Have You Been To The Tamarack This Season?

dpg · 06-16-2008, 11:09 AM

What did you think, improved, not improved???

nicole · 06-25-2008, 08:17 AM

I have nothing to compare it to, as we had never been there before. My husband and I have gone twice this season(both non-bike week times). If it were up to me, I would have only gone once but he believes in giving places more than one try-fair enough.

First of all, whatever oil they fry their french fries and chicken in-does not taste "right" . It has a very unappealing taste to it and leaves a bad after taste in ones mouth. I did not like the quality of the chicken fingers or the hot dogs. I will admit to being a picky eater and my husband is much less picky than I am-however after our second time he does not want to go back either.

I had read prior year's posts about how great the food used to be but I did not find that. I was excited to go but disappointed. I thought it was overpriced and the food was not to my liking.

This is just my opinion-please do not attack me for expressing it.

Nicole

phoenix · 06-25-2008, 02:55 PM

this is similar to many of the recent posts

vmartino26 · 06-26-2008, 07:28 AM

Went to Tamarack the end of last week. As with the other posts, I wasn't too impessed. Over-priced to say the least. Another interesting note. We drove up to North Conway via Route 25 and at the intersection with Route 16 -- where the Yankee Smokehouse is -- we saw a kiosk across the street from the Smokehouse and lo and behold it was a Tamarack kiosk selling lobster rolls, et cetera. Kind of interesting. Don't know if it was only for bike week, but it was a surprise indeed.

jazzkitty · 06-26-2008, 10:30 AM

We went to Tamarack last night and loved it, as always.

My husband had the lobster roll, hot and buttered (where else can you get that?) and I had the tuna roll. Both were great. The onion rings were outstanding -- tasty, crispy and not greasy.

We ate out on a picnic table, watched the birds, and had a wonderful time. Afterwards we went to Keller House for their sundae smorgasbord. This is a ritual with us every time we visit here.

To me, some of your gripes have merit -- yes, the service is slow, and yes, sometimes you have to go back to the window for something, but in my opinion they are far outweighed by the great food and the atmosphere of the old days in the Winnipesaukee resort area.

The only improvement I would really suggest is benches in the waiting area. As for the prices, I'll have to take your word for it -- we didn't notice that they were out of line. The portions? Well, I admit they weren't a factor because we were going to gorge ourselves on ice cream right afterwards, but they didn't seem small to either of us.

Okay, we definitely will try Waldo Pepper's and possibly I'll have to eat my words, but for now my husband and I are both baffled by all these negative comments about a place we have loved for years and still do!

Yes, I know, we're just "summer people" -- what do we know ??

idigtractors · 06-26-2008, 11:10 AM

I only have one question for "Now just a minute here". Are you sure you were at the right place as I haven't heard such wonderful reviews for the Tamaracks that I use to go to in months if not years ago.

GWC... · 06-26-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzkitty

We went to Tamarack last night and loved it, as always.

My husband had the lobster roll, hot and buttered (where else can you get that?) ...

Yes, I know, we're just "summer people" -- what do we know ??

WaldoPeppers, for several years...

jazzkitty · 06-26-2008, 01:04 PM

Yep, the very same, and I stand by every word, except for the misspelling of Kellerhaus.

But we will try Waldo Pepper's first chance we get (which isn't 'til next year, unfortunately). I've been reading the thread discussing their restaurant and it sounds great -- and Pepper, you sound like a doll. It's a shame that you and your husband find it necessary to find outside work in spite of having such a successful business. Maybe if the new location provides year-round income you both can take it a little easier. Meanwhile, my best wishes to you, your husband, and your staff. See you next year!

Newbiesaukee · 06-27-2008, 09:14 PM

This is a friendly forum where people interested in food and restaurants can give his or her opinion about various restaurants in the Lakes Region. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion; it is not really necessary to convince someone that you are "right" about a restaurant opinion. Life's too short. We should argue about something important such as politics or the Lake speed limit

Aquadeziac · 06-28-2008, 01:24 PM

"Me thinks thou doest protest too much" Could there be a personal connection between jazzkitty and Tamarack?

jazzkitty · 06-28-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquadeziac

"Me thinks thou doest protest too much" Could there be a personal connection between jazzkitty and Tamarack?

Absolutely not !!! I know nothing more about them than what I read here and what I eat there. My husband lived in Plymouth for 30 years and ate there frequently, and when he retired to Florida we met and married, and now we visit up here every summer. One of the highlights of the trip is the Tamarack-Kellerhaus jaunt. We know enough to not to go there during the busy times, so haven't encountered those long waits you all talk about. My husband doesn't notice any difference from the old days.

As I've mentioned before, we will be trying Waldo Pepper's next year, in fact we're excited about it. But can't do it this year because we're leaving Monday morning and we're staying over in Wolfeboro, and have lots of packing up to do.

I'm still amazed that you think that one would have to have some connection to the owners in order to like the place!

hockeypuck · 06-29-2008, 08:48 AM

Better put an addition on that corner, I'm heading there.

nj2nh · 06-29-2008, 10:25 PM

We tried to go to Tamarack last Monday (June 23). It was open, but didn't look open. No place to park. The building in the back was inaccessible. Since it was raining, outside was NOT an option. So, we went to Waldo Pepper's. Much better choice all around.

Don't get me wrong, it was the day after the last day of Bike Week. The Weirs was pretty much non-functional, but I didn't think Tamarack would be non-functional, too.

We'll go back, though, but not until August.

nj2nh

dpg · 06-30-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nj2nh

We tried to go to Tamarack last Monday (June 23). It was open, but didn't look open. No place to park.
nj2nh

Does no place to park mean they were busy? If so how did they not look open? I'm confused.

nj2nh · 06-30-2008, 11:22 AM

No, it wasn't busy - there no patrons there at all as far as I could tell. We could get in, but it just didn't look like they were ready to serve food. It was weird. The parking lot was sort of blocked with a couple of truck parked sideways.

Can't explain it. It said it was open, but it just wasn't.

Whatever. We'll try again despite the prices (yikes!) and other things mentioned in other threads.

nj2nh

dreaminofthelake · 09-14-2008, 12:20 PM

Went to the Tamarack yesterday. We both had a grilled chicken sandwich, which wasn't anything special, and they could have left the butter off the rolls. It just isn't necessary, and we don't need the extra fat. My other half had a yearning for some seafood, and that's where we went wrong- we ordered an order of scallops to share. For $12.00, you would expect more that 8 scallops, but that's all we got. We were definately ripped off when we paid $29.00 for just two chicken sandwiches, a small diet pepsi, a bottle of water, and a teeny tiny amount of scallops.. We won't be going back there!

BroadHopper · 09-15-2008, 07:41 AM

I agree that the fried food is not that great. The fried food made my stomach a bit quesy and the taste is OK. Prices are a bit high.

I thought Sawyers was a good 'benchmark' for fried food. When I went to Johnson's on Rte 16 South of Alton circle, I change my mind. The fried food was excellent!

angela4design · 09-22-2008, 07:57 AM

I'm not one for fried seafood generally, but I do drive past Tamarack often enough. I noticed last Friday how SLOW it was at dinner - ON A FRIDAY!

I remember this place years ago being a really hoppin' spot! Always long lines, happy customers and so on. So, reading what I see here, it looks like patrons are voting with their feet - and going elsewhere!

How long have the new owners actually owned it? This wasn't their first year, was it?

dpg · 09-22-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angela4design

I'm not one for fried seafood generally, but I do drive past Tamarack often enough. I noticed last Friday how SLOW it was at dinner - ON A FRIDAY!

I remember this place years ago being a really hoppin' spot! Always long lines, happy customers and so on. So, reading what I see here, it looks like patrons are voting with their feet - and going elsewhere!

How long have the new owners actually owned it? This wasn't their first year, was it?

The original owners who owned it for years when it was a must stop have been out of there for some years now. I'm not positive when it was sold by them but I'd guess like 10 years. If I'm not mistaken it's been sold a few times since the "original" owners but not sure of that. The place used to be awesome years back. They were never cheap but it just seemed worth the price some time ago.

Waterbaby · 09-23-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpg

The original owners who owned it for years when it was a must stop have been out of there for some years now. I'm not positive when it was sold by them but I'd guess like 10 years. If I'm not mistaken it's been sold a few times since the "original" owners but not sure of that. The place used to be awesome years back. They were never cheap but it just seemed worth the price some time ago.

I remember when it was awesome -- it was a 2-3 visit place while on vaca, and quite often on weekends when we had our year-round getaway apartment in Lakeport...... I consider myself somewhat of a fried seafood connoisseur, having grown up on it, and their clams were WONDERFUL! Always hated to see closing day come each season. I've been once since the old owners left, would never go again, and judging by the reviews won't be changing my mind anytime soon. Sometimes, change is NOT a good thing!

PennyPenny · 09-25-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterbaby

I remember when it was awesome -- it was a 2-3 visit place while on vaca, and quite often on weekends when we had our year-round getaway apartment in Lakeport...... I consider myself somewhat of a fried seafood connoisseur, having grown up on it, and their clams were WONDERFUL! Always hated to see closing day come each season. I've been once since the old owners left, would never go again, and judging by the reviews won't be changing my mind anytime soon. Sometimes, change is NOT a good thing!

I made a comment last year regarding the Tamarack because I had worked there back in my teenage years under the other original owners the Laflams,(sp) Marge and Norm I believe their names were. Then Gill and Gina Furnald from Mltb. bought it and ran it for many years and I worked under them as well. You are right as far as the food goes. It was the best and there were always waiting lines. I would still bet that who ever bought it over the years paid top dollar for the entire business and are still trying to recoup their money. BTW when I first worrked there, a pint of clams was $1.85. Go figure!

VitaBene · 09-28-2008, 07:00 AM

I drove by a few times yesterday- it appeared closed with the sign noting you could get lobster rolls at Tuscany's directly behind them.

Thept · 11-17-2008, 10:12 PM

When visiting this past summer the Tamarack was recommended to us. Quite honestly I did not find anything "special" about it. As an outsider looking in I found it to be a little expensive for what you get. I might give them another try to see if this was just an abnormality but I would not go out of my way to go there as I did this past summer

As a business owner myself ( not restaurant but service oriented ) I know how important it is to get repeat business and word of mouth referrals. Hopefully the owners ( new ? ) will see this as well as other comments and take steps to improve

irbt · 11-20-2008, 08:06 AM

I'd expect the present owners to sell or go under soon due to lack of repeat business. High prices and poor quality continue to be the hallmark of this operation under the last couple of owners.

06-16-2008, 11:09 AM	#1
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,588 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	Have You Been To The Tamarack This Season? What did you think, improved, not improved???

06-25-2008, 02:55 PM	#3
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,537 Thanks: 60 Thanked 272 Times in 191 Posts	this is similar to many of the recent posts __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

06-26-2008, 11:10 AM	#6
idigtractors Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 248 Thanks: 6 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Now just a minute here! I only have one question for "Now just a minute here". Are you sure you were at the right place as I haven't heard such wonderful reviews for the Tamaracks that I use to go to in months if not years ago. Last edited by idigtractors; 06-28-2008 at 09:12 AM.

06-26-2008, 01:04 PM	#8
jazzkitty Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The Tamarack Drive-In - Try Again? Yep, the very same, and I stand by every word, except for the misspelling of Kellerhaus. But we will try Waldo Pepper's first chance we get (which isn't 'til next year, unfortunately). I've been reading the thread discussing their restaurant and it sounds great -- and Pepper, you sound like a doll. It's a shame that you and your husband find it necessary to find outside work in spite of having such a successful business. Maybe if the new location provides year-round income you both can take it a little easier. Meanwhile, my best wishes to you, your husband, and your staff. See you next year!

06-28-2008, 01:24 PM	#10
Aquadeziac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Concord NH Posts: 239 Thanks: 19 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Hmmm "Me thinks thou doest protest too much" Could there be a personal connection between jazzkitty and Tamarack? __________________ "He who dies with the most toys wins"

06-25-2008, 08:17 AM	#2
nicole Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Weirs Beach, NH Posts: 139 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 178 Thanked 19 Times in 14 Posts	I have nothing to compare it to, as we had never been there before. My husband and I have gone twice this season(both non-bike week times). If it were up to me, I would have only gone once but he believes in giving places more than one try-fair enough. First of all, whatever oil they fry their french fries and chicken in-does not taste "right" . It has a very unappealing taste to it and leaves a bad after taste in ones mouth. I did not like the quality of the chicken fingers or the hot dogs. I will admit to being a picky eater and my husband is much less picky than I am-however after our second time he does not want to go back either. I had read prior year's posts about how great the food used to be but I did not find that. I was excited to go but disappointed. I thought it was overpriced and the food was not to my liking. This is just my opinion-please do not attack me for expressing it. Nicole

06-26-2008, 07:28 AM	#4
vmartino26 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 73 Thanks: 0 Thanked 30 Times in 5 Posts	Went to Tamarack the end of last week. As with the other posts, I wasn't too impessed. Over-priced to say the least. Another interesting note. We drove up to North Conway via Route 25 and at the intersection with Route 16 -- where the Yankee Smokehouse is -- we saw a kiosk across the street from the Smokehouse and lo and behold it was a Tamarack kiosk selling lobster rolls, et cetera. Kind of interesting. Don't know if it was only for bike week, but it was a surprise indeed.

06-26-2008, 10:30 AM	#5
jazzkitty Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	We went to Tamarack last night and loved it, as always. My husband had the lobster roll, hot and buttered (where else can you get that?) and I had the tuna roll. Both were great. The onion rings were outstanding -- tasty, crispy and not greasy. We ate out on a picnic table, watched the birds, and had a wonderful time. Afterwards we went to Keller House for their sundae smorgasbord. This is a ritual with us every time we visit here. To me, some of your gripes have merit -- yes, the service is slow, and yes, sometimes you have to go back to the window for something, but in my opinion they are far outweighed by the great food and the atmosphere of the old days in the Winnipesaukee resort area. The only improvement I would really suggest is benches in the waiting area. As for the prices, I'll have to take your word for it -- we didn't notice that they were out of line. The portions? Well, I admit they weren't a factor because we were going to gorge ourselves on ice cream right afterwards, but they didn't seem small to either of us. Okay, we definitely will try Waldo Pepper's and possibly I'll have to eat my words, but for now my husband and I are both baffled by all these negative comments about a place we have loved for years and still do! Yes, I know, we're just "summer people" -- what do we know ??

06-27-2008, 09:14 PM	#9
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	This is a friendly forum where people interested in food and restaurants can give his or her opinion about various restaurants in the Lakes Region. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion; it is not really necessary to convince someone that you are "right" about a restaurant opinion. Life's too short. We should argue about something important such as politics or the Lake speed limit

06-29-2008, 08:48 AM	#12
hockeypuck Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Southern CT Posts: 169 Thanks: 19 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Better put an addition on that corner, I'm heading there.

06-29-2008, 10:25 PM	#13
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 524 Thanks: 63 Thanked 44 Times in 24 Posts	We tried to go to Tamarack last Monday (June 23). It was open, but didn't look open. No place to park. The building in the back was inaccessible. Since it was raining, outside was NOT an option. So, we went to Waldo Pepper's. Much better choice all around. Don't get me wrong, it was the day after the last day of Bike Week. The Weirs was pretty much non-functional, but I didn't think Tamarack would be non-functional, too. We'll go back, though, but not until August. nj2nh __________________

06-30-2008, 11:22 AM	#15
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 524 Thanks: 63 Thanked 44 Times in 24 Posts	No, it wasn't busy - there no patrons there at all as far as I could tell. We could get in, but it just didn't look like they were ready to serve food. It was weird. The parking lot was sort of blocked with a couple of truck parked sideways. Can't explain it. It said it was open, but it just wasn't. Whatever. We'll try again despite the prices (yikes!) and other things mentioned in other threads. nj2nh __________________

09-14-2008, 12:20 PM	#16
dreaminofthelake Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	No value at the Tamarack Went to the Tamarack yesterday. We both had a grilled chicken sandwich, which wasn't anything special, and they could have left the butter off the rolls. It just isn't necessary, and we don't need the extra fat. My other half had a yearning for some seafood, and that's where we went wrong- we ordered an order of scallops to share. For $12.00, you would expect more that 8 scallops, but that's all we got. We were definately ripped off when we paid $29.00 for just two chicken sandwiches, a small diet pepsi, a bottle of water, and a teeny tiny amount of scallops.. We won't be going back there!

09-15-2008, 07:41 AM	#17
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,560 Thanks: 3,178 Thanked 1,097 Times in 790 Posts	Not worth the trip. I agree that the fried food is not that great. The fried food made my stomach a bit quesy and the taste is OK. Prices are a bit high. I thought Sawyers was a good 'benchmark' for fried food. When I went to Johnson's on Rte 16 South of Alton circle, I change my mind. The fried food was excellent! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

09-22-2008, 07:57 AM	#18
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	Slow this season I'm not one for fried seafood generally, but I do drive past Tamarack often enough. I noticed last Friday how SLOW it was at dinner - ON A FRIDAY! I remember this place years ago being a really hoppin' spot! Always long lines, happy customers and so on. So, reading what I see here, it looks like patrons are voting with their feet - and going elsewhere! How long have the new owners actually owned it? This wasn't their first year, was it?

09-28-2008, 07:00 AM	#22
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,552 Thanks: 1,583 Thanked 1,617 Times in 830 Posts	I drove by a few times yesterday- it appeared closed with the sign noting you could get lobster rolls at Tuscany's directly behind them.

11-17-2008, 10:12 PM	#23
Thept Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When visiting this past summer the Tamarack was recommended to us. Quite honestly I did not find anything "special" about it. As an outsider looking in I found it to be a little expensive for what you get. I might give them another try to see if this was just an abnormality but I would not go out of my way to go there as I did this past summer As a business owner myself ( not restaurant but service oriented ) I know how important it is to get repeat business and word of mouth referrals. Hopefully the owners ( new ? ) will see this as well as other comments and take steps to improve

11-20-2008, 08:06 AM	#24
irbt Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: E. Mass Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Tamarak I'd expect the present owners to sell or go under soon due to lack of repeat business. High prices and poor quality continue to be the hallmark of this operation under the last couple of owners.