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-   -   Most Romantic Restaurant (https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15429)

belly_button_biter 02-14-2013 10:16 AM

Most Romantic Restaurant
 
Looking for the most romatic restaurant in the lakes reegion.. Need ideas fast. Thanks.

radioman 02-14-2013 10:28 AM

Most romantic rest.
 
Lakehouse or woodshed would be my bet

Heaven 02-14-2013 10:30 AM

Front room at the Corner House. HOWEVER, they used to have tablecloths and I am not sure they do now, which would be a big disappointment to me.

Mr. V 02-14-2013 11:33 AM

Mise en Place in Wolfeboro.

http://miseenplacenh.com/wp-content/...09-300x225.jpg

BroadHopper 02-14-2013 11:47 AM

Woodshed or Corner House
 
The Balsoms was the best in NH. Unfortunately it is closed for good :(

Sue Doe-Nym 02-14-2013 12:55 PM

You should try Maimes in Meredith. It has a large choice of excellent food at reasonable prices. Very romantic, especially if you are near a fireplace.

Den65 02-14-2013 01:46 PM

Woodshed, either up in the balcony in the barn or in the house by the fire place. Corner house is good in the front room if there are only a few people in the room.

Little Bear 02-14-2013 02:49 PM

http://www.manorongoldenpond.com/

patman 02-14-2013 03:29 PM

Lavinia's in Center Harbor is nice. Also the Lakehouse Grille at Church Landing in Meredith, Canoe in Center Harbor...

phoenix 02-14-2013 03:50 PM

get the cupola at lavinias all by urself cant get any better than that

winnitru 02-14-2013 04:19 PM

Broad Hopper
Please tell me you are not referring to the Balsams Grand Resort. I thought they were just closed for renovations.

BroadHopper 02-14-2013 04:45 PM

Auction
 
It was in the papers, the current LLC auction all the furniture and fixtures off. They are currently no renovations going on or plans. There were something about the land going to a trust to prevent the Northern Pass. There is a buzz going on in the surrounding towns that the LLC may be developing the hotel area into condos. I'm hoping it is not true.

Phantom 02-14-2013 04:57 PM

If your a last minute Valentine's kinda guy (like me) -- me thinks your SCREWED :D

Cupola at Lavinia's is awesome -- been there when it was Coe House

Window table at Lyon's Den -- say hello to Lauren for me, and tell her I will probably be up this week-end (wouldn't miss a night there)

However -- being 5:00p now -- forget it.... none of those will be available!



That didn't help much, huh ..... sorry



.

Merrymeeting 02-14-2013 04:58 PM

My first advice would be to do what my wife and I decided to do years ago. Give each other promised rain checks for a Valentines dinner on another night. Less crowded, better service, and often cheaper prices :D

That aside, "romantic" varies greatly by person/couple. While many of the suggestions already made are good, depends on what you are looking for.

As an example, many often mention Mise en Place. I very much like to go there, and would recommend it. But wouldn't fit my definition of romantic. The room is too open, non-private for my tastes.

Having said that, I would include "The Restaurant". While it also has a large, open, crowded space, there is something about the atmosphere of the room that my wife and I both like. With a fire in the fireplace at this time of year, it would work for us. (Though we haven't been there since the personnel turnover discussed here)

Haven't been there in many years, but assuming it hasn't changed, I'd agree with the many votes for the Woodshed.

Surprised no one has mentioned Lyon's Den.

belly_button_biter 02-14-2013 11:26 PM

Dog House
 
Thank You all for he many suggestions. Many were on the north side of the lake and we did not want to travel that far. I should have pointed out my location in Gilford.

We tried a couple doors only to be turned away. Had to settle for something far short of what my valentine deserves.

Does anyone know a good dog house interior decorator:(

Resident 2B 02-15-2013 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belly_button_biter (Post 199226)
Thank You all for he many suggestions. Many were on the north side of the lake and we did not want to travel that far. I should have pointed out my location in Gilford.

We tried a couple doors only to be turned away. Had to settle for something far short of what my valentine deserves.

Does anyone know a good dog house interior decorator:(

Take her to the Lyon's Den tonight and you will likely salvage the weekend. Call Lauren for reservations and ask for a table at the windows. Great food, great atmosphere, wonderful hostess and service.

R2B

Belmont Resident 02-15-2013 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resident 2B (Post 199227)
Take her to the Lyon's Den tonight and you will likely salvage the weekend. Call Lauren for reservations and ask for a table at the windows. Great food, great atmosphere, wonderful hostess and service.

R2B

Why not do like we are, nice card and plans for dinner the day after when it's not as crazy or over priced.
Fortunately my wife is one of those who understands that it isn't about the over priced flowers and candy. :eek:
She actually said to me don't waste your money on flowers, they mark them up way to much just for Valentines day. :laugh:
We are going out either tonight or tomorrow night without all the hustle and bustle that last night held. ;)

rgilfert 02-15-2013 06:41 AM

The Woodshed....but then we went there on our Honeymoon 36 years ago so it'll always be a special/romantic place for us.

WakeboardMom 02-15-2013 09:03 AM

I've never been, but folks on that side of the lake say that O's in Laconia (Lakeport?) is very nice. Maybe try that this weekend...

SAB1 02-15-2013 12:43 PM

Truthfully, it is very hard to find a good meal up near the lake. In all honesty you will have your best eats right at home and let it guide you wherever it goes................

Cornerhouse, going back 10 years or better, was unmatched. Not so much anymore.

BroadHopper 02-15-2013 12:44 PM

O's
 
is a fantastic place, however we go there fairly often. I would like to go somewhere out of our normal routine. You can't go wrong with O's.

Bernie Girl 02-15-2013 01:18 PM

Balsams
 
Belly Button Biter I hope on this incredibly beautiful winter day you are out of the dog house!

Broadhopper I was sad to hear about the Balsams. As a kid growing up my Dad use to take me and 4 of my girlfriends up there every year for the February vacation week. He would walk in to the dining room beaming with the 5 of us following close behind. He told everyone he was one lucky guy but I think we were the lucky ones! Not too many dads would've braved such an adventure year after year with the 5 of us!

Acrossamerica 02-15-2013 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winnitru (Post 199209)
Broad Hopper
Please tell me you are not referring to the Balsams Grand Resort. I thought they were just closed for renovations.

When you close an old fashioned hotel instead of renovating in stages they very very rarely ever reopen. In the case of the Balsams, the trustees gave the place away to two guys who had a dream and zero money to do the renovations. Other than sell off the historic qualitites of the place and then knock down all of the staff housing, they have done nothing and the place was promised to be reopened this summer. Sad but a harsh reality.

winnitru 02-17-2013 03:44 PM

Balsams
 
I guess I will be needing a new place for a romantic get away. Any suggestions?

VitaBene 02-18-2013 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winnitru (Post 199354)
I guess I will be needing a new place for a romantic get away. Any suggestions?

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel...ashington.aspx

They did a great job on the renovation. The huge rear porch is a treat.

Maria 02-20-2013 08:32 AM

Most Romantic Restaurant!!!
 
Coming from Gilford, I would think you know that the Lyons' Den is a great place!!!! The Dining Room offers such a beautiful view of the Lake and the atmosphere with the Fireplace is second to none!!!! Have you tried it there?
I think the service, the food and again the atmosphere is what you are looking for, whether it be, winter, summer, spring or fall!

:liplick:

TiltonBB 02-22-2013 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAB1 (Post 199251)
Truthfully, it is very hard to find a good meal up near the lake. In all honesty you will have your best eats right at home and let it guide you wherever it goes................

Cornerhouse, going back 10 years or better, was unmatched. Not so much anymore.

You must be joking! Right?

We go out for dinner many times during the summer, usually by boat. Just in Meredith, Laconia and Wolfeboro there are at least 4 or 5 restaurants in each town that you can walk to from the town docks.

There are other places we enjoy by car such as the Lion's Den or Patrick's in Gilford (Great food and drinks, reasonable prices) and Fratello's, O's, T Bones, and Avery's in Laconia and many more.

To say that it is hard to find a good meal might be an overstatement and certainly something I would respectfully disagree with.

If you haven't been able to find a place with a good meal since the Cornerstone 10 years ago I think that the problem might be ......................Oh, nevermind!

lunch lady 03-01-2013 05:26 PM

Picky
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by SAB1 (Post 199251)
Truthfully, it is very hard to find a good meal up near the lake. In all honesty you will have your best eats right at home and let it guide you wherever it goes................

Cornerhouse, going back 10 years or better, was unmatched. Not so much anymore.

I can't believe you can't find a good restaurant up here by the lake. How about "O's", Lyons Den, Corner House, Woodshed. There are lots of nice places to eat. If you are so picky why not just stay home?

Five Mile 03-10-2013 04:59 PM

romantic you say?
 
Mr Belly Button Biter, call the Woodshed and tell them of your intention. make a reservation for the lounge, in front of the fireplace. They will set up a table right in front of it! For two!

laketrout 04-30-2013 12:14 PM

My personal favorites are:
Chruch Landing- Merdith
Lakehouse- Merdith
O's Lakeport, Laconia
Tavern 27- Laconia
Town Docks.
It all depends on the day and time and I like going to Merdith by boat and eating at one of the restaruants there Lago's is nice too..

winlessinnh 04-30-2013 12:43 PM

Only Two
 
I've been to almost everyone recommended and I think the only two that would rate as "Romantic" are Mise en Place in Wolfeboro and Manor on Golden Pond.

Newbiesaukee 04-30-2013 12:53 PM

McDonald's can be with the right person.:)

WakeboardMom 04-30-2013 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winlessinnh (Post 203120)
I've been to almost everyone recommended and I think the only two that would rate as "Romantic" are Mise en Place in Wolfeboro and Manor on Golden Pond.

I agree. I think that "upscale" doesn't necessarily translate to "romantic."

The last time that it was just two of us at a small table at Lago, it was a busy night and the ambient noise was such that we could barely carry on a conversation. I enjoy sitting at the bar at Lago's on a Friday night...I like the restaurant, but wouldn't call it romantic. I would say that same thing about the Lakehouse.

I would certainly recommend Mise En Place for a romantic dinner, but haven't been to the Manor in maybe 17 or 18 years.

On the other hand, the post below is very true!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee (Post 203121)
McDonald's can be with the right person.:)


Argie's Wife 05-01-2013 09:40 AM

From a woman's perspective...
 
There's nothing more romantic than having someone cook you a nice dinner AND do the dishes afterwards. ;)

laketrout 05-01-2013 12:18 PM

Romantic has to be quiet?
 
"It all depends on the day and time" and I like going to Merdith by boat and eating at one of the restaruants there. Lago's is nice too..
My wife and I have been to Lago's and yes its noisy on a Summer Friday-Sat night but go there on a Tuesday evening in August and we were the only ones in there. To each his own..

Barbara 05-01-2013 04:46 PM

Our Anniversary dinner is always at Mise En Place. If it was in th middle of summer when the restaurant is filled with tourists it might not be as romantic.

Happy Gourmand 05-02-2013 07:18 AM

The most romantic restaurant is whichever one I'm at, with the one I love.

Phantom 05-02-2013 07:55 AM

choke ......... cough .........cough






Sorry Gourmand --- something got stuck in my throat !!








. Couldn't resist a comeback to THAT one :laugh:







.

Happy Gourmand 05-02-2013 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom (Post 203253)
choke ......... cough .........cough






Sorry Gourmand --- something got stuck in my throat !!









. Couldn't resist a comeback to THAT one :laugh:







.

OK, so where's the comeback? Is that all you got? :):laugh:

Rusty 05-02-2013 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife (Post 203192)
There's nothing more romantic than having someone cook you a nice dinner AND do the dishes afterwards. ;)

That's what I tell my wife of 49 years who has been doing just that. :D
.
.
.

Phantom 05-03-2013 08:48 AM

CLEARLY -- You have never met MY wife !

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:








.

AkwaMarina 05-03-2013 12:22 PM

3 Attachment(s)
We are not open yet (still little construction going on) but I will throw our hat in the ring on potential ambiance alone. Some serious romantic potential going on.

ishoot308 05-03-2013 01:08 PM

Nice!!
 
Wow Akwa! Looks fantastic!!

Will you have docking available for boats coming to eat & drink? If so how many spots will be available? When will you be open??

Thanks!

Dan

AkwaMarina 05-03-2013 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 203323)
Wow Akwa! Looks fantastic!!

Will you have docking available for boats coming to eat & drink? If so how many spots will be available? When will you be open??

Thanks!

Dan

Hi Dan,
We will have spots for you to pull up on a boat. We have ample transient docks that very easy to pull up to along our main dock "A", it is 233' long. If you are feeling adventurous drop anchor and swim up. We will be open towards the end of the month, with things like call ahead docks side pick up, etc coming in the weeks after. We will have tons of food and drink specials. We will be specializing in seafood, since our chefs are from Surf in Portsmouth, but we also have healthy pub style food too. I am sure Chef Jeff will chirp in on here at some point, this summer. I hope everyone will swing by this summer and check the place out it is truly unique, when the Anona has all her rigging up inside the gazebo.
Thanks
Kurt
603-231-6002 (c)
Our Facebook page has tons of pics and new ones are added daily. https://www.facebook.com/AkwaMarinaYachtClub

surfnsnow 05-03-2013 03:00 PM

what a great idea for a restaurant, count on us to try it:)

WakeboardMom 05-03-2013 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AkwaMarina (Post 203327)
Hi Dan,
We will have spots for you to pull up on a boat. We have ample transient docks that very easy to pull up to along our main dock "A", it is 233' long. If you are feeling adventurous drop anchor and swim up. We will be open towards the end of the month, with things like call ahead docks side pick up, etc coming in the weeks after. We will have tons of food and drink specials. We will be specializing in seafood, since our chefs are from Surf in Portsmouth, but we also have healthy pub style food too. I am sure Chef Jeff will chirp in on here at some point, this summer. I hope everyone will swing by this summer and check the place out it is truly unique, when the Anona has all her rigging up inside the gazebo.
Thanks
Kurt
603-231-6002 (c)
Our Facebook page has tons of pics and new ones are added daily. https://www.facebook.com/AkwaMarinaYachtClub

Are your chefs formerly of Surf...or are you another MB establishment?

Do you think you'll be open by Memorial Day?

AkwaMarina 05-03-2013 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WakeboardMom (Post 203335)
Are your chefs formerly of Surf...or are you another MB establishment?

Do you think you'll be open by Memorial Day?

They are formally from Surf. Yes we will be at the open for memorial day.

Rusty 05-03-2013 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom (Post 203316)
CLEARLY -- You have never met MY wife !

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

You didn't train her right.. however it's never too late to show her who is in charge. :D

Phantom 05-03-2013 05:51 PM

Again..... CLEARLY you've never met MY wife.

NHKathy 05-14-2013 09:02 PM

Fratello's in Lakeport!
 
...love love love Fratello's!
The lower, central room is so nice and twice now, my hubby & I have been lucky enough to have been there late, near closing time when the restaurant was nice & quiet and a pianist was playing! It was so nice! :love:

Fish'n John 05-14-2013 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maria (Post 199515)
Coming from Gilford, I would think you know that the Lyons' Den is a great place!!!! The Dining Room offers such a beautiful view of the Lake and the atmosphere with the Fireplace is second to none!!!! Have you tried it there?
I think the service, the food and again the atmosphere is what you are looking for, whether it be, winter, summer, spring or fall!

:liplick:

We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

gillygirl 05-15-2013 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish'n John (Post 203961)
We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

I have relatives who get it every time they go, so it must be good.

Zeke 05-15-2013 08:35 AM

Crystal Quail
 
It has been a few years since I’ve been, but there is a very romantic, and very nice place in Barnstead, (sort of Lakes Region) called the Crystal Quail. It is secluded and intimate, and the food is on a scale that is not really done around here. It is not an everyday restaurant, but would not disappoint for a special occasion.
http://www.crystalquail.com/

Overlake97 05-15-2013 09:37 AM

Zeke is right!
 
Crystal Quail is certainly not an everyday restaurant; in fact, it's not really a restaurant at all. It's essentially a private residence where a husband/wife team serve dinner to individual parties on a reservation only basis (see the link provided by Zeke). When you arrive, one of the hosts greets you at the door and walks you through their gourmet kitchen, then into their single rustic, candle-lit dining room. There are only three, maybe four, tables, and you and the other diners are their only guests for the entire evening.

They take your wine (it's "bring your own"), and uncork and/or chill it, then serve it throughout your meal as if you'd purchased it there (no 'corking fee' either). First time, after we'd ordered from the limited (usually 3; but all very tempting) nightly options, through our window we watched the chef walk to the garden to pick the herbs and/or vegetables for our dishes. Now that's fresh! They also give you a couple options for appetizer and dessert, but in addition they usually bring unannounced "treats" (mini appetizers) to nibble between the items you've ordered. To say you're not rushed is an understatement: The place is yours until you're ready to leave.

During our first visit to the Quail we were waited on by one of the hosts' college-age daughters; the second time, by the wife. On that second occasion, my wife and I brought an old friend who was visiting from Seattle, WA, and we ended up being the only party there. We brought, if I recall correctly, about 3 bottles of wine (four?), and they treated us like royalty. We stayed for well over two hours, and were not once made to feel that we were overstaying our welcome. Our friend, who was quite familiar with Seattle's restaurant offerings, thought it was the most unique, satisfying, and special, dining experience he'd ever had.

The Quail has apparently served dinner to a number of "important" people over the years (e.g., politicians or other public figures) who were looking to duck the crowds while being fed well, and when you're there you realize that this makes perfect sense. It's quiet, secluded, and hard to find; but once you enter you know you've come to the right place. :liplick: Oh, one more thing, which you might have guessed: The food is excellent.

ishoot308 05-15-2013 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overlake97 (Post 203988)
Crystal Quail is certainly not an everyday restaurant; in fact, it's not really a restaurant at all. It's essentially a private residence where a husband/wife team serve dinner to individual parties on a reservation only basis (see the link provided by Zeke). When you arrive, one of the hosts greets you at the door and walks you through their gourmet kitchen, then into their single rustic, candle-lit dining room. There are only three, maybe four, tables, and you and the other diners are their only guests for the entire evening.

They take your wine (it's "bring your own"), and uncork and/or chill it, then serve it throughout your meal as if you'd purchased it there (no 'corking fee' either). First time, after we'd ordered from the limited (usually 3; but all very tempting) nightly options, through our window we watched the chef walk to the garden to pick the herbs and/or vegetables for our dishes. Now that's fresh! They also give you a couple options for appetizer and dessert, but in addition they usually bring unannounced "treats" (mini appetizers) to nibble between the items you've ordered. To say you're not rushed is an understatement: The place is yours until you're ready to leave.

During our first visit to the Quail we were waited on by one of the hosts' college-age daughters; the second time, by the wife. On that second occasion, my wife and I brought an old friend who was visiting from Seattle, WA, and we ended up being the only party there. We brought, if I recall correctly, about 3 bottles of wine (four?), and they treated us like royalty. We stayed for well over two hours, and were not once made to feel that we were overstaying our welcome. Our friend, who was quite familiar with Seattle's restaurant offerings, thought it was the most unique, satisfying, and special, dining experience he'd ever had.

The Quail has apparently served dinner to a number of "important" people over the years (e.g., politicians or other public figures) who were looking to duck the crowds while being fed well, and when you're there you realize that this makes perfect sense. It's quiet, secluded, and hard to find; but once you enter you know you've come to the right place. :liplick: Oh, one more thing, which you might have guessed: The food is excellent.

Is there a minimum size party required to make reservations???

Dan

Little Bear 05-15-2013 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish'n John (Post 203961)
We haven't been there but see that they advertise Roast Duck. I still have not gotten over the loss of the Hickory Stick Inn in Belmont. Talk about romantic and their duck was to die for. Has anyone had the duck at the Lyon's Den?

Yes, and it's very good. Perhaps as good as Hickory Stick.

Overlake97 05-16-2013 01:10 PM

Re: Crystal Quail question
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 203990)
Is there a minimum size party required to make reservations???

Dan

I've been there with two and then three people. Call them (see Zeke's link again); I'm sure they'll be glad to answer all your questions.


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