Grace

If you're ever in Portland, Maine, you need to check this place out. A modern-day take on the "last supper", this dining experience is housed in a renovated church with an open kitchen---right on the altar. Grace Restaurant came to life in 2009 as a plan to restore this historic church to it’s original beauty while creating a modern interior that both complemented the sculptural details of the church and reflected the innovative cuisine. They've become well-known for their first rate menu in an atmosphere of artistic mastery.

My parents dined there this past weekend and could not stop talking about their experience. From the numerous photo opps to the deconstructed blueberry cheesecake, they were in heaven (no pun intended). Open just Tuesday through Saturday, this is a restaurant you will want to plan your visit to Maine around. Grace Restaurant offers a number of beers and cocktails and features an extensive wine list that pairs well with their incredible apps, entrees, small plates and desserts. Just to give you an idea, this is what my parents feasted on:

Top Left: Pan Seared Halibut with mushroom risotto, sweet cicely, locally foraged mushrooms, radish and fennel salad, garlic scapes and topped with a charred scallion vinaigrette

Top Right: Black Angus Hanger Steak with potato puree, baby carrots, fried green beans and topped with a veal demi

Bottom Right: Trio of Seasonal Sorbets in a sugar cookie sandwich with chocolate chip crumble

Bottom Left: Blueberry Cheesecake with white chocolate and a graham cracker crust

Can we get an Amen? They should probably change their name to Amazing Grace (I'm full of puns today).

 

 

 

Grace Restaurant has truly devoured the details of being a one-of-a-kind restaurant with quite the unique atmosphere and overall dining experience. So next time you're feeling hungry (and thankful) pray you make it to Portland for some great eats at Grace!