A little over a year ago, I arrived in Camden to begin an exciting new chapter in my life and career… and what a year it has been! I still remember how impressed I was with the décor when I stepped into Natalie’s restaurant for the first time. The oversized bold red lampshades and the combination of antiques and modern furniture are styles saved for metropolitans, most certainly not in mid-coast Maine.

It soon became clear that no corners were cut at Natalie’s (or the Camden Harbour Inn for that matter). The kitchen was brand new and ultra modern with all the equipment one can think of to execute a flawless dinner. The owners, Oscar Verest and Raymond Brunyanszki, desire only the best and are insistent upon using the best quality of proteins and ingredients to create your dinner. A superb culinary experience, with a personalized service that is both friendly and professional is what we strive to achieve each night for our guests. The guest experience here is magical and I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

I came to Camden and Natalie’s because of the unique opportunity to work with an enthusiastic team of people who are making a change in the Maine culinary and lodging scene. I love working in an environment where you are able to think out of the box and where you have a podium for new ideas and fresh approaches.

My menus reflect that enthusiasm, always based on the classic French cuisine but with a modern and fresh approach. I love the change in seasons in New England which brings about change in the local products, including the freshest fish you have ever seen. I enjoy living in Maine and I understand why so many artists decide to live along this stunning coast. The colors and sounds, along with the smell of the fresh sea air that fills your lungs, and the genuine people of Maine who welcomed me to the community are all inspirations for my menu.

Spring has arrived and it is still a few months before another busy summer starts. Last year was extremely busy at Natalie’s so we’re already getting prepared. We have made a couple of changes and improvements the past winter to ensure smooth service and quality cuisine this summer. We have expanded our kitchen so we can have more chefs working to give our guests an unforgettable experience. The bar menu has been upgraded and contains a larger selection of international bites inspired by the Dutch East India Company theme of the inn. We will continue to change our a la carte menu frequently, always using the freshest products and as many local ingredients as possible. Everything we do is made from scratch and prepared a la minute, sometimes that means that a preparation might take a bit longer but believe me the difference in taste and quality is worth the extra minutes waiting.

We also have been developing a new breakfast a la carte menu for our inn guests—I am very excited about this new menu that offers excellent choices including a Thai green curry omelet and Eggs Benedict with lobster. The inn guests are welcomed with a yogurt smoothie and fresh fruit and may choose from the a la carte selections as well as a culinary buffet. A sparkling mimosa or glass of Prosecco is served and what better way to start your day with freshly brewed espresso.

I hope to bring everyone along for some exciting cooking this season, especially this spring and summer, as the produce available is incredible and it is my personal favorite time of the year . I’ll be posting my recipes, general thoughts and adventures here in Maine and abroad during the following year. I welcome suggestions and hope for your interaction and questions.

We look forward to having you at Natalie’s and the Camden Harbour Inn.

Savior Gourmand!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 at 8:18 pm and is filed under Notes From The Kitchen. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.