220 Clay Hill Rd, York, ME - (207) 361-2272 www.clayhillfarm.com
Small farm restaurants are not as easy to find as one might think (or hope) in an area such as southern Maine or eastern NH. There is a bed and breakfast or 'country inn' on every other corner and almost no eating equivalent within miles. Although substantially fancier than many farms I've ever seen, Clay Hill definitely is a restaurant based around *some* farm fresh items.
Fancy in the same way that a Victorian Bed and Breakfast is inside, the fact that a valet works the door seems wildly unnecessary for a restaurant in the middle of the woods; especially when the parking lot is feet from the door. This sort of excess is bound to raise prices and proves unnecessary at all times. The quiet atmosphere inside would have remained quiet and serene with the beautiful views of their gardens even if we had been sitting at wooden picnic tables.
Our waitress was adorable if not blessed with the most reliable memory. She immediately came over and asked if we were interested in anything to drink and happily brought over their extensive wine list. The water service was a bit too Chinese restaurant for me as even while pouring the wine during the meal, a young lady would occasionally say pardon me, make me hold the wine bottle in front of me, and grab my water glass to fill it up. I never wanted for water, that much is true. Back to the wine, we chose the Von Hovel Riesling; absolutely delicious. Just about as flawless of a wine as is possible to purchase and at a reasonable price.
For food we ordered something from each part of the menu. The first to arrive was our bread, although nothing fancy (clearly par baked), served warm with sweet cream butter and over a bamboo leaf, it hit the spot. The baked zucchini was next to arrive; filled with goat cheese and lemon crumbs it was certainly alright, nothing spectacular about it other than the 'broken olive' vinaigrette.
The main course I ordered was BBQ Pork Two Ways and I also had an opportunity to try the Eggplant Napoleon. In addition I ordered a Classic Caesar Salad which was not brought out with the meal and I had to ask them if it was coming. The BBQ pulled pork was in a wonderful sauce albeit shredded way more than necessary. The pork ribs were small and good, the same sauce though. The idea that they were really different types of pork was lost because of the use of the same sauce. If you are unaware, Eggplant Napoleon is just breaded cutlets of eggplant with ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. They managed to succeed in having there be absolutely no rough skin or excessive seeds, the two mortal sins of eggplant preparation; it was a success. The Caesar salad was good, the croutons a bit old potentially (or just overcooked).
Desert was two things, the almond creme brulee and the chocolate mousse. The creme brulee was a little too burnt and there were certainly way more almonds than necessary (it was literally covered in them). The chocolate mousse was absolutely delicious but not delicious in relation to the cost.
For atmosphere and general attitude of the folks there, this place was a winner. For food, it was pretty good although not spectacular. The value to cost issue though is pretty big when a half a zucchini costs $9 and a small serving of creme brulee $8. Would I go there again? Sure, I'd give it another go. Would this be a 'farm' that I go to regularly if I lived closer? Not so likely.