The Lost Kitchen — Restaurant in Freedom

I took my best friend (in which I take my girl friendship seriously. Small tight knit circle)to bless our friendship that boujee & over the top classy way I do things. This wonderfully curated experience including fantastic food, amazing service and hospitality. We stayed in the on-site cabins making it a wonderful overnight...(get away up north)combining the best of a world class restaurant, B&B and glamping. Highly recommend. The best 3x5 post card that I’ve ever sent. Classy and exclusive way to dine. This sealed my friendship eloquently with my forever bestie.

Be prepared to spend around $150pp on a dinner at The Lost Kitchen including tax and tip, (but not including any wine you choose to purchase in the wine cellar downstairs before you head up to dinner). But also know that it will be worth every penny. From the rustic setting in an old restored mill hidden away in tiny Freedom Maine, to the bridge across the stream you cross to get to the restaurant, our evening dining there was nothing short of magical. The ambience and supper club vibe fits chef/owner Erin French's style perfectly. After choosing our wine, we headed up to be seated.

There is no real menu. The roughly 45 dinner guests each evening are served a progression of small plates leading up to the entree and dessert.. We had been given a card with a few courses that would be served so we could pick appropriate wine to go with our dinner, but were warmed that was only a 'teaser'. And they weren't kidding! Course after course was served to our table. Each one more delicious than the last. The wait staff explained each dish - all featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

About half way through the three hour dinner, Erin (who had been serving throughout the evening and chatting with guests) stood up and thanked everyone for coming. She gave such a heartfelt speech that really showed her passion for what she does. That is also evident in her food.

I travel alot and have dined at plenty of upscale restaurants, but I have to say that my meal at The Lost Kitchen was absolutely great, nothing I would change. From the cheese, beet and radish plate to the oysters artfully arranged on a bed of moss and stones to the lemon basil sorbet to the entree of halibut to the edible nasturtium garnish and chive butter... Every bite was delicious.

If you are lucky enough to have your postcard chosen in the annual April "lottery" - this small seasonal restaurant has come up with a truly unique way to assign tables which involves sending in a postcard through the mail during a week long period before the season opens, and then hoping you are chosen from the more than 10,000 entries they receive each spring - then you are lucky indeed.

Little F.Y.I. : There is no salt or pepper on the tables. And not a single dish needed any. Everything was...

Be prepared to spend around $150pp on a dinner at The Lost Kitchen including tax and tip, (but not including any wine you choose to purchase in the wine cellar downstairs before you head up to dinner). But also know that it will be worth every penny. From the rustic setting in an old restored mill hidden away in tiny Freedom Maine, to the bridge across the stream you cross to get to the restaurant, our evening dining there was nothing short of magical. The ambience and supper club vibe fits chef/owner Erin French's style perfectly. After choosing our wine, we headed up to be seated.

There is no real menu. The roughly 45 dinner guests each evening are served a progression of small plates leading up to the entree and dessert.. We had been given a card with a few courses that would be served so we could pick appropriate wine to go with our dinner, but were warmed that was only a 'teaser'. And they weren't kidding! Course after course was served to out table. Each one more delicious than the last. The wait staff explained each dish - all featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

About half way through the three hour dinner, Erin (who had been serving throughout the evening and chatting with guests) stood up and thanked everyone for coming. She gave such a heartfelt speech that really showed her passion for what she does. That is also evident in her food.

I travel alot and have dined at plenty of upscale restaurants, but I have to say that my meal at The Lost Kitchen was quite possibly the best I have ever eaten in my life. There is absolutely nothing I would change. From the cheese, beet and radish plate to the oysters artfully arranged on a bed of moss and stones to the lemon basil sorbet to the entree of halibut to the edible nasturtium garnish and chive butter... Every bite was delicious.

Dinner ended with a rhubarb custard dessert and coffee. Even the coffee was amazing. After dinner, Erin chatted with dinners as they left, signed her cookbook (you can bring your own copy or purchase a copy in the wine cellar).

If you are lucky enough to have your postcard chosen in the annual April "lottery" - this small seasonal restaurant has come up with truly unique way to assign tables which involves sending in a postcard through the mail during a week long period before the season opens, and then hoping you are chosen from the more than 10,000 entries they receive each spring - then you are lucky indeed.

If I could give The Lost Kitchen ten stars I would. It's virtually impossible to put into words how much we enjoyed our evening. So much more than the food, it was a magical experience that I will remember forever.

Last tidbit of information: there is no salt or pepper on the tables. And not a single dish needed any. Everything was...

LOST DELIGHT In the middle of nowhere (& plan your drive to/from because of it) is a hidden gem of supper club. This is not a restaurant, Erin is feeding friends with her curious flavor profile. Dinner is at 6PM & expect 2-3 hours.

Here in Freedom you park across from the Mill & enjoy a picturesque stroll to a renovated mill. Interestingly she shares the building with a school, which is the first door you come to. Per guidance you enter the basement to review the menu & choose a wine/beer(20% of the other diners had beer). When purchasing the steward ties a string around the bottle to inform the staff which types of glassware you require.

The supper club is on the 2nd floor. There are 4 seats at the island, but I'm unsure if those are prearranged? Tonight she fed 35 from a handful of tables.

While the menu had 4 courses, expect more. While not whimsical, as these extras were prepped prior, it does feel spur of the day for what she was going to prepare. It's a set menu, you can specify allergies, but if you're persnickety this place isn't for you.

There were 7 courses served. The highlights were mussles with cold cherry tomatoes drizzled with truffle oil. The basil peach sorbet & the supple swordfish. The smoked ricotta & french melon bib salad.

It was a pleasure to be invited to attend. Although the voicemail says she's booked for the year, I got on the waiting list & was granted a spot. Erin as well as the event is a delight. It was she that called & knew I was the lucky one who got in that night. She's the primary server for the extras, so she can explain the dish & is happy to answer any questions at any time.

Go. If you love food. This is a culinary adventure. You will be well fed, as I'm still full the...