9 The atmosphere of the place is very relaxed, very friendly. Customers wandered in, more than half of them regulars that either Jim or Irene addressed by name. Some sat down and watched the pair do their cho- reographed kitchen waltz of culinary and business tasks, or some read and commented on the local paper available on the Deacons Bench as you enter the café. More than one customer came in to order sandwich platters for future business meetings or social gather- ings, but the place was never crowded during the Monday lunchtime. Jim and Irene have found their own brand of Zen in their petite eatery of fewer than a dozen tables. A sign on the wall says (in Greek): Everything flows. Nothing stays. But I am willing to bet that The Rowan Tree will be staying for a while. The Rowan Tree hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Sarah Grant I end up thinking about for days afterwards. Apparently the Maine Diner is experimenting with mac & cheese recipes, with a different one being served each week. Later, co-owner Miles Henry tells me the jack cheese/spinach combo is his favorite. Weve got a good crew of locals, says Ronna, another waitress. Some stay away during the summer, but theyre starting to come back. Spiritually, winter is really the Maine Diners true season, for when it opened in the 1950s, it was off-season only! The story goes: Original owner Socrates Louis Toton, a longtime Boston restaurateur, opened the place in 1953 as his retirement diner at the end of a successful career. As such, he run it only in the off-season, preferring to close it in the summer months so he could tend his huge garden out back. And so it went for several decades, until the property was acquired by Miles and Dick Henry in the 1980s. The brothers kept the garden (and still maintain it; hence the our own produce signs), but began expanding the diners season, its menu, and its roadside appeal. The plan from the start was to make the place a real part of the community where quality counted, customers were treated right, and a sense of family prevailed. The formula worked. After nearly 30 years, the Maine Diner has grown into a tourism iconable to handle huge crowds while somehow not compromising the original prin- ciples. One way to cope with the crowds is to channel them into their adjacent gift shop, Remember the Maine, which maintains the upbeat atmosphere despite being named after an infamous naval disaster. Back in the diner, Miles Henry comes out Jim Winters at The Rowan Tree. Monday, Nov. 1 The Rowan Tree 241 York Street York Village, 363-2035 Honestly, you cant call the Rowan Tree a diner. Like a diner, it is small and has limited storage space (guaranteeing fresh fare for the customers). Moreover, it serves brunch/lunch and it is open year round, but it is decidedly a different flavor from the other small eateries described in this article. It might be classi- fied as a tiny bistro, if it must be classified at all. Gourmet must be in its description, but without the usual cash register sound effect in the background. The Rowan Tree is a meticu- lous, inexpensive café in a class all by itself. It is very well run by the duo of Jim Winters and Irene Kocka, and it is a great place to get a nutritious and delicious meal in the middle of the day. The lunch menu runs from $5.75 to $7.50 for uncommon sandwiches and salads. There are no sides included on the plate, but with such added ingredients as mesclun greens, artichoke hearts, cranberries, roasted red pepper, guacamole, spinach and walnuts each sandwich is a balanced meal in and of itself. I felt sated after eating my Lemon Chicken Salad (artfully blended with artichoke hearts and fresh basil) served on multi-grain ciabatta with mesclun greens ($6.50). Irene is known in town for her amazing soups (generally $3/cup, $6/bowl). This chef is subtle in her seasonings. No one ingredient upstages another. Instead, they harmonize for full complex flavor. The chicken, mushroom spinach soup was a good example of this, where all the generous ingredients, along with long grain rice conspired to compel me to take spoon after delicious spoon warming me from my toes up and tantalizing my palate. Like horseradish? The Horseradish and Cheddar Meatloaf Sandwich (grilled wrap) is zippy with horseradish. It also oozes a ched- dar and asiago blend of melted cheese and there is a little ketchup in there to keep the meatloaf company. It was a special for $6.50 the day I happened in. I happily helped to get rid of it. I picked up two of Jims cookies on the ways out: a cranberry studded hermit chock- a-block with clove, ginger and cinnamon, and mellow cranberry almond biscotti that melted in my mouth. It probably would have been good with tea, but I was too occupied eating it to make any tea. Urology Associates offers Urology Associates offers comprehensive comprehensive expertise in expertise in Mens Mens Reproductive Health. Reproductive Health. The team at Urology Associates of York Hospital provides diagnostic work-ups and comprehensive treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and testicular concerns. Our treatment options include medical management as well as injection therapy, vacuum erection devices, and prosthetic implants for ED. Testicular concerns such as hydroceles (swelling) and spermatoceles (cysts) are readily available; and diagnosis and prompt treatment of testicular cancer is offered as well. Urology Associates of York Hospital offers a team centered approach to the treatment of urologic conditions in a comfortable, caring atmosphere. With locations in York and Wells, Maine, were also close to home! Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Miles Henry at The Maine Diner. Monday, Nov. 1 The Maine Diner 2265 Post Road, U.S. Route 1, Wells (207) 646-4441 One cannot do a round-up of area din- ers and leave out the Maine Diner in Wells. In business for decades on highly traveled Route 1, the Maine Diner is fixed in the minds of many as what all other diners aspire to. Always busy, happy, and friendly, its often mobbed in the summertime. In the off months, however, it emerges as a gathering point that draws in many restaurants like the warmth from a stove. I recall stopping by one afternoon last August, and the place was hopping, with a full parking lot and a line out the door. I stuck it out and enjoyed a nice meal. Now, in No- vember, the mid-afternoons are a bit slower: upon entering, you find the friendly waitstaff catching up on chores behind the counter and youre greeted with a sit anywhere you like! I choose the same booth I had last August. The menu goes on and on, but now that the weather has turned cold again, one of todays specials sounds really appealing: Baked Mac & Cheese, made with smoked jack cheese and spinach, for $5.95. Amy, my waitress, convinces me its the way to go, and I dont regret it. When the dish arrives, its not only piping hot, but has a rich cheesy flavor that 9 A S S O C I AT E S OF YORK HOSPITAL Urology 065461 16 Long Sands Road, York, ME 03909 207-351-3975 Also at York Hospital in Wells - 114 Sanford Road, Wells, ME 04090 9 November 5 - 18, 2010 The York Independent
1 York The www.yorkindependent.net Not budging ays, D 7 ine further r D FREE Independent The hometown voice of the greater York region Nov. 5-18, 2009 Volume 11 Issue 17 April 10 - April 23, 2010 Volume 13 Issue 7 dont forget! SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR ON SATURDAY, NOV. 6! Free YTA closes door t
2 Publishers Note Why York is not un-American By JEFF RAPSIS The York Independent We had a great time putting together the story about diners featured in this issue of The York Independent. But afterwards, when I thought about it, the biggest emotion I felt was a sense of relief. No, it wasnt becaus
quit 3 ber 31st to help purchase equipment and technology vital for the support of new modalities and surgical capabilities. The generosity of so many has been inspiring. Each and every gift has been a gift of love and comes with a heartfelt desire to make a positive difference in the lives of our p
4 4 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Q&A sKYLER upcoming musician He goes by just one name: Skyler. And while one day it may be just as ubiquitous as other one-name artists such as Akon or Beyonce, for now hes the hometown boy looking to make it big in the music industry. And hes getting thereplaying since
5 What are your hobbies beyond music? Right now, I have to be so focused on my music, Im really not able to do a lot of other stuff. But I really enjoy going to see movies. This summer, I blew all my money on movies. What movies have you seen recently? Despicable Me I thought was awe- some. Also, Sc
6 Cover Story 7 Days 7 Diners 6 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Cruising the area for off-season restaurants The leaves have fallen, the tourists have gone home. Whats left is whats been here all along: the real York, the real Maine coast. And in that spirit, we locals have begun the annual process of rec
7 A heartfelt story I was walking along York Beach when I started having chest pains. I remember think- ing, Im a firefighter. Im in shape. I cant be having a heart attack. I was planning to work the next morning. My son had a differ- ent idea, so I checked into York Hospital and met with Dr. Petrov
8 as egg wraps but not a full breakfastnot right now, anyway. The wraps ($3.95) feature smooth and creamy Boursin cheese. Speckers focus on quality extends to the store, which stocks only a small selection of products selected for their distinctiveness. Milk? Its from a local dairy in glass bottles.
9 The atmosphere of the place is very relaxed, very friendly. Customers wandered in, more than half of them regulars that either Jim or Irene addressed by name. Some sat down and watched the pair do their cho- reographed kitchen waltz of culinary and business tasks, or some read and commented on the
10 to the counter to chat with a long-time cus- tomer. Hes standing next to a display case of cookies and brownies, some of which his wife made in her own kitchen. As busy as the Maine Diner (more than 1,500 custom- ers a day in peak season), thats the kind of place it continues to be. The only thin
11 The York Public Library will feature Transformations, an exhibition of mixed media wall sculp- tures by York artist Lauren Pollaro, now through Monday, Jan. 2, 2011. The public is invited to a reception for the artist on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m., at which she will discuss her work The title fo
12 ART INSPIRED BY DESIGN Recent move to York is latest step in womans long artistic journey AUTO GLASS CUSTOM MIRRORS TUB & SHOWER ENCLOSURES VINYL WINDOWS STOREFRONTS PLEXIGLAS & LEXAN PORTSMOUTH 431-2077 064400 By SUZIE GOODWIN The York Independent KITTERY 439-2077 361-2077 YORK 12 Cyan Magent
13 a series of cards she called the three wise women that raised more than $4,000 for the shelter. She retired from her design company after 37 years. During that time, she was nominated in Whos Who in Interior Design and also Whos Who in Women in the East. Her clients would fly her all over the cou
14 FOOD Our Always Fresh, Never Frozen! Own Homemade Pies Our freshly made pies have become a tradition in many seacoast homes for the holidays. Our bakers start with our own homemade pie dough and then add their own custom fillings. Anthonys Food Shop has all the flavors for your family feast, Appl
15 so I sometimes shape the butter into a log, wrap it in plastic or waxed paper and quickly chill it in the freezer for 15 or 20 minutes. Then I slice the log into roughly teaspoon-sized rounds. It makes pushing it under the skin much easier. Plain unsalted butter is effective too, mostly though, j
16 continued from page 15 juice into the cavity then throw in the rind. Okay, now you can roast the bird. Finally, oven time 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. You will sear the skin of the bird at this tem- perature to seal in juices. 2. Roast turkey at 450 degrees F for 25 minutes, baste the bird
17 Listings Send us your listings! List your event in the York Independent for free! Listings are run on a space available basis. Send complete information about your event, including exactly when and where it takes place, any admission charges, and anything else necessary for readers to take action
18 FILM REVIEWS Inside Job (PG-13) Megamind By Amy Diaz For the York Independent Megamind (PG) 18 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Evil has a new face and that face is blue with an enormous cranium mwah ha ha ha! in Megamind, a delightful animated movie. Megamind (voice of Will Fer- rell) is just a tiny bl
19 CAR TALK BY TOM AND RAY MAGLIOZZI Is this the first sentient car? percent consistency during the past four years. Im really beginning to believe that my Jetta is sentient, that it knows when my husband is there and is registering its pro- test. I did ask my mechanic about it, but he said it would
20 THE PET CONNECTION Looking for a home If youre interested in adopting any of these animals or if youd like to know whos available for adoption, please visit the Ani- mal Welfare Society Web site at www.animalwelfaresociet or call 985-3244. CRossword puzzle ACROSS 1 Fill the tank 6 Observes Ramada
21 NEWS OF RECORD OBITUARIES Gene B. Meade Gene B. Meade, 92, of 83 Long Sands Road, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 at home. He was born Aug. 21, 1918 in Castle- wood, Va., a son of the late Albert and Mary (Kegley) Meade. He was an Army veteran of World War II and fought in the Battle of Anzio Beach
$8.00 per 15 words. Payment is due when ad is placed. We accept cash, check and all major credit cards. ADVERTISING DEADLINE Monday by 5:00 p.m. prior to publication date. KEY ROOFING: Gut leaks,repair special- ist. Slate, shingles, rub- ber. Stay Dry! 30 years experience. Call NOW! 603-661-9480. Cl
23 Fair, Facts, Fun and Food for all Ages, Sunday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Nasson Community Center, Sprigvale. For more information: 430-5528 or www.maniemcn.org. Over 30 venders will be present, from educational experts and employers to healthcare and financial assistance providers. The
24 Realty One Office: 439 US Route One York, ME 03909 84 School St (intersection of RT 1) Ogunquit, ME 03907 Each offi ce independently owned & operated & 207.363.2497 ELIOT Toll Free: 800.272.4366 YORK 207.646.4546 YORK OGUNQUIT Not a Drive-by All Day long... enter the property along a beautifully
