Cape Arundel Inn
Weston Magazine Fall 2003
By M.W

Perched atop the cliffs, commanding a spectacular view of the oceans waves, and boasting sights of Walker Point-former president George Bush's summer home-lies Cape Arundel Inn.  Only a mile from town on famed Ocean Avenue, there may be no better place to stay wile visiting historic Kennebunkport, Maine...

Cape Arundel Inn is the brainchild of owner Jack Nahil-established restaurateur, innkeeper and artist.  Formerly a private oceanfront summer residence, Jack converted the 1895 Victorian-style mansion in 1997 into the serene vacation spot it is today.

The inn is a true reflection of the owner's personality-friendly, approachable, laid back and refined-completely devoid of the formal stuffy pretense that can exist in southern Maine.  This is a place to curl up with a book on one of th front porch's many pieces of wicker furniture, relax and take in the sweeping Atlantic panorama.

Nearly every room at Cape Arundel Inn has a vie of the ocean.  Beautiful perennial gardens are dispersed throughout the property; comfortable chairs and benches are perfectly situated to make the most of the seaside setting.  Each room is unique, so be sure to ask for a description of what is available when you call.

One of the best views is from the award-winning restaurant's dining room.  Here, Chef Rich Lemoine creates a wonderful menu based on local ingredients.  Like many of the staff at the Cape Arundel Inn, Chef Lemoine has worked with jack Nahil since the days when jack owned the White Barn Inn.

Dishes like the salad of grilled romaine hearts with red peppered Maytag blue cheese confetti and wild Maine blueberry dressing, are truly memorable.  The romaine hearts are flash-grilled to add a subtle smoky taste, while retaining all of their crunchy texture.

When vacation on the coast of Maine, visitors feel obligated to try the local lobster-which can be found around nearly every corner.  At Cape Arundel Inn's restaurant, there are a couple of special ways to have your lobster prepared.  One favorite is the sautéed Maine lobster with wild mushrooms in a whiskey and herb beurre blanc, returned to the shell and broiled.  The wild mushrooms create an earthy foil to the fresh crustacean.  This preparation may well be lobster in its highest culinary form.

The restaurant at Cape Arundel inn is open to the public.  Even if you are a guest at the inn, reservations are a must.  It is one of the most popular fine-dining spots in town.  Cape Arundel Inn is a small property, so call for reservations well in advance.