Kennebunkport is a buzz of activity. Every season ushers in some exciting new things in KennebunkPort’s Dock Square and Harbor Village, or Lower Village to some.
The Lost Fire in Cape Porpoise is the latest dish cooked up by Chef German Luccareli of Ports of Italy, this restaurant on Route 9 serves wood fired Patagonia style barbeque in a cozy atmosphere, created by this talented Argentinian chef. The cool decor, cozy nooks and lively bar are almost as delish as the dishes.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw is under new ownership. Stay tuned to see if this classic remains the same or if there are changes. We love their delicious traditonal food.
Mornings in Paris got a french facelift over the 2019 winter, check out this fun coffee shop.
Batson River Tasting Room is the latest greatest by Tim Harrington – a swank brewery of Lucky Dog Brews and distillery next door to Maine Art Gallery. The intereior is chic, their beers and small batch liquors are yummy. Go upstairs to the library and relax with a cocktail in hand.
Spirit of Massachusetts is the new kid on the block, on the dock actually. Have you seen the Spirit of Massachusetts docked in Kennebunk River harbor? This 125-foot schooner was pulled from Portland by the whale watch boat Nick’s Chance. Dwight Raymond and his family, of the Pilot House, First Chance Whale Watch and Lobster Cruises, and Performance Marine, restored her to be a floating restaurant and bar – sister establishment to the Pilot House, located across the Kennebunk River from the popular The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel. This 1984 vessel built in Charleston Naval Shipyard was part of the tall ship parade in Boston Harbor, she has sailed from Canada to the Caribbean and Africa, before she moved to Boothbay Harbor as an Ocean Classroom teaching vessel. Now the Spirit of Massachusetts is the scenic spot to whet our whistle, a reminder of Kennebunk’s rich maritime and shipbuilding history.
Ports of Italy is nearby, located by the Lanigan Bridge and Clam Shack on your way to Dock Square. A complete rebuild of the old Bartley’s brings “Ports Of Italy” to Kennebunk’s restaurant scene. Chef Owner German Lucarelli, who recently opend The Lost Fire in Cape Porpoise, creates delicious Italian and Patagonia cuisine on a wood-fire.
Roma is a Pizzeria in Kport, opened in October 2014, serving classic Roman style pizza in Kennebunkport and their other location in Old Orchard Beach. Proprietor Luca is passionate about his authentic pizza. Sit down and takeout pizza, sandwiches and salads are Luca and Mauro’s specialty, next door next door by Ben & Jerry’s, serving traditional Roman cuisine, BYOB, in Kport. Bellisimo.
Papous Pita aslo in Union Square offers fresh made Greek sandwiches, wraps and salads to go. Also in Union Square, Salt & Honey now has a full liquor license to accompany their creative breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
Old Vines Wine Bar has a great new vibe thanks to owners Jon 
Ellms and Rick Taranto setting a high bar. You will find some cool tweaks to this cozy wine bar, including an upstairs events space, a slightly more expansive menu and a few less-expensive wines, while keeping key players like Chef Joel Souza, formerly of David’s KPT at The Boathouse and bartenders James, Janai and Charley. This is the upscale Cheers of Kennebunk, with a big welcoming bar, wood tables, and outdoor seating by the fire.
Bandalooop – a local favorite for their oganic flavors, has a new home on Route 1 Kennebunk, at the former Yankee Freiplace, which was way back in the day – the Wild Horse Tavern. Locals love Chef Scott’s food, so they will follow him from Dock Square to – well – just about anywhere.
Pearl and Spat Oyster Bar open in the former Abbondante, Table and Grissini restaurant space, Chef Rebecca Charles of NYC Pearl fame offers fresh seafood and a raw bar.
Boulangerie in downtown Kennebunk, behind the Waterhouse Center in the big red barn by Kennebunk Pharmacy is a “Proper Bakery” offering artisanal bread to the Kennebunks, fresh baked Croissants, Baguettes, Sourdough, Foccacia, Pastries, Irish Soda Bread, all made in house. They also serve coffee, tea, beer and wine. This could be the perfect place to stop for breakfast during Kennebunk’s Saturday Farmers Market, or lunch of soup or quiche, or pop in anytime to pick up fresh baked bread – baguette- like the Parisiens do.
Musette in Cape Porpoise is owned by Chef Jonathan Cartright, former Exec Chef at the 5 star White Barn Inn, and the food at this humble happy cafe is excellent.
Get out and enjoy these Kennebunk and Kennebunkport businesses, and your old favorites like Mabels Lobster Claw, Alissons , Stripers at The Breakwater Inn, and Nonantum 95 Ocean!
PS: Have you noticed that DanceWorks in Kennebunk, the Zumba studio formerly PuraVida of Alexis fame, is now Phoenix Health & Fitness, rising up again with a new name. That’s all the scoop for today… stay tuned for more Kennebunkport events.
Photos and Content Copyright KennebunkportMaineLodging.com 2019
