Blue Sky

Since I can no longer check in (when will I let it go?) I guess I am going to have to re-post when I re-visit.

Blue Sky is definitely worth re-re-re-posting. Last night we went back to the food bar and enjoyed a wonderful meal. The place was busy but we made reservations so we were seated immediately and stayed as long as we liked.

Once again we shared the steamed mussels in mulled cider with bacon, leeks and Devonshire cream. Seriously, there is no need to eat anything else. I have been dying to try one of the salads so we also shared the Merriam Vintners salad with roasted robiola cheese, shaved endive and crystallized walnuts.

Dessert was unnecessary but I am so glad I was tempted into trying the caramel pot de creme – silky and delicious.

It is casual but elegant. I will go back many times. Next time – I sit at the bar and try a burger.

Although my first thought is KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF, I know enough to know that lots of people will discover a Lydia Shire retaurant in York Beach Maine on thier own.

But – I loved this place at first glance. We were peering in the windows of a formerly decrepit building just off Short Sands Beach. The transformation was unbelievable – a complete turn around. And one of the bartenders – a very nice guy named Neil – took us inside and gave us a complete tour of the whole place – from the personally chosen by Lydia Shire artwork to the signature red glass and pigs and the bar and private room seating.

We returned at 5:15 to have a drink at the bar and a bite to eat. What a great decision!

I had a Perfect Mahattan – Knob Creek bourbon with some bitters, vermouth and a bit of Lillet plus my choice of a twist or a cherry (I choose BOTH naturally – plus my rocks on the side – if you ever happen to dine or drink with me).

We ate at the food bar in front of the open kitchen and the wood fire grill. What a treat. The sous-chefs prepare pizzas, salads, desserts and raw bar items right there and are as chatty as the work allows. We got little tastes of oil and whatever we were interested in. I loved it.

We shared some mussels in a wonderul bacon and devonshire cream broth and I could have cheerfully stopped there. In fact – the rest of our meals – a maple roasted salmon in pasnip stew and chicken cooked under a brick with lemon potato chips – are sittin in the fridge now. We also tried the sides of potato donuts and twice fried green beans in ginger sauce but they are also waiting to be eaten tomorrow!

Atmosphere – A+, Menu – A+, Service – A+++. Will I return?

A+++++++!!!!!!!