Several weeks ago I decided that it had been awhile since I shared with you something that I had eaten and enjoyed. While contemplating a new blog, I wondered what I could share with you that would be exciting, new and different. Because I am new to this blog and because I have been tied to a very busy work schedule, I felt as though I had hit a brick wall. I decided that I would just gather up my precious husband and dinner companion and hit the road in search of a simple un-bloggable cheeseburger. We also enlisted our dear friends Pete and Rhonda to go with us. This was to be a non-bloggable visit to Ellsworth, until we saw the twinkling white lights of Simone's on Franklin Street.
We wandered in, unsuspecting of the creative genius held quietly behind warm wood, wine bottles and crisp linens. I don't want to give you the wrong impression of my first impression....the immaculate upscale interior does not feel stuffy because the staff is warm and inviting and let us look at a menu before we committed to a table. They answered questions without us feeling as though we were bothering them. After polling the dinner mates they agreed that the menu had intrigued them.
We sat and were immediately treated to warm, fresh bread while we decided on what we wanted for starters. I choose an arugula and cherry tomato salad with fresh mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and first press olive oil. It was simple but each ingredient was perfect, making a delicious salad. Scott had fresh local mussels steamed in a garlic broth with a fresh slice of chewy sourdough bread. He said the broth was delicious and the mussels cooked to perfection. Rhonda had crab fondue served with dipping bread and we were all amazed at the portion! We could have easily shared it between us all and been satisfied. It was creamy and delicious. Pete enjoyed his starter of carpaccio of beef salad. It was served with an amazing mustard sauce and crisp greens.
Arugula & Cherry Tomato Salad
Carpaccio of Beef Salad
Maine Crab Fondue
We really had a hard time deciding what to have for our main course. The menu is amazing and filled with beautifully composed dishes. We pondered for quite awhile over a glass of wine and decided that Scott and I would order Cioppino, a fish stew that is traditionally made from what is fresh that day. Ours included clams, scallops, calamari , lobster and halibut served in a savory tomato-saffron broth. It was served with a bit of bread so we could soak up every drop! It was delicious. Rhonda ordered Veal Osso Bucco with risotto Milanese and a gremolata. The veal was rich and earthy against the creamy risotto. The gremolata was a wonderful bright note to the dish because it contained lemon. It was very well balanced, although traditionally tomato based osso bucco is served with polenta. Rhonda didn't mind a bit! Pete ordered the coffee rubbed lamb loin with crispy pancetta, sun dried tomato sauce and potato puree. It too was well composed and delicious.
North Coast Cioppino
Veal Osso Bucco
Coffee Rubbed Lamb Loin
The evening was ended with heavenly desserts. Rhonda had a beautiful lemon tart, Scott and Pete had a white chocolate cheesecake and I had a glass of wine! (No surprise to my friends!) I had a sneaking suspicion that these gorgeous desserts were commercially made, not because they were not delicious but because the texture and appearance were flawless.I asked our server, who by the way was very attentive and open to all our questions, to produce the chef. We wanted to commend him for giving us such a wonderful evening in food. When he arrived at our table he was immaculately dressed in a crisp white chef's coat and explained to us that all of his food was created to order and that the desserts were the work of an in- house pastry chef. He was very gracious and invited us to come back again and gave us his dinner and lunch menus.
Lemon Tart
White Chocolate Cheesecake
This was an amazing gastronomic experience heightened by the company of friends. You never know where you may end up, even if you planned to have a simple cheeseburger!
Simone's is located at 59 Franklin Street in Ellsworth Maine. Dinner with drinks, starters, main course and dessert run approximately $50.00 per person. You can reach them for more info at (207) 667-1007
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