It was a busy day exploring Port Clyde and Owls Head with visitors from Seattle, so we stopped into Shepherd’s Pie for drinks, which turned into an early dinner.

Shepherd’s Pie is Brian Hill’s new baby. You may know him from Francine’s in Camden.

From their website — “Brian grew up on a farm in Warren, Maine. Briefly dabbled in music before starting his kitchen career working at such restaurants as Olives, Figs, Bayona in New Orleans, Aquitane, and the Linwood Grill.”

We ordered appetizers, which expanded into a delicious dinner that we enjoyed Tapas style.

The onion rings have become a must have for every visit.

Brian started in the music business so he might like to know that these kids think chefs are cooler than rock stars.

We’re so lucky that Brian moved back to Maine  – where he believes the food “just tastes better.”

Shepherd’s Pie, 10 Central Street, Rockport, ME 04856, 207-236-8500, here’s their website.

Here’s a nice write-up in Maine Magazine.

And Casey Barber of  the Good. Food. Stories. blog recently visited.

Who needs Whole Foods when we have roadside stands?

Blueberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, garlic, beets, onions, lettuce, peppers . . .

They don’t accept credit cards but conveniently use an ‘honor’ box where you leave your money.

Cassida’s is on Route One in Belfast near Northport.

Joyce Tenneson’s home on Rockport Harbor was one of the wonderful locations for Camden’s annual Merryspring Kitchen Tour.

Such a clever idea for a house tour! Who wouldn’t want to spend the day peeking into some wonderfully designed kitchens and tasting some of the best offerings from our fabulous local chefs?

Her small entrance garden was lovely. Great use of hostas.

The view as well.

And Melissa Kelly from Primo wasn’t afraid to break a few eggs in showing off how to use this great kitchen.

She and her helpers served very clever, and elegant, eggs with spinach and caviar!!!

Merryspring Nature Center, P.O. Box 893, 30 Conway Road, Camden, Maine 04843, 207-236-2239, Email: info@merryspring.org, Website - here.

Primo®. South Main Street, Rockland, ME. 04841, 207.596.0770, Website – here.