Thursday, June 10, 2010

My Birthday 2010 ~ Ogunquit Style

Getting old ain't for sissies.
                                                                                              - Bette Davis

Birthdays are important, if we didn't have them, we wouldn't be here. In the past 5 years, I have really started to enjoy my birthday. I celebrate health and happiness. Isn't that what birthdays are all about??

Our friend, Mark flew up from Florida to spend my birthday with me. We went to one of Ogunquit's favorite restaurants, MC Perkins Cove. MC Perkins is the recipient of the James Beard Award. This restaurant is situated on the Atlantic side of Perkins Cove near the "Island House" were Bette Davis once lived.

Bette Davis was the first female lifeguard for Ogunquit Beach. The above picture was taken in 1930, and shows Bette Davis in the centre around the other lifeguards.  During her long acting career, Ms Davis also performed in the famed Ogunquit Playhouse.

The bistro is owned by Mark Gaier & Clark Frasier, who also own  Arrows in Ogunquit. MC Perkins Cove is known for its innovative American cuisine, with an incredible view of the rocky Atlantic.   USA Today, rates MC Perkins as on of the "Top Ten places in the world with a view."

We were seated on the second floor, in a room with three other tables. I started the meal with  crispy calamari with chick peas and cumin yogurt. I enjoyed the unique combination of spices and dipping sauces.

Many reviews and awards have been written about MC Perkins and their flagship restaurant Arrows. What I like is the fusion of flavors that Chef Mark and Chef Clark combine with the local fish, foul and meat. My main course was the swordfish, served on a bed of mashed chick peas with extra virgin olive oil. The fish was topped with a "relish" of pine nuts, raisins, capers and shallots. The combination of the ingredients was innovative and delicious.

No meal is complete without dessert. We got the molten lava cake. Decadent yet delicious!

And, birthdays are not complete without birthday cake! My favorite is Dairy Queen Ice cream cake!

My Birthday is complete!

Blogger Greg lives and works in Ogunquit Maine, and co-owns Ogunquit Beach Inn.

3 comments:

  1. Having eaten there a few times at sunset, there is no better view in which to dine. Hope you had the Happiest of Birthdays. With Many Good Wishes.

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  2. Happy Birthday Greg!

    It's a bit late, but I've always had that trait!

    I'm a Yankee living in Florida now. Would love to visit Ogunquit again soon. Do you remember Annabelles's in the 70's and a bartender by the name of Alan Perkins? I met him in the dunes and danced with him at Annabelles, where he bartended. Sure do miss those days and the incredible freedom we had.

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