The Tamarack

[Mink Islander]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I went there about 3 years ago and will not return. New owners or not the fact an establishment shuts down after summer is over says volumes for the quality of the food.
Any place that’s really good will be able to sustain itself all year long.
Good enough for the tourists but not up to the standards of those who live here year round?
My.02

Sorry BR, but you are way off base here. There are summer clam shacks/restaurants all over that open up to meet summer demand in tourist/beach areas and then close for the season after Labor Day. The Tamarack has ALWAYs been a seasonal restaurant. I attribute the quality of the food far more to management than to its operating season.

In my experience some of the WORST food comes from year-round restaurants in the off season when they have little staff and few customers. How old did you say that fish is again?

[jrc]

Based on that honest and heartfelt response from Jim, I have to give them another try.

I like others, lost interest in the Tamarack over the last few years. I havn't been there in at least three seasons.

BR, if you leave out "summer only" places, where can you buy fried fish?

[sa meredith]

Somehow, I remember loving this place as a little kid. I think it had the same name, but I'm not sure.
Anyway...I try it once a year, and always the same story...hit or miss...avarage at best...OVERPRICED!
And, the anual thread about Tamarack on this forum pretty much reads the same...as Siksukr pointed out.
I can appreciate Jim posting, and taking responsibility. But I don't get it. That location...good parking...outdoor tables...the place screams at you to stop as you drive by. You get hungry just looking at it. It really should completely freakin' rock. Food quality, service, etc...seriously...it seems there is no reason that Tamarack should not be a summer time cash register. Yet, the food is just OK...service can be iffy...and a couple years back, a family of 4 could easily drop 70/80 bucks for lunch. Although I guess they have lowered prices. I didn't notice, but maybe was not paying attention.
Think I'll give them a try tonight or Friday afternoon...what the heck.

[swimfan]

Jim,

your lobster roll is AWESOME! All my meals last season were exactly what I expected....good service, good food, and the price is ok. I am looking forward to heading there this weekend for my first Winnipesaukee trip of the season.

Randy

[lake4life]

I haven't been to The Tamarack since I was a kid, usually on the way back from Funspot. Since that time, I had heard of it as a tourist trap of sorts, but the next time I'm in the mood for a lobster roll, I will stop by and give them another try. I'm always down to patronize a locally owned establishment, as I own a small business and can definitely empathize with someone trying to make it in the area.

Here's hoping for the best in your efforts to revive the quality and value.

[gtagrip]

I will be up for vacation the second week in July with the family and will give the Tamarack a try. I will report back upon my return or even while up there if I feel like logging on!

[Belmont Resident]

Give South End Pizza a try. I believe you will find they have some of the freshest and best price per portion around. I've been going there for years and have never heard a complaint from those I've referred, and, they were voted one of the best around last year.
They are not open Sundays.

[LongBay]

The place has never been the same since the original owners sold out some time back. Maybe it will have a comeback soon so I make anther post titled TamaBack.

[VtSteve]

Jim, I have to first commend you on your bravery, and apparent honesty. Humble is great, listening is terrific.

As you may have noticed, the Tamarack is one of the best known places in that part of the lakes region. It has a very long history. The lobster rolls were what I always ordered first.

I suggest the following. First, people need to be as fair in prices as they are to Pops. Let's face it, seafood isn't cheap, at least not good seafood. Jim, as a consultant, I recommend that you go to Pops and ask for some assistance. It's obvious from the past 2-3 years you need some, in spite of your great intentions and hard effort. It happens to us all. The restaurant business is incredibly fickle, and the customers can be demanding

You're not in direct competition with Pops, so I see no harm, no foul. You sound like a pretty nice guy that wants this to work, and you've apparently been stuck with it.

Give it a try. I think the owner of Pops has been on this forum, lets see if he can find you and maybe hit you with a PM and a meeting.

What's say Pops and Jim get together and get this Tamarack train rolling like never before?

[Mink Islander]

I decided to swing in to the Tamarack for an early dinner yesterday. I had the whole clam plate dinner plus a large Pepsi. Total cost almost $23!

The clams were great. Nicely fried. Not greasy. Likewise, the fries were crisp and hot. Ample quantity of both. My only complaint is that the slaw had quite a bit of black pepper in it. Was fine for me, but others might find it too much.

Just a bit pricey to have this as a regular stop for the family but a great stop when you're craving fried clams! I would definitely go back.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Steve,
I have a lot of respect for you. Today I drove past both Pop's and the Tamarack 2 times. I think some would fairly consider them competitors. And competition is good for all of us.

BTW, plenty of folks were lined up at the Tamarack and Pop's.

[garysanfran]

When did Tamarack originally open? I remember it being there since my introduction to the Lake. That would be 1960. Like Funspot and Basket World, it was a landmark of local business stability (rare in the Lakes Region). Always there, year-after-year. Now Basket World is gone and I can't imagine that corner without The Tamarack. I wish them great success and will visit next time I'm in the area. I look forward to "new" feedback on their food.

[gonetoolong]

Tamarack was built in 62 by Ma & Joe Gilbert and opened in the spring of 63..
I don't know the years but the Gilberts sold it to the LaFlammes, I believe they then sold it to the Fernalds. The Fernalds then sold it to The El Fars & my brothers and I bought it in '07. My Oldest brother was the Gilberts fry cook when they 1st opened in '63...he is no longer with us. Wait...well, he's not 'no longer with us' in that sense...he's no longer with us cause he's gone to Ohio....which I think is about the same....

Jim Clayton

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Steve,
I have a lot of respect for you. Today I drove past both Pop's and the Tamarack 2 times. I think some would fairly consider them competitors. And competition is good for all of us.

BTW, plenty of folks were lined up at the Tamarack and Pop's.

Thanks RG, same here.

Not really direct competitors due to distance, but maybe a little. The Tamarack serves that side of the lake, POP's the other end. Good to see that everyone's getting some business.

[dpg]

If I were "Pop" I wouldn't offer, direct competition or not. No need for him to stick his nose...well you know what I mean. Yeah it may be a nice gesture but for what (other) reason would Pop want too? I just don't see it.

[Rolie]

Of course they are competition for each other....why would Pop's want to share his "secret sauce" with the Tamarack? Many folks from the east and north side of the lake drive by the Tamarack on their way to Pop's. And I'm sure some drive up from Alton to the Tamarack. It's one thing to share your success, but I would be foolhardy to give it away.

[Winnisquamguy]

Stopped in for some lobster rolls last night, the jumbo roll is a foot long roll and stuffed very well, came with french fries which where not soggy as some say they are.Onion rings were just as good! As we were eating our food under the trees a gentlemen came and asked how everything was and if we needed anything, it was Jim (the owner) which I thought was very nice. My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

[dpg]

My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

You totally lost me...The Curbs were pushed tight???

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by dpg

My only complaint would be the curbs were pushed so tight together, I had to go all the way to the end to get in, as I couldn't jump over them in the chair! Nice meeting you Jim, and keep up all your hard work!

You totally lost me...The Curbs were pushed tight???

There is no space in between the curbs to get a wheelchair through, they are push right up against each other. You normally have one curb per parking spot, so usually you can squeeze by but not here they are all pushed together. Hope this helps...

[Rolie]

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Somehow, I remember loving this place as a little kid. I think it had the same name, but I'm not sure.
Anyway...I try it once a year, and always the same story...hit or miss...avarage at best...OVERPRICED!
And, the anual thread about Tamarack on this forum pretty much reads the same...as Siksukr pointed out.
I can appreciate Jim posting, and taking responsibility. But I don't get it. That location...good parking...outdoor tables...the place screams at you to stop as you drive by. You get hungry just looking at it. It really should completely freakin' rock. Food quality, service, etc...seriously...it seems there is no reason that Tamarack should not be a summer time cash register. Yet, the food is just OK...service can be iffy...and a couple years back, a family of 4 could easily drop 70/80 bucks for lunch. Although I guess they have lowered prices. I didn't notice, but maybe was not paying attention.
Think I'll give them a try tonight or Friday afternoon...what the heck.

How was it?