Lemon Grass is the Best in the Lakes Region

kolleen · 12-03-2006, 10:30 PM

My Son is here with me this week, and he says that he and his new wife enjoyed his birthday the first of November at Lemon Grass, and it was fanastic.

Best atmosphere, best drinks, best service and best food of all, up there, EVER!!!

So,
when we are there next Fall we will for sure go there for a celebration.

This from my kid who has eaten all over the world.

Well, Only Europe......and California......

But.....he was SO hyped.

Guess it must be great.

Can't wait to be there after the "weather....." or as come folks call it....the wonderful time of the year.'

beaner · 01-23-2007, 10:52 AM

We made our first visit to Lemongrass over the MLK weekend. The food was disappointing (a simple grilled salmon was overcooked & dried out), and the servers appeared to be high school-aged, with little to no experience. We went there for a special occasion and left wondering why everyone raved about it. We've had consistently better pan-Asian food for much less money at East of Suez.

So, what IS the best restaurant in the Lakes Region? Well.....it's a tiny place, and we'd like to continue to be able to get a table there without having to make a reservation a week ahead of time.

So, all I can say is that it's definitely NOT Lemongrass.

RGA645 · 01-23-2007, 12:49 PM

The reason everyone is falling all over themselves about Lemon Grass is because it is owned by Mike Love and he has been anointed king of all cooks in NH, but even Babe Ruth struck out sometimes I'd give it another try.

phoenix · 01-23-2007, 12:52 PM

we ate lunch there this past summer and it was real good but this is a unique menu so i wouldn't see going there regularily. Still think Kevin's was best new restaurant this year

Old Hubbard Rd · 01-24-2007, 09:47 AM

My family ate at Kevin’s this past fall. Business did not look all that great. The food was just ok. It was expensive for it's cafeteria/fast food atmosphere. The family vote that we would most likely not return. We still love the Woodshed, Church Landing, Lago's, The Camp, Common Man, Rossi’s Italian Ristorante & Willows. I'm sure there are others we enjoy just wanted to put a quick list together.

Newbiesaukee · 01-24-2007, 12:18 PM

We ate at Lemongrass many times last season and believe it has the most creative, consistently excellent food in the area. The waitstaff is very well trained and consistently knowledgeable. I did not know anything about Mike Love before eating in the restaurant so I was not overwhelmed by the "King" status. It is expensive (although worth it )and many folks may not care for the type of food, but that is another issue.

Kevin's, where we also frequently ate, is a different situation. There is no doubt the surroundings could be fancier ( but he does serve breakfast, lunch and dinner). It is expensive if your expectation is for a beautiful restaurant for a special event; BUT Kevin is an excellent, accomplished chef who works unbelievably hard. The food is top quality, the service is enthusiastic if not always totally polished. You go for the food, not the ambience.

Canoe has very good food, but on too many occasions, it was hit or miss with respect to either the food or the service.

If we take out-of- town company, the Woodshed is our "go-to" spot. The surroundings are lovely, food good and the service professional.

Finally, the Corner House has a great variety ( from chicken wings to interesting dinner entrees) and is both consistent and a good value.

If there is a point, it is that you cannot directly compare Kevins and Lemongrass or even the Woodshed. The best? The answer is ....it depends on what you are looking for.

I have no association with anyone in the food industry, but we do eat out a lot.

jkjoshuatree · 01-24-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGA645

The reason everyone is falling all over themselves about Lemon Grass is because it is owned by Mike Love and he has been anointed king of all cooks in NH, but even Babe Ruth struck out sometimes I'd give it another try.

Babe Ruth held a strike-out record for many years...he may even still hold it.

tomboymom · 01-25-2007, 09:26 AM

I second your opinion of Lemongrass. Just terrific. We had not eaten much sushi/sashimi prior to trying it there, and now we can't live without it. I only regret that the sake cured salmon is no longer on the regular menu (but we do still see it as a special). Hubby is particularly fond of the Tune Martini. We prefer to nosh on 4-5 appetizers and skip the entrees, although we NEVER skip dessert!

RI Swamp Yankee · 01-26-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jniff101

...Donna Love does have a quaint little pastry shop located in Moultonboro. ....

For us tourists, what is it called and how do I find it?? Pleeeeeeeeease ??

jniff101 · 01-26-2007, 03:14 PM

Her shop is called Love Bites Pastry Shop and is located on Ossipee Moutain Road in Moultonboro. I think they are open everyday but monday and tuesday, but don't quote me on that. Its really close to the woodshed! you should try calling for directions and hours. 476-5722

RI Swamp Yankee · 01-27-2007, 08:18 PM

Thanks jniff101, we will look it up next trip up there.

donnamatrix · 01-29-2007, 11:14 AM

Donna Love is terrific. All her treats are superb. I ordered a cake two years ago for my sister's 50th, which we took to MA for the party. The cake was so spectacular that, on Saturday AND Sunday mornings, my sister queried everyone as to what they'd like for breakfast. The response each day was WE WANT THE CAKE. Absolutely yummy.

NonVoting Taxpayer · 02-27-2007, 07:39 AM

Heard Mike Love was leaving Lemon Grass, Any truth to it?

Rattlesnake Gal · 02-27-2007, 10:55 AM

We stopped into Love Bites after having one of Donna's deserts at the Canoe. She was very nice and her deserts all looked fantastic! We opted for what we enjoyed after lunch, which was the Almond Joy Torte. It was amazing!!!

From the sounds of things, Mike and Donna Love

are a wonderful husband/wife team.

RGA645 · 07-27-2007, 02:26 PM

When did Mike Love leave Lemongrass and has anyone noticed a difference in the food or service.

skisox24 · 08-04-2007, 10:52 AM

Not sure if the Loves have left yet, but we do know that Mike is exploring the idea of developing a restaurant/hotel in Panama. He told us that he will be spending a month in that country with that idea in mind. He apparently has nothing firm other than a desire to follow up on this dream. The last time we visited Lemon Grass two weeks ago, Mike was in his usual place directing in the kitchen. He does have a very competent staff, but it will be interesting to see if the overall fine food and service experience diminishes with his absence. We will let everyone know next time we visit.

PennyPenny · 08-04-2007, 06:06 PM

His plans are on hold for Panama as he is going to have hip replacement surgery.

donnamatrix · 08-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Actually, Mike needs both hips replaced so I don't think he's taking off yet. However, the plan was always to start up Lemon Grass and then move on. Donna has already sold LoveBites and the recipes... suspect the little shop at their house might be gone, but don't know. Wish them all the best, and quick recovery from what is certainly heavy duty surgery.

12-03-2006, 10:30 PM	#1
kolleen Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lemon Grass is the Best in the Lakes Region My Son is here with me this week, and he says that he and his new wife enjoyed his birthday the first of November at Lemon Grass, and it was fanastic. Best atmosphere, best drinks, best service and best food of all, up there, EVER!!! So, when we are there next Fall we will for sure go there for a celebration. This from my kid who has eaten all over the world. Well, Only Europe......and California...... But.....he was SO hyped. Guess it must be great. Can't wait to be there after the "weather....." or as come folks call it....the wonderful time of the year.'

01-23-2007, 10:52 AM	#2
beaner Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 178 Thanks: 17 Thanked 37 Times in 23 Posts	Lemongrass: HIGHLY overrated We made our first visit to Lemongrass over the MLK weekend. The food was disappointing (a simple grilled salmon was overcooked & dried out), and the servers appeared to be high school-aged, with little to no experience. We went there for a special occasion and left wondering why everyone raved about it. We've had consistently better pan-Asian food for much less money at East of Suez. So, what IS the best restaurant in the Lakes Region? Well.....it's a tiny place, and we'd like to continue to be able to get a table there without having to make a reservation a week ahead of time. So, all I can say is that it's definitely NOT Lemongrass.

01-23-2007, 12:52 PM	#4
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,537 Thanks: 60 Thanked 272 Times in 191 Posts	we ate lunch there this past summer and it was real good but this is a unique menu so i wouldn't see going there regularily. Still think Kevin's was best new restaurant this year __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

01-24-2007, 09:47 AM	#5
Old Hubbard Rd Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 462 Thanks: 141 Thanked 54 Times in 33 Posts	Kevin's was very expensive and JUST ok My family ate at Kevin’s this past fall. Business did not look all that great. The food was just ok. It was expensive for it's cafeteria/fast food atmosphere. The family vote that we would most likely not return. We still love the Woodshed, Church Landing, Lago's, The Camp, Common Man, Rossi’s Italian Ristorante & Willows. I'm sure there are others we enjoy just wanted to put a quick list together.

01-24-2007, 12:18 PM	#6
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,351 Thanks: 938 Thanked 570 Times in 296 Posts	It depends.... We ate at Lemongrass many times last season and believe it has the most creative, consistently excellent food in the area. The waitstaff is very well trained and consistently knowledgeable. I did not know anything about Mike Love before eating in the restaurant so I was not overwhelmed by the "King" status. It is expensive (although worth it )and many folks may not care for the type of food, but that is another issue. Kevin's, where we also frequently ate, is a different situation. There is no doubt the surroundings could be fancier ( but he does serve breakfast, lunch and dinner). It is expensive if your expectation is for a beautiful restaurant for a special event; BUT Kevin is an excellent, accomplished chef who works unbelievably hard. The food is top quality, the service is enthusiastic if not always totally polished. You go for the food, not the ambience. Canoe has very good food, but on too many occasions, it was hit or miss with respect to either the food or the service. If we take out-of- town company, the Woodshed is our "go-to" spot. The surroundings are lovely, food good and the service professional. Finally, the Corner House has a great variety ( from chicken wings to interesting dinner entrees) and is both consistent and a good value. If there is a point, it is that you cannot directly compare Kevins and Lemongrass or even the Woodshed. The best? The answer is ....it depends on what you are looking for. I have no association with anyone in the food industry, but we do eat out a lot.

01-23-2007, 12:49 PM	#3
RGA645 Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The reason everyone is falling all over themselves about Lemon Grass is because it is owned by Mike Love and he has been anointed king of all cooks in NH, but even Babe Ruth struck out sometimes I'd give it another try.

01-25-2007, 09:26 AM	#8
tomboymom Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 41 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	I second your opinion of Lemongrass. Just terrific. We had not eaten much sushi/sashimi prior to trying it there, and now we can't live without it. I only regret that the sake cured salmon is no longer on the regular menu (but we do still see it as a special). Hubby is particularly fond of the Tune Martini. We prefer to nosh on 4-5 appetizers and skip the entrees, although we NEVER skip dessert!

01-26-2007, 03:14 PM	#10
jniff101 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 113 Thanks: 23 Thanked 18 Times in 12 Posts	Her shop is called Love Bites Pastry Shop and is located on Ossipee Moutain Road in Moultonboro. I think they are open everyday but monday and tuesday, but don't quote me on that. Its really close to the woodshed! you should try calling for directions and hours. 476-5722

01-27-2007, 08:18 PM	#11
RI Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Kingstown RI Posts: 688 Thanks: 143 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	Thanks jniff101, we will look it up next trip up there. __________________ Gene ~ aka "another RI Swamp Yankee"

01-29-2007, 11:14 AM	#12
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Love Bites Donna Love is terrific. All her treats are superb. I ordered a cake two years ago for my sister's 50th, which we took to MA for the party. The cake was so spectacular that, on Saturday AND Sunday mornings, my sister queried everyone as to what they'd like for breakfast. The response each day was WE WANT THE CAKE. Absolutely yummy.

02-27-2007, 07:39 AM	#13
NonVoting Taxpayer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 98 Thanks: 3 Thanked 24 Times in 10 Posts	Mike Love Leaving? Heard Mike Love was leaving Lemon Grass, Any truth to it?

02-27-2007, 10:55 AM	#14
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Donna's Love Bites We stopped into Love Bites after having one of Donna's deserts at the Canoe. She was very nice and her deserts all looked fantastic! We opted for what we enjoyed after lunch, which was the Almond Joy Torte. It was amazing!!! From the sounds of things, Mike and Donna Love are a wonderful husband/wife team.

07-27-2007, 02:26 PM	#15
RGA645 Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lemongrass Loveless When did Mike Love leave Lemongrass and has anyone noticed a difference in the food or service.

08-04-2007, 10:52 AM	#16
skisox24 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 74 Thanks: 9 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Love To Panama Not sure if the Loves have left yet, but we do know that Mike is exploring the idea of developing a restaurant/hotel in Panama. He told us that he will be spending a month in that country with that idea in mind. He apparently has nothing firm other than a desire to follow up on this dream. The last time we visited Lemon Grass two weeks ago, Mike was in his usual place directing in the kitchen. He does have a very competent staff, but it will be interesting to see if the overall fine food and service experience diminishes with his absence. We will let everyone know next time we visit.

08-04-2007, 06:06 PM	#17
PennyPenny Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 140 Thanks: 4 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	The most recent "news" I heard His plans are on hold for Panama as he is going to have hip replacement surgery.

08-08-2007, 10:33 AM	#18
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Love's to Panama Actually, Mike needs both hips replaced so I don't think he's taking off yet. However, the plan was always to start up Lemon Grass and then move on. Donna has already sold LoveBites and the recipes... suspect the little shop at their house might be gone, but don't know. Wish them all the best, and quick recovery from what is certainly heavy duty surgery.