Just a peep

Greenville in the off season is a challenge. Okay, it’s been a year since I was up there, but according to friends, not much has changed in the dining scene:

Rod & Reel is going to be your best bet. It’s consistent, the service is warm, the food is very good. It’s a homey place, nothing fancy, but the fare will likely exceed your expectations, given the setting.

If you’re up for an adventure, here are two sporting camps. Maynard’s in Maine in Rockwood looks like something out of a Stephen King movie when you first approach it (assuming it still hasn’t received a new coat of paint). It’s animal-trophies on the wall rustic, but the dining room serves hearty fare in big portions. You might try it for breakfast, if you like it, go back for dinner.

20 miles over dirt roads through the wilderness is Pittston Farm, a historic lumbermand’s camp in a fabulous setting. Again, big portions, hearty fare,

South of Greenville, in Monson, Spring Creek BBQ dishes up decent barbeque.

A good two to three hours north, through the Jackman border, is Pere Nature, a combination market, cafe and fine dining restaurant. It’s in St. George, just off the main highway (if you’re headed north, go left at the intersection with Burger King, then look for the faux colorful windmill, that’s it). The restaurant is worth the trip, and stock up on foods in the market.

Finally, there’s another sporting camp with a dining room open to the public in Kokadjo. Name escapes me this minute, but I’ll update once I think of it. That fare is a bit above the ordinary.

Oh, and there are a few other places in town: Stressfree Moose is okay for casual fare, Flatlanders biggest boast is its broasted chicken. The best thing about the Black Frog is its location (go for drinks). IF Lakeside Provisions is still in biz, good source for fancier take out. It was just getting started in a new, bigger location last year and had some plans.

Oh yeah, one more BIG adventure is over the Lily Pond and Golden Roads to Millinocket, not something you want to do if you’re not experienced at driving woods roads, especially at night (ditto by the way for Pittston Farm). Get local advice on the road condition before doing so, but see if Frederika’s is open at The Big Moose Inn.

Other than that, well you can live on sandwiches from the Indian Store IGA and Jamo’s if necessary; I’ve done so in the off season. And ask around while there, you might find a new spot.

1 COMMENT

ML Ziegler September 24, 2008 at 12:32 pm

Hilary, You seem to travel all over Maine with food as one priority (given your particpation on Chowhound). I will be headed up to the Moosehead Lake area in a couple of weeks and was wondering if you could make any food recommendations within an approx. 2 hour radius of Greenville. I would even be willing to cross the border into Canada if warranted. Ambience, setting and cost are flexible but the quality of the food is of paramount importance.
(Blair Hill and Greenville Inns will be closed, and Lodge @ Moosehead L will only serve Fri & Sat).
Thanks in advance for any input you may wish to forward. Regards, ML
Hilary Nangle September 25, 2008 at 9:06 am

Greenville in the off season is a challenge. Okay, it’s been a year since I was up there, but according to friends, not much has changed in the dining scene:

Rod & Reel is going to be your best bet. It’s consistent, the service is warm, the food is very good. It’s a homey place, nothing fancy, but the fare will likely exceed your expectations, given the setting.

If you’re up for an adventure, here are two sporting camps. Maynard’s in Maine in Rockwood looks like something out of a Stephen King movie when you first approach it (assuming it still hasn’t received a new coat of paint). It’s animal-trophies on the wall rustic, but the dining room serves hearty fare in big portions. You might try it for breakfast, if you like it, go back for dinner.

20 miles over dirt roads through the wilderness is Pittston Farm, a historic lumbermand’s camp in a fabulous setting. Again, big portions, hearty fare,

South of Greenville, in Monson, Spring Creek BBQ dishes up decent barbeque.

A good two to three hours north, through the Jackman border, is Pere Nature, a combination market, cafe and fine dining restaurant. It’s in St. George, just off the main highway (if you’re headed north, go left at the intersection with Burger King, then look for the faux colorful windmill, that’s it). The restaurant is worth the trip, and stock up on foods in the market.

Finally, there’s another sporting camp with a dining room open to the public in Kokadjo. Name escapes me this minute, but I’ll update once I think of it. That fare is a bit above the ordinary.

Oh, and there are a few other places in town: Stressfree Moose is okay for casual fare, Flatlanders biggest boast is its broasted chicken. The best thing about the Black Frog is its location (go for drinks). IF Lakeside Provisions is still in biz, good source for fancier take out. It was just getting started in a new, bigger location last year and had some plans.

Oh yeah, one more BIG adventure is over the Lily Pond and Golden Roads to Millinocket, not something you want to do if you’re not experienced at driving woods roads, especially at night (ditto by the way for Pittston Farm). Get local advice on the road condition before doing so, but see if Frederika’s is open at The Big Moose Inn.

Other than that, well you can live on sandwiches from the Indian Store IGA and Jamo’s if necessary; I’ve done so in the off season. And ask around while there, you might find a new spot.
ML Ziegler September 26, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Hilary
Thanks so much…..