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Roasted Green Garlic & Spinach Soup
Roasted Asparagus Soup
Old Fashioned Rhubarb Cake
Tiny Greens
About
The Lost Kitchen
Welcome to The Lost Kitchen, a culinary sanctuary nestled in the heart of Freedom, Maine, at 22 Mill St. Known far and wide, this enchanting establishment has garnered a reputation not just for its exquisite meals, but for the immersive experience it provides to its guests. The essence of The Lost Kitchen is embodied in its founder, Erin French, who has a knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes that leave diners breathless.
Having read countless reviews, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of patrons like Trinity S, who described her experience as "absolutely exquisite." From the cozy atmosphere of the cabins to the heartfelt service, every detail is meticulously curated. Diners often remark on the profound sense of joy they feel, as if they are reconnecting with not just a meal, but a memory. In particular, the fried chicken has become a legendary dish, cementing itself in the minds of visitors like Aaron Akins, who declared it the best meal of his life.
The experience at The Lost Kitchen extends beyond the dining room. Scott Pactor shared vibrant moments from a farmers market that showcased local vendors, artisan goods, and the charm of community commerce—a true reflection of Erin’s vision. Guests don’t just eat; they participate in a rich tapestry of local culture, indicating that The Lost Kitchen is as much about the experience as it is about the dishes served. Highlighting the care put into ingredient sourcing, the market boasted unique offerings like sourdough bagels, local cheeses, and even pizza prepared fresh on-site.
With a focus on creating a familial atmosphere, The Lost Kitchen welcomes you as if you’re part of their extended family. This sentiment was echoed by Nick Milton, who praised the immaculate attention to detail in both the shop and café—an introduction to the culinary delights before the main event. Whether you’re picking up artisanal snacks or browsing beautiful kitchenware, there’s an undeniable charm that can prelude your dining experience.
Each dish at The Lost Kitchen reflects not just a meal, but a close-knit gathering of flavor, friendship, and food. The welcoming staff adds warmth to the experience, creating a sense of belonging that resonates deeply with anyone lucky enough to visit. The Lost Kitchen is not merely a restaurant; it’s a journey worth taking, one plate at a time.
“ Absolutely exquisite! I tried really hard not to hype this experience up in my head prior to coming in July 2022 since I felt it was utterly impossible that it could be as good as it looked on the show... but it was, and so much more. From the moment we got to our cabin, to the dinner, to the morning breakfasts... everything was simply perfect. Still giddy that we got to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity, although I do hope to get lucky enough again in the future for round two. ”
“ Best meal of my life! A treat and an honor for the chance to experience this and one we certainly will never forget! The most hospitable group of women ( and Conner! ) is the cherry on top of the amazing food and atmosphere. It really felt like eating with your best family and friends and we never wanted it to end. Erin has done an amazing job seeing through with her vision for it and we could not of been more pleased! I’m still reeling from the fried chicken, the best I’ve ever had! ”
“ We visited the store and cafe. Everything was immaculate and well curated. They do a wonderful job. Even the snacks are fantastic. We hope one day to be able to make a dinner. ”
“ Ok, so, boo and I come to Maine every summer. We watch the lost kitchen TV show and talk about sending in the postcard every year but we live in la so it's not that practical. Anyway we got an email saying that they were doing a Farmers Market and it was happening the Tuesday we were staying in Darmascotta for the week so of course we went. It was a blast! We love Farmers Markets and we go to our local (Atwater Village) every week and always try to go to local ones wherever we are. Both of us have eaten at plenty of Michelin star type restaurants over the years so the idea of a dinner at The Lost Kitchen is appealing but not like, a must. On the other hand this Farmers Market experience was authentic AF and Erin was up in the gift shop wrapping purchases and signing autographs and taking pictures. The Farmers Market itself was incredible and included sourdough bagels, two different cheese makers and the biggest asparagus I have ever seen. They were making pizzas out in front and you could shop in the wine cellar and buy ice cream. There were no bathrooms and it's about half an hour from Belfast so plan accordingly. Honestly I think this was probably more fun than eating at the restaurant and a truer representation of the Erin French aesthetic than the fine dining format she is forced into for marketing purposes. Anyway, she's an icon and what a treat. Highly recommended! ”
“ Love! Visited shop and cafe. Walked grounds. Missed out on meeting Erin which would have been life changing. Picked up amazing cast iron skillet/lid and food mill. Friendly staff. Beautiful outdoor seating. ”
“ What an excellent way to spend the night! We arrived early about 5:30 and walked across their bridge over the water to this beautifully restored mill. we were greeted outside and given a rundown of the night by a very friendly staff member. We then went to buy our drinks for the night in their wine cellar below the restaurant. We then proceeded upstairs to eat the best food we have even eaten. Erin and her staff made every moment memorable and every dish was something to remember. We will be putting in again next year and every year after that! ”
“ OMG. We felt like we won the lottery when they pulled out our postcard. From the way they do reservations at the restaurant, you mail in a postcard and they choose a certain amount for the people that will be able to attend the restaurant. They get tens of thousands of postcards a year. And yes we were one of the few lucky ones this year. We had the most incredible night and enjoyed our experience immensely. Erin Frenh the owner / Chef was very friendly and attentive to all the guests as she was preparing a beautiful multi course dinner for us over the 5 hour period we were there for. The food was very fresh and tasty. It was all prepared in a beautiful kitchen right in front of us. The Gris mill itself was beautifully done inside with many updates. We felt like we were at home and we wish we could stay there for many more hours. Very enjoyable and unforgettable experience. ”
“ We didn't get a chance to eat at the restaurant, but we did get a chance to walk around the property and shop in the store. The atmosphere is tranquil and absolutely beautiful, great for some photo ops. And the staff at the store was very kind. Definitely recommend if you can get in. Otherwise swing by the restaurant and pick up something at the store. There are also signed copies of books on sale for purchase!! Side note: something to keep in mind when traveling here, is that the restaurant is seasonal. So you may want to check and see if the store based upon the season. ”