MaineBusiness.com

Contact: Kent Leonard, General Manager
Bluenose Inn
207-288-2665
kent@barharborhotel.com

BAR HARBOR, Maine – Lafayette Hotels is pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of renovations at the Looking Glass restaurant. Formerly known as the Rinehart Restaurant, the Looking Glass debuts a new dining room for the 2009 Season and is the new Bar Harbor home of renowned Executive Chef, Arturo Montes.

"The interior was modified to provide a more elegant atmosphere and further enhance the already spectacular views; the dining room has a new wood floor, new wooden tables and chairs manufactured right here in Maine," notes Kent Leonard, General Manager.

It was important to the Looking Glass’ owners, Lafayette Hotels, to utilize Maine-made products and furnishings during all phases of the restaurant’s transformation. The first phase includes significant upgrades using furnishings from Moosehead Furniture and flooring crafted by MooseWood Flooring in Ashland, Maine.

The task of creating an atmosphere of casual fine dining and enhancing the restaurant’s spectacular views was entrusted to Maine-based contractors: R.L. and White & Son, Inc of Hulls Cove, who specialize in projects requiring expert finish work. Much of the work was done by Chris White, whose grandfather built the original Rhinehart Restaurant.

While the interior of the Looking Glass is new, the breathtaking views of Frenchman Bay below remain. The floor to ceiling windows in the octagonal building provide unparalleled vistas for diners as they savor expertly appointed dishes prepared by Chef Montes. The commitment to using Maine products continues in the kitchen where fresh, local ingredients, including Raye’s Mustards, are used.

Chef Montes, who brings over 29 years of culinary expertise to The Looking Glass, vows that, "The highest quality ingredients and the most skilled preparation are not only essential, they are requirements."

With entrée prices ranging from $16.95 to $32.95, guests can choose traditional favorites like freshly-caught local lobster with clams and corn on the cob as well as more exotic dishes such as hand-made Vegetarian Wild Mushroom Crêpes. The updated menu includes a ‘Lighter Fare’ section with prices ranging from $9.95 to $13.95, as well as a Children’s Menu specially designed for younger diners.

The Looking Glass also features an extensive wine list with a reserve section and “End of Bin” specials.

The Bluenose Inn will continue providing group functions and private dinners at the Rose Garden.

The Looking Glass Restaurant is located on a scenic hillside on the edge of Bar Harbor proper, just a short walk from the center of town.

For more information, please visit http://www.barharborhotel.com.



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Established in 1982, Lafayette Hotels is a Maine-based company which owns and operates 26 hotels in Maine and New Hampshire and one in Michigan. Lafayette Hotel properties also include the Best Western Black Bear in Orono, the Best Western Senator Inn & Spa in Augusta, Holiday Inn by the Bay and Holiday Inn West in Portland, the Boothbay Harbor Inn and the Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor, among others.