!! :)

[eas11]

Thanks for the reviews, Sue and Helene. I'm glad you all had a great time- it's sounds wonderful! I'm looking forward to my turn :)
Ellyn

[Peggy C.]

It sounds like you both had a great time. How funny that you were seated next to each other for dinner!