Michael G.
Yelp
Gotta admit, after seeing Gordon Ramsay's TV show Uncharted featuring the state of Maine and the head chef of Primo, I knew that when I was coming to Maine on vacation in a few weeks that I wanted to make a stop here for dinner. It was well worth the almost two-hour drive from our rental.
Situated in a beautiful Victorian house complete with acreage for a farm with animals (the chicken and pigs you are eating were probably clucking and squealing nights before on the farm) and lots of space to grow flowers and herbs, Primo lived up to its name for the quality of the food. We had a 5pm reservation, but walk-ins start lining up at 4:30pm and the day we were there they all were able to get seated. We were about 30th in line when we pulled up right at 5pm and no spaces were available in the parking lot; we had to go to the overflow lot.
The line moved quickly, however, and although some were in jeans and t-shirts, others were dressed up. There didn't appear to be a dress code to eat at this Michelin Star rated restaurant and twice James Beard Award Winning Head Chef/Owner, Melissa Kelly.
Duncan, our server, was always on top of things during our meal. He made great recommendations, and we did not experience any of the negativity in service that others have written about in their reviews.
If we didn't drink alcohol, then our meal probably would have been about $100 cheaper. But it's vacation time! My Millions Peach was peachy, the Blueberry Mojito was top notch, and when I asked for the least dry white, the Reisling came out. Not super sweet or too dry, but a good balance. My wife had the Zenzero (like a ginger Cosmo), and a Garibaldi (Campari, Blood Orange, and soda) which to me tasted like grapefruit. The end of meal Limoncello was hot on the alcohol.
Our meals were spectacular. I started with a special of Squash Blossoms which were stuffed with cheese (I forget what kind) and fried. Nice and light it started the meal off well. Wife had an appetizer size of the homemade pasta special which was ravioli stuffed with chicken in one of the lightest Alfredo but most delicious sauces she's ever had. She also got the bread for one. It's not free here; a $2 per person fee, but we only got it for one and it came with three different homemade breads and about eight pieces. All three were fresh like they came out of the oven right before serving. Next was the onion soup. Not French Onion, but it had to be the best onion soup I've ever had. I had to share and she agreed. It came with a small grilled-cheese sandwich which was to die for. I ended up taking a piece of my wife's bread to crumble into the onion soup just so nothing was left in the bowl. For mains, I was convinced to change my mind from the scallops to the swordfish. It was a big piece of fish with beans, hot sausage, and greens from the outside garden. Wife got the whole Branzino which our server filleted for her. Nice and flaky it was a great size which was not too lemony, and probably the only part of the meal which we felt was average was the gnocchi the fish came with. They were not that flavorful and quite dense. But our fish meals were excellent. Of course, we had to have dessert. I went with the special Blueberry Shortcake which they promote as a "James Beard" recipe, and wife went with the Profiteroles. She also was up in the air as to having them or the Zeppole. Duncan came through again with the right choice, and the salted caramel gelato made the Profiteroles 1000% better. We ended with the Limoncello, Cappuccino, and a Latte.
Almost three hours later, our meal came to a close. We were both very full and probably tipsy. The pacing at least today was very European style with a lot of space between courses. We were extremely pleased with everything at Primo.
$275 for two not including tip.
I even asked about coming back later in the week, and told about the walk-ins if we get in line a 1/2 hour before opening. We just might do it again!
