Monday, January 12, 2009

Great place for coctails! Oxford House Fryeburg Maine

Olive Bob recently attended a cocktail reception in the basement bar of the Oxford House Inn in Fryeburg, Maine. What a delight! The new owners have redone the basement bar into a romantic place for drinks and a light meal with that someone special. The stone basement is remeniscent of a cave, with properly dim lighting, comfortable sofas and chairs, with a small bar with stools. Although most people seem to go there while waiting for dinner in their upstairs dining room, the bar itself is ideal for a quiet romantic meal or the basic daily coctail.

They boast a nice selection of vodkas and gins, as well as several creative martinis. Most specialties run around $10, but are nicely proportioned. Varying from the usual martini, I tried the Dark and Stormy, a Bermudan origin cocktail made with Gosling's Dark Rum and Ginger Beer. They used Maine Root's organic Ginger Beer, which really added a nice kick. The drink was garnished w/lime and crystalized ginger, and was great.

The Chef/owner prepared a nice selection of appetizers for the reception, and we will return to give a full report on the dining room and pub fare. But if you are in the Eastern NH or Western Maine area, this is a unique and first rate place to bring someone for a romantic evening, especially if you want a quiet, discrete locale.

Cheers until the next report, Olive Bob