Stu's Reviews . . . Jonathan's Restaurant

For many of you, you know Stu as our resident concierge - He's a man in the know. Especially about Ogunquit restaurants. From quick family fare to white table cloth service, Stu has been there and done that. And he's perfectly willing to share! In fact, many people stop by the desk to see Stu on their way out just to double check on their dining choice or get a quick recommendation. Now, we'll bring you Stu's Reviews - Stu's personal restaurant reviews for Ogunquit and beyond!

This past week, Stu visited Jonathan's Restaurant. Close to the Meadowmere, Jonathan's is onsite and is family run. Known as the local steakhouse in Ogunquit and a favorite for good cooking, Stu revisited this Ogunquit classic to make sure it was up to snuff.  Here is Stu's Review!:

"From the beginning, Jonathan's got off to a great start. The greeting at the door was excellent - friendly and welcoming. For those of you unfamiliar, the decor as you walk through is pleasant, though slightly sparse. The layout of the table is simple and clean. T o give a basic description of the food served would be to say steak and fish - warm comfortable food.

For this occasion, I selected the Shrimp Cocktail to start and kept the fish theme going with the Chilean Sea Bass for an entree. I also enjoyed their Wedge Salad, which was delicious. Finally, suffering from a bit of a sweet tooth, I couldn't resist the Bread Pudding - Yummy.

The service was great - timely, friendly and each plate arrive just right. With the ambiance and menu of Jonathan's, I'd recommend this Ogunquit restaurant to couples and families (there is a kids menu). And after this meal - happiness abounds!"

Overall, a Stu Review of 5 out of 5!

Ogunquit has Beatle-mania with Pete Best!

Pete Best, the Beatle's original drummer, is coming to Ogunquit - playing at Upstairs at Jonathan's this Thursday night.

Foster's, a local paper, has a nice article about his memories with the Beatles and being at the Cashbah Club for the start of Beatlemania. Though a bit of a rocky road as 'famous for not being famous', Pete says he's the happiest he's ever been - which is good news for fans visiting for his concert this Thursday to see 'the man who put the beat in the Beatles'.

Another local favorite - Boston's British Yankees will be opening at 8pm. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased online at Jonathan's website. If you're a super fan traveling to see Pete Best and the British Yankees, pre-season rates are still in effect and start at $59, so there are deals to be had all around on this one.

Enjoy the show!

World Ocean Day 2008 at the Meadowmere

Part of our Environmental Leader certification is to have our efforts and eco-misson posted in our lobby for all guests to see. Our misson is located just beyond our desk in our atrium area.

But we thought 'How can we take this further?' If the misson is to educate guests at our Ogunquit hotel on our green efforts and changes, how about educate on how they might become more green? How about a weekend dedicated to environmental efforts? Of course, our next thought was 'Great - now how do we do that??'

Turns out there is a day out there called World Ocean Day (like Earth day and Arbor day, but for water  instead of land and trees . . .) and it is June 8th. World Ocean Day is the perfect day for us to celebrate since the ocean is so important to Ogunquit. In fact, Ogunquit is Abenaki Indian for 'Beautiful Place by the Sea'. The ocean gives this Maine village it's character and best attractions - 3 miles of white sandy beach, the cliffside walk of Marginal Way and the lobstering harbor of Perkins Cove. And many of the unique eco-systems in Southern Maine depend on the rivers flowing into the ocean and salt marshes. So World Ocean Day - specifically the weekend closest to June 8th - was selected.

For 2008, our calendar of World Ocean Day events at our Ogunquit hotel has just been released. Join us June 6-8th to celebrate, learn and enjoy our beautiful place by the sea!

Friday, June 6th

• All Day - Clean Beaches Campaign, Conservation & Green Education Information. Main Lobby.
• 3pm &  4pm - Eco Tours - An insider's tour of our hotel and our Environmenal Leader efforts with a Cavaretta Family member. Tours begin at Main Lobby.
• 5pm - An Inconvenient Truth produced by Al Gore - Special pre-show viewing of Tim Janis' Ogunquit CD! South Meadow TV Room.
• 8pm - The 11th Hour narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio - Special pre-show viewing of Tim Janis' Ogunquit CD! South Meadow TV Room.
• 4pm-10pm - Official World Ocean Day Pub Party - Featuring drink specials and a chance to win! Enter by leaving a Resort Guest Card at the Pub Friday night and you could win a free upgrade to the top of the house on a Learn to Surf package. Remember - a portion of every Learn to Surf package at our Ogunquit hotel goes to the Maine Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Learn more about Surfrider by clicking here.

Saturday, June 7th

• All Day - Clean Beaches Campaign, Conservation & Green Education Information. Main Lobby.
• 10am - 8pm - Discovery Channel's Planet Earth. South Meadow TV Room
• 10am - Learn to Surf in Maine! Liquid Dreams is offering surfing lessons at Ogunquit Beach. Board, gear and more included. Call in advance for this event - they can be reached at 207-641-2545. Rt. 1
• 10am - Complimentary Beach Plum Farm access until dusk. Check out Robbie Littlefield memorbilia, the salt marsh walks and more. Rt. 1
• 12pm &  1pm - Eco Tours - An insider's tour of our hotel and our Environmenal Leader efforts with a Cavaretta Family member. Tours begin at Main Lobby.
• 1pm - Learn to Surf in Maine! Liquid Dreams is offering surfing lessons at Ogunquit Beach. Board, gear and more included. Call in advance for this event - they can be reached at 207-641-2545. Rt. 1
• 8pm - Erin Brockovich. South Meadow TV Room.
• 8pm - Live at the West Meadow Pub - Brian Johnson

Sunday, June 8th

• All Day - Clean Beaches Campaign, Conservation & Green Education Information. Main Lobby.
• 10am - Learn to Surf in Maine! Liquid Dreams is offering surfing lessons at Ogunquit Beach. Board, gear and more included. Call in advance for this event - they can be reached at 207-641-2545. Rt. 1

Golf Tournament Special! June 22!

On Sunday June 22nd the Meadowmere will be offering a special at our Ogunquit hotel. For the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, a special rate of just $119.95 is available for this Sunday.

This year, the Ogunquit Chamber's 2008 tournament will be held on Monday, June 23rd at the Cape Neddick Country Club in Cape Neddick Maine. The club is semi private and many of our guests find the tee times fill fast - so this is a perfect opportunity to have some fun and get on the course! Check out a virtual tour of the course here and the Grille at the Clubhouse here.

Start time is 8am and registration is $100 for the tournament. Prizes and goodies are a plenty! Don't miss out! Sign up by calling the Chamber at 207-646-2939. Book the special by calling 800-633-8718 or online at our hotel reservations - be sure to put Internet Special under type of stay!!

May Day, May Day - Mother's Day is Almost Here!

As you turn the page on the calendar today, maybe you got a little funny feeling that something was coming up soon. As you turned on the television, suddenly those jewelry ads not seen since the holidays are back and constantly interrupting your favorite show. And why is it that the grocery store has the flowers all over the entrances - don't they know about your allergies??

At the Meadowmere, we thought we would give a hint - a really obvious one. Far before your dad calls on May 12th or suddenly you awaken in a cold sweat on May 10th.

On this May Day, we are sending out a call that Mother's Day is just around the corner on May 12th. And since we are sending this reminder on International Worker's Day, here are some of our favorite ways to pamper the hardest working woman in your life:

Mother's Day Brunch - Our Top Picks for the Ogunquit area

1. Jonathan's Sunday Brunch - We had to go with a classic that has been offering a wonderful brunch for mothers across Southern Maine and beyond for generations. Comfortable and family friendly.
2. Bintliff's Sunday Brunch - Let's just say when people rave about oatmeal and toast, you know it's good. Try the Bintliff Scramble for a treat.
3. MC Perkins Cove Brunch - The fabulous one of a kind ocean views may be more tempting than the basket of delicious muffins, rolls and sweet treats they drop off. It's an eclectic brunch menu so check it out beforehand - but the food is tasty.

Mother's Day Spa Treatment - Our Top Picks for Specials

1. Your Body Works - Any Treatment. They've been voted Best of the Best for over 10 years. And since they are offering a Complimentary Mini Facial with any one hour treatment for moms joining us this Mother's Day - you'll really look good with this gift!
2. Freedom Spa - Two Words: Rosemary Mint. Two More: Body Wrap. Trust us - We wouldn't recommend wrapping Mom up like a burrito unless she'd thank you for it.

Mother's Day Flowers - Our Top Picks in the Ogunquit area

1. Bette Jean's - Anything you want, they've got it. And they can get it to Mom on time. Hey - we know sometimes flowers say it best! And Bette Jeans just knows how.
2. Calluna's Fine Flowers & Gifts - Unique and frankly some of the most gorgeous long stem roses you'll ever buy will be here. A nice touch for new moms!

Mulching at the Meadowmere

"Lawn care was being done we were told- very good if this is more environmentally friendly than regular chemicals. However-the odor was a bit fishy while in the outdoor hot-tub. Any alternative that doesn't smell??"

Every spring there is a time here known as 'mulching at the Meadowmere' and this time is marked by the remarkable smell that wafts from the gardens. Rest assured - the smell is temporary - in fact, the ecomment from above was from April 27th and it is gone now. However, we know there will be a day or two when something about our resort smells a little fishy . . . literally.

Here's the inside story. Years ago, we got wind of a mulch like no other. And today, our mulching program at our Ogunquit hotel is part of our Environmental Leadership program (the guest who provided the ecomment above is right). Our mulch is purchased from a local purveyor who, with love and care, cultivates outstanding organic compost. The trick is in the shellfish and lobster remains - It is also where the smell comes from. And if any of you have ever boiled lobster at home and put the bodies in the kitchen trash, you can attest from entering your kitchen the next morning that it only takes a day to have a scent that will knock you out.

Our fearless Maintenance team spreads the mulch through every garden and the fearful smell dissipates in a day or two. In fact, the compost smells because it is being moved  - Once settled, the process of enriching the soil begins and all the good stuff goes into the earth. 

By using organic compost, less chemicals and additional additives are needed in our gardens. By using this special compost, the nutrients in the soil are enhanced further. However, the compost is in demand and depends on the weather, lobstering, and more as to when we get to mulching.

So while we can't tell you exactly when we will be mulching at the Meadowmere from Spring to Spring, we can tell you that our gardens receive rave reviews and are the colorful back drop to many a family photo and wedding moment.

So when you say something smells a little fishy 'round here, it's a our Maine lobster compost -Ayuh! 

Have you heard about Jonathan's Concerts?

Many people are unaware that in Ogunquit, we see some mighty big talent come through (Yep - our little Maine village - It's true). There are the stars of the Ogunquit Playhouse and the occasional famous face that vacations here (We've heard rumors of Patriots stars and reality TV celebs) . Then there is Jonathan's Concert Series.

Jonathan's began its love affair with music long ago and the shows became known as Upstairs . . . at Jonathan's. For those of you familiar with the restaurant, the dining is downstairs - but upstairs is home to a ballroom with outstanding acoustics. So back when the stars started filling the seats, one would say "Hey, I'm going upstairs at Jonathan's tonight. Gonna see a show." Maybe it could have been more original, but for those in the know, it was a perfect fit. So Upstairs at Jonathan's stuck.

This concert season, Jonathan's has an outstanding line up. From comedy to folk to more contemporary sounds - the artists are impressive. To check out the concerts visit Jonathan's website. You can also buy tickets buy clicking here.

If you see a concert that you would love to see, but have to travel for, we have made it convenient to book at our Ogunquit Resort and buy show tickets. Click here to check out a stay & show. Quick tip - If you want to see Paula Poundstone, buy now. She is a sure sell-out!

Guilty: Of Generousity (Again) & Kindness (We Warned You!)

Well - It happened. Our General Manager was carted away for kindness!

Chris, our hotel's fearless leader, suffered in 'jail' for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-Up held at MC Perkins Cove.  Surrounded by mountains of candy and given several cell phones to make an unlimited number of calls to save the day, he raised bail and was sprung.

Rumor has it, there was a backroom deal with tough negoiations and tense moments (actually, the deal was made in the upstairs dining room of MC's restaurant, was worked out with stunning ocean views and several donated goodies). But Chris's freedom was had with 100% tax-deductible donations to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association continue its research and help one lucky kid enjoy summer camp this year.

Today, our General Manager is roaming the streets (aka the hallways of our Ogunquit resort) and once again, guilty of generousity and kindess.

Thank you to eveyone who helped!

Back by Demand! York's Wild Kingdom Passcards!

Lions and tigers and bears - oh my!

Well, at least a tiger for sure will be seen at York's Wild Kingdom. Maine's largest zoo joined our Ogunquit hotel's benefit program last summer and was a rave success. (If you are not familiar with Meadowmere Stay Rewards, called Benefits of the Meadow, local businesses offer our guests special discounts for staying with us. The rewards will vary, depending on the time of the year - but check out www.meadowmere.com and the Meadowmere Stay Rewards page to see what's happening when you want to take a trip to Ogunquit)

Good news for your family vacation - York's Wild Kingdom is back to be a Benefit of the Meadow for Summer 2008! From May 24 through September 1, guests at our Ogunquit inn can enjoy Zoo & Ride Passcards. Pick up you $11 passcards at the front desk and head 5 miles south on Route 1. The zoo entrance is on your left, just after the road widens to two lanes.

One of the neat things about York's Wild Kingdom is that the zoo includes amusement rides. Ferris wheel, Merry Go Round, Haunted House and more - always fun for the kids. The East entrance of the Zoo lets out to the Short Sands Beach area. Trinket shops, live blues music and the Goldenrod (excellent salt water taffy - delicious!) at your fingertips.

Hope you enjoy the Zoo this year and have a great time! Remember to say hi to Rewa the White Tiger!

2008 Ogunquit Fireworks - Come enjoy the show July 1st!

The Village Spirit Committee of Ogunquit presents one of Maine's most spectacular Fireworks Display on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Dusk/9:30PM. The show will originate off a barge in the ocean and the viewing areas will be Perkins Cove, Marginal Way, Moody Beach and the Main Beach with the exception of the stretch of Ogunquit Beach closed off to protect piping plover nesting areas.

Parking will be available at the Footbridge parking lot - although no access to the beach will be permitted. The parking lot at the Main Beach will be closed, allowing for public viewing and entertainment will be provided.

Trolleys from our Ogunquit hotel will provide transportation for $1.50 per ride and will run until midnight. Pick up/drop off available at Jonathan's parking lot on Bourne Lane. It is suggested for safety that spectators carry flashlights for use in exiting the viewing areas.

For more information on Ogunquit's fireworks display:

Visit: www.villagespirit.org

The July 4th Fireworks display is made possible by contributions form the community and visitors to Ogunquit - all who come to enjoy the fireworks show. Should you wish to help support the 2008 show, please make donations out to the Village Spirit Committee and mail to PO Box 684, Ogunquit, ME 03907. Email village_spirit_committee@yahoo.com to volunteer.

To find out about availability at our resort, click here.

To find out about July 4th events in Southern Maine, click here.