August 25, 2014 | Sandy Giardi
There is still just enough summer left for one last sunshine-soaked hurrah or leisurely retreat, depending on your style. After interviewing interior designer Anthony Catalfano for this year’s edition of Boston Design Guide, he got us thinking it’s high time to head to Maine. Spoiler alert: in our feature he sings the praises of Wells, which borders Kennebunk, and speaks to how he’s developing an upscale retail center near his charming décor shop, Anthony Catalfano Home. His enthusiasm for the seaside locale is contagious. So contagious in fact, that he’s inspired us to delve deeper into his short list of “Maine musts” and map out what he feels are the high points of Wells and surrounding towns.
Photo courtesy of Wells Chamber of Commerce
Parsons Beach
Wells boasts some seven miles of coastline, pleasing beachcombers, sunbathers and recreationalists alike with gorgeous stretches of sand, shimmering waters and restorative views. Catalfano cites the private Parsons Beach as his favorite beach for a stroll, but the public can access and park at Wells Beach, Crescent Beach and Drake’s Island Beach more readily.
Wells Beach, photo courtesy of Wells Chamber of Commerce
Mornings In Paris, Kennebunk
Greet the day at Mornings In Paris. Isabelle Julien, who hails from Southern France, has created a year-round European-style café and community gathering place that has a Parisian feel indoors and out (she even lines up her café chairs as they do in the City of Light). Hand-roasted coffees, house-brewed teas and delicious pastries and confections are the establishment’s raison d’être. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can count on fresh croissants, cinnamon rolls and pain au chocolat, as well as sweet and savory handpies, cakes by the slice and light-as-air macarons. Sippers are equally tantalizing: think blueberry iced coffee, inspired espresso drinks, frappes, Italian sodas and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Photo by Karen Sigler
Photograph by Karen Sigler
Photo by Karen Sigler
Antiquing, Post Road
Post Road (Route One) is brimming with antiques shops that delight browsers and collectors alike. Treasures of every ilk and style await discovery in group shops, rustic, renovated barns and even structures on the National Register of Historic Places. These include period furniture and reproductions, found and primitive objects, garden ornaments and marine antiques, porcelain, glass and silver, books, art and even retro signage and ephemera. Find one-of-a-kind pieces at outposts such as R. Jorgensen Antiques, Reed’s Antiques & Collectibles, Wells General Store Antiques and Cattail Farm Antiques.
R. Jorgensen Antiques, www.rjorgensen.com
Cattail Farm Antiques, www.cattailfarmantiques.com
Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, Kennebunk
Catalfano sends those looking for lunch to the fun and funky Pedro’s of Kennebunk. Chef/owner Pete Morency (dubbed “Pedro” by the Mexican, Nicaraguan and Guatemalan colleagues he knew while working for years in San Francisco kitchens) and wife Kate have created a hot spot known for its full flavors, colorful atmosphere and live music. Catalfano swears by the quesadillas, but the menu also boasts small and large plates of tacos (butter poached lobster, anyone?), enchiladas, burritos and house-made chips and salsa. The drink list is just as intoxicating and features a wide array of margaritas, cava and tequila flights. Olé!
Photos courtesy of Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, www.pedrosmaine.com
Corey Daniels Gallery
No trip to Wells is complete without a stop at the world-class Corey Daniels Gallery. Owned by a former antiques collector, the ever-changing gallery is a “hybrid” in its conception and interweaves intriguing found objects with striking works of contemporary art. In Daniels’ hands, the ordinary becomes extraordinary when paired with bold and abstract art, creating inspired and cohesive new visual contexts. The gallery’s open-floor plan shows homeowners just how stunning—and compelling—these expressive arrangements of shape, texture and beauty can be.
Anthony Catalfano Home
Since we’re on the subject of beautifying one’s surroundings, we’d be remiss not to visit Catalfano’s own décor shop, Anthony Catalfano Home. The designer would absolutely point shoppers in the direction of his casually elegant display of furniture, rugs, lighting, art, tableware, accessories, orchids and other finds for the home. Coastal and nautically-minded objects and art abound, so you’ll have no trouble finding a tasteful remembrance of your stay that looks smashing in your abode.
Port Lobster Company, Kennebunkport
At-home entertaining indoors and out is one of Catalfano’s greatest pleasures. This, of course, requires seafood! For his signature lobster rolls, Catalfano heads to Port Lobster Company for fresh-picked lobster meat, as well as pristine chilled shellfish for his beachside raw bar. The seafood market’s daily catch depends on the bounty of Maine Coast fishermen, but often features swordfish (perfect for grilling), haddock and scallops. In business for 61 years, Port Lobster Company will steam Maine lobsters to order.
Anthony Catalfano serves up a succulent spread. Photograph by Roger Pelissier. Portlobster.com
Hurricane Restaurant, Kennebunkport
If he’s headed out for the evening, Catalfano is sure to frequent Hurricane Restaurant in Dock Square. Join friends at their mahogany bar for a cocktail (Hurricane’s wine list is award-winning) or stay for dinner to linger over delicious coastal cuisine and water views from every table. Salads and chowder, small plates and fresh-from-the-boat seafood, steaks and chops abound. As it should be, Maine lobster is prevalent, and makes appearances in the Cobb salad, giant seafood tower (whole Maine lobster, shrimp, littlenecks and oysters), Mediterranean seafood stew and, naturally, in the boiled and baked stuffed standbys.
Photo courtesy Hurricane, www.hurricanerestaurant.com
Read the full interview with Anthony Catalfano on his favorite places in Maine in our Digital Edition.
What's on your "Must Do and See" list for Maine? Share with me in the comments below.
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