After three years of ups and downs, changes and adjustments, the 2023 dining scene can be summed up in one phrase: FULL SPEED AHEAD.
Old favorites like Alisson’s, Fed’s, Sebago and Duffy’s are already in the swing of the season, feeding people on a daily basis.
But there’s a LOT of new stuff happening.
- Stripers has a new chef and we’re hearing raves.
- Smoke BBQ opened on Route 1 in Kennebunk and people can’t get enough. Burnt ends, anyone?
- The new owners at the Kennebunk Inn have made it their own, renaming the restaurant The Tavern and adding new dishes.
- Holy Donut is FINALLY open – and people are loving it.
- And speaking of love, Kport Bagels opened at the Morning Walk Cottages and people are flocking there.
- Mornings in Paris opened a great new Creperie just down the driveway.
- The White Barn Inn is celebrating its 50th anniversary of fine dining with a guest chef series. Favorite Jonathan Cartwright headlines on June 9.
- Rococo Ice Cream has moved to a FABULOUS, larger space in the Shipyard Shops (near Federal Jack’s), formerly the home of Honeymaker Mead Works.
- The Kennebunkport Resort Collection has opened Via Sophia in the space that formerly housed Pearl, and is opening Rosella – the Kennebunks’ first sustainable sushi restaurant – in The Grand Hotel.
- And Chef German Lucarelli, of The Lost Fire fame, bought the former Pier 77/The Ramp property and has BIG plans.
With stronger staffing, this may finally be the season where things feel back to normal and what a blessed relief that is.
So loosen those waistbands and get ready to dine out like it’s 2019 again!