Earth at Hidden Pond
Culinary talent at its finest in a beautifully unique setting…this is Earth at Hidden Pond.
Imagine ripe heirloom tomatoes, picked hours before…local lobster pulled from the Atlantic that day…cocktails made from herb-infused spirits and muddled fruits. Envision distinctive decor inspired by nature, the soft flicker of candlelight, soothing natural hues integrated with chunks of solid wood, and intricate yet subtly bold details to create an environment unlike any other.
You’re at Earth at Hidden Pond, and your dining experience will be exceptional.
Cradled within a forest of birch and balsam trees in Kennebunkport, Maine, Earth at Hidden Pond is the result of a vision — one that embraces community and supports relationships between the world of outstanding cuisine and the farmers and foragers who provide the ingredients with which we compose incredible fare.
Simple yet innovative, Earth’s menu focuses on “farm-to-fork” freshness. In addition to local meats and seafood, ingredients are sourced from one of two on-site organic gardens — picked daily and incorporated into each dish to enhance the many flavors and provide a taste that only fresh ingredients deliver. Handmade pastas, house-made charcuterie, and wood-oven-fired pizzas are thoughtfully prepared and sure to impress your palate. Our wine program features selections from countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Lebanon, while inspired, signature cocktails are concocted with freshly muddled fruits and fresh herbs plucked from the garden.
Your surroundings are nothing short of extraordinary, as the decor of Earth pays homage to nature, drawing the outside in. Earth’s walls were built from trees cut to clear the site and are studded with round wood “pickles” to enrich the rustic feel. Suspended high above the cement floor is a beautifully preserved apple tree, dotted with tiny, ivory lights and serving as the dining room’s paramount chandelier. Dramatic candlelight creates a warm glow that permeates the space, and as you dine overlooking the pond, a nightly outdoor bonfire further incorporates the element of fire.
Earth at Hidden Pond serves dinner 7 nights a week from May to October starting at 5:30pm.
For reservations, please call (207) 967-6550.
Joe Schafer
Executive Chef
Chef Joe Schafer returned to Kennebunkport, Maine, in June 2017 to lead the team at Earth at Hidden Pond. As the executive chef of Earth, Chef Schafer continues the tradition of accentuating fresh, local ingredients in creative culinary dishes. His menu items complement the extraordinarily rustic surroundings of Hidden Pond to create an elevated dining experience. Chef Schafer builds his menus around produce hand-picked at Hidden Pond’s organic farm and chef’s garden, along with provisions from local food purveyors. He nurtures every dish and is continuously working to make Earth’s menu evolve.
“For both personal and professional reasons, returning to Kennebunkport is a dream come true for me and my family,” said Schafer. “It is such an exciting opportunity to join the Hidden Pond team and work with the amazing staff at Earth…we are so happy to be coming back to what already feels like home.”
Originally from upstate New York, Executive Chef Schafer is a graduate of the accelerated Advanced Placement program at the New England Culinary Institute in Burlington, Vermont, where he earned his degree in 2003.
Chef Schafer refined his craft at luxury resorts including Blantyre, The Lodge at Glendorn, The White Barn Inn & Spa in Kennebunk, ME, Triple Creek Ranch, and Lake Placid Lodge, all of which are prestigious Relais & Chateaux properties. He has also spent time in restaurants in Europe, such as the Michelin 2-star Restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris and Trattoria Magafula in Milan.
Chef Schafer and his wife enjoy life in Kennebunkport – their favorite New England town – with their two children.