Bar Harbor Inn

Reading Room Restaurant

Bar Harbor

Inn  Oceanfront Resort

Now, I’ve got to admit, going to a restaurant called The Reading Room sounds like it could be a bore. At first I pictured a handful of patrons eating quietly in a book-lined room, speaking only in hushed tones, waited upon by librarians.  But then, there must be more to the story, right?  Who would risk naming a restaurant The Reading Room unless there was something behind it?  Well, it turns out that not only is there a good reason for the name, but the dining experience we enjoyed at this historic waterfront dining establishment was unforgettable.  And, no, my imagination had run in entirely the wrong direction.  This was no bookish reading room like I thought.  It was something far better.

The Reading Room’s name has a distinguished history.  In 1874 a social club was organized on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, called the Oasis Club. A few years later it moved into the Mount Desert Reading Room, housed in a new cedar-shingled structured designed by architect William Randolph Emerson.  Over the years the center for social activities was visited by the likes of President Taft as well as officers of the U.S. Navy whose ships visited the idyllic shores of Frenchman Bay.  But in 1947, after a terrible fire ravaged the island and consumed Bar Harbor’s famous hotels, the area was left without a means to attract visitors.  Beginning in 1950, what is now the Bar Harbor Inn began a course of reconstruction.  Today the Reading Room Restaurant overlooking one of Maine’s most stunning harbor vistas recreates the cultured elegance of a bygone aristocratic era without being stuffy or formal.  On the contrary, the dining room regularly features local pianist John Haskell whose versatile style ranges from big band and show tunes to contemporary pieces that appeal to all ages. 

We were greeted warmly by Cathy Walton, the Reading Room’s manager of over twenty years and resident unofficial historian.  Throughout the evening Ms. Walton checked on us frequently, making sure our every need and question were met.  We were then escorted to our table next to a large picture window overlooking Frenchman Bay from which we viewed a gorgeous sunset.  In hindsight, we could have taken advantage of the Reading Room Lounge which opens daily at 4:30 pm and makes for a great place to wind down on the porch of one of Bar Harbor’s best-kept secrets.  However we timed our arrival perfectly to catch the setting sun and gaze at the boats anchored within the confines of the serene harbor.  Ms. Walton came by, pausing to point out the sand bar now made visible in the ebb tide, recalling the days when she would walk out to the little island across the harbor.  

Once seated, our waitress brought us a basket of three freshly-baked bread treats: a white baguette, a parmesan herb roll and corn meal crackers.  Now, ordinarily, a basket of bread and crackers would not cause much of a stir, but these warm, oven delights were so amazing, we begged our server for more.  She told us pastry chef Janna Gallant came in daily to prepare her delicacies from scratch.  Based upon this auspicious beginning, we knew we were in for a delightful evening of culinary pleasures.

The menu featured so many mouth-watering temptations that it demanded thorough scrutiny before ordering.  The appetizer list included six choices: Gulf Shrimp and Maine Lobster Cocktail; Frenchman Bay Crab Cakes; Scallops Wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon; Porcini Mushroom Purses; Vine Ripe Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese; and an Artisanal Cheese Selection, the last being a presentation of locally-produced Maine cheeses served with homemade crackers.  Three soups were also available:  Creamy Lobster Bisque; New England Clam Chowder; and Summer Minestrone with Basil.  The minestrone selection featured fresh vegetables and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth and served with parmesan-garlic croutons.

We opted to begin with a salad course.  I chose the Gorgonzola and Pecan Crunch Spinach Salad.  This dish featured baby spinach tossed with mustard vinaigrette and carmelized pecans, finished with Gorgonzola crumbles.  The leafy, green spinach was fresh, cool and tasty and greatly enhanced by the sweetness of the pecans and tartness of the mustard vinaigrette.  My wife chose the French Country Salad that consisted of mixed baby greens with grilled asparagus, sliced beets, Seal Cove goat cheese and pine nuts.  She chose a raspberry-horseradish homemade dressing that was mild and not at all overpowering.  The grilled asparagus was a particularly nice touch, and the addition of goat cheese and pine nuts garnered her award for Tastebud Trifecta.  Other menu choices included Caesar Salad with garlic croutons and a Mixed Organic Field of Greens that featured local greens blended with vine-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, edamame, carrots, yellow peppers, red onion and chives.

The Reading Room is well-known for offering the freshest local fish, succulent lobster and the finest cuts of meat.  Executive Chef Lou Kiefer’s culinary philosophy of “simplistic elegance” shines through every dish.  The list of seven seafood offerings on the first half of the entree selections vied for our attention.  The first choice was Lobster Pie, a Bar Harbor Inn specialty, featuring fresh Maine lobster meat baked in a rich sherried cream with a butter crumb topping.  I glanced over at a table next to me where one of the diners periodically closed his eyes, concentrating all his attention on his tastebuds as he savored his lobster pie.  I knew he was happy with his choice and realized I couldn’t go wrong if I decided to order the same dish.  Other seafood selections beckoned as well:  Fresh Maine Lobster Meat, removed from the shell and sautéed in butter; Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon, finished with Maine maple and mango glaze; Local Diver Sea Scallops with Smoked Maine Baby Shrimp.  These ginger-seared scallops were sautéed with garlic, fine herbs, and cream, then tossed with smoked baby shrimp and served over lemon-pepper linguine.  Wow, how do you say No to that choice?  There was also Chargrilled Mediterranean Swordfish, Broiled Maine Haddock and, of course, whole 1-1/4 pound Maine Lobster served with drawn butter.

Since we had spent the previous week aboard a tall-masted sailing ship off the coast of Nova Scotia, dining on a plethora of seafood delicacies, we opted instead for the side of  the menu under the heading “Grilles and Pasta.”  Here were seven more delectable choices making the selection process just as challenging.  My wife settled on a happy “surf and turf” option that paired a hand-cut Petit Filet Mignon with a steamed Maine Lobster Tail—a great choice that found her happily satisfied with Maine lobster that was every bit as tasty as anything Nova Scotia could offer.  I was drawn toward the menu’s description of the Rosemary-Dijon Roasted Rack of Lamb, a dish complemented with roasted red pepper coulis.  I was not to be disappointed.  The Seven Bone Rack of Lamb was utterly fantastic and the organic carrots, broccoli and mashed potato side dishes were superb.  Pooled on my plate was the delicious roasted red pepper sauce made with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, dry mustard and crumbled rosemary.  For this and other mouth-watering recipes by Executive Chef Louis Kiefer be sure to check out his generous offerings at http://www.barharborinn.com/images/recipes.pdf

Following our hearty meal, we were served a palate-cleansing lime sorbet in preparation for a truly delightful dessert.  And what could be better than a Blueberry pie from Maine?  My slice of heaven featured wild Maine blueberries enveloped in a flaky cinnamon-sugar pastry crust, served with ice cream. A perfect finish to a perfect meal.  My wife ordered the dark chocolate raspberry torte, another superb choice. 

Gazing out our seaside window, with the evening sky growing ever darker, the dancing harbor lights twinkled and reflected off the glassy dark blue sea below.  As gentle waves lapped on the harbor shore, an equally gentle wave of satisfaction gradually crept over us as we rehearsed each of the courses we enjoyed.  Yes, this was the perfect end to a great day.  We had traipsed through Acadia National Park, viewing breathtaking coastal scenery, enchanted by forests of evergreen and deciduous fall color, and captivated by the romantic carriage roads built for horse-drawn coaches.  And now, here, relaxing in the midst of a cozy New England village restaurant, we knew we had just partaken of some of the delights once experienced by members of those famous, aristocratic American dynasties who played and dined here so long ago.

Bar Harbor Inn

Newport Drive

Bar Harbor, Maine 04609

www.barharborinn.com

207-288-8279

Interested in a Sunday Brunch buffet featuring live entertainment? 

Check out Bar Harbor Inn’s Sunday Brunch served on the first Sunday of every month through November from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm.  Price is $27 for adults and $14 for children.  Check out this menu:

Smoked Atlantic Sliced Salmon with Capers, Lemon and Dill Rémoulade

Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons

Mesclun Green Salad with Assorted Dressings

Banana Bread French Toast with Warm Berry Compote

Fresh Fruit Display with Melon and Berries

Weekly Pasta Presentation

Fresh Omelets Prepared to Order

Blueberry Pancakes with Maine Maple Syrup

Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise Sauce

Chef’s Carving Station—Maple Glazed Ham and Roast Beef

Baken Finnan Haddie

Crisp Bacon Strips and Sausage

Special Entrée Presentations         

Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Belgian Waffles with Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberries

Muffins, Sticky Buns, Pecan Rolls and Assorted European Pastries

Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate

Assorted Dessert Display

Coffee, Tea, Juice or Soda