TRAVELIN' MAINE(RS): The Captain Daniel Stone Inn
by George and Linda Smith
Posted in the Kennebec Journal, Nov. 2012

Offering beautifully decorated rooms in a historic building, attentive service and a wonderful dining experience, the inn and its No. 10 Water restaurant in Brunswick make a perfect 24-hour getaway — but we liked it so much, we stayed the whole weekend!
George

The blazing fireplace across the room, the soft voice of Katie Daggett singing our favorite songs, flickering candles, gorgeous artwork, a delicious bottle of wine and tasty food all caused us to linger for more than three hours in No. 10 Water, the inn's very nice tavern and restaurant.
Bangor's Lafayette family assumed management of the Captain Daniel Stone Inn and the restaurant about a year ago, and the intense focus on customer service we've experienced at other Lafayette properties has been applied here.

After checking in we didn't linger long in the room because, after reading many complimentary online reviews, we were anxious to try the restaurant. The inn's General Manager Henry Sirois apparently does it all, because he welcomed us to the restaurant and kept busy throughout the evening helping the servers in a host of tasks, including setting up and clearing tables.
Our server, Amanda, grew up in the neighborhood and has worked here in several capacities in the past, including management. Her experienced advice helped us fashion an outstanding dinner.
Linda generally insists on Chianti, and we were pleased to see one of our favorites -- Chianti Classico from Donna Laura Bramosia in Italy -- on the wine list for the reasonable price of $33. Bottles of wine range from $22 and glasses are available for as little as $6. I was very pleased to see five of my favorite Maine beers on tap.

We shared a Grilled Romaine Heart Salad ($8), a creative preparation of grilled romaine hearts with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan and garlic croutons. I could have eaten a bucket of those delicious croutons! Linda must have said five times, "Oh, this is so good!" Agreed.
As usual, Lin ordered the entrée that most appealed to me, so I had to go with something else. No problem though, because Shrimp Scampi ($19) is one of my favorites and Amanda highly recommended it.

Like everything here, the portion was large. They didn't scrimp on the shrimp. The sweet Vidalia onions and cherry tomatoes added nicely to the dish, which I was unable to finish -- mostly because I was determined to try dessert.

Many online reviewers raved about the Lemoncello Cake ($7) with whipped cream and a raspberry champagne sauce, and it did not disappoint. When no one was looking, I licked the plate clean!
Although the tavern section of the restaurant has a different menu than the dining room, all items are available in both rooms, offering an exceptionally wide array of choices including inexpensive burgers and pizzas, and a nice selection of appetizers. I've got to return to try the Shepherd's Pie pizza. Sounded really good. And the Portobello Mushroom and Goat Cheese Burger was calling my name, too.

The open arrangement where the tavern gradually gives way to the restaurant was very appealing, allowing guests to achieve a dining experience that includes both the good music and fun-loving atmosphere of the tavern, and/or a fine and quiet dining experience in the larger dining room.
We opted to sit on the side of the dining room, quite close to the transition area from tavern to restaurant and to the music, which added a lot to our evening. Katie Daggett lives in Farmingdale and is a wonderful entertainer. And we learned that the previous evening, our friend Lee Sykes of Fayette played there. Live music happens on Thursday and Friday nights.
And typical of this small state we live in and love, we discovered Charlie Gordon, a Winthrop High School classmate who I hadn't seen in at least 30 years, amidst a large group in the tavern.
And a table of folks from Hallowell, seated next to us and there to hear Katie sing, recognized "George and Linda" from this column and that opened an interesting conversation about a host of topics, including election results.

Gradually, the dinner slid into an evening of great music, good conversation, new and old friends and, finally, the last drop of delicious wine.
Linda

This old Federal house has a rich history, starting with a sea captain named Daniel Stone who lived here in the early 1800s. This sprawling building has been beautifully refurbished, earning it a Four Diamond rating from AAA.

Light yellow and cream tones make our large suite seem even larger. The three-room layout includes a comfortable sitting area, bedroom and a bathroom that can be separated into two different spaces. A clawfoot tub and shower are yours for the choosing and are separated from the rest of the bathroom.

All of the amenities are top notch -- including bath products, a Keurig coffeemaker, flat-screened TV and refrigerator. And in the tradition of the fine inns operated by the Lafayettes, when you arrive you'll find a hand-written note from the general manager, and a welcome basket in your room filled with products from Wilbur's of Maine Chocolates and Maine Maple Products.
With reasonable prices starting at $119 a night and a special AAA discount, the Daniel Stone Inn offers comfortable elegance with great service. What a nice addition to the beautiful town of Brunswick. When staying here, be sure to try the No. 10 Water tavern/restaurant downstairs!
The atmosphere will hit you as soon as you enter No. 10 Water. Will you sit in the large, brightly lit, open dining area or the softer lit, brick-floored space extending from the lounge area? Well, I guess that depends on your mood and perhaps who is in your party.

I noticed those seated in the open room were either cozied up to the fireplace or at tables where they could visit while dining with friends. Those of us seated in the bricked area were listening to and enjoying Daggett's beautiful singing.
Wherever you sit, the décor is well chosen with deep, Federal blue walls, nice artwork and candlelight on the rough-hewn wooden tables. No tablecloths here . . . giving the space its relaxed, tavern feel.

But it's the food here, combined with this wonderful atmosphere, that will keep you coming back. We started our meal by splitting a grilled romaine salad. It's presentation was unique -- a whole small romaine, perfectly grilled and topped with a touch of creamy Caesar dressing and croutons. Its smoky flavor made this salad deliciously different. (And it was light enough not to fill me up.)
Both George and I gravitated to the Chicken Sambuca Pasta entrée. I ended up ordering it, and there was a little mumbling going on about how I always order the best dish of the evening. In my defense, I did share, including the leftovers we brought home. The combination of penne, chicken, baby spinach and black olives is great. But the slightly sweet cream sauce, due to the Sambuca, is what makes this dish a standout. It was one of the best chicken and pasta dishes I've ever eaten. Who knew sweet pasta could be so good?

I did have the good sense to stop eating so that I could save room for the Chocolate Molten Cake. Sitting in this nice restaurant, with beautiful songs still being sung by Katie and waiting for the perfect ending to a meal -- well, it doesn't get much better than that.

The combination of gooey chocolate and warm cake served with whipped cream and a drizzle of berry sauce is a winner -- as was our entire experience here.

Visit George's website: www.georgesmithmaine.com for travel tips, book reviews, outdoor news and more.

The Captain Daniel Stone Inn, an Ascend Collection hotel in Brunswick, Maine Wins Prestigious 2012 Gold Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International

Brunswick, Maine (March 8, 2012)
The Captain Daniel Stone Inn, an Ascend Collection hotel, of Brunswick, Maine was recently announced as a recipient of a prestigious 2012 Gold Hospitality Award from world lodging leader Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of Ascend Collection.

“The Captain Daniel Stone Inn’s commitment to excellence and outstanding guest service has earned it this well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among Ascend Collection,” said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer for Choice Hotels. “We here at Choice Hotels are very proud to award this distinguished honor to the Captain Daniel Stone Inn.”

As a top performing property among the company’s more than 4,900 U.S. franchised hotels, the Captain Daniel Stone Inn, an Ascend Collection hotel, is among the top percentage of properties within Ascend Collection. As one of the company’s top franchised hotels operating under the Ascend Collection flag, the hotel has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service. Additional award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official property ranking reports.

No. 10 Water Restaurant Review
April 2012
By Diane Hudson
Capt. Fabulous

View The full Review

There’s something shape-shifting about dining at a restaurant that’s part of an inn. You slip in from the street and find yourself lavished with warm attention as though you’re an honored guest–even though you’re not staying the night.

Not only that, there’s a party going on here! Nowhere is this sensation more striking than at Captain Daniel Stone Inn’s No. 10 Water, where a new ownership team has just lured chef Brian Tebben from his eight-year stint as popular executive chef at the Royal River Grill in Yarmouth.

From Tebben’s mouth-watering array of tapas ($7), we select shrimp and mango spring rolls–large, perfectly crisped, and filled with carrot, mango, shrimp, and rice noodles. After sliding them across pomegranate sweet and sour sauce, we wonder, “Best spring rolls ever?” Then we forget them entirely as we rush to the Maine Lobster Stuffed Wontons with sherry cream sauce and the grilled beef tenderloin crostini… Wow!

For salad, we’re dazzled by the duck confit ($10). Shredded Pineland Farms cheddar, dried cranberries, crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and fresh greens all highlight the intense flavors. Then the flash of genius: a subtle maple cider vinaigrette.

Our first entrée, the Apple Bourbon Braised Pork Shank ($23), towers at least five inches above the bowl. A rich braising stock magnifies the accompanying carrots, fennel, and Maine potatoes.
Then there’s my grilled tuna steak ($28). Again, the portion astounds–it’s about the size and thickness of a generous filet mignon. But the taste is even bigger. Cooked to perfection at medium rare, the flavor jumps when you dip it in mild wasabi aioli. Grilled eggplant and Mediterranean vegetable orzo pasta are perfect counterpoints.

Background music for this romantic interlude includes a lively, entertaining performance by guitarist-singer-songwriter Dan Merrill, which goes better than well against a bottle of good Shiraz, Australian Shoofly ($27), and a delicious dessert.

Just imagine rich, creamy, chocolate molten cake ($7) with fresh whipped cream and the sweetest, largest raspberries ever.

Lafayette Hotels to Manage
Historic Captain Daniel Stone Inn
December 2011

Lafayette Hotels of Bangor, Maine has been awarded the management contract of the renowned Captain Daniel Stone Inn in Brunswick, Maine.

The Captain Daniel Stone Inn, a AAA four-diamond ranked inn, balances an historic feel with top of the line amenities. The Inn features 24 well appointed guest rooms and suites, the No. 10 Water Restaurant and Fireside Tavern, meeting facilities for up to 150 people, a state of the art fitness center, and a hot tub and sauna. Coming soon, the Inn will also open the Riverstone Spa, offering massages, facials, nail services, and more.

Hotel services include a 24-hour business desk and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as LCD flat screen TVs in all rooms. Captain Daniel Stone Inn is a member of the distinguished Choice Hotels Ascend Collection of upscale inns, one of only 70 hotels nationwide.

"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to be involved in such a historic property that has been very tastefully renovated to meet the demands of today's guests," said Brock Bradford of Lafayette Hotels who will have primary responsibility for the asset management of the Inn.

Lafayette Hotels owns and operates over 29 hotels in Maine and New Hampshire, including the Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta, the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, and the Bluenose Inn & Spa in Bar Harbor. Learn more about Lafayette Hotels at lafayettehotels.biz.

Company principals Danny and Carla Lafayette of Hampden, Maine are heavily involved with fundraising for cancer research and treatment. Danny and Carla have played a vital role in the establishment of the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer, Maine. For more information about the Lafayette Family Foundation visit lafayettehotels.biz/giving-back.

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Lafayette Hotels Offering 'Home for the Holidays' to Those in Need
December 2011

AUGUSTA, Maine - Lafayette Hotels' 'Home for the Holidays' program will provide free rooms to families who have children or relatives in the hospital, and to families facing an emergency hardship now through Dec. 30.

Lafayette Hotels' properties in Maine, New Hampshire and Michigan are offering the program which aims to keep families with financial need together during the holiday season, and provides complimentary accommodations to those traveling due to a death in the family or displaced from their home by a fire.

"No one should have to be away from a hospitalized family member or without a home during the holidays," said Lafayette Hotels Chief Operating Officer Peter Daigle. "The 'Home for the Holidays' program is a way to give back to the communities we have properties in."

Hospital staff and local Red Cross officials are encouraged to contact participating hotels to make reservations for families. The 'Home for the Holidays' program covers overnight room fees - no other charges, including telephone calls or restaurant meals, are covered.

Maine properties sponsoring the program are the Comfort Inn Ocean's Edge in Belfast, Black Bear Inn Conference Center & Suites in Orono, Fireside Inn & Suites and Best Western White House Inn in Bangor, Fireside Inn & Suites in Waterville, Fireside Inn & Suites in Auburn, Fireside Inn & Suites in Portland, Best Western Merry Manor Inn in South Portland, Lafayette's Oceanfront Resort in Wells Beach, and Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta.

Fireside Inn & Suites in Gilford and West Lebanon, N.H., are also participating, along with Best Western Greenfield Inn in Allen Park, Michigan. Several Lafayette Hotels locations offer special year-round rates for families and parents at area hospitals.

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Established in 1982, Lafayette Hotels is a Maine-based company which owns and operates 28 hotels in Maine and New Hampshire and one in Michigan. Lafayette Hotel properties also include the AAA Four-Diamond Bluenose Inn in Bar Harbor, the Black Bear Inn and Conference Center in Orono, the Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta, Holiday Inn By the Bay and Fireside Inn in Portland, the Boothbay Harbor Inn and the Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor, among others.

For more information about the Lafayette hotel family, visit lafayettehotels.biz.