Natalie's

I decided to drive down to Camden, and treat myself to a nice dinner.  After extensive research online, I chose Natalie's, a fine dining establishment located in the Camden Harbor Inn.  I was pleased with my evening, to put it mildly.

I arrived at first seating, 5:30pm, without a reservation.  I was seated at what I quickly decided was the best seat in the house, a corner table overlooking the harbor.  This was the first night of the summer menu, and I could tell the staff were excited and nervous about the details. 

The menu, it was explained, was a prix fixe, with a three course option or a seven course option available.  I had planned ahead with a very light lunch, so I chose the seven course.  I declined the wine pairing, as I had a little driving to do to get back to the dogs.  Instead, I ordered a glass of Grenache, a red wine made locally by Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville.  "Soft on the palate with lots of bright raspberry, cherry and strawberry on the nose and palate, and with a warm spice throughout." 

And then it began....



Photo courtesy of nataliesrestaurant.com



My table.  Perfect.

View of Camden Harbor from the table; I think I see the "Promise Promise"

Amouse-Bouche: Salmon with Balsamic Reduction and Roasted Capers

First Course: Three Preparations of Local Oysters

Unsweetened Butter with Choice of Salts Added
I chose White Truffle, Merlot, and Rosemary

Second Course: Israeli Osetra Caviar with Yukon Gold Potato Puree

Third Course: Local Poached Chicken Egg, Whole Grain Mustard Dressing, Anchovies



Palate Cleanser: Berry Sorbet in Something Sparkly

Fourth Course: Maine Halibut, Zucchini, English Peas, Corn Puree, Morels, with Lobster Foam

Fifth Course: Lamb Loin, Turnip Puree, Fava Beans, Golden Raisins, Thai Basil, Mushroom Jus

Sixth Course: Cheese Selection with Apricots, Roasted Ginger

Gruyere Cheese Beignets (I ate one before I remembered to take a pic). 
Not on the menu, but I read about them when researching Natalie's, and after asking if they would be available on my next visit, they magically appeared on the table.  Imagine that.

Seventh Course: Chocolate Banana Mousse with Beet Sorbet and White Pepper Cream

In lieu of coffee, this after dinner cocktail appeared (complimentary). 
"The Dusk" has Cherry Liqueur, Walnut Liqueur, and Espresso

 

 

I am delighted to say that I plan to return in the near future.  For the first time, I was so impressed with my meal, I took the time to subscribe to a few restaurant review sites to voice my opinion.  The service was excellent, the staff worked well as a team, the cuisine was an adventure of tastes and textures.  Add to that the atmosphere, music (modern, soft, French), and décor (red, dahling), and I'm a loyal fan.