Black Point Inn : 2015

Thanksgiving BPI Style (Part II)

12:45 PM

Experiencing Black Point Inn All Year: A How-to Guide

2:30 PM

Gone are the days of weddings overlooking the water, cocktails on the patio, and fresh floral arrangements in our lobby. We are sad to see our season wind down and to no longer see all the cheery faces of our visitors. As we reluctantly prepare to close down Black Point Inn for the chilly Maine winter, I have prepared a guide to keeping that BPI summer feeling all year round.

Step 1: Establish a Little Luxury

At Black Point Inn, we have an established dress code in The Point Restaurant to create a formal atmosphere to properly celebrate the food we serve. Meals should feel special. Your entire visit should feel special, for that matter. So recreate that feeling at home by setting the mood: layout a crisp table cloth, set those dishes you never have an excuse to use, have your favorite meal ready (bonus points if it is a seafood homage to Maine). Surround yourself with loved ones, those who make you feel most comfortable.

On the other hand, we recognize there is nothing quite like enveloping yourself in total comfort—that is why we offer fleece lined bathrobes. The best! Pull your coziest sheets out of the dryer, make your bed with only the fluffiest pillows, and then lay back and lounge. It’s your staycation, you don’t have to lift a finger! Can you feel the luxury yet?

Step 2: Fill Up Your Cup

This is important. One of the quintessential Black Point experiences is kicking back on our patio and sipping on a beer or one of our delicious house cocktails. This blog is loaded with easy yet oh-so-yummy cocktail recipes courtesy of our Food and Beverage Manager Krysten. Raid your liquor cabinet and get mixing! And don’t forget the ice!

If alcohol isn’t your thing, have no fear: coffee and tea will always keep you warm! There is a reason our signature mugs are so popular, our guests cannot get enough of morning coffee and afternoon teatime. Get your favorite warm beverage brewing, prepare your own BPI mug, and put your feet up.

A necessary addition to any mug collection.

Step 3: Find Your View

This step takes some planning. Prouts Neck peninsula provides Black Point Inn 360 degrees of amazing views, but we realize not all our guests share the same luck. What do you want to look at when you unwind? If you have a fireplace, use it! And remember how our lobby fireplace is always ablaze for you. No fireplace? That’s okay! Bring your comfiest chair to your favorite window, and let your mind wander off. Set your computer’s screen saver to one of those virtual fireplaces, or to a slideshow of vacation photos. Let yourself escape by imagining that warm Maine summer.

Our Widow's Walk provides the ultimate 360, also the Inn's best-kept secret

Step 4: Book Your 2016 Visit

Now that I have gotten you feeling all nostalgic for the simpler times of vacations on the Maine coast, it is prime time to book your next visit. This will provide you something to wistfully look forward to while you wait for all that horrendous snow to melt away.

Step 5: Repeat as Necessary.

By Lena C., Black Point Inn Social Media Coordinator

drink

Attention Beer Lovers...

11:18 AM

BPI employees

The Tradition Continues

7:20 AM

maine

"Naturally Maine"

12:40 PM

drink

A Foray Into Rosé

7:21 AM

Today we kick off the countdown to our annual Epicurean Weekend. From Friday, October 30^th to Sunday, November 1^st, BPI is open exclusively for this once in a lifetime experience which embraces the food, drink, and a culture of a place far from Prouts Neck. This year, Black Point Inn is gearing up to celebrate France, and its legendary and unique culinary DNA.

What better way to start the celebration a few months early than by filling our cups with one of France’s most unique wines - Rosé.

What is Rosé, Really?

Not a grape or a region but rather a genre of wine, Rosé is a wine named for its distinct hue-- rosé translates to pink in French. Like red wine, it is made from red, black, or purple grapes. However unlike its darker counterpart, the grape skins do not ferment in the grape juice. The skins are left minimally in the juice from only a few hours to a few days. Then the juice is strained and left to ferment, giving the wine its pink pigment.

Provencal Rosé wines are usually made using the same local blends used in making red wines. Most Rosé wines from Provence are made using the Grenache and Cinsault grapes or varietals, but some have been made using Mourvèdre. If you were to line up several different bottles of Rosé, you’d note there is a wide variety of colors spanning from the palest pink shades to bright candy-apple red. This variation due to the grapes used in the production of the Rosé and the duration of the skins’ contact with the juice.

A small glimpse at the Rosé color spectrum.
Image courtesy of winefolly.com

How to Pick Your Rosé:

Provence is the birthplace of the French vineyard, wine has been created here for over 2500 years. It is also the home of the only research institute entirely dedicated to the Rosé style of wine. This fact is what makes French Rosé the most popular around the world, and knowing this makes it difficult to choose a Rosé from any other location!

From this region, rosés smell of strawberries and raspberries, and tend to be fresh and dry in flavor.

The Provencal Region of France, an epicenter of French wine.
Map courtesy of winefolly.com.

You will want to select a Rosé that has not been bombarded with added sweetness, which masks the unique rosé taste. Because Rosés are relatively “young” compared to their red counterparts, you can expect not to pay and exuberant amount for a high quality bottle of Rosé. A great bottle of Rosé should not cost you more than $20-$25.00 at your local retailer.

Here we have compiled a list of our Top 4 choices, in no particular order.

Charles Bieler et Fils Rose, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France
Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose, Tavel, Cotes du Provence, Provence, France
Chateau de Segries Rose, Tavel, Rhone, France
Domaine Tempier Rose, Bandol, Provence, France

So now let’s give it a taste.

How to Drink Rosé:

Firstly, you should expect to drink your rosé within a year of its bottling, so do not hesitate to drink up. Note: some Rosés do age, such as Peyrassol.

The old maxim was that rosé is a beverage for warmer temperatures, and that actually remains very true. It is a very distinct summertime wine because it is best served chilled. However, that tradition is slowly making way for year-round rosé consumption.

Rosé tends to be a fresh, crisp wine which evokes daydreams of a seaside lunch with bright Mediterranean inspired dishes. It pairs well with richly flavored foods, so do not be afraid to get playful with use. Rosé is viewed to be a versatile wine because it falls between the flavor extremes of red (tannic and bold) and white (notably light) wines. As funny as it may sound, if this is your first foray into rose I highly encourage you to enjoy your first glass of rose with a simple grilled cheese sandwich (or a Croque-monsieur!) – it is one of those perfect pairings!

do good

Raise Your Glass & Maximize Your Enjoyment

11:18 AM

So you want to participate in our Raise Your Glass campaign going on through the month of July, but you are not one to just sip blindly. Have no fear! With help from the expertise of our Food & Beverage Managers, here is a helpful little guide on how to best enjoy your Shipyard beer or Fess Parker wine while still benefiting the Autism Society of Maine.

First, let us start with Shipyard Beer. For July, we are featuring two distinct yet equally beloved brews. First, there is the Monkey Fist IPA. This IPA is copper in color with a fruity, floral and citric character, and a malty caramel backbone. Fun fact: this IPA is named for a weighted sailing knot tied at the end of a rope, making it easier to throw. You'll easily spot this bright red tap at our Chart Room bar.

Then there is the Shipyard Summer Ale. This beer is a Maine summertime staple, refreshing when served chilled with a slice of lemon. A golden colored American Pale Wheat Ale with a mellow malted wheat flavor and a citrus finish. This is an annually anticipated release because it marks the start of summertime in Maine.

If you enjoy these beers and want to learn more about Shipyard, the brewery is conveniently close to Black Point Inn. They offer tours and tastings, right in downtown Portland. Learn more at their website: https://shipyard.com/

If a beer doesn't seem to be the right pairing for your meal, Fess Parker wines are also included in the Raise Your Glass campaign. Fess Parker Winery, named for its famous founder actor-turned-winemaker, is a California based company that now has global reach. At Black Point Inn, there are three unique wines available on our wine menu for you to choose from, available both by the glass or by the bottle to share with your dining party.

The "Big Easy" Syrah is a particularly exclusive offering from the winery and is an ode to the one and only New Orleans. The taste has notes of plum, blackberry, chocolate, layered with spice and fleshy fruits. This offering is only available by the bottle in our restaurants.

"Ashley" Chardonnay has aromas of citrus fruits and melon, with tasting flavors of orange, pear, honeydew, ginger, and mace. It pairs well with fish and shellfish in lighter sauce and more "outgoing" cheeses.

Pinot Noir has aromas of black cherry, forest floor, lavender, raspberry, rose petal, and vanilla. The flavors are full of bing cherry, red currant, cranberry, earth, cacao and a touch of mineral. This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with veal, pork, game, rich fish such as salmon and tuna, and poultry.

Now sipping should be a breeze! Order a glass of Fess Parker, or a pint of Shipyard, and know that it will pair beautifully with your meal. Raising money should always taste this good.

maine

What Does "Vacationland" Mean to You?

10:20 AM

things to do

Get Out of the Inn: July 2015

11:39 AM

July is here! Now that all the festivities surrounding the 4th have passed, it is time to concentrate on other, Maine-centric fun. There are countless local events planned for this month, so let “Get Out of the Inn” be your guide.

July 10^th– 11th: Yogafest, Portland

Are you a yogi or interested in diving into the yoga lifestyle? Yogafest is the event for you. Enjoy two days straight of all things yoga in Portland’s East End, overlooking Casco Bay. There are opportunities to take classes, meet with local vendors and studios, and learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. http://www.maineyogafest.com/

July 11^th: Old Port Half Marathon, Portland

Perhaps you prefer the faster side of fitness. If so, the Old Port Half Marathon is just what you are looking for. The route takes you along the working waterfront, so you can soak up the salty air while you make your way through the 13.1 miles to success. Good news for both spectators and runners alike, once the race is over, you’ll already be in the downtown region to give yourself a little post-race treat. http://www.oldporthalfmarathon.com/

July 11^th: Kidsfest at L.L. Bean, Freeport

The L.L. Bean compound in Freeport becomes the ultimate family friendly festival with outdoor activities and games galore, and live music will provide the soundtrack to your entire day. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/513045?page=null

July 17^th- 19^th: Yarmouth Clam Festival Rockland

Each year, the Yarmouth Clam Festival and the Maine Lobster Festivals are greatly anticipated traditions by both locals and visitors. Although Maine is noted worldwide for its lobster, we take all seafood seriously here and there is no other opportunity to witness that than at one of these festivals. Bring your appetite! http://clamfestival.com/

July 18^th- 20^th: Tall Ships Portland

Photo courtesy of the Portland Press Herald.

What better way to celebrate Maine’s rich maritime history than by soaking up the grand Tall Ships as they make their way into Casco Bay. These boats only make their Maine appearance every few years, making this a cannot miss opportunity. http://www.tallshipsportland.com/

July 25^th: Night at the Light, Cape Elizabeth

Our neighboring town to the east, Cape Elizabeth, is known for its amazing scenery and iconic lighthouses. This summer is a particularly big landmark for the town, as it celebrates its 250^th anniversary. To properly celebrate, the town is throwing itself a party. On July 25^th, the celebration is to be held in Fort Williams Park, home of Portland Head Light, featuring a live performance from the Portland Symphony Orchestra and show stopping fireworks. https://www.facebook.com/anightatthelight

July 26^th: Tri for a Cure, South Portland

Maine's only all-women triathalon attracts thousands of participants each year, as they band together to fight for a cancer free Maine. http://triforacure.org/

July 29^th-August 2nd: Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland

2015 Festival Poster.
Available for sale on their website.

It is definitely worth making the trek a bit further up the coastline to Rockland, where the Lobster Festival takes over the entire town. http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/

Happy July and definitely take advantage of the amazing summertime fun available this month!

By Lena C., Black Point Inn Social Media Coordinator

do good

Raise Your Glass to the Autism Society of Maine

7:56 AM

food

For the Love of Lobster: National Lobster Day 2015

11:29 AM

Since Black Point Inn sits quite literally atop Maine’s coastline, it is practically required that we include lobster in some form on the menus of our two restaurants. Since the Maine lobster season is in full swing by the end of June (not to mention today is National Lobster Day), this post is an ode to Maine’s finest export.

No other location can top real Maine lobster.

Step 1: Catch Your Crustacean

How often do you get to say you caught your own lobster? Embrace your inner salty sea captain for a day and set sail with Lucky Catch Cruises. Learn how to set a trap, soak up the geography of the local harbors, and spend time on a functioning lobster boat. After you explore the coastline, you have the opportunity to purchase you haul so you may share the fruits of your adventure with others.

Lobstering can be fun for the whole family.
Image courtesy of the Lucky Catch Facebook page.

If you don't have quite enough time in your schedule to set sail, or if you are quite inclined to get seasick, lobster is readily available on land. Click here for a guide on all things lobster, from selection to preparation and tips on everything in between.

Step 2: Prepare for Consumption

Now that you have your very own entree, it is now up to you to decide how to prepare it. Will you use the lobster as a main ingredient in a dish like a lobster roll, or will you let it stand alone simply boiled? The possibilities are endless.

However you decide you use your harvest, you will need to know how to pick apart your lobster. For that, I have included this handy chart:

Tools you will need: lobster cracker (or metal nutcracker will do just fine), fork, lots of napkins

Step 3: Set the Scene

To truly honor your culinary masterpiece, get the perfect matching paraphernalia. You must be appropriately armed and dressed for the occasion, so here is the ultimate lobster checklist.

The Necessities:

Bibs: it's hard to be neat when eating lobster.
Ramekins: to hold melted butter for dipping!
Crackers: something to crack the claw with. There are some specialty lobster crackers on the market, but standard metal nutcrackers do the trick.
Tablecloth & napkins- there is a good chance of mess and spillage.

So let’s celebrate the lobster! Now get crackin’

By Lena C., Black Point Inn Social Media Coordinator

things to do

Get Out of the Inn: Things to do June 2015

8:06 AM

art

Art Attack!

9:45 AM

Wherever your journeys in Maine may take you, there will always be art surrounding you. You may have even noticed it in our lobby as we have a beautiful collection of works by local artist Holly Ready. Or that we are always hosting a monthly photography competition through our Facebook page. The state of Maine even has an art-centered license plate.

Image Courtesy of the Maine Arts Commission

Because of this inescapable nature of art, here is my little beginners guide to the Maine art scene, starting right here in the lobby of the Black Point Inn.

Holly Ready

Spend a little time in the Black Point Inn lobby, and you cannot miss the gorgeous collection of works by local artist Holly Ready. It is clear that Ready has been inspired by the unique Maine coastline. Each piece is painted with vivid colors, capturing how light interacts with the distinct textures of sky, stone, and surf. Linger a little around our lobby, and appreciate Holly’s work for yourself.

"Prouts Surf," Holly Ready. Oil on Canvas.

The Prouts Neck Home of Winslow Homer

Knowingly or not, you’ve probably stumbled upon a Winslow Homer piece in your lifetime. He was a true American artist, capturing scenes of familiar landscapes and small moments of daily life in the 19^th century. Here on Prouts Neck, we are very fortunate to have his studio in the neighborhood. With prior registration, studio visitors can experience the very spaces in which Homer lived and created. After exploring the space, we encourage visitors of Black Point Inn to take a stroll on the nearby cliff walk, and to experience for themselves the ever-changing landscape that continually inspired Winslow Homer. The space is maintained by the Portland Museum of Art.

Winslow Homer's Fireplace. Image courtesy of the
Portland Museum of Art website.

Portland Museum of Art

I must begin by saying that Black Point Inn and the Portland Museum of Art have a beautiful friendship. And we are so thrilled because the PMA is an awesome local museum. Located in the heart of Portland’s Arts District, the PMA is consistently one of the best places to visit in the city. They offer a diverse array of programming, from movie nights to curator talks to exclusive members-only social events. The Museum’s collection is diverse in scope, with a majority of American, European, and contemporary works. Spend hours here exploring, an especially enjoyable activity on those otherwise yucky rainy days.

A little throwback portrait of the PMA. Courtesy of the
Portland Museum of Art website.

The Maine Art Museum Trail

It’s no secret that Maine has plenty of material to provide artistic inspiration. For generations, artists have flocked to the state because of its diverse landscape and the relaxing retreat it provides away from the bustling art hubs such New York City and Paris. Because of this long tradition, Maine has so much art readily available to view. What better way to take in more than 73,000 works of art than The Maine Art Museum Trail. The route consists of 8 museums spanning roughly 200 miles of scenic Maine coastline; what better way to explore both the Maine landscape as well as the diverse artistic landscape. Travel at your own pace but be sure to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Soak up some contemporary art. Photo courtesy of the
Portland Museum of Art website.

First Fridays

If you are lucky enough to visit during the first Friday of the month, you must take in the excitement that is the First Friday Art Walk in Portland. In the warmer months, the whole city comes out to support the local arts as one of the city's main streets closes to be exclusive to pedestrians. The sidewalks are lined with local artists of all ages and mediums, displaying and selling their personal works. Local galleries and the centrally located Maine College of Art warmly open their doors to the public, and the Portland Museum of Art has free admission after 5 pm. There are family-friendly street performances of dance, magic, and music. Plus when you’ve worked up an appetite, there are many restaurants within walking distance ready to feed you, but be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot.

The crowd at First Friday. Photo courtesy of
http://www.portlanddailyphoto.com/2014_06_01_archive.html

By: Lena C., Black Point Inn Social Media Coordinator.

Thanksgiving BPI Style (Part II)

Experiencing Black Point Inn All Year: A How-to Guide

Attention Beer Lovers...

The Tradition Continues

"Naturally Maine"

A Foray Into Rosé

Raise Your Glass & Maximize Your Enjoyment

What Does "Vacationland" Mean to You?

Get Out of the Inn: July 2015

Raise Your Glass to the Autism Society of Maine

For the Love of Lobster: National Lobster Day 2015

Get Out of the Inn: Things to do June 2015

Art Attack!

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