New place: Kevin's Cafe

[donnamatrix]

New sign up where Angels in the Attic once was, above Lee Wah in Center Harbor. Anybody know any details?

[chefisk]

My name is Kevin Fisk, and I am the chef owner of Kevin's cafe. I have been a chef for Legal Seafoods in Boston, Charley's Crab down in Fort Lauderdale, Regional Chef for Landry's Seafood in Arizona as well as chef for Marriott from New Jersey to Washington DC.
The hours of the restaurant are from Thursday night at 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM--
Friday now serving lunch and dinner from 11:00 AM to 9 PM
Saturday and Sunday, breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 AM to 9 PM
Monday from 4:30 to 8:30
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday until April, then I will be full time breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Menu ranges from the best fresh fish around prepared many different ways, as well as chicken and steak.
Come by and pick up our menus.
Also do plenty of catering from small parties to large parties of up to 1000 people. So what ever you needs are feel free to stop by and try us out.
I will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
I will also be teaching cooking classes once a month starting in the fall. Any one interested please call.
Thank you and have a great day.
Kevin Fisk

[Pepper]

Kevin, welcome to the neighborhood! I just want to wish you the very best in your new endeavor. I know how much dedication and hard work this business demands! I wish you good luck, great staff, and a super season! ;)

[Gatto Nero]

Good luck Kevin and thanks for the info. I hope you do well. Maybe I'll stop by and give you a try this weekend. Any chance you could post your menu?

[donnamatrix]

Hi Kevin:

Gee, thanks for all the info about your new restaurant. I will pass this along to the folks I work with in Meredith, and my friends as well. We will definitely be coming for a visit.

[BroadHopper]

Is one of my favorite place to eat on the east coast. The Cove which is right next door, is THE hangout for all the go fast crowd. Both are situated on the intercoastal North of the Lauderdale marina.
I welcome you Kevin to the Lakes Region. It is great to see great Chefs coming to the Lakes Region area. :D

[trfour]

Hi Kevin,

I can attest to the fine food at Legal Seafoods in Boston as one of the best in the country!! " one of my favorites ".

I remember back in the eighties, Legal Seafoods bought a new Mercedes Benz truck from Truck Center on Mass Ave. where I was Shop Foreman at the time. I had to cut and fabricate the frame on the truck to accommodate a shorter refrigerated truck body, as we couldn't get short wheelbase chassis's from Mercedes Benz.

Best of luck Kevin, I'll be in to see you as soon as I get back up there.

[phoenix]

great to have a top notch seafood restaurant in Center Harbor. With this restaurant and the new Love's we will have plenty of great places to eat this summer.

[MooseRiverMan]

Yes, welcome to Center Harbor.

Your experience at Legal Seafoods is great. Just one thing, I hope you have more space between the tables than does Legal Seafoood. I never enjoyed being part of other peoples conversations at the next table.

Good luck, will be by to sample your menu.

[Miko]

When we learned that Kevin Fisk had opened a new restaurant, Kevin's Cafe in we were thrilled. We have had the pleasure of enjoying Chef Fisk's special brand of service and the quality of his menu at two restaurants: Charlie's Crab in Florida, and Legal Seafood in Boston. He is not just a good chef, he is a great chef, who demands the best of himself, and will only serve the best to his guests.

Sound to good to be true? I suggest you try Kevin's Cafe, and taste for yourself.

PS Julia Child, who he hosted at Legal Seafood, enjoyed his cooking!

[Winni]

Sounds like you are getting good recommendations. We look forward to giving your place a try. Since one of our favorite places, the "old" Coe House closed, we are searching for a "new" favorite! See you soon!

[phoenix]

i thought that the Coe House would reopen in April?

[Winni]

We haven't been to Coe House since it was recently bought out by the new owners, so I know nothing other than that I see it is currently closed. I do not know if or when it will re-open.

I was referring in my comment to the "old" Coe House, with Andy as the head chef, who did a fabulous job. We were so sad to see the "old" Coe House go and felt even worse about the "way" it was closed and the way all its loyal and fine employees were treated when it was taken over. That's another story, however...

[pmj]

Welcome, Kevin. Do you have a website set up for your new restaurant?

As year round residents we are always looking for good restaurants!
Best of luck to you.

pmj

[chefisk]

No website as of yet, but I am looking into it so that I may set one up. I have someone in mind in Bedford and Meredith to set a wbsite up for me. I will let you know when I do.
Thank you
Kevin

[dpg]

I'll be by to sign my wife up for cooking lessons!:eek:

[BlackCatIslander]

DPG, on Valentine's Day, no less, you are implying that your wife needs cooking lessons?

[ghfromaltonbay]

I agree with BlackCatIslander -- maybe you ought to employ a food taster for the next few days. As the sign says, "Comments about the cook may be dangerous to your health." And for that matter, how about DPG signing up for cooking lessons as well?? A guy that can cook is a big plus in my book.

[JTA]

I had the pleasure of dining at Kevin's Cafe in Center Harbor last night. Kevin is a chef who specializes in seafood. As you can read in the other posts on this strand, he has great experience. Our waitress showed us a Legal Seafood (of Boston) cookbook that features a couple of Kevin's recipes. The food was great. He features nightly specials ... very reasonably priced. I had blacked tuna with a red onion jelly, crushed potato and fresh veggies (a nicely flavored yellow squash). My wife had shrimp scampi. Both were EXCELLENT! Kevin came out and chatted with us for a while. Don't miss trying this place. If you like seafood, you'll find an expert chef and a menu that will change with the best of what's available on the market.

[Knomad]

Kevin - sounds like a wonderful place.

We're planning on heading up that way this weeekend. Do we need reservations for 6?
Do you have a phone #?

[fasttech]

Hi Kevin, thanks for the info on your restaurant I tried takeout from Kevins this past weekend and it was awesome a few minutes late but worth the wait.
Great Seafood!

[chefisk]

Reservations are not required, but with larger parties will be very helpful. also my dinner menu are personalized when parties make a reservation. The number is 603-253-7513. Look forward in hearing from you.
Thank you
Kevin

[annehask]

We also have eaten both lunches & dinners at Kevin's Cafe. We had made reservations and were delighted to receive a personalized menu that we took home as a souvenir. Had fried clams, monkfish with mozzarella marina, baked schrod, shrimp scampi, sole with crab stuffing, & filet mignon. All cooked to perfection. Keep up the good work, Kevin

[dpg]

DPG, on Valentine's Day, no less, you are implying that your wife needs cooking lessons?

Valentines day, christmas, her birthday, you name it!!!:laugh:

[chefisk]

Just an update that we started an all you can eat lobster buffet this past Sunday the 2nd and was a huge success. We will continue this thru the month of April, so call for your reservations, 253-7513.
Also new hours of operation are Thursday thru Sunday now open breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 am to 8:30 pm and until 9pm Friday and Saturday.
Thank you and see you soon.
Kevin Fisk, chef owner

[Just Wonderin]

What's the cost of the Sunday Lobster Buffet? Thanks!

[chefisk]

cost of the lobster buffet is $19.95

[onthebay]

How many different ways is it prepared...
Can't wait to try next weekend I am up.

[DoTheMath]

Not trying to stir the proverbial pot here, but... how do you feel about well-behaved children?

[Good N' You?]

:emb: They go great with butter!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Can't wait to Try All you can eat lobter! I love the sound of that!

[Lake Lady 6]

Can't wait to try the lobster buffet - where is your restaurant located in Center Harbor?

[RLW]

My name is Kevin Fisk, and I am the chef owner of Kevin's cafe. I have been a chef for Legal Seafoods in Boston, Charley's Crab down in Fort Lauderdale, Regional Chef for Landry's Seafood in Arizona as well as chef for Marriott from New Jersey to Washington DC.
The hours of the restaurant are from Thursday night at 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM--
Friday now serving lunch and dinner from 11:00 AM to 9 PM
Saturday and Sunday, breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 AM to 9 PM
Monday from 4:30 to 8:30
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday until April, then I will be full time breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Menu ranges from the best fresh fish around prepared many different ways, as well as chicken and steak.
Come by and pick up our menus.
Also do plenty of catering from small parties to large parties of up to 1000 people. So what ever you needs are feel free to stop by and try us out.
I will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
I will also be teaching cooking classes once a month starting in the fall. Any one interested please call.
Thank you and have a great day.
Kevin Fisk
New sign up where Angels in the Attic once was, above Lee Wah in Center Harbor. Anybody know any details?

[Lake Lady 6]

Thanks for the info on Kevin's Cafe. I heard he is having an "all you can eat lobster buffet" on Sundays during April - not sure if it runs all afternoon or for a specific period of the day.

[RLW]

Just an update that we started an all you can eat lobster buffet this past Sunday the 2nd and was a huge success. We will continue this thru the month of April, so call for your reservations, 253-7513.
Also new hours of operation are Thursday thru Sunday now open breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 am to 8:30 pm and until 9pm Friday and Saturday.
Thank you and see you soon.
Kevin Fisk, chef owner
Not many days left. If you have anyfurther questions just zip down the thread and you might find the answers to the questions you have.
RLW:)

[riverat]

I've told my family about the buffet and they are drooling, probably going up to Kevin's soon. I was wondering, has anyone tried the buffet and if so what's it like:D
Riverat

[Lakegeezer]

Four of us tried Kevin's for the first time last Saturday night. We all had a different kind of fish. It all was good, and we left with the opinion that we would be back sometime. We also had a good chat with Kevin, which adds a nice touch to the nite out. It is not inexpensive (typically $18-22 for the main course without a salad), so it will not be a frequent spot for a informal nite out. When we are the mood for fish, I can't think of a better place.

[C Tucker]

We tried the lobster buffet on Sunday and it was delicious. The restaurant was filled. It was a bit interesting to go out the door and re-enter to reach the buffet table in the other side of the restaurant but the food was wonderfully prepared and kept on coming. The fried shrimp was incredible followed by fried clams that were equally good.

Next week is lobster and prime rib buffet, we made our reservations.

This is a nice addition to the Center Harbor area restaurants. The breakfast and lunch menus look very good and reasonably priced.

We wish Chef Kevin well and predict he will need larger quarters before long.

[skisox24]

I post these comments with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I feel obligated to share our recent first experience at Kevin's Cafe, but on the other hand, I selfishly want to dampen the potential flood of customer demand that will most certainly reign upon this little gem come Memorial Day.

My wife and I are obsessive seafood freaks. Yes, Legal's is a regular "fix" for our compulsion in spite of its severly overpriced fare. So it was not with some measure of trepidation that we scoped out Kevin's Cafe on Sunday the 23rd of April.

My time demands would not allow our attendance at their lobster event that day which was scheduled to begin at 3:30. We opted for choices from the lunch menu instead. My wife enjoyed a potato crusted salmon (which was to die for, to quote her reaction), and I tried the grilled shrimp, not very adventurous, but that's what my appetite craved at the moment. Everything was perfectly prepared, and the food was noticably fresh. I appreciated the "no nonsense" food delivery which placed less emphasis on "presentation" with more importance on preparation and customer satisfaction. Kevin claims that they receive Boston seafood deliveries fresh every day, not just on Thursday's like many restaurants.

Based on our one visit, I can only glow about that first experience, and look forward to our second and beyond. The Lakes Region in NH is proud to be resident to many competent restaurants. However, most would be considered fairly average and routine by Boston and New York City standards. We found the quality of the food at Kevin's Cafe to be superb. The atmosphere is friendly but unremarkable. But after the first few bites, the predominant pleasure is focused on the food itself, and the attentive and friendly waitstaff. We look forward to our next visit.

[Cookie]

We were in for the last buffet, was a little bit of a surprise when I made the Reservation I was clear in asking if there would also be a reqular menu as well,upon arrival we were greeted not so friendly then was informed the Chef might be willing to do a few fried items off the menu, however the buffet which had been advertised through the forum as well be a lot of talk to be 24.99 however it turned out to be 29.99 must have raised the price when they realized most of there reservations had cancelled. A little about the buffet nothing was iced salad/sauces/salad,and the rice was burned on the pan,the crock was so dirty that held the butter for the lobster. Oh and the frozen breaded shrimp were ice cold due to the sterno being out since arrival. The waitress also informed me that they were out of a Pinot Gri. even the Liq. store was out. WOW! The Prime Rib was whole in a pan with nothing to carve it with! over all real bad time best of luck Kevin! Next time Please make sure atleast there are utensils on your buffet line!

[LadyKey]

I am also a big fish lover. Does Kevins Place have mostly boiled fish? How about steamers? We are not up to the lake in the winter, but in the summer we always go to the Wolfetrap in Wolfeboro. They have great steamers and lobsters. Hopefully the restaurant is smoke free. Also do they have a bar?
Thanks

[chefisk]

We were in for the last buffet, was a little bit of a surprise when I made the Reservation I was clear in asking if there would also be a reqular menu as well,upon arrival we were greeted not so friendly then was informed the Chef might be willing to do a few fried items off the menu, however the buffet which had been advertised through the forum as well be a lot of talk to be 24.99 however it turned out to be 29.99 must have raised the price when they realized most of there reservations had cancelled. A little about the buffet nothing was iced salad/sauces/salad,and the rice was burned on the pan,the crock was so dirty that held the butter for the lobster. Oh and the frozen breaded shrimp were ice cold due to the sterno being out since arrival. The waitress also informed me that they were out of a Pinot Gri. even the Liq. store was out. WOW! The Prime Rib was whole in a pan with nothing to carve it with! over all real bad time best of luck Kevin! Next time Please make sure atleast there are utensils on your buffet line!

Sorry, no excuses, but the server is no longer there, that is not what I am all about.

[chefisk]

I am also a big fish lover. Does Kevins Place have mostly boiled fish? How about steamers? We are not up to the lake in the winter, but in the summer we always go to the Wolfetrap in Wolfeboro. They have great steamers and lobsters. Hopefully the restaurant is smoke free. Also do they have a bar?
Thanks

I do fish many different ways, baked, stuffed, grilled and more. Steamers and lobsters will be on the menu for the summer, as well as a selection of East and West Coast raw oysters. The restaurant is smokefree and we have a beer and wine menu

[phoenix]

Got to try Kevin's last night. Haddock was outstanding - best i have had in Lake's region. His house salad was just about the best i have ever had. Will be back

[NonVoting Taxpayer]

I don't know about anyone else but I like the fact that chefisk is concerned about what the forum has to say about his (or her) restaurant. We all know you can't keep everybody happy and you seem to take in stride the criticism that some people have given. Hopefully, the forum has allowed the place to have worked out the so called "kinks" that come along with a new restaurant.
With that kind of attitude towards the place, it can only get better. Hopefully, by the time summer starts and that area is saturated with people, some of the comments from this forum will have made it a better place to eat.
I haven't made it there to eat, but I will in the next few weeks to see for myself how the food is.

[texas chopper]

Had a great meal on Saturday night. The Halibut and Fried Clams were great. The best fresh fish in the Lakes Rejoin. We'll be back.

[joann721]

We drove up to the lake from Salem, MA early Sunday morning... We arrived in Meredith about 9:30.. Our intent was to go to Georges... the line was down the street.. we then tried Sunshine (I think that is the name- on the corner by Georges)... also 15- 20 minute wait.. we were starving.. so we started driving toward Center Harbor, our intent was the diner, when I remembered seeing, on the forum, that Kevins served breakfast. We decided to take a chance and what a great choice :D - we walked in, sat right down, had a leisurely breakfast, and a great conversation with Kevin... and left ready to take on the "OPENING OF THE CAMP"..:eek: .. we will be regular patrons over the summer and look forward to many fine meals... :liplick:

[JTA]

I stopped by Kevin's Cafe for breakfast and it was great. No one else there though. I had the fried steak and sausage gravy with two eggs and home fries(I hope my wife doesn't read this) ... it was great, and I was able to skip lunch. I'm sure Kevin's will make it based on his fine fish menu, but it is also a great place for a nice quiet breakfast.:liplick:

[Newbiesaukee]

We had dinner last evening at Kevin's. Crab cakes Maryland Style were the only crab cakes I have had outside of Maryland which really were authentic ( and I am a native Marylander). Lump crab meat and just the right mix of bread and spices. This huge appetizer ( $8) also came with a salad and balsamic vinegarette. My wife had shrimp stuffed with feta cheese, basil and pinenuts. Four large shrimp, angel hair pasta with lemon butter sauce and assorted vegetables....yum. I had red snapper with maple bourbon sauce, wild rice and fresh green beans with almonds. Fish was perfect. Dessert included an apple walnut pie with caramelized crust, baked by Kevin. Fantastic and they added ice cream to top the warm pie! He does everything but wait the tables; fortunately the friendly enthusiastic server did this. Entrees ranged from 16-23 dollars. Portions are large and beautifully presented. He is also open for breakfast and lunch. The lunch menu is large and interesting. Cannot recommend the restaurant more strongly. I have no connection in any way to Kevin or his staff. Prices are at the upper/average for the area, but are an excellent value considering the quality ingredients and the care the chef adds to his work.

[longisland60]

My wife and I had a wonderful dinner at Kevin's Cafe this past weekend, and I wanted to pass the word so that more of you will be inclined to give it a try. I had the clam chowder for an appetizer (outstanding), and a cajun swordfish dish. My wife had the chicken gorgonzola. Both meals were exceptional, and left us with no room for dessert.

Like Newbie before me, I have no connection to Kevin's Cafe other than a desire to see talented and hardworking chefs be successful. Check them out!

[Lakegeezer]

Has anyone been to Kevin's yet this summer? This thread has been pretty quiet. Are there crowds of tourists and if so, how do they handle the rush? We're hungry for a good fish dinner.:liplick:

[islandAl]

My wife and I have been a few times and everything excellent each time. Been for breakfast and lunch and dinner on different days. Will be back again and again. :D :D :D :D :D

[SAMIAM]

Haven't had a chance to try Kevin's until today.Monday is not a good day to buy seafood,since most deliveries start on tuesday,but my fried clams,and the wifes fish and chips were as fresh and tasty as I've ever had.Fantastic cole slaw.A great lunch and reasonably priced.A big thumbs up to Kevin's.

[joann721]

We have been to Kevins several times for Breakfast- when the other "breakfast places" have lines down the street... we love it..peaceful... quiet... delicious...

We have only been there once for dinner - had the seafood casserole and the crab cakes... oh my lord the crab cakes... I could eat them every day.. absoluetly delicious.:liplick:.fresh.. seasoned perfectly... but my concern is that nobody, except the forum folks, seems to know that this little slice of heaven exists... I have been spreading the word to friends to try it ... most of their responses is that they thought it was a coffee shop due to the name Kevins Cafe... they didnt realize it was a restaurant with the quality of food that exists there... so "we" as a mass of satisfied customers need to help Kevin out and spread the word of this diamond... because if we dont ... he may not be able to survive for very long - :eek: ... and that means no more crab cakes... and that is not acceptable at all....

[skisox24]

We've been to Kevin's a few times and have posted our findings previously in this thread. Our satisfaction with the quality of his food and its preparation inspired us to engage Kevin to cater a college graduation party that we threw for our son at our Meredith home. Kevin delivered on time and on budget. His appetizers were outstanding, and the entrees were predictably fresh, well prepared, and tasty. Kevin supplied all of the equipment including linens for the tables, insulated coffee carafes and all of the silverware, warming trays and plates.

Kevin picked up all of his "stuff" at the end of his restaurant day, around 10PM that evening. Kevin's services and products were worth every penny. Thank you Kevin for helping us celebrate our son's accomplishment and allowing us to spend that time with our family and friends (rather than in the kitchen)!!

[Mboro_Bill]

We decided to stop by Kevin's place a few weeks back for the first time and absolutely loved the fish and chowder. We have been returning at least once every weekend since and I am sure we will continue to do so. The chowder, swordfish, fried clams, crab cakes and scallops were all great.

Bill V

[MaryS]

We had dinner Fri night at Kevin's, a small place with two separate dinning areas, I ordered my fish swordfish grilled, and it came with smashed potatoes, a vegetable medley...WOW the best swordfish ever....it was plain as I wanted but what flavor off the grill!!!! My husband ordered off the Chef's menu and he was also delighted.(stuffed salmon with a mustard sauce)....You can order your fish cooked the way you want or choose the more fancy with sauces chef's selections...we are definitly returning soon!!!
Mary S

[NHKathy]

OK, I'm glad i just read the previous post stating that there are two SEPERATE dining rooms! In fact I've been trying to figure out how to word a question about it without offending anyone.:)
On 7/31 my husband, my parents and I headed to Kevin's Cafe. My parents were visiting and we wanted to take them somewhere new, so we were going to finally try Kevin's because of all the great reviews here.
When we walked in the door, we felt like we had just intruded on a private party! There was a counter amd then the seating was right there. We were trying to figure out if this was the entire seating area or just a seperate room - I couldn't believe that could be ALL the seating there was.
Unfortunately we didn't stay long because while we were waiting for a host to come and discussing where the rest of the seating could be; my father noted that it was quite hot and sticky/stuffy in there. He ended up not wanting to stay, so we scooted out before the host came.
I'm sure it was just a problem with the A/C that particular night, and I definately want to go back again. I have heard so many good reports on the quality and flavor of their seafood dishes!
So... where is the rest of the seating? :look:

[Newbiesaukee]

The door to the other dining room is just to the left of the "front door." and appears to be the last door in this small mall. But it is ok to go into the front door, someone will be there to help. THe other room is also small but is a little prettier and has no counter. It is "intimate dining" as you are in a small room. Please do not let any of this deter a visit to a small jewel. The service is relaxed and informal but everyone seems to try to make you happy. Your patience will be rewarded. And as I have said before I have no relationship to Kevin's but would like this skilled and hardworking chef to succeed.

[Pepper]

Whatever Kevin is doing - he's doing it right!

Yesterday I had a visit with a friend who dines in fine restaurants all over the world. We were chatting about various foods, and she exclaimed that Kevin's Cafe makes the world most wonderful crabcakes. Then she went on to rave about the place for another ten minutes! She's hooked, and that's a serious testament to Kevin's skill. ;)

[Just Wonderin]

So, is it too early to ask if the Lobster buffet is going to return during the Fall? Will the restaurant be opened during the off season?

Also, if the Lobster buffet is going to return, what will the cost be.

On April 5th, Kevin posted the price as $19.95. Then a post on April 30th said they were quoted $24.95 but charged $29.95 when the arrived...is that because Prime Rib was also included on the buffet?

Thanks!

[texas chopper]

Kevin's is a hidden jewel. The place is small but the food is top shelf.

[Miko]

:liplick: New sign up where Angels in the Attic once was, above Lee Wah in Center Harbor. Anybody know any details?

The food is great ... nothing like it ... first class. Our family will continue to be his biggest fan's.

Thanks, Chef Fisk for trading Boston for New Hampshire! Their loss is our gain.

[phoenix]

anyone going to Kevin's. We had great experiences this summer but never saw it real busy. I have been worried they wouldn't survive the winter

[Hermit Cover]

If the food....seafood....as it is prepared by Chef Fisk maintains it's very tasty quality....it's just a matter of numbers of patrons. Can't wait to get back to the lake in January...this is really good place to dine on very good food.

[joann721]

I am having crab cake withdrawals. We spend weekends in Meredith in the summer & I havent had a crab cake since Columbus Day weekend :( . I also hope that he can survive the winter.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Can someone post the winter hours / days that Kevin's is open. We are usually up there in February and would like to give Kevin's a try.

[KPW]

Winter Hours:

Monday and Wednesday lunch and dinner from 11-2 and 5-close

Thursday thru Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8-2 and 5-close

www.kevinscafe.com

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Thanks KPW for the hours and the site, I just bookmarked the site.

[Knomad]

We try to get to Kevin's every chance we get. You would be hard pressed to find better seafood in the area.
Unfortunately this seems to be the best kept secret in the area, for we have never been there when there has been more than a couple of other patrons.
For those who have not tried it, it needs to be on your list as a must try.

[phoenix]

went to Kevin's tonight and once again all three of us loved our meals. I had Haddock and it ( to me) is the best in the lakes region.

[granitebox]

Has anyone got any updated information on Kevins main restaurant? Thanks in advance, hoping to get her in the next couple weeks.

[EricP]

Has anyone got any updated information on Kevins main restaurant? Thanks in advance, hoping to get her in the next couple weeks.

Check the newer thread here:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7364