Nina June
Let's imagine a perfect night out in Midcoast Maine. If you immediately conjure up an image of al fresco dining on a terrace overlooking Rockport's ship-filled harbor, we're on the same page. Next, let's add in an abundance of brightly colored flowers. You can see them, you can smell them, and frankly they're so gorgeous, you forget you're even at a restaurant. Finally, let's add a gentle breeze coming off the water. The scene is movie-set perfect. Except it's not fake, and it's not something that only lives in your imagination: it's the Nina June restaurant in Rockport, Maine.
What makes all of this even better is the setting is only the beginning. Chef Sara Jenkins was born here in Camden but grew up in Italy, Lebanon, and Spain. She infuses the finest ingredients Maine has to offer with a fresh mediterranean spin. Take the mocktail that's featured here: It's made from strawberries from local farmstand, Beth’s Farm Market, and a syrup made from lavender sourced from Glendarragh Farm and a few other ingredients that bar manager Jeff Hazell whipped up for us when we asked for something fruity.
We started with the wheat-sourdough house bread served with an olive oil that comes from Sara’s garden in Tuscany. We chose the locally-harvested aphrodite oysters from South Thomaston as our appetizer. For the main dish, I had the pasta (Sara makes it fresh every day) and mushrooms that were flown in from the Pacific Northwest. It was perfect. For dessert, we tried the lemon curd tart with elderflower blossoms and some espresso. Every bite was more savory than the last. The servers know their stuff and will happily answer questions about the way things are prepared and sourced. So if you are looking for a culinary experience that will leave you satisfied long after your final bite, we recommend that you call and make your reservation now!
FAMOUS FOR:
The prettiest terrace in Maine. The ultra fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. And the gorgeous plate presentation.
HOURS:
Tues thru Sat: 5:30p-9p
Closed Sunday and Monday
ADDRESS:
24 Central Street in Rockport, Maine
WEBSITE:
ninajunerestaurant.com
