Imagine a place where the aroma of sizzling steak mingles with the salty sea air, and you’ve found yourself at The Lost Fire in Kennebunkport, Maine.
This hidden gem is about to set your taste buds ablaze.
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport, The Lost Fire Grill & Bar is a culinary oasis that’s been turning heads and satisfying appetites since it opened its doors.
As you approach this unassuming building, you might wonder if your GPS has led you astray.
But fear not, intrepid food adventurers, for you’ve just stumbled upon one of Maine’s best-kept secrets.
The Lost Fire isn’t just another run-of-the-mill steakhouse.
Oh no, this place is where carnivorous dreams come true and vegetarians… well, they might want to bring a snack.
But don’t worry, there’s something for everyone here, even if your idea of a good time is munching on leaves like a particularly picky giraffe.
As you step inside, you’re immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere.
The interior is a masterful blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, with exposed wooden beams arching overhead like the ribs of some great, benevolent beast.
The soft lighting casts a warm glow over the dining room, creating an ambiance that’s part cozy cabin, part sophisticated eatery.
It’s the kind of place where you could show up in your Sunday best or your favorite pair of lobster-print pajamas, and no one would bat an eye.
Well, maybe they’d bat an eye at the pajamas, but hey, it’s Maine – stranger things have happened.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food.
The Lost Fire specializes in Argentinian-style grilling, which means they take their meat very, very seriously.
It’s like they’ve made a solemn vow to the meat gods to honor every cut with the reverence it deserves.
And boy, do they deliver.
The menu is a carnivore’s paradise, featuring an array of cuts that would make a butcher weep with joy.
But the crown jewel, the pièce de résistance, the holy grail of beef, is their porterhouse steak.
This isn’t just any steak, mind you.
This is the kind of steak that makes you question every other steak you’ve ever eaten.
It’s the Beyoncé of steaks – flawless, show-stopping, and leaving you breathless.
The porterhouse at The Lost Fire is a thing of beauty.
It’s a generous cut that combines the tender filet mignon with the flavorful New York strip, giving you the best of both worlds.
It’s like the Switzerland of steaks – neutral in its ability to please everyone, but far more exciting than Swiss banking regulations.
When this behemoth arrives at your table, sizzling and perfectly charred, you might be tempted to propose marriage to it.
Resist that urge – I’m pretty sure it’s not legal in Maine, and besides, you’ll want to save your energy for the feast ahead.
The first bite is a revelation.
The exterior is beautifully caramelized, giving way to a perfectly pink interior that’s so tender, it practically melts on your tongue.
The flavor is rich and complex, with a hint of smokiness from the grill that enhances rather than overpowers the natural taste of the beef.
It’s seasoned with nothing more than salt and pepper, allowing the quality of the meat to shine through.
This steak doesn’t need to hide behind fancy sauces or elaborate rubs – it’s confident in its own beefy perfection.
But The Lost Fire isn’t a one-trick pony.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole stable of culinary delights to explore.
Take their empanadas, for instance.
These little pockets of joy are the perfect way to start your meal.
Crispy on the outside, with a savory filling that’s so good, you’ll be tempted to order a dozen and call it dinner.
But resist that temptation, my friend.
There’s so much more to explore.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or just really, really hungry), you might want to tackle the Mixed Grill.
This is not a dish for the faint of heart or the small of stomach.
It’s a carnivorous cornucopia featuring skirt steak, short rib, chicken, and an assortment of sausages that would make a German butcher nod in approval.
It’s like Noah’s Ark, but instead of animals going in two by two, it’s various meats making their way onto your plate.
For those who prefer their meals to come from the sea rather than the land, fear not.
The Lost Fire hasn’t forgotten about you.
Their salmon is a testament to the bounty of Maine’s waters, perfectly grilled and flaky.
And let’s not forget the jumbo shrimp – these aren’t your average cocktail party crustaceans.
These are the kind of shrimp that make you wonder if they’ve been working out at some underwater gym.
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Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what about the sides? Surely they can’t live up to the main attractions?”
Oh, ye of little faith.
The sides at The Lost Fire are not mere afterthoughts.
They’re supporting actors who could easily be stars in their own right.
Take the garlic mashed potatoes, for instance.
These aren’t just any mashed potatoes.
These are the kind of mashed potatoes that make you question every other potato you’ve ever eaten.
They’re creamy, they’re garlicky, and they’re so good that you might be tempted to ask for them as your main course.
(Pro tip: They probably won’t let you do that, but it’s worth a shot.)
And let’s not forget about the grilled broccolini.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Broccolini? At a steakhouse? What kind of madness is this?”
But trust me, this isn’t your mother’s overcooked, mushy broccoli.
This broccolini is grilled to perfection, with just the right amount of char to give it a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the meat.
It’s so good, you might actually forget you’re eating a vegetable.
But The Lost Fire isn’t just about the food.
Oh no, they’ve got a bar that would make even the most jaded mixologist sit up and take notice.
Their cocktail menu is a thing of beauty, featuring classic drinks with a twist that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Try their Old Fashioned – it’s like a regular Old Fashioned, but better.
How?
I don’t know.
It’s magic.
Don’t question it.
And let’s not forget about the wine list.
It’s extensive enough to make you feel sophisticated, but not so overwhelming that you need a sommelier and a PhD in viticulture to navigate it.
They’ve got wines from all over the world, carefully curated to pair perfectly with their menu.
Whether you’re a red wine aficionado or a white wine enthusiast, you’ll find something to love.
And if you’re more of a “I don’t know anything about wine but I like to drink it” kind of person, well, you’re in good company.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds amazing, but surely it must cost an arm and a leg?”
Well, my budget-conscious friend, you might be pleasantly surprised.
While The Lost Fire isn’t exactly fast food prices, it’s also not “sell your firstborn for a steak” expensive.
It’s the kind of place where you can treat yourself to a fantastic meal without having to take out a second mortgage.
And let’s be honest, even if you did have to sell a kidney to eat here, it might just be worth it.
(Legal disclaimer: Please don’t actually sell any organs. That’s frowned upon in most circles.)
The service at The Lost Fire is just as impressive as the food.
The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive without being overbearing.
They’re like culinary ninjas, appearing when you need them and vanishing when you don’t.
They can guide you through the menu with the expertise of a seasoned food critic and the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves what they do.
It’s refreshing to see people who are passionate about their work, especially when that work involves bringing you delicious food.
As you finish your meal, possibly loosening your belt a notch or two, you might find yourself already planning your next visit.
That’s the magic of The Lost Fire – it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.
It’s the kind of place that becomes your go-to for celebrations, date nights, or just those evenings when you want to treat yourself to something special.
In the meantime, you can dream about that porterhouse, salivate over the thought of those empanadas, and practice your wine-swirling technique.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing and your stomach do a happy dance.
So, there you have it, folks.
The Lost Fire in Kennebunkport, Maine – where the steaks are legendary, the sides are spectacular, and the experience is unforgettable.
It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the magic that happens when great food meets passionate people in a charming setting.
And isn’t that what dining out is all about?
For more information, be sure to visit The Lost Fire’s website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to plan your pilgrimage to this temple of taste, use this map to guide your way.
Where: 62 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Your taste buds will thank you.