The White Barn Inn.

The most amazing meal I've ever had at a restaurant, I had here, at The White Barn Inn. The White Barn Inn, located in Kennebunk, Maine, is an award winning hotel, restaurant, and spa. For over 150 years, it has been in existence as part of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world! The restaurant at The White Barn Inn offers the only combined AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star dining experience north of New York City! (Yes, it is THAT good!) It has been described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the great places to stay and eat in the world."I would have to say I agree 100%! I was visiting some good friends that live outside of Boston, over the 4th of July. They have a beach house in Wells, Maine, so we went there for the weekend. This was one of the highlights of my stay, and I wanted to be sure and share it with you guys! Y'all know how I love to eat out, and this is now at the top of my list! Enjoy the pics! xx

1st course: Scallop Ceviche w/Passion fruit coulis

Paired with: Cade by Plumpjack Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2008

*Loved this wine! I already loved the Plumpjack cab, and this wine did not disappoint! (especially because I am not a white wine drinker!)

2nd course: Crispy Braised Pork, Pickled Shitake Mushrooms & Spiced reduction 

Paired with: John Duval "Plexus" Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend, Barossa Valley 2007

*This was my favorite wine of the night! This is a must try!

3rd course: Butter Poached Smoked Lobster

Paired with: Chateau Montelena 2008, Napa Valley Chardonnay

*Don't really like Chardonnay, but this one blew me away! I just bought a bottle that I found in a wine store here in Baltimore! Can't wait to have it again!

Loved the presentation of this dish... It was served with silver dome covering the plate. To present the dish, the server took off the dome, and smoke flew out of the inside! They had put a hose under the silver dome, filled the inside with smoke, and then quickly jerked the hose out so the smoke would still be underneath. It left the lobster with a wonderful smokey flavor that was evident in each yummy bite!

4th course: Foie Gras & fig torchon

Paired with: "Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" Alsace, Gewurztraminer, F.E. Trimbach 2004

*My favorite wine/food pairing of the night; not necessarily my fave dish or wine - but the pairing together was INCREDIBLE! This made me realize how good a food and wine pairing can be!

5th course: Parmesan "Bon Bon" w/Prosciutto Foam

Paired with: Taittinger Champagne

*LOVED this one! This champagne is fantastic! Also looking for a bottle of this one....

Half way through the meal, they served this palate cleanser. It was a "Lemon and Thyme Granite."

Very refreshing!

6th course: This was the "main" meal; Horseradish Crusted Local Beef Filet & Braised Short Rib in Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Paired with: Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006

*If you love big, bold reds like I do, THIS ONE is for you! Loved it!

7th course was the cheese display!! Love me some wine and cheese :)

They brought out this whole display, and each person had their own personal cheese board! You picked as many as you wanted. My picks are below...

I can't remember what all I picked, but I got 5 cheeses ranging in different firmness and region. (My two favorites were from Spain!) It was served with a wide array of breads, flat breads, and crackers....and spicy peach chutney! YUM.O.

Last course: Grand Marnier Souffle w/Milk Chocolate Ice Cream

Paired with: Chateau Prost, Sauternes 2006

*What an amazing dessert! I love how they poked a hole in the souffle and poured hot fudge down into the center of it. Hot fudge makes anything better, no? 

Close up of all the goodness.

As if we hadn't had enough already, they brought out this "tree" of handmade goodies...

Homemade marshmallows, truffles, and little confections. Perfect way to end the night!

A beautiful bouquet of flowers sat on the piano, welcoming us into the restaurant.

Right before dinner!