As of 2023, a multi-course dinner at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, is priced at $250 per person (excluding tax, gratuity, and beverages) for an approximately 5-hour dining experience. Please note that the cost does not cover drinks and gratuities.
The restaurant’s menu is subject to daily changes as Chef Erin French sources ingredients from the market for each unique dining experience.
Securing a reservation at The Lost Kitchen is often more challenging than checking the price due to several factors. The restaurant has a limited number of seats, and its seasonal opening means that the waiting period can be longer than for typical dining establishments.
However, the exceptional popularity of Chef Erin French and the unique dishes served at The Lost Kitchen makes the wait well worth it for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
To make the dining selection process even more special, Erin and her staff curate the daily guest list from postcards submitted by interested individuals. This means that some diners may have to patiently await their turn for years before they can experience a meal at this renowned restaurant.
All About The Lost Kitchen Freedom In Maine
Chef Erin French established this restaurant in 2013, featuring an innovative reservation system. The restaurant is located within an old mill situated in the quaint town of Freedom.
Erin and her dedicated team collaborate closely with local farmers and foragers to source the restaurant’s ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to local and sustainable sourcing. What sets this dining experience apart is that the menu is crafted fresh every evening, ensuring a unique culinary adventure for each guest.
Erin French had already gained recognition for her cookbooks prior to opening The Lost Kitchen. Her culinary talents, coupled with the distinctive reservation system, are key factors contributing to the restaurant’s popularity.
It is regarded as one of the finest dining establishments in Maine, alongside the likes of the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk.
Operating in the warmer seasons, this 48-seat restaurant welcomes guests for four evenings each week. Upon entering, patrons are enveloped in an ambience reminiscent of an exclusive club, complete with tables adorned with candlelight, an open kitchen, and the charming architectural features of an old mill, including its beautiful beams and posts.
Customers have the opportunity to observe Erin’s culinary artistry from the countertop, and she graciously visits each table with a warm and welcoming smile. The restaurant sets the tone for a friendly and cozy dining experience.
Annually, the restaurant sends out an official newsletter that outlines the upcoming season. Following this, they receive an inundation of thousands of postcards from eager patrons seeking reservations.
Each night, Erin and her team meticulously curate the guest list and personally reach out to provide guests with their reservation ticket numbers.
Address: 22 Mill St, Freedom, ME 04941
The Lost Kitchen Maine Menus And Prices
Frequently, individuals find themselves on an extensive waiting list, and securing a reservation can be quite challenging. In the event that one cannot secure a reservation, a delightful alternative is to acquire one of Erin French’s cookbooks and experiment with her recipes in the comfort of their own home.
The restaurant is not only renowned for its exceptional cuisine but also for its commitment to supporting local farmers and various charitable initiatives, such as hunger relief programs.
In fact, the reservation ticket price encompasses donation requests, and the message is clear and resonates with all:
“If you can allocate $250 for a meal, you can certainly spare some more for a noble cause.”
Where Is The Lost Kitchen Located?
Chef Erin French has chosen a unique setting for her seasonal kitchen, nestled within the confines of an old mill located in the charming town of Freedom, Maine. The restaurant’s fame extends far beyond the state’s borders, drawing patrons from various states and even distant countries.
These eager diners express their desire to secure reservations by sending postcards to Erin French, hoping for a coveted spot in her renowned establishment.
The Lost Kitchen New Reservation System
What truly sets The Lost Kitchen apart is its unconventional reservation system. Chef Erin believes that postcard reservation requests offer a unique and exceptional means of securing a table, distinct from more conventional methods such as telephone reservations or online booking.
As the warm season approaches each year, the restaurant’s official website releases a newsletter dedicated to reservations. This newsletter triggers an overwhelming response, inundating the restaurant with thousands of heartfelt postcards from prospective diners, each vying for the chance to experience a memorable dinner.
Chef Erin, alongside her dedicated team, diligently reads and evaluates every letter received. This personal touch in the reservation process can lead to substantial waiting times, with some individuals patiently anticipating their turn to dine at The Lost Kitchen for years.
According to Chef Erin, each of these letters represents the hopes and dreams of an individual, and she treasures them all, never discarding any. Once the guest list is finalized, the chosen diners receive a confirmation phone call and a unique reservation ticket number.
Additionally, a warm welcome letter is dispatched to these fortunate guests.
The welcome letter is a comprehensive guide, providing information about the menu, pricing, wine selections, dress code, parking arrangements, and other pertinent details.
The prix fixe menu not only contributes to sustaining the restaurant and its dedicated team but also supports local farmers, who play a vital role in providing ingredients for the restaurant’s offerings.
Here’s a step by step process on how to make a reservation at the Lost Kitchen.
Making a reservation at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, is unique because they use a postcard lottery systemrather than traditional online or phone reservations. Here’s how you can secure a spot:
Steps to Make a Reservation at The Lost Kitchen
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Send a Postcard
- Every spring, The Lost Kitchen accepts reservation requests via postcards.
- The specific mailing period is announced on their website and social media (usually in early April).
- You must mail your handwritten postcard with your contact details to:
The Lost Kitchen, 22 Mill St., Freedom, ME 04941 - Each household can submit only one postcard.
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Wait for the Drawing
- The restaurant conducts a lottery-style drawing from the received postcards.
- If your postcard is selected, you will be contacted to choose an available date.
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Confirm Your Reservation
- If selected, you’ll need to confirm your booking quickly, as dates fill up fast.
Additional Tips
- Check their website: www.findthelostkitchen.com for exact postcard mailing dates.
- Personalize Your Postcard: Many people get creative with their postcards, which may help you stand out.
- Be Flexible: If you’re chosen, having multiple date options increases your chances of securing a seat.
- Follow Social Media: They post updates on Instagram and Facebook regarding the process.
Since the experience is highly exclusive, it’s worth planning early! Let me know if you need help crafting the perfect postcard. 😊
Is The Lost Kitchen Still Open?
The Lost Kitchen operates as a seasonal restaurant, remaining closed during the winter months. It reopens its doors during the warmer seasons. To initiate the reservation process, the restaurant releases a newsletter when it welcomes guests once more.
This newsletter serves as the official call for reservations, marking the beginning of a new dining season.
The Lost Kitchen Cost Per Person?
Dining at The Lost Kitchen comes at a notable cost, with the current dinner price set at $250. It’s important to note that this price does not cover drinks and tips.
Additionally, the restaurant occasionally requests donations and dinner reservations for charitable causes. Those who can afford the premium dining experience at The Lost Kitchen are encouraged to contribute a few extra dollars to support these charitable initiatives.