Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

What is a Bandaloop? If I were going to define it I would say, "a Bandaloop is a semi-hidden treasure of a restaurant tucked away in the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport."

However, the definition on Bandaloop's website identifies it as, "the name of a fictional tribe taken from the Tom Robbins’ novel Jitterbug Perfume. In the book, this tribe knew the secret to eternal life."

My suggestion...definately plan on dinner at Bandaloop and you can decide for yourself which definition is more apropos.

Bandaloop is an intimate and comfortable restaurant with a casual and funky ambiance. The owners, Scott and Bridget Lee are dedicated to serving organic, all natural local Maine products whenever possible.

We were joined for dinner this evening by our friends Jan and Rick. We all started with appetizers and, we all ordered the same thing (hey, what kind of restaurant review is this?)...Bandaloop Egg Rolls. Don't chalk this up to coincidence, these Egg Rolls are outrageous. They are filled with red onions, walnuts, gorgonzola (yum), with a sweet and sour port wine reduction for dipping. I know, a more professional restaurant reviewer would have ordered something different in order to expand the scope of the review...too bad, I've had these Egg Rolls before and I wasn't about to pass them up . You shouldn't either.

Next, the main course, for Jan it was the Pan Seared Fresh Escolar Fillet with fresh crab and basil buerre blanc (I know what crab is but the rest, I'm stumped). Jan reported that her meal was wonderful. It was the Bandaloop Cioppino for Rick, a medley of clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and medallions of fish, steamed in a zesty tomato-lime broth, with Isreali cous cous and basil. Rick's description was, "fantastic, as usual." Janice had the Skewered Large Shrimp with a Zesty Asian Peanut Sauce. Janice talked about how good it was all the way home. And for me, it was the Portobello Mushroom-Sun Dried Tomato and Vegetable Medley with Cavatappi and Shrimp. This medley included red onion, bell pepper, broccoli and basil finished with sherry, Marcona Almonds and Parmesan. Wow, was it good!

And then dessert. I really like dining with people who enjoy dessert. Janice had Bandaloop's version of Chocolate Decadence. She enjoyed about half of it but was very full from her meal and ended up taking home a Georgie Bag. Yippee! It was really good. Jan, Rick and I all got the Mango-Peach Tart with Vanilla ice cream. The tart was warm and excellent but, if you order it, don't forget to eat the ice cream. It was also excellent. Those of you who know me, know that I am an expert when it comes to Vanilla ice cream.

As dessert was arriving, in walked Rob and Leigh from The Captain Fairfield Inn. Fortunately, they sat right next to us. I really like living in a small town.

Good food , good friends and a warm and comfortable setting, what more could we ask for?

At The Maine Stay Inn, we are always pleased to recommend that our guests have dinner at Bandaloop.

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants