IMO Ember is the closest to the complete package I've found in western Maine…read more
Now, if you want to try Ember, you'll need to find it, first!
The Grand Summit Hotel is a nice country resort carved into the trees lining Moonstruck, a beginner trail on the outskirts of the Little White Cap lift, a bit off of the beaten path. You could l miss the exit off Sunday River Rd, as it's the first option BEFORE the White Cap peak turn-off. Skiers would know the place by the slope-side heated swimming pool, the igloo huts and fire pit feature in the hotel's snowy 'front yard'. The grand Summit is also home to the larger anchor restaurant Camp which is located downstairs. Ember is a small, comfortable and softly lit space lined with windows that look out over great views of the mountain's ski trails.
a flight from the hotel lobby
In the space formerly occupied by the Last Run Room, Ember has a simple but elegant feel. We wanted to check it out so we stopped in for drinks on the Friday after Christmas -a couple days after they opened and ended up staying for apps and a second round.
We grabbed the three remaining seats at the bar which was set more like one long table with a with a series of candle style lights and comfortable high top seating.
The sweet smell of seared scallops doesn't respect personal boundaries- and just as we sat down, an order passed under our noses on its way to the party seated to our left. When I saw those bursting fresh scallops I said 'ok, this isn't an apres ski pub' LOL
The menu was straightforward w a good range of choices. We were planning to come home and put a roast in the oven -so I didn't pay too much attention to the entree's and deserts. But, the apps looked great and we knew we wouldn't be eating until a lot later, so we tried the scallops, artichokes, and the mushroom toast.
I was pretty impressed that so soon after opening, the place was staffed up - they were uniformed (their thing was all black), and everyone was personable and attentive. Not to belabor the point, but there are a bunch of restaurants I REALLY like in the area, but the service usually lags... often either too casual, under-trained, or the room is understaffed. I never complain about paying for a great meal, but along with it should come a comfortable experience... just saying
The drinks were light and refreshing -and seemed to be intentionally crafted NOT to hit you over the head, if that makes any sense, but more to compliment the food menu -sort of like how you pair wines... My daughter had the Hugo spritz, Cary (my wife) had the spicy margarita, and I had the Ember sour. All the drinks were fresh, balanced, and flavorful. I had the Brandy cocktail for our second round and the spiced pear just elevated the drink beautifully.
The food? I might not have ordered the fried artichoke hearts, but I heard someone at the bar say that 'they melted in your mouth' -and they didn't disappoint. They reminded me of the fried mushrooms we had at Ristorante Giova, in Florence, Italy; sweet, hot and crispy light breading outside over delicate, smooth, tangy artichoke flesh, served with a lemony aioli.
The mushroom toast was pure comfort -sweet, soft and crunchy ...with a balanced earthy, creamy chèvre tang.
I'm a scallop guy, -so I was a little worried that the slab of pork belly the fish is served on would overpower the dish. But the pork was perfect -adding good mouth feel with the slightest crisp and a mild background smoke flavor.
Overall, the food at Ember was on par the best joints in Bethel, -places like Le Mu and Mountain Social, but when you add in the comfortable and elegant style, and the civilized staff, I felt like Ember stepped up western Maine's dinner game in a big way.
BTW As we left, the spot was starting to get rocking, but it was a nice groove and everything seemed to be humming... everyone seemed to be having a great time.
We liked it so much that on the way out, we made reservations for an early dinner tonight (Sunday 12/28) after the Pats game and before we try to get headed back to Boston.
On that note, I'll I'd add that the place might seat 30 including the bar and may offer seating for an additional 10 guests in the igloos outside if they're even part of the restaurant. Point is, as good as I thought Ember was, I'm recommending that you call ahead for reservations, as I wouldn't be surprised if they get booked up quickly.
I'll update after we try the table service at dinner
Highly recommend
